If you are a student or fresh graduate looking for employment, creating a resume can feel overwhelming. Afterall, what are you even going to list? Here’s the truth: you have more to offer than you think.
Whether you’re applying for a part-time retail job, a campus position, or an internship, this guide will show you exactly how to create a resume that gets noticed. We’ve included 5 real student resume examples you can copy and customize, plus insider tips on what actually works.
What Students Need to Know About Creating a Resume
You Don’t Need Years of Experience
Most students believe that they need to have years of experience before they can create a solid resume, but this is not correct. Employers hiring students aren’t expecting decades of corporate experience. They’re looking for:
- Reliability – Can you show up on time and follow through?
- Teachability – Are you willing to learn?
- Relevant skills – Even from school projects, volunteering, or clubs
- Enthusiasm – Do you actually want this job?
Your resume should tell this story, even if you’ve never had a formal job before.
Keep It to One Page
As a student, your resume should never exceed one page. Hiring managers spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a resume, so make every word count.
Customize for Each Job
Don’t send the same generic resume to every employer. Take 10 minutes to:
- Read the job description carefully
- Highlight 3-5 key skills or requirements they mention
- Make sure those exact words appear in your resume (where truthful)
This helps you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for keywords before a human even sees your application.
Highlight Transferable Skills
That summer you spent babysitting? You developed time management, problem-solving, and responsibility. Or were you a member of your school’s debate team? You have public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Did you volunteer at a local charity? That’s community engagement, reliability, and communication.
Frame everything you’ve done through the lens of valuable workplace skills.
What to Include in Your Student Resume
1. Contact Information
Start with the basics at the top:
- Full name
- City and state (no need for full address)
- Phone number
- Professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com is ideal)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
Example:
Sarah Johnson
Seattle, WA | (206) 555-0192 | sarah.johnson@email.com
2. Resume Objective or Summary
A 2-3 sentence statement that tells employers:
- Who you are
- What you’re looking for
- What you bring to the table
Example:
Motivated computer science student seeking a part-time software development internship.
Strong foundation in Python and Java with hands-on experience building mobile applications
through university coursework. Eager to apply technical skills in a real-world setting
while contributing to innovative projects.
3. Education
List your current school, expected graduation date, and GPA (if 3.5 or higher). Include:
- Relevant coursework
- Academic honors
- Extracurricular involvement
4. Experience
This is where you list jobs, internships, volunteer work, or even significant school projects. Focus on achievements rather than just duties.
Use this formula: Action verb + What you did + Result/Impact
Weak: “Responsible for social media” Strong: “Managed Instagram account, growing followers by 40% in 3 months”
5. Skills
Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (people skills):
Hard skills examples:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Photoshop
- Data entry
- Coding languages (Python, JavaScript)
- Social media management
- Bookkeeping/QuickBooks
Soft skills examples:
- Communication
- Time management
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Leadership
6. Activities, Awards & Achievements (Optional)
Include anything that shows initiative, leadership, or dedication, such as participating in sports teams, joining clubs or organizations, winning competitions, earning scholarships, or doing volunteer work.
These activities highlight your ability to take initiative, work with others, and stay committed which are qualities employers and schools value. Even small achievements can help show your character and drive beyond academics or work experience.
Our top readers enjoyed reading: 5 Things That Must Be On Your Entry-Level Resume (If You Actually Want Interviews in 2025)
5 Student Resume Examples You Can Copy
Example 1: High School Student Resume (First Job)
Perfect for: Students applying for their very first part-time job with little to no work experience.
EMILY RODRIGUEZ
Austin, TX | (512) 555-0134 | emily.rodriguez@email.com
OBJECTIVE
Enthusiastic and reliable high school student seeking a part-time cashier position
at Target. Strong communication skills and a passion for delivering excellent
customer service. Available weekends and after school hours.
