What to Put on a Resume: The Complete Guide for Students & Entry-Level Job Seekers

If you're creating a resume for the first time, you might wonder, “What am I supposed to put on it?” You may have little work experience, several unrelated experiences, or simply not know which sections employers expect to see.

You don't need years of professional experience to create a strong resume. Your education, projects, internships, volunteer work, skills, certifications, and other relevant experiences can all help show what you bring to a job.

In this guide, we'll walk through the main sections of a resume, what to write in each one, examples of what to include, and information you should leave out. You'll also learn how to choose the right sections based on your experience and the job you're applying for.

Whether you're writing your first resume or improving an existing one, this guide will help you turn a blank page into a focused, job-ready resume.

What Should You Put on a Resume as a Student?

There isn't one perfect order for a student resume. The best structure depends on what you have to show.

Resume Order: If You Have Little or No Experience

Put the focus on your education and potential:

1. Contact information
2. Education
3. Skills
4. Projects
5. Relevant coursework
6. Activities, volunteering, or leadership
7. Other relevant sections

Resume Order: If You Have an Internship or Relevant Job

Let your experience take a more prominent position:

1. Contact information
2. Education
3. Experience
4. Skills
5. Projects
6. Activities or leadership
7. Other relevant sections

Resume Order: If You Have Strong Projects

Use your projects to demonstrate what you can actually do:

1. Contact information
2. Education
3. Projects
4. Skills
5. Experience
6. Relevant coursework
7. Other relevant sections

The goal isn't to follow one fixed template. Put your strongest and most relevant qualifications where employers will notice them.

1. How to Format Your Resume Contact Information (With Examples)

Your contact information belongs at the top of your resume so employers can quickly identify you and know how to contact you. For a U.S. resume, keep this section concise and include the information that helps a recruiter reach you or review your professional work.

Include:

• Full name: Use your professional name at the top of the resume. Your name should be easy to find and read.
• Phone number: Include a reliable U.S. phone number, such as (555) 123-4567. If you are applying from outside the U.S., use the appropriate international format.
• Professional email: Use a simple email address based on your name, such as jordan.smith@email.com. Avoid informal addresses or unnecessary numbers and nicknames.
• City and state: For most U.S. resumes, listing your city and state is enough. You generally don't need to include your full street address.
• LinkedIn: Include your LinkedIn profile if it is up to date and presents relevant education, experience, skills, or projects.
• Portfolio or GitHub: Add a portfolio, GitHub profile, or another relevant professional website when it gives employers evidence of your work. This can be especially valuable for software developers, designers, writers, and other candidates with work that can be shown online.

Example

Jordan Smith
Austin, TX | (512) 555-0147 | jordan.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jordansmith | github.com/jordansmith

What to Leave Off

A U.S. resume usually does not need personal details such as:

• Full street address
• Date of birth
• Age
• Marital status
• Social Security number
• Photo

The goal is simple: give employers enough information to contact you and find your professional work without taking up valuable resume space.

2. Resume Summary vs. Objective: Differences, Examples, and Which to Choose

A resume summary or objective appears near the top of your resume, directly below your contact information. You usually don't need both. Choose the one that best matches your experience and career situation.

The main difference is simple:

• A resume summary highlights what you have already done and the value you can bring.
• A resume objective explains the type of role you are pursuing and the relevant skills you bring to it.

Resume Summary

A resume summary is best for candidates who have some relevant experience, skills, or accomplishments to highlight. It gives employers a quick overview of your background and why you may be a strong fit for the position.

For example:

Front-end developer with 3+ years of experience building responsive web applications with React, JavaScript, and TypeScript. Experienced in creating accessible interfaces and improving application performance.

A strong summary focuses on your experience, skills, and accomplishments, rather than simply stating what kind of job you want.

If you're an entry-level candidate, see our guide to Entry-Level Resume Summary Examples for more examples and templates.

Resume Objective

A resume objective can be useful for students, recent graduates, entry-level candidates, career changers, and people moving into a new field. It focuses on the role you're targeting while connecting your relevant skills, education, projects, or transferable experience to that goal.

For example:

Recent computer science graduate seeking a junior software developer position where I can apply my JavaScript, React, and problem-solving skills to build user-focused web applications.

An objective should not simply say, “I want a job where I can grow.” Instead, show the employer what you're targeting and what relevant value you can bring.

Which One Should You Use?

Use a resume summary when you have relevant experience or accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications.

Use a resume objective when you're early in your career, have limited experience, or are changing career direction and need to explain your goal.

In most cases, choose one—not both.

If you're a student, fresher, or recent graduate, learn how to write a strong summary with our Entry-Level Resume Summary Examples, including practical examples and templates.

