simple resume format for graduate school

Majors & Careers
Online Grad School
Preparing For Grad School
Student Life

Grad School Resume 2024: Tips, FAQs, and Templates

When applying to grad school, you’ll probably be asked to submit your resume. As grad school admissions become increasingly competitive, it’s critical that you have a strong resume to help you stand out from other applicants and impress the selection committee.

The perfect grad school resume is short and concise but persuasive enough to convince your dream grad school that you’re the perfect candidate. An academic resume is quite different to an employment resume, so it’s important to know how to write a winning CV for grad school.

Table of Contents

Why Do I Need a Grad School Resume?

When preparing your grad school application, you’re probably consumed with many tasks like chasing down your academic transcripts and preparing for the entrance exam . Your graduate school resume might be the last thing on your mind, but you’ll almost certainly need to prepare one.

Grad school admission requirements vary depending on the school you’re applying to, but you’ll typically need to submit the following for your grad school application:

Completed application form
Academic transcript
Entrance exam
Reference letters
Personal statement

You shouldn’t use whatever resume you have on hand from the last time you applied for a job. A grad school resume is quite different from an employment resume , so you’ll need to create one specifically for this purpose. A well-crafted and comprehensive resume helps the admissions team understand your strengths, qualifications, experience, and interests. Ultimately, this will help them determine whether or not they’ll accept you into the program.

Related: How To Prep Your Resume For Success (When You’ve No Work Experience)

Tips for Writing a Winning Graduate School Resume in 2024

Follow these tips to show any selection committee that you’re the perfect candidate for their program!

Write a Strong but Concise Introduction

Grad school selection committees go over hundreds, if not thousands , of resumes to find candidates who meet their standards and who could be excellent ambassadors for the program. Because of sheer volume, they may spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume.

This makes the introduction critical—this part will grab their attention and persuade them to keep reading. So, take your time to write a brief but strong professional profile. In as few words as possible, mention your qualifications, experience, and relevant skills, why you want to join the program, and why you’re the perfect candidate.

Your letter of intent for admission to graduate school gives you a unique way to separate yourself from the rest of the applicants.

Include your Contact Details

Your contact details should go at the top of your resume, right below your name.

Be sure to include the following details:

Your first name and surname
Your physical address

Your email address

At least one contact phone number
Links to your social media profiles.

You don’t need to include extra information about yourself such as your race, age, or citizenship. In fact, by law, institutions are not allowed to discriminate based on these details; so, it’s best to leave them off your resume entirely.

On the other hand, social media links are important, especially LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile already, consider signing up for one. The selection committee may check your profile to verify your connections, work experience, internships, volunteer work, and educational background.

Pay Attention to Formatting

Good formatting is vital for any resume—a sloppy layout will make you look unprofessional and could damage your chances of getting accepted into a grad program. Keep it short, simple, and precise—make it no more than one page if possible. Don’t include any unnecessary details or information that isn’t relevant to the program.

The exact layout can vary, but your grad school resume should include:

Your name and contact details
Summary/introduction
Education history and educational achievements

Awards and achievements

Significant research projects
Extra-curricular activities
Volunteer work
Skills and hobbies

Some grad schools want you to follow a standard format, so be sure to check with the admissions office if they have any grad school resume examples or templates. You can’t expect a call back from the selection committee if you can’t follow a simple format instruction!

For more on formatting, take a look at the sample CVs for graduate school admission later in this article.

Detail your Education History

Many grad schools require candidates to have a minimum level of education in order to be considered for their program. Even if a school doesn’t have strict grade prerequisites, at a minimum you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree. Your education history is one of the first things the selection committee will check when going over your resume.

Because this information is so important, you should outline your education in a prominent spot near the top of your resume. Mention the schools you’ve attended, your qualifications, GPA, and any other courses or certifications you took before or after your undergraduate studies. It’s also essential to include any teaching experience and major research projects.

Be sure to include these details in the education section:

Name of the school
Location
Graduation date
Degrees
Awards

Include your Professional Experience

An academic resume doesn’t need to be limited to your education experience. It’s usually a good idea to also include work experience outside of academia, along with teaching and research experience .