EDUCATION
Austin High School
Expected Graduation: June 2026
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Business Studies, Mathematics, Computer Science
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Youth Mentor, Boys & Girls Club of Austin September 2024 – Present
• Tutor 5 elementary school students in Math and English twice weekly
• Develop engaging lesson plans that improved student grades by 15%
• Demonstrate patience, communication, and organizational skills
Student Council Representative September 2023 – June 2024
• Led a team of 8 students in organizing school events and fundraisers
• Organized 3 school-wide events attended by over 500 students
• Developed leadership, public speaking, and conflict resolution skills
Pet Sitter, Neighborhood Clients Summer 2023 – Present
• Care for 3-5 pets weekly including feeding, walking, and administering medication
• Maintain detailed care logs and communicate regularly with pet owners
• Built trust with 10+ repeat clients through reliable and responsible service
SKILLS
• Customer service
• Cash handling (basic)
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork and collaboration
ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
• Varsity Soccer Team – Built teamwork and discipline through daily practice
• National Honor Society Member – Volunteer 20+ hours per semester
• Debate Club Member – Developed public speaking and critical thinking skills
AWARDS
• Academic Honor Roll, 2022-2025
• Perfect Attendance Award, 2023-2024
• Outstanding Community Service Award, 2024
Example 2: University Student Resume (Internship)
Perfect for: University students seeking internships or entry-level positions in their field of study.
MARCUS WILLIAMS
Boston, MA | (617) 555-0198 | marcus.williams@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcuswilliams
SUMMARY
Detail-oriented Marketing student with hands-on experience in social media management
and content creation. Proven ability to increase engagement through data-driven strategies.
Seeking a summer marketing internship to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting.
EDUCATION
Boston University
Bachelor of Science in Marketing Expected Graduation: May 2026
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Brand Management,
Market Research, Social Media Strategy
EXPERIENCE
Social Media Intern, TechStart Boston January 2025 – Present
• Manage Instagram and Twitter accounts for a tech startup with 10,000+ followers
• Create 15+ engaging posts per week, increasing engagement rate by 35%
• Analyze social media metrics using Hootsuite and present weekly reports to marketing team
• Collaborate with design team to produce visually appealing branded content
Marketing Committee Lead, BU Entrepreneurship Club September 2024 – Present
• Plan and execute 5 major events per semester with budgets of $5,000+
• Design promotional materials using Canva and Adobe Photoshop
• Coordinate with 20+ team members to ensure successful event outcomes
• Increased event attendance by 25% through targeted social media campaigns
Sales Associate, Best Buy June 2023 – August 2023
• Provided exceptional customer service to 50+ customers daily
• Processed transactions accurately and efficiently using POS systems
• Maintained organized product displays and assisted with inventory management
• Exceeded monthly sales goals by 15% and received “Top Performer” recognition
SKILLS
Technical: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, Canva, Adobe Photoshop,
Hootsuite, Mailchimp, Basic HTML/CSS
Soft Skills: Written & verbal communication, teamwork, time management,
creative thinking, customer service
AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS
• Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Certificate – 2024
• Dean’s List – Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024
• HubSpot Social Media Marketing Certification – 2024
Example 3: Part-Time Retail Resume
Perfect for: Students looking for retail, hospitality, or customer-facing part-time work.
ASHLEY CHEN
San Francisco, CA | (415) 555-0176 | ashley.chen@email.com
OBJECTIVE
Friendly and hardworking student seeking a part-time sales associate position at Nordstrom.
Two years of customer service experience with a track record of exceeding sales targets.
Available evenings and weekends.