3. How to Write a Resume Work Experience Section (Even Without Formal Jobs)

If you're a student or entry-level job seeker, you may not have years of professional experience—and that's okay. Your experience section can include internships, part-time jobs, campus positions, volunteer work, and other experiences that demonstrate skills relevant to the job.

For each experience entry, include:

• Job title: Use your official role, such as Marketing Intern, Student Assistant, or Retail Associate.
• Company or organization: List the employer, school, nonprofit, or organization where you gained the experience.
• Location: For U.S. resumes, include the city and state, such as Boston, MA. Use Remote when appropriate.
• Dates: Include the month and year you started and finished, such as June 2025 – August 2025. If you're still in the role, use Present.
• Achievement-focused bullet points: Explain what you did, the skills you used, and the results of your work. Focus on contributions rather than simply listing responsibilities.

No Traditional Work Experience? You Still Have Options

Don't leave your experience section empty just because you haven't had a full-time job.

Depending on your background, you can include:

• Internships
• Part-time jobs
• Summer jobs
• Volunteer experience
• Campus jobs
• Student organization leadership
• Freelance work
• Relevant projects
• Apprenticeships or training experiences

Choose experiences that help demonstrate skills related to the position you're applying for.

Focus on What You Did, Not Just Your Job Duties

Even an entry-level job can demonstrate valuable skills. Instead of writing a vague responsibility, describe your contribution.

Weak:

Responsible for customer support.

Better:

Resolved customer questions through email and chat while maintaining accurate support records.

The stronger version tells the employer what you actually did and gives them a better idea of your communication and organizational skills.

When possible, add measurable results:

Resolved 40+ customer questions per day through email and chat while maintaining accurate support records.

Example for an Entry-Level Candidate

Marketing Intern
ABC Marketing — Chicago, IL
June 2025 – August 2025

• Created social media content for three client accounts.
• Researched competitors and summarized findings for weekly marketing meetings.
• Helped organize a campaign that increased social media engagement by 18%.

You don't need to fill your resume with unrelated jobs. Prioritize experiences that demonstrate skills, responsibilities, projects, or achievements relevant to the position you're targeting.

For a more detailed guide, see Experience Section of a Resume.

4. How to Put Education on a Resume: Format, Examples, and What to Include

If you're a student or recent graduate, your education can be one of the strongest parts of your resume—especially when you have limited professional experience. Use this section to show employers what you've studied and highlight coursework, projects, or academic achievements that are relevant to the job.

For each school or program, include:

• Degree or program: For example, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
• School name: List the college, university, or other educational institution.
• Location: For U.S. resumes, include the city and state.
• Graduation date: Include your expected graduation date if you're still studying, such as Expected May 2027.
• GPA: Include your GPA when it is strong and relevant to the position. You don't need to include it if it doesn't strengthen your application.
• Relevant coursework: Add a short list of courses when they demonstrate knowledge required for the job.
• Academic achievements: Include honors, scholarships, awards, or other meaningful accomplishments.
• Relevant projects: Consider mentioning important academic projects here or linking to a dedicated Projects section.

Example for a Current Student

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Illinois Chicago — Chicago, IL
Expected May 2027
GPA: 3.7/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Web Development, Database Systems, Software Engineering

Academic Project: Built a React-based student scheduling application using JavaScript, REST APIs, and responsive UI design.

Don't Hide Your Education Because You Have Little Experience

If you're a student or recent graduate, you don't need to apologize for having limited work experience. Your education can demonstrate:

• Technical or subject knowledge
• Relevant coursework
• Projects
• Problem-solving skills
• Academic achievement
• Commitment to learning

For an entry-level resume, the Education section may deserve more attention than it would on an experienced professional's resume.

What If You Haven't Graduated Yet?

You can still list your degree. Instead of a graduation date in the past, write your expected graduation date:

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Arizona State University — Tempe, AZ
Expected May 2027

You don't need to write “Not graduated” or leave the date blank.

What If You Don't Have a College Degree?

Don't assume you can't create a strong entry-level resume. Include your high school education, vocational training, certifications, bootcamps, or other relevant education when appropriate.

Focus on the education and training that best supports the job you're applying for.

For more guidance on what to include, how to format your education, and how to present it when you have little work experience, see Education Section on a Resume.

5. How to List Skills on a Resume: Hard, Soft, and Technical Examples

Your skills section helps employers quickly see whether you have abilities that match the job. As a student or entry-level candidate, this section can be especially important because you may not have much professional experience yet.