Detailing your diverse work experience may demonstrate additional skills and experience that is relevant to the program. It can also help to build a complete picture of your journey to grad school that will be more compelling to the selection committee. Furthermore, some programs, such as most MBAs, particularly look for professional work experience.

Related: How To Apply To Grad School

Highlight Your Awards and Achievements

Your achievements set you apart from other candidates so it’s vital to highlight them in your resume. Achievements demonstrate your skills and strengths in a very concrete way, giving the committee a good reason to choose you over other applicants. Achievements could include volunteer awards, leadership positions, prizes won as part of extracurricular activities, academic achievements such as honors, and internships. Be sure to also briefly mention what you learned from your achievements.

Detailing your academic achievements can certainly enhance your resume, but it’s not necessary to include every small award you’ve won over the years. Make this section detailed, but without any fluff. Only include awards that are relevant to the program you are applying for.

Stick with Reverse Chronological Order

The selection committee will be most interested in hearing about your latest experience and achievements. Therefore, it’s important to list everything in reverse chronological order: start with your most recent awards, projects, or positions and work backwards chronologically.

You should follow this approach for all the elements in your academic resume. This includes academic and professional work experience, research projects, publications, awards, and other achievements.

Include Key Skills and Proficiencies

At the end of your resume, you should include a section covering your skills and abilities . Detail both the hard and soft skills picked up from your undergraduate program and professional experience. You can also list your hobbies, but remember to avoid fluff – only include extracurricular activities that are relevant to your application.

This doesn’t mean that all the skills and hobbies you mention must be directly related to the graduate program; however, they should show the school that you are a strong candidate for one reason or another. For example, sporting achievements demonstrate dedication and motivation, even if they aren’t directly related to the program you’re applying for. Anything that adds value to your resume will help make your application stand out.

Wherever possible, back up your statements. Rather than just stating that you possess certain skills, provide examples of academic projects that allowed you to build a specific capability, or awards you won that recognize your proficiency in a certain area.

Don’t be Repetitive

Avoid repeating information. If you have only a few achievements to show and you’ve already mentioned them under the education section, you don’t need to create a separate section for achievements and awards. A lengthy resume filled with fluff isn’t going to help you get into your dream school. It’s always better to keep your resume short, concise, and to the point.

Proof Read to Pick up any Errors

Don’t underestimate the importance of proofreading your academic resume for graduate school. Even one or two spelling mistakes, typos, or messy formatting can be a big turn off the selection committees.

Read over your resume to check for errors. Then proofread it again. Just to be sure, ask a friend, family member, or mentor to take a look. Most importantly, make sure your contact details are accurate and up to date!

How to Write a Resume for Your Graduate School Application

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to writing a resume for grad school applicants.

Step 1: Write a Strong Introduction

Your academic resume should start with a brief but compelling introduction to catch the selection committee’s attention and encourage them to keep reading.

Your introduction should summarize your most relevant skills and academic history, as well as mentioning your main professional objective. A strong graduate school resume objective is authentic, direct, and compelling.

Step 2: List your Academic Experience

In the next section, detail your academic qualifications and experience. Include not only your undergraduate degree and any other studies you’ve completed, but also key coursework, major academic projects and research and teaching experience.

Related: When To Apply For Grad School

Step 3: Detail your Professional Experience

The next part of your academic should cover your professional experience. If you’re a recent graduate with limited experience, list your internships, fellowships, teaching positions, or any other relevant experience you have.

Step 4: Detail your Key Skills

Next, describe your most relevant skills that will impress the admissions committee. It’s essential to include as many relevant keywords as possible, as admissions committees are increasingly using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically filter applications.

Key skills and proficiencies you could add to your resume include:

Academic research
Business knowledge
Social sciences
Written communication skills
Skills in specific disciplines, such as accounting, actuarial science, biology, calculus, cell-based analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, economics, engineering, finance, nursing theory, psychology, social work, and statistics

Step 5: List Important Academic Achievements

Finally, highlight your most impressive academic achievements. Include details such as your GPAs, academic memberships and associations, and any awards you’ve received.

Graduate School Resume Template

Below, we’ve included three graduate school resume examples that showcase different ways to format your resume for graduate school. These graduate school resumes include all the critical information, such as academic projects, relevant skills, and professional experience in a clear, concise way.

