How to Build a Resume as a Student With Little Experience
What to include on a first resume, how to describe projects and coursework, and the formatting mistakes to avoid.
One page is enough
As a student, keep your resume to one page. Recruiters scan quickly, so make the most relevant items easy to find.
The sections to include
Put your name and contact details at the top, then education, projects, skills, and any internships, positions of responsibility or achievements. Order them with the strongest first.
Describing projects
Start each point with a verb and say what you did and the result. 'Built a timetable app in React used by 40 classmates' says more than 'Worked on a project'. Include numbers where you honestly can.
Education and grades
List your degree, college and expected year. If you include a CGPA, use the scale your institution uses, and if a form needs a percentage, convert it using your university's official formula.
Common mistakes
Long paragraphs instead of short points, inconsistent fonts, spelling errors, and listing skills you cannot discuss in an interview. Ask someone to proofread, and save the final file as a PDF named with your name.
This guide is general information. Rules differ between institutions, so confirm requirements with your college or the portal you are using.