Instead of listing every skill you have, focus on skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Technical Skills

Technical skills are specific abilities you can learn, practice, and demonstrate. Examples include:

• React
• JavaScript
• TypeScript
• Python
• SQL
• Data analysis
• UX design
• HTML and CSS

For technical roles, prioritize the technologies and abilities that appear in the job description.

Soft Skills

Soft skills describe how you work with others or approach your work. Examples include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Adaptability

Soft skills can be valuable, but avoid filling your resume with vague claims. Whenever possible, demonstrate them through your experience, projects, or achievements.

For example, instead of simply writing “Teamwork,” show it in an experience bullet:

Collaborated with four classmates to design and present a mobile app prototype.

Job-Specific Skills

The most useful skills depend on the position you're applying for. A marketing student and a computer science student shouldn't use the same skills section.

For example, an entry-level marketing resume might include:

• Social media marketing
• Google Analytics
• SEO
• Content creation
• Email marketing

An entry-level software developer resume might include:

• JavaScript
• React
• TypeScript
• Git
• REST APIs

Read the job description and prioritize skills that match the employer's requirements.

Tools and Software

Include software, platforms, and tools you can actually use and that are relevant to the position.

Examples include:

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Analytics
• Figma
• GitHub
• Adobe Photoshop
• Salesforce
• Jira

Don't list a tool simply because you've opened it once. Include it when you have enough familiarity to discuss or demonstrate your experience with it.

Avoid a Generic Skills List

A common mistake is creating a long list of generic skills that doesn't tell the employer much about your qualifications.

Weak:

Communication
Teamwork
Microsoft Office

Better:

React
TypeScript
Git
REST APIs
Responsive UI

The second example gives the employer specific information they can understand and evaluate.

Most importantly, don't copy a skills list from another resume. Build your section around your actual abilities and the requirements of the job you're targeting.

For more examples and guidance specifically for students, see Resume Skills for Students.

6. How to List Projects on a Resume to Prove Your Skills

If you don't have much professional experience, your projects can give employers evidence of what you can actually do. A strong project shows that you can apply your knowledge, solve problems, use relevant tools, and complete something beyond the classroom.

Projects can include:

• Class or academic projects
• Personal projects
• Portfolio projects
• Open-source contributions
• Freelance projects
• Hackathon projects
• Team projects

You don't need to have worked for a company for your projects to demonstrate relevant experience.

What to Include in a Project

For each project, include:

• Project name: Give the project a clear, descriptive name.
• Short description: Explain what the project is or what problem it solves.
• Technologies or tools: List the languages, frameworks, platforms, or tools you actually used.
• What you built or did: Describe your specific contribution rather than only describing the project.
• Results or impact: Include measurable results, improvements, users, or other evidence of what you achieved when available.
• GitHub or portfolio link: Add a relevant link when an employer can view the project or your work online.

Example

Student Job Tracker
Personal Project | React, TypeScript, REST API, GitHub

• Built a responsive web application that helps students organize and track job applications.
• Created reusable React components and connected the application to a REST API.
• Added filtering and application-status features to make it easier to manage multiple applications.
• Deployed the project online and documented the source code on GitHub.

Notice that the example doesn't simply say “Built a job tracker.” It explains what was built, how it was built, and what the candidate contributed.

No Professional Experience? Use Projects as Evidence

Imagine you're applying for your first software development internship. You may not have a previous developer job to point to.

But you might have:

Coursework → Built a React application → Used Git and REST APIs → Deployed the project

That gives an employer something concrete to evaluate.

Your project doesn't have to be impressive because it is huge or complicated. A small, finished project that clearly demonstrates relevant skills can be more useful than a long list of technologies you haven't actually used.

For a detailed guide with examples and formatting tips, see How to List Projects on a Resume.

7. How to Showcase Internships on Your Resume

If you're a student or recent graduate, an internship can be one of the most valuable experiences on your resume. It shows employers that you've had the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real workplace and contribute to actual projects or tasks.

You can include internships in your Work Experience section, especially when you want to keep your resume simple. If you've completed several internships, you can also create a separate Internships section.

What to Include

For each internship, include:

• Internship title: Use your official title, such as Software Engineering Intern or Marketing Intern.
• Organization: List the company, nonprofit, school, or organization where you interned.
• Dates: Include the month and year, such as June 2026 – August 2026.
• Contributions: Explain what you worked on and what you were responsible for.
• Skills gained: Highlight relevant technical or professional skills you developed through the experience.
• Results: Include measurable outcomes or improvements when possible.

Example

Software Engineering Intern
ABC Technologies — Seattle, WA
June 2026 – August 2026

• Built and tested React components for an internal customer dashboard.
• Fixed UI bugs and improved responsive behavior across desktop and mobile screens.
• Collaborated with two developers using Git and GitHub during the development process.
• Helped reduce reported interface issues by 20% through testing and bug fixes.

