If you’re a student with limited work experience, a good resume can help convince employers to take a chance on you. The student resume template lets you add relevant skills and qualifications you’ve gained at school through positions in clubs and teams, and via internships, part-time work, or volunteer opportunities.
While the student resume template has basic elements you’ll often see in a professional resume, it allows more focus on education, skills, and nontraditional work experience.
Your resume introduces you to employers by highlighting your skills, achievements, and experiences. Choosing the right resume template is crucial, as it sets the foundation for presenting your qualifications effectively. The BLS reports that as of October 2023, the unemployment of recent college graduates with a bachelor’s degree is 12.3% (up 3.7 points from 2022), indicating that competition for jobs may be higher.
The best template for students should balance simplicity and professionalism, showing your strengths in an easy-to-read format. Your student resume should capture the attention of hiring managers and demonstrate how your abilities meet their needs.
What makes a student resume template?
A student resume should usually have all the basic elements of a standard resume: contact info, profile, skills, work experience, and education. However, a few key elements are unique to student resumes:
The education section can appear above the work history.
The education section can be more extensive, with pertinent details about your:
Degree program
Coursework
Academic projects
Academic honors
Extracurricular activities
Student positions held
The experience section can include academic projects and internships in lieu of job history.
When To Pick a Student Resume Template
In addition to actually being a student, here are the top four reasons to choose a student resume layout:
To showcase your academic achievements and completed coursework: This displays your willingness to learn and passion for certain subject areas, and that you’ll do well with on-the-job training.
To demonstrate you can balance schoolwork and outside responsibilities: Prioritization and time management are important in any job, and employers will be pleased you’ve juggled multiple obligations.
To highlight your interest in a specific field: Your resume can convey your commitment to pursuing industry knowledge and experience.
To illustrate the transferable skills you gained in part-time jobs or internships: Soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking have universal appeal, so employers will look for evidence of those traits.
Expert tip:
How to get the most out of this template
Prioritize any hands-on aspects of your education program, such as internships or academic projects. By detailing these experiences in full on your student resume, you’ll show employers you can apply your learning in the real world.
More Resume Templates
Looking for a different resume template? Check out this list:
How do I tailor my Student CV for a specific role?
To effectively tailor your Student CV, start by highlighting key skills and experiences that match the job description. Look for keywords from the job posting, such as specific tools, certifications, or industry terms, and integrate them naturally into your CV. This customization will make your CV more relevant and increase your chances of passing ATS scans.
Should I put my GPA on my student resume?
Yes, if it's above 3.5 or a job posting requires it.
What is the difference between a student resume and a regular resume?
A student resume emphasizes relevant details in the education section. It may also focus on internships, volunteer work, or other hands-on experiences.
How long should a student resume be?
In most cases, limit your resume to one page. Without an extensive work history, you can usually fit your academic highlights and relevant experiences into a brief document.
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
Written by professional resume writers and loved by hiring managers
Resume Templates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.
