Q&A: I’m in my first semester of college. Help writing a resume?
Question by Heather: I’m in my first semester of college. Help writing a resume?
I have had one job (for just over a year), in food service. The job I’m applying for is a Photo Studio job (“Studio Team Member”), which, as a graphic design student with experience in photography, I feel would be good for me. The problem is, I don’t know my current GPA and I don’t have any way of finding out until the semester ends. I really don’t want to wait that long, but I don’t have much else to put on my resume. Should I include my High School GPA (average, 2.9) and my ACT score (26)?
I am a graphic design student, I have good people skills (especially with kids) and I know how to use a camera somewhat well, and I feel like this would be a good job for me. I really want to put my best foot forward, but I’m worried I won’t have enough experience or information to stand out from others, so I want a well-put together resume.
Any help?
Best answer:
Answer by sitcpsitcb
You can google thousands of examples of student resumes online. Look at some of those to get a general feel for how resumes are put together.
You’ll want to add any work and volunteer experience you have. You’ll probably want your intended major and prospective graduation date. In lieu of anything else your high school GPA is probably your best option – your ACT score is completely irrelevant. Add any relevant courses you’re taking and any specialized skills or knowledge you have.
The next step is to take your draft resume to your career services office. They’ll be able to work with you to make the most of the experience and skills you do have – that’s what they do every day.
The place to add all the things you talk about in your second paragraph is the cover letter. This is where you discuss the intangible things that don’t really fit on a resume but ‘seal the deal’ so to speak. You may want to speak to career services about writing a proper cover letter if you’ve never written one before.
Two hints: keep your resume updated EVERY SEMESTER even if you don’t use it all that often. It’s easy to forget things that you’ve done that may be relevant, and you’ll have one ready for last-minute application. Also stay friends with your career services counselors – they’re really, really good people to know when you’re ready to enter the job market upon graduation.
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