Notice that the bullets focus on contributions and results, rather than simply saying:

Assisted the development team.

That kind of statement doesn't show an employer what you actually did.

Where Should You Put an Internship?

If you have one or two internships, you can usually place them under Work Experience alongside other jobs.

For example:

Work Experience

Software Engineering Intern
ABC Technologies — Seattle, WA
June 2026 – August 2026

Retail Associate
XYZ Store — Seattle, WA
September 2025 – May 2026

You can create a separate Internships section when internships are a major part of your background or when you want to emphasize them more clearly.

For students and recent graduates, internships can help bridge the gap between education and professional experience. Even a short internship can give you real examples of how you've applied your skills in a workplace.

8. How to List Certifications That Add Value

Certifications can strengthen a student or entry-level resume when they provide evidence of a skill that is relevant to the job. They can be especially useful when you don't yet have much professional experience to demonstrate your abilities.

However, you don't need to list every certificate you've ever earned. Choose certifications that are relevant, credible, and useful for the position you're applying for.

Include Certifications When They Are:

• Relevant to the job: The certification teaches or validates a skill the employer is looking for.
• Recognized: It comes from a credible university, professional organization, technology company, or established training provider.
• Recent or still useful: The certification reflects current knowledge, particularly in fields where tools and technology change quickly.
• Evidence of a specific skill: It demonstrates something concrete you can apply to the job.

Example

Google UX Design Certificate — Google
2026

This is more useful on a UX-related resume because it directly supports the candidate's target role.

Don't List Every Certificate

A long list of unrelated certificates can make your resume less focused.

For example, if you're applying for an entry-level software developer position, certifications in unrelated subjects may take up valuable space without strengthening your application.

Instead, ask:

Does this certification help prove that I can do something relevant to this job?

If the answer is no, you probably don't need to include it.

For students and recent graduates, a relevant certification can complement your education, projects, and skills and give employers another way to see evidence of your preparation for the role.

9. How to Include Volunteer Work on an Entry-Level Resume

Volunteer experience can be valuable on a student or entry-level resume, especially when you don't have much paid work experience. It can show employers that you've used real skills, taken responsibility, worked with others, or contributed to a project or organization.

You don't need to leave volunteer work off your resume simply because you weren't paid.

When Should You Include Volunteer Experience?

Volunteer experience deserves a place on your resume when it:

• Helps fill an experience gap: If you have little or no professional experience, volunteering can show what you've done outside the classroom.
• Demonstrates relevant skills: Include volunteer work that helped you develop skills related to the job.
• Shows responsibility: Leadership, event planning, organizing, mentoring, or managing tasks can demonstrate responsibility.
• Relates to your target role: The closer the experience is to the position you're applying for, the more valuable it may be.

Example

Volunteer Event Coordinator
Austin Community Food Bank — Austin, TX
September 2025 – Present

• Help organize weekly food distribution events serving local families.
• Coordinate schedules for a team of 10 volunteers.
• Maintain event records and communicate schedule updates with volunteers.

This is stronger than simply writing:

Volunteer at local food bank.

The detailed version shows responsibility, organization, communication, and teamwork—skills an employer can understand and evaluate.

Where Should Volunteer Experience Go?

If the volunteer role is highly relevant to the job, you can include it in your Experience section alongside paid employment.

If it is less directly related but still demonstrates valuable skills, create a separate Volunteer Experience section.

For students and recent graduates, volunteer work can help turn “I don't have much work experience” into a resume that shows real responsibility, skills, and contributions.

10. How to Showcase Awards, Achievements, and Campus Leadership

If you're a student or entry-level candidate, awards, leadership roles, and meaningful achievements can help strengthen your resume when you have limited professional experience. They can show initiative, commitment, responsibility, teamwork, or skill in an area related to the job.

You don't need to create a section just to make your resume look longer. Include achievements that give employers useful information about what you've accomplished.

Depending on your background, you can include:

• Academic awards: Dean's List, academic honors, or subject-specific awards.
• Competitions: Hackathons, case competitions, coding competitions, business competitions, or other relevant contests.
• Scholarships: Competitive scholarships or awards based on academic, leadership, or other meaningful achievements.
• Student leadership: Student government, class representative roles, or leadership positions in campus organizations.
• Club leadership: President, vice president, treasurer, or other positions where you had meaningful responsibilities.
• Relevant achievements: Accomplishments that demonstrate skills, initiative, or results related to the position you're applying for.

Example

President, Computer Science Club
University of Texas at Austin — Austin, TX
2025 – 2026

• Led a student organization of 40+ members and coordinated monthly technical workshops.
• Organized a campus hackathon with 80 student participants.
• Worked with university staff and sponsors to secure resources for club events.

