Resume Format for Students: Free Templates & Guide
As a student or recent graduate, creating your first resume can be challenging. Learn the best resume format for students and download free templates designed specifically for your situation.
Best Resume Format for Students
Students and recent graduates typically have limited work experience, so the functional resume format or a combination format works best. These formats emphasize your education, skills, and relevant coursework rather than work history.
Why Functional Format Works for Students:
- ✓ Highlights education and coursework
- ✓ Emphasizes skills and achievements
- ✓ De-emphasizes limited work experience
- ✓ Shows transferable skills from school projects
What to Include in a Student Resume
1. Contact Information
Name, phone, email, LinkedIn profile (if you have one), and location.
2. Education Section (Most Important)
List your education prominently:
- • Degree name and major
- • University name
- • Graduation date (or expected graduation)
- • GPA (if 3.5 or higher)
- • Relevant coursework
- • Academic honors or awards
3. Skills Section
Include both hard and soft skills:
- • Technical skills (software, programming languages)
- • Language skills
- • Soft skills (communication, teamwork, leadership)
4. Experience Section
Include any relevant experience:
- • Internships
- • Part-time jobs
- • Volunteer work
- • School projects
- • Extracurricular activities
5. Additional Sections
Consider adding:
- • Certifications
- • Projects
- • Awards and honors
- • Publications (if applicable)
Student Resume Tips
Keep it to one page: As a student, you likely don't have enough experience for two pages.
Use action verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., "Developed," "Managed," "Created").
Quantify achievements: Use numbers when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%").
Tailor to the job: Customize your resume for each application using keywords from the job description.
Proofread carefully: Typos and grammar errors can eliminate you from consideration.
Download Free Student Resume Templates
Get started with our free student resume templates designed specifically for students and recent graduates.
Student Template 1
Student Resume Template 1
Perfect for students
Student Template 2
Student Resume Template 2
Perfect for students
Student Template 3
Student Resume Template 3
Perfect for students