EDUCATION
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies Expected Graduation: May 2027
GPA: 3.4/4.0
WORK EXPERIENCE
Barista, Starbucks March 2024 – Present
• Serve 100+ customers per shift with a 98% customer satisfaction rating
• Handle cash and card transactions accurately, processing $2,000+ daily
• Train 3 new team members on POS system and customer service protocols
• Maintain clean and organized workspace during busy morning rushes
• Recognized as “Star Partner” for exceptional customer connections
Event Staff, Golden Gate Catering May 2023 – February 2024
• Provided excellent customer service to 200+ guests at weddings and corporate events
• Assisted with event setup, guest registration, and logistics coordination
• Demonstrated professionalism and poise under pressure
• Received consistent positive feedback from event coordinators and clients
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Food Bank Volunteer, SF-Marin Food Bank January 2023 – Present
• Assist with sorting and distributing food to 300+ families monthly
• Coordinate volunteer schedules and logistics with team of 15
• Developed empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills
SKILLS
• Customer service excellence
• Cash handling and POS systems
• Inventory management
• Time management and punctuality
• Conflict resolution
• Team collaboration
• Bilingual: Fluent in English and Mandarin
INTERESTS
• Photography – Freelance photographer for student events
• Fashion blogging – Instagram: @ashleystyle (2,500+ followers)
Example 4: Tech/IT Student Resume
Perfect for: Computer science or IT students seeking technical positions or internships.
JORDAN PATEL
Seattle, WA | (206) 555-0145 | jordan.patel@email.com
GitHub: github.com/jordanpatel | Portfolio: jordanpatel.dev
SUMMARY
Passionate Computer Science student with strong programming skills in Python, JavaScript,
and Java. Experience building web applications and mobile apps through academic projects
and personal development. Seeking a software development internship to contribute to
innovative tech solutions.
EDUCATION
University of Washington
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Expected Graduation: June 2026
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Management,
Mobile App Development, Software Engineering
TECHNICAL PROJECTS
E-Commerce Web Application September 2024 – December 2024
• Built a full-stack e-commerce platform using React, Node.js, and MongoDB
• Implemented user authentication, product catalog, and shopping cart functionality
• Deployed application on Heroku with 99% uptime
• Documented code and created user guide for future developers
GitHub: github.com/jordanpatel/ecommerce-app
Campus Events Mobile App January 2024 – May 2024
• Developed iOS/Android app for students to discover and RSVP to campus events
• Integrated with Google Maps API and campus calendar system
• Achieved 500+ downloads within first month of launch
• Utilized React Native, Firebase, and RESTful APIs
TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Web Development Intern, Digital Solutions Inc. June 2024 – August 2024
• Developed responsive landing pages for 5 client projects using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Collaborated with senior developers using Git for version control
• Participated in daily stand-ups and sprint planning meetings (Agile methodology)
• Improved website load times by 30% through code optimization
IT Support Volunteer, UW Library January 2023 – Present
• Provide technical support to 100+ students weekly with computer and software issues
• Troubleshoot hardware problems and perform basic repairs
• Assist with installation and updates of library software systems
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Programming Languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, HTML/CSS, SQL
Frameworks & Tools: React, Node.js, Express, Git, MongoDB, Firebase, RESTful APIs
Software: VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, Microsoft Office Suite, Figma
CERTIFICATIONS & AWARDS
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – 2024
• freeCodeCamp Responsive Web Design Certificate – 2023
• First Place, UW Hackathon – Spring 2024
• Dean’s List – 2023, 2024
Example 5: No Experience Resume (Campus Job)
Perfect for: Students with absolutely no work experience applying for campus jobs like library assistant, student ambassador, or administrative roles.
OLIVIA MARTINEZ
Chapel Hill, NC | (919) 555-0187 | olivia.martinez@email.com
OBJECTIVE
Organized and dependable first-year student seeking a part-time campus library assistant
position. Strong research skills, attention to detail, and passion for creating organized
learning environments. Available 15-20 hours per week.