This is more useful than simply writing:

Computer Science Club President

The title tells employers what position you held. The bullet points show what you actually accomplished.

Relevance Matters More Than the Title

An impressive-sounding achievement isn't automatically valuable on a resume.

For example, winning a regional coding competition can be highly relevant for a software development role. A leadership position in a student organization can also be valuable if it demonstrates project management, communication, or teamwork.

Before adding an award or leadership role, ask:

Does this help demonstrate that I'm prepared for the job I'm applying for?

If it does, include it. If it doesn't, use the space for something more relevant.

For students and recent graduates, meaningful achievements can provide valuable evidence of skills, initiative, leadership, and potential even when professional experience is limited.

11. How to List Relevant Coursework on a Student Resume

Relevant coursework can help students and recent graduates show employers that they've studied subjects related to the position, even when they have limited professional experience.

This section can be particularly useful for:

• Students: Coursework can demonstrate knowledge you've developed through your degree.
• Recent graduates: It can provide additional evidence of your preparation when you don't have much professional experience.
• Technical roles: Courses can show foundational knowledge in areas such as programming, databases, engineering, or data analysis.
• Candidates with limited experience: Relevant classes can help connect your education to the requirements of the job.

Example

Relevant Coursework:
Data Structures & Algorithms
Database Systems
Web Development
Software Engineering

For a different target role, choose courses that match the position. For example, a student applying for an entry-level data analyst role might highlight Statistics, Data Analysis, Database Systems, and Business Analytics instead.

Don't List Your Entire Transcript

The goal isn't to show employers every class you've taken. A long list of unrelated courses takes up space without adding much value.

Instead, select 3–6 courses that directly support the job you're applying for.

Think of coursework as a way to answer:

“What relevant knowledge have I gained that could help me succeed in this role?”

If a course doesn't help answer that question, you probably don't need to include it.

12. What to Put on a Resume With No Work Experience

If you don't have formal work experience yet, you can still build a strong resume. Experience doesn't only come from a traditional paid job. As a student or recent graduate, you may already have experiences that demonstrate useful skills.

Consider including:

• Projects: Class, personal, portfolio, or technical projects.
• Internships: Paid or unpaid internships where you contributed to real work.
• Coursework: Relevant classes that demonstrate knowledge needed for the position.
• Volunteer work: Experiences where you developed relevant skills or took responsibility.
• Freelance work: Paid projects completed for individuals, businesses, or organizations.
• Student organizations: Clubs and campus organizations where you contributed or worked with a team.
• Leadership: Positions where you organized people, projects, events, or activities.
• Relevant personal projects: Independent work that demonstrates skills related to your target role.

The goal isn't to make unrelated activities look like professional jobs. Instead, show employers what you've done, what skills you used, and what you accomplished.

For a step-by-step guide, examples, and resume strategies for candidates without traditional work experience, read How to Write a Resume With No Experience.

13. How to Build a Student Resume Around Your Strengths

A student resume should focus on your education, skills, projects, and experiences that show you're prepared for the job. You don't need years of professional experience to create a useful resume.

A student resume might include:

1. Contact Information
2. Summary or Objective
3. Education
4. Skills
5. Projects
6. Internships
7. Relevant Coursework
8. Leadership
9. Volunteer Experience
10. Certifications

You don't need to include every section.

For example, if you don't have certifications, don't create an empty Certifications section just to make your resume look complete. If you have several strong projects but limited work experience, give your Projects section more space.

Similarly, if your volunteer experience isn't relevant to the position, you may not need to include it.

Build Your Resume Around Your Strengths

Think about your resume as a collection of evidence.

If you're applying for a software engineering internship, your strongest evidence might be:

Education → Skills → Projects → Internship → Coursework

If you're applying for a marketing internship, it might be:

Education → Skills → Projects → Student Leadership → Volunteer Experience

The best student resume isn't the one with the most sections. It's the one that uses limited space to show the most relevant evidence that you can succeed in the role.

14. What Order Should Your Resume Sections Be In?

Knowing what to include is only half the challenge. You also need to decide where each section should appear.

There isn't one perfect resume order for everyone. Your sections should be arranged so the information most relevant to the job is easy for the employer to find.

Recommended Section Order for Current Students

For a current student with limited professional experience, education and projects often deserve more attention.

A common order is:

1. Contact Information
2. Summary or Objective
3. Education
4. Skills
5. Projects
6. Experience
7. Additional Sections

For example:

Contact
Summary / Objective
Education
Skills
Projects
Experience
Certifications / Leadership / Volunteer Experience

You can change this order when another section is stronger. For example, if you've completed a highly relevant internship, you may want Experience above Projects.

