Graduates often find themselves struggling to write a resume due to their lack of work experience. It may be difficult to demonstrate why you are the perfect candidate for a graduate position or a graduate program without formal work experience that highlights your skills. However, when writing a resume for the first time, it is important to focus on the limited experience you may have, your strengths and skills, and your education. Read our informative article on how to list your education on a resume as a graduate here. Graduate recruiters and employers understand that applicants will have limited experience when applying for an entry-level role straight out of university. Here are some tips for writing your first resume to maximise your chances of successfully obtaining your desired graduate position.
What experience can you include?
While seasoned professionals have a wealth of experience to include in the “Employment History” section of their resume, graduates have to be a bit more creative to illustrate their skills to employers. You should comb through your background for examples of experiences that highlight the key skills and strengths being sought out by the employer.
The following examples of experience can be included on your first resume.
Volunteering
Volunteer work is an excellent example of experience to include on a resume as it demonstrates important skills, such as dedication, work-ethic, compassion, and commitment. Employers want to hire a hardworking graduate employee who is passionate about their work. It also shows that you have some practical experience. While your volunteer work may not directly relate to the graduate position you are applying for, the skills you gained are likely transferable.
For example, if you volunteered at a soup kitchen, this tells the employer that you have teamwork skills, organisational skills, time management, work ethic, and commitment. These skills are desirable for employers in nearly every industry and occupation.
Apprenticeships, internships and unpaid work experience
Apprenticeships, internships and unpaid work experience allow employees to gain valuable skills in their industry from working alongside professionals. This is worthwhile experience that can be included in a resume as it demonstrates commitment from the applicant as they worked to attain a qualification. It also shows other key qualities that are developed by following an employer’s guidance, completing training, learning about workplace safety and regulations, performing administrative tasks, and gaining practical experience.
Extracurricular activities and hobbies
Extracurricular activities and hobbies, like participating in clubs, sports, and societies, can boost a graduate’s resume especially when they have limited work experience. They demonstrate an applicant’s leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. For example, a student that led their school’s book club has leadership capabilities, excellent time management and organisational skills, and communication skills. Similarly, a graduate that enjoys horse riding has patience, grit, resilience, responsibility, and cardiovascular fitness. All of these skills may not be explicitly relevant when applying for a graduate accountant position, but can be beneficial nonetheless.
Awards
Any academic, sporting, music, art, or community service awards a graduate may have received throughout high school or university may be beneficial to include on a resume. Awards demonstrate to employers that you have the expertise and work ethic to excel. This kind of commitment is extremely desirable for employers as they want hardworking and knowledgeable employees that can help their company succeed.
For example, a graduate that made the Dean’s List while completing their Bachelor of Science is something that an employer will find impressive when recruiting for a Chemist position.
Leadership roles
Leadership roles at high school or university portray an applicant’s communication, organisation, problem-solving, relationship-building, delegation, creativity, and conflict resolution skills. These are vital qualities especially when working within a team. They also inform an employer that you have the potential to advance within the company and become a manager, supervisor, or department head as you have the necessary strengths of a leader.
Informal jobs
Informal jobs, like babysitting, dog walking, house sitting, or mowing lawns for a family member, friend, or neighbour, might seem insignificant. However, informal jobs may involve skills that are transferable to the graduate role that you are applying for. The examples listed above require responsibility, which is an important skill that all employees must have to succeed in the job market. For example, a graduate applying for a Childcare Educator position can demonstrate their skills with caring for young children through babysitting they did while in university for their neighbour.
How to format your experience on a resume?
For each experience, the following information should be provided. For examples that are more relevant to the graduate role you are applying for, provide more detail. For examples that are less relevant, it may not be necessary to provide in-depth information about tasks and achievements.
- Experience
- Name of company or organisation (if relevant)
- Location
- Start and end date of experience
- Tasks and achievements accomplished (listed in bullet points)
Examples
Volunteer Work - Charity Soup Kitchen
Sydney, Australia
2021-2023
- Drove to the farmer’s market weekly to buy fresh ingredients for the shelter.
- Oversaw vehicle maintenance of the shelter’s truck.
- Helped prepare and serve food to 200 people experiencing homelessness.
- Cleaned the kitchen and canteen area before closing up each evening.
Social Media Officer
XYZ University Music Society
2022-2023
- Designed social media posts and posters advertising events.
- Organised and scheduled social media posts.
- Managed the various social media accounts of the club.
School DUX
XYZ High School
- 2019
- Obtained the highest academic results in the school.
- ATAR: 99.90
- Subjects studied: Advanced mathematics, literature, chemistry, physics, visual arts
President
XYZ University Students Association
2022
- Represented all XYZ students at meetings with university officials.
- Engaged in advocacy for XYZ students.
- Implemented a food drive to decrease food insecurity amongst XYZ students.