Grad School Resume Template 1: General Academic Resume

Your First Name, Last Name

Your phone number

LinkedIn profile, other social media profiles

Introduction : 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, why you want to join the program, and why you make the perfect candidate.

School name

Completion date – Degree name

List of accomplishments

Work Experience

Position title Start date – End date

Organization name, address

Responsibilities and achievements
List of skills and proficiencies
List of awards and achievements

Template 2: Professional-Focused Academic Resume (for MBA and similar programs)

Introduction: 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, and main career goals.

Template 3: Recent Graduate Academic Resume

Academic Projects

Project subject, Institution, City, State

Start date – End date

List of key courses

Volunteer Experience

Grad School Resume FAQs

Is an academic resume the same as a regular resume.

A grad school or academic resume is totally different from a resume that you might use to apply for a job. Most students have limited work experience, particularly in the professional sector. Furthermore, grad school selection committees generally look for applicants with a strong academic background. Therefore, an academic resume can focus on qualifications, achievements, test scores, and extracurricular activities.

What Should a Grad School Resume Include?

Contact information, educational qualifications, internship programs, awards and achievements, and any extracurricular activities are the basic essentials you should include in your masters degree resume or graduate school resume. You should also have a strong introduction or summary near the top of your resume which tells the selection committee what they need to know at a glance. You can add additional information, such as professional experience and other projects if it’s relevant to the program.

How Long Should My Grad School Resume Be?

Generally speaking, your grad school resume should be no more than one page. However, if you have a lot of experience and a detailed history of qualifications, you can make your resume 1.5-2 pages. But, we don’t recommend going over two pages! The most important thing is to keep your professional resume for graduate school both relevant and concise.

What is the Best Graduate School Resume Format?

There are a few different graduate school resume formats, and the best one for you will depend on your chosen field of study, as well as your level of experience. Equally, it’s important to format your resume so that you showcase your strengths and achievements in the best way possible.

If you already have professional experience, it’s usually best to open with your most recent experience, then continue the list in reverse chronological order. If you have little to no work experience, its preferable to follow your opening summary with your most impressive academic achievements and qualifications.

How do you Align your Resume with a Job Description?

When applying for jobs, you should never use a one-size-fits all resume. Instead, it’s critical to adapt your CV to the job description each and every time. If the job description mentions certain skills, ensure that your resume shows that you have these capabilities. Additionally, be sure to clearly demonstrate the experience and qualifications detailed in the job description.

Likewise, prospective graduate students should tailor their academic resume to the specific program they’re applying to. Many grad schools are highly competitive, so it’s essential that every part of your application, including your resume, helps you to stand out and clearly shows why you’re an excellent fit for the program.

How Far Back Should a Resume go for Grad School?

Your graduate school application should be as comprehensive as possible, but you don’t need to go overboard. Therefore, for most graduate programs, it’s best to include your undergraduate qualifications and any other relevant certifications, but you don’t need to mention your high school GPA or SAT scores , for example.

Likewise, you should generally include professional work experience going back around 10 – 15 years, as long as it’s relevant to the program.

Wrapping Up

Getting into grad school can be tough, especially if you’re applying to one of the Ivy Leagues . These schools receive thousands of applications, so you really need to make sure yours stands out. It’s important to take your time and make the effort to present a strong application, from your academic transcript and GPA to your winning grad school resume.

Are you putting together a grad school application? Check out this guide on how to ace your grad school interview .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

BSN vs RN: Key Differences, and Which is the Right Choice for You?

5 things bill gates has to say to this year’s new grads, related posts.

Our data shows just how selective Yale's grad programs have become.

Breaking Records: Yale Sees Most Selective Grad Admissions Season Yet

What's the best computer for computer science grad students?

12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

This article shows why a master's degree is still worth the cost.

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? [2024 Guide]

Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]

What is a Good GRE Score?

A student is researching the difference between a BA vs BA degree.

BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]

5 Things Bill Gates Has To Say To This Year’s New Grads

7 Grad School Resume Examples + Complete Guide

Grad School

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Grad School Resumes
Grad School Resumes A-M
Grad School Resumes N-Z

As a graduate student, you’ve dedicated years to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of the world. And if that weren’t enough, you’re paying the bills and building your expertise along the way.