Recommended Section Order for Entry-Level Applicants

If you've already gained relevant internships, part-time work, or other professional experience, you can give your experience more prominence.

A common order is:

1. Contact Information
2. Summary
3. Skills
4. Experience
5. Projects
6. Education

For example:

Contact
Summary
Skills
Experience
Projects
Education

Put Your Strongest Evidence First

Don't treat the order as a rigid rule. Ask:

“What part of my background best proves I'm a good fit for this job?”

Put that information where the employer is most likely to see it.

For a computer science student with several strong projects but no internship, Projects may deserve more space.

For a recent graduate with a relevant internship, Experience may belong above Projects.

The goal is not to follow one universal template. The goal is to make your strongest and most relevant qualifications easy to find.

What Should You NOT Put on a Resume?

Knowing what to leave off your resume is just as important as knowing what to include. Especially when you're a student or entry-level candidate, limited space should be used for information that helps employers understand your skills, education, experience, and potential.

Avoid adding information simply because you have it.

1. Full Home Address

You generally don't need to include your full street address on a U.S. resume. Your city and state are usually enough.

Austin, TX

is typically more useful and concise than:

1234 Example Street, Austin, TX 78701

2. References

Don't use valuable resume space for a list of references or write “References available upon request.” Employers can ask for references when they need them.

3. Irrelevant Hobbies

Hobbies usually don't belong on a resume unless they demonstrate a relevant skill, achievement, or connection to the position.

For example, listing “Watching movies” doesn't add much value. But winning a regional chess competition could demonstrate achievement and strategic thinking.

4. Unprofessional Email Address

Avoid email addresses that contain nicknames, jokes, or anything that could make you appear unprofessional.

Avoid:

coolguy123@email.com

Better:

jordan.smith@email.com

5. Unnecessary Personal Information

A U.S. resume generally doesn't need personal details such as:

• Age or date of birth
• Marital status
• Social Security number
• Photo
• Gender
• Other personal information unrelated to your qualifications

Focus on information that helps an employer evaluate your ability to do the job.

6. Outdated Experience

You don't need to include every old position you've ever held. If an experience is no longer relevant and doesn't demonstrate a useful transferable skill, consider leaving it off.

For students and recent graduates, older experience can still be useful if it demonstrates important skills or fills an experience gap.

7. Generic Statements

Avoid vague phrases that don't provide evidence.

Weak:

Hard-working team player with excellent communication skills.

Better:

Coordinated a four-person student team to design and present a mobile app prototype.

The second example demonstrates the skills instead of simply claiming them.

8. Every Job You've Ever Had

Your resume is not a complete employment history. You don't need to list every job you've ever held.

Prioritize experiences that are:

• Relevant to the position
• Recent
• Skill-building
• Evidence of responsibility or achievement

An older or unrelated job can still be worth including if it demonstrates transferable skills, but don't keep it simply because you feel obligated to list everything.

9. Unrelated Certifications

A certification should earn its space by supporting your target role.

If you're applying for a software development position, a certification unrelated to technology may not strengthen your application. Prioritize credentials that demonstrate knowledge or skills relevant to the job.

10. Exaggerated Achievements

Don't turn a normal responsibility into an impressive-sounding achievement.

Employers may ask questions about anything on your resume, so make sure you can explain and support your claims.

11. False Information

Never invent:

• Jobs
• Degrees
• Certifications
• Skills
• Job titles
• Achievements
• Results

A resume should present your real experience in the strongest and clearest way possible—not create experience you don't have.

12. Excessive Graphics and Decoration

A resume should be easy to read. Too many graphics, icons, colors, charts, columns, or decorative elements can make important information harder to find and may create problems for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

For most student and entry-level applications, prioritize:

Clear structure + readable formatting + relevant content

over elaborate design.

The Simple Rule

Before adding something to your resume, ask:

“Does this help the employer understand why I'm qualified for this specific job?”

If the answer is no, you probably don't need it.

How to Decide What Belongs on Your Resume

You don't need to include everything you've studied, every job you've had, or every skill you've learned. A strong resume is selective.

When you're unsure whether to include a section, project, job, skill, certification, or achievement, use the Relevance Test.

Ask yourself these four questions:

1. Is it relevant to the job?

Does this experience, skill, project, or achievement relate to the position you're applying for?

For example, if you're applying for a junior web developer position, a React project is likely more relevant than an unrelated hobby.

2. Does it demonstrate a useful skill?

Does it show something an employer could value?

A student leadership role might demonstrate communication and organization. A personal coding project might demonstrate programming and problem-solving skills.