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science in Biology Expected Graduation: May 2028
GPA: 3.5/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Research Methods, Academic Writing, Information Literacy, Biology 101
ACADEMIC PROJECTS
Biology Research Project October 2024 – December 2024
• Conducted literature review on antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections
• Organized and analyzed data from 15+ peer-reviewed journal articles
• Created detailed bibliography using APA format
• Presented findings to class of 40 students with visual aids
• Demonstrated strong research, writing, and organizational skills
Class Representative, Biology Department September 2024 – Present
• Act as liaison between 60 students and faculty members
• Communicate important announcements and course updates via email
• Organize study groups and coordinate class projects
• Developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Reading Tutor, America Reads Program January 2024 – May 2024
• Mentored 3 elementary school students in reading comprehension weekly
• Prepared age-appropriate reading materials and activities
• Tracked student progress and reported to program coordinator
• Demonstrated patience, reliability, and effective communication with children
Community Garden Volunteer June 2023 – August 2023
• Participated in weekly community garden maintenance at local park
• Worked collaboratively with 20+ volunteers on planting and harvesting
• Showed commitment to community service and environmental sustainability
SKILLS
• Research and information literacy
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Attention to detail
• Written and verbal communication
• Time management and punctuality
• Organization and filing systems
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Quick learner with strong work ethic
ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
• Pre-Med Society Member
• Spanish Conversation Club
• Intramural Volleyball Team
• Enjoys reading, hiking, and environmental conservation
AWARDS
• UNC Academic Scholarship Recipient – 2024
• National Honor Society Member – High School
• AP Scholar with Distinction
Resume Writing Tips Specifically for Part-Time Jobs
1. Emphasize Your Availability
Part-time employers need to know when you can work. Include this in your objective:
- “Available weekends and evenings”
- “Can work 15-20 hours per week”
- “Flexible schedule with ability to work holidays”
2. Show You’re Reliable
Part-time employers worry about students flaking out. Combat this by:
- Highlighting perfect attendance records
- Mentioning long-term commitments (2+ years in a club)
- Including references who can vouch for your reliability
3. Include Soft Skills
For entry-level and part-time work, soft skills often matter more than technical skills:
- Customer service
- Communication
- Punctuality
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Positive attitude
4. Quantify Everything You Can
Numbers grab attention and prove impact:
- “Served 50+ customers daily”
- “Increased social media engagement by 30%”
- “Managed inventory worth $10,000+”
- “Tutored 10 students weekly”
5. Use Action Verbs
Start each bullet point with a strong action verb:
- Managed, Created, Developed, Organized, Implemented
- Achieved, Coordinated, Assisted, Trained, Improved
- Led, Analyzed, Designed, Collaborated, Resolved
What to Do After Submitting Your Resume
Follow Up
Send a polite follow-up email 5-7 days after applying:
Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Application
Email:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I recently submitted my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]
on 2025. I wanted to follow up to express my continued interest in this opportunity.
As a [your year] student at [your school] with experience in [relevant skill/experience],
I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team. I’m particularly drawn
to this role because [specific reason related to the job or company].
I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm would benefit
[Company Name]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Ready to Land Your First Job?
Creating a strong student resume doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with one of the examples above, customize it with your own experiences, and remember: every professional you admire started exactly where you are now.
Your first resume won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. The good news is that while it is good that you know how to create a resume as a student, you don’t have to do it yourself. Lightforth Resume Builder can help you create a resume that is unique and tailored to your immediate circumstances as a student. Lightforth uses the power of AI to ensure your resume is perfect and presents the very best image of you at any point in your professional journey.
FAQs About Student Resumes
Q: Should I include my GPA if it’s below 3.5? A: Only include your GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher. If it’s lower, simply leave it off your resume.
Q: Can I lie on my resume to make it look better? A: Absolutely not. Employers often verify information, and lying can get you fired even after you’re hired. Instead, frame your real experiences in the best light.
Q: How far back should I go with my work experience? A: As a student, focus on the last 2-3 years. Anything older than that is usually not relevant unless it’s particularly impressive.
Q: Should I include references on my resume? A: No. Save space by not including “References available upon request.” Employers will ask for references if they need them.
Q: What if I have a common name? A: Consider adding your middle initial or creating a personal website to make yourself more searchable and memorable.
Q: Can I use a resume template? A: Yes, but avoid overly designed templates with graphics and multiple colors. Stick to clean, professional templates that ATS systems can read easily.