Finding a Job 101: Resume Tips for Future College Grads

Arkansas Hiring and Employment trends in 2021

Now that spring is here and you are trying to find a job for after graduation, these tips for college students will help you create an eye-popping resume sure to get you an interview.

As you are nearing graduation, panic may be setting in about what comes next. You are likely searching the internet, looking at job openings, and wondering if you have the resources and experience to even get an interview. Fortunately, these resume tips for college students looking for a job in Little Rock are tried and true ways to set yourself apart from the pack.

Make a List

Before you worry about layout or font, make a list comprising all of your accomplishments, memberships in student organizations, extra-curricular activities, job experience, awards and scholarships, internships, and volunteer experience.

Soon-to-be college grads often lament not having “work experience”, but human resource managers understand you are applying for an entry level position and, therefore do not have a large amount of work experience. What they are looking for is how you are different from the other applicants.

Do Your Research

Once you have your list of accomplishments, do not start writing your resume until you have read several job posts for your target positions. Look for keywords, frequently used phrases, and common qualifications.

Not only will you know what to include in your resume, you will also be able to address some of your skills gaps before graduation. For example, are you finding that most of your target job listings include web development? Take a class or enlist a friend’s help to build a practice website and develop that skill.

Be Specific

If possible, be as specific (and brief) as possible. For example, instead of listing “helped recruit volunteers for university service day”, say, “recruited and managed 3,000 volunteers who performed 10,000 hours of community services during University of Miami’s Service Day 2017”.

Remember, your potential employer is concerned with, among other things, how you work on a team, how long it will take to train you to do the job, and how much money you will make for the company. Specific accomplishments will help them understand the type of work you are capable of doing.

Remember, Your Resume is a Marketing Document

The goal of your resume is to encourage the hiring manager to call you in for an interview.

But a recent study suggests that recruiters spend less than six seconds reviewing a resume, spending more than 80% of the time scanning name, education, current title and company and previous title and company.

So, as you are creating your document, remember that your information must either be easily read in under ten seconds or be eye-catching enough to warrant a second look.

Mind Your Online Presence

Resume tips for college students would not be complete without mentioning your online presence. More and more Little Rock employers are taking to social media to check out potential candidates before calling them in for an interview.

Important elements for your social media profiles during your job search include:

A high-quality, professional picture.
Any experience or education that might be related to the positions you are interested in pursuing.
A separate social media profile for your job search (so you can post photos on your personal accounts without sharing them with potential employers!).

Still at a loss for how to proceed after graduation in the Little Rock area? Check out our Job Openings page + to see what’s available. Apex Staffing specializes in connecting talented job seekers with high-quality, local employers. Our service is completely free for job seekers and we are always accepting applications.