3. Does it provide evidence of what I can do?

Can you point to something concrete you've done?

Instead of simply claiming:

Problem-solving

you could show evidence through a project:

Built a scheduling application that automatically detects conflicting class times.

The second example gives the employer something they can evaluate.

4. Does it help the employer understand my value?

After reading it, does the employer have a better understanding of what you could contribute to the organization?

If a piece of information doesn't help answer that question, it may not deserve space on your resume.

The Relevance Test in Action

Imagine you're a computer science student applying for a software engineering internship.

Include:

React
TypeScript
Git
Data Structures & Algorithms
Personal web application
Software engineering internship

Probably leave out:

Favorite movies
Unrelated certification
Every course you've ever taken
An old achievement unrelated to technology

You don't need to remove everything that isn't directly related to the job. Some experiences can still be valuable because they demonstrate transferable skills or meaningful achievements.

The goal is to make every section earn its place.

A Simple Rule to Remember

Before adding something to your resume, ask:

Relevant? Useful? Evidence? Value?

If it doesn't pass the test, leave it out—or replace it with something that gives the employer stronger evidence of what you can do.

How to Choose Resume Sections Based on Your Situation

There is no single resume structure that works for everyone. The sections you prioritize should depend on your experience, career stage, and the type of job you're targeting.

Use this table as a starting point:

Your situationPrioritize

Student

Education, Skills, Projects

No experience

Education, Projects, Skills

Recent graduate

Education, Projects, Internships

Entry-level

Experience, Projects, Skills

Student

If you're currently in school, your Education section can show what you're studying, while Skills and Projects provide evidence of what you can do.

A typical structure might be:

Education → Skills → Projects → Experience → Additional Sections

No Experience

If you haven't had a formal job yet, don't leave your resume empty. Focus on Education, Projects, and Skills, and use internships, volunteer work, coursework, leadership, or other relevant experiences when available.

Your resume might emphasize:

Education → Projects → Skills → Coursework → Leadership

Recent Graduate

As a recent graduate, you can combine your academic background with practical experiences such as projects and internships.

Consider prioritizing:

Education → Projects → Internships → Skills

As you gain more professional experience, you can gradually give your work history more space.

Entry-Level

If you've already gained relevant work experience through internships, part-time jobs, or other positions, Experience can move higher on the page.

A common structure is:

Summary → Skills → Experience → Projects → Education

Your Situation Can Change

These aren't permanent rules. Your resume should evolve as you gain experience.

For example, a student might start with:

Education → Skills → Projects

After completing an internship:

Education → Skills → Internship → Projects

After working in the field:

Summary → Skills → Experience → Projects → Education

The best section order is the one that puts your strongest and most relevant evidence where the employer can find it quickly.

Complete Resume Example for Students and Entry-Level Job Seekers

What if you're a student applying for an internship but don't have professional experience yet?

You can still build a complete resume by using your education, skills, projects, and activities as evidence of what you can do.

Jordan Lee
Computer Science Student
jordan.lee@email.com · 555-321-4567 · GitHub · LinkedIn

Education

B.S. in Computer Science
Example University — Expected 2027

Relevant coursework: Web Development, Data Structures, Database Systems

Skills

JavaScript · React · HTML · CSS · Git · SQL

Projects

Campus Events App
Built a React application that allows students to browse upcoming campus events and save events to a personal list.

Portfolio Website
Designed and developed a responsive portfolio website to showcase technical projects.

Leadership & Activities

Computer Science Club — Member
Participated in coding workshops and collaborative student projects.

Certifications

Responsive Web Design Certification

Why this resume works

Jordan doesn't have a formal work history, so the resume doesn't try to hide that fact. Instead, it gives more attention to projects and skills.

The order also reflects Jordan's current situation: education establishes the academic background, skills show technical abilities, and projects provide evidence that those skills have been applied.

Notice what's missing: there is no empty “Work Experience” section, no exaggerated claims, and no unrelated personal information.

A student resume doesn't need to pretend you're an experienced professional. It needs to make the experience you do have easy to see.

How to Make Sure Your Resume Is ATS-Friendly

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers may use to organize and screen applications. You don't need to create a complicated resume to make it easier for an ATS to read. A simple, well-structured resume is usually the safest approach.

Here are a few ways to make your student resume ATS-friendly:

• Use standard section headings such as Education, Experience, Skills, and Projects so your information is easy to identify.
• Include keywords from the job description when they genuinely match your skills and experience. If a job asks for React, Git, and JavaScript and you have those skills, use those exact terms.
• Keep formatting simple. Avoid excessive graphics, text boxes, complicated tables, or decorative elements that can make information harder to parse.
• Use a readable font and clear structure. Make your headings, dates, and descriptions easy for both software and people to scan.
• Write out important information clearly. Don't rely on icons or images to communicate your email address, phone number, skills, or other essential details.
• Tailor your resume for each job. The best keywords and skills will depend on the position you're applying for.
• Save your resume in the format requested by the employer. If the job posting specifies PDF or another format, follow those instructions.

A Simple Example

Imagine a student applying for a front-end development internship. The job description mentions React, JavaScript, Git, responsive design, and REST APIs.

Instead of writing:

Technical Skills: Web development tools and modern programming technologies

A stronger version would be:

Skills: JavaScript, React, Git, responsive design, REST APIs, HTML, CSS

The second version is clearer for the recruiter and uses specific terms that accurately describe the student's abilities.

Most importantly, don't add keywords you don't actually know just to get past an ATS. Your resume should accurately represent your skills and experience. The goal is to make relevant qualifications easy to find—not to fill your resume with keywords.

Quick Summary: Resume Sections Checklist (Must-Have vs. Optional)

Before sending your resume, use this checklist to make sure you've included the information that matters:

• Contact information — Name, professional email, phone number, and relevant links
• Summary or objective — A short introduction relevant to your target opportunity
• Relevant experience — Internships, part-time jobs, freelance work, or other relevant experience
• Education — School, degree or program, and expected graduation date
• Skills — Skills that match the position
• Projects — Academic, personal, or professional projects that demonstrate your abilities
• Certifications — Relevant certifications or training
• Achievements — Relevant awards, competitions, scholarships, or accomplishments
• Additional sections — Volunteer work, leadership, languages, coursework, or activities when relevant
• Unnecessary information removed — Delete details that don't help your application
• Resume tailored to the job — Make sure your sections and content reflect the position you're applying for

You don't need to check every box. The goal is to include the sections that strengthen your application—not to add sections just to make your resume look complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important sections of a resume?

The most important resume sections are usually contact information, education, relevant experience, skills, and projects. For students, education and projects can be especially useful when professional experience is limited. Add other sections, such as certifications or achievements, when they strengthen your application.

What should I put on my resume if I have no experience?

If you have no formal work experience, focus on education, skills, projects, relevant coursework, volunteering, leadership, extracurricular activities, and certifications. Academic and personal projects can show employers how you've applied your skills even if you haven't had a job yet.

Should I include projects on my resume?

Yes, especially if you're a student or recent graduate with limited professional experience. Include projects that demonstrate skills relevant to the position. Briefly explain what you built or accomplished, which skills you used, and the result.

Should I include hobbies on my resume?

Usually, hobbies aren't necessary. You can include a hobby when it is relevant to the position, demonstrates a useful skill, or gives meaningful context about your experience. Avoid using valuable resume space for hobbies that don't strengthen your application.

Should I include references?

No. You generally don't need to include references or write “References available upon request.” If an employer wants references, they will usually ask for them separately. Use the space on your resume to highlight your qualifications instead.

How many sections should a resume have?

There is no fixed number of sections a resume must have. A student resume might include five to eight sections, depending on the student's experience and the job. Include only sections that provide useful information about your qualifications.

What should a student put on a resume?

A student can include contact information, education, skills, projects, internships, part-time work, relevant coursework, volunteer experience, leadership, extracurricular activities, certifications, and achievements. Choose the sections that best match the opportunity you're applying for.

What should I put on a resume for my first job?

For a first job, focus on contact information, education, relevant skills, projects, activities, volunteer experience, and any work experience you already have. If you have little professional experience, use school projects, extracurricular activities, and other relevant experiences to demonstrate transferable skills.

What should I leave off my resume?

Leave off information that is irrelevant, outdated, repetitive, or unnecessarily personal. This can include unrelated hobbies, references, excessive personal information, and experiences that don't support your application. Every item should have a reason for being on the resume.

What order should resume sections be in?

There isn't one correct order for every student. A common student resume structure is contact information → education → skills → projects → experience → additional sections. If you have strong relevant work experience, you may move experience higher. The sections that best demonstrate your qualifications should receive the most attention.

A strong student resume isn't about filling every possible section or making your experience look bigger than it is. It's about choosing the information that best shows your skills, experience, education, and potential for the opportunity you're targeting.

If you don't have much work experience yet, that's okay. Your projects, coursework, internships, volunteering, leadership, and other experiences can all help demonstrate what you can bring to a role.

Before submitting your resume, make sure every section has a purpose, your strongest qualifications are easy to find, and the content is tailored to the job you're applying for.

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Create a professional, student-friendly resume with ZentraCV and turn your experience into a resume you're confident sending to employers.

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