But even though you can tackle research and jobs with a cool head, writing an effective cover letter and grad school resume can feel like a shot in the dark. How are you supposed to know what to include, and how can you showcase all your skills without going over a page?

We’ve created seven grad school resume samples based on the best resume practices for grad students . These examples have helped scholars build a great resume to get job interviews at prestigious universities, private corporations, and federal laboratories across the country.

Grad School Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

We’d recommend using a resume outline to structure your thoughts initially—just jot down everything you can think of. Then go through and narrow it down so it contains only the essentials.
Then you can format your resume so it’s easy to read and pleasing to look at. Don’t forget to keep your section headers distinct with a different font and color.
You can include metrics about any rates you improved (like efficiency or time saved), the amount of grant money you helped earn, your GPA, how many publications you produced, or the number of people you worked with or assisted.

Graduate School Resume

If the institution caters to a specific subject like history then mention how you’ve used your skills to truly pursue excellence in this field via projects, internships, etc. Decided to study when everyone else was partying? Don’t be shy! Showcase your academic brilliance by adding a high GPA of at least 3.75.

Grad School Application Resume

Whether it be scoring an internship at a big company like NVIDIA or even using your skills to create various solutions, ensure you highlight the best parts! Let the university recruiters know your desire and ambition to contribute to society by pursuing higher studies there!

Biology Grad School Resume

An objective is best if you’re changing careers or have only a few years of experience in your field. If you have over 10 years of experience, use a resume summary instead.
Make sure your objective is personalized for every job application by including the specific job title, company, and relevant skills each time you submit your resume.
For example, what areas of research are you familiar with? How did you assist with experiments, and what were the results of your research? Did you improve lab processes in any way, and if so, how?

Nursing Grad School Resume

Quantifiable metrics can include patient satisfaction, the number of successful procedures you performed, how accurately you filled out paperwork, and number of patients you cared for per shift.
Before you submit your application, always check your resume so it’s completely free of errors, like present tense verbs, missed commas, and typos. You’d be surprised by what you can miss on the first few revisions!

Psychology Grad School Resume

Hiring managers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the initial stages of applicant cuts. The ATS catches keywords in your resume and matches them to skills preselected by recruiters. If you don’t include enough skills in your resume, you’ll be eliminated. So, read the job description to add similar skills in a dedicated skills section.
We recommend adding six to eight skills in your skills section to demonstrate your technical capabilities.
Getting a job in psychology isn’t easy, so if you’ve got any special licenses or certifications, add an optional “certifications” section to your resume to show off your credentials.

SLP Grad School Resume

While you can certainly list those skills in your skills section, it’s best to include them both in your skills section and in your work experience bullets.
Explain how you used those skills to make a positive impact on your patients and in your workplace. Always think of the “how” questions and try to answer them in your resume for the strongest effect.
Including your interests can make you more personable to the hiring manager, which is vital when the hiring team considers who they’ll interview!

Related resume guides

College Graduate
College Student
Entry-Level

Land your next job with our AI-powered, user-friendly tool.

Gut the guesswork in your job hunt. Upload your existing resume to check your score and make improvements. Build a resume with one of our eye-catching, recruiter-friendly templates.

• Work in real-time with immediate feedback and tips from our AI-powered experience. • Leverage thousands of pre-written, job-specific bullet points. • Edit your resume in-line like a Google Doc or let us walk you through each section at a time. • Enjoy peace of mind with our money-back guarantee and 5-star customer support.

Resume Checker Resume Builder

• Managed and analyzed large datasets resulting in actionable insights for clients
• Designed, implemented and interpreted results of A/B testing leading to 10% increase in customer engagement
• Developed predictive models with improved accuracy by 20%
• Oversaw data migration of 2 million customer records with 99.9% accuracy
• Developed and implemented 5 machine learning models for forecasting
• Streamlined data processing procedures reducing processing time by 30%
• Led the experimental design for 3 major projects leading to significant insights
• Developed and deployed a customer segmentation model used across the entire business
• Reduced data redundancy by 40% through ETL processes

5 Grad School Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your grad school resume must be a clear showcase of your academic journey. Highlight your highest achievements and relevant coursework. Focus on research experience and any publications to exhibit your expertise. Include presentations or conferences where you've shared your knowledge.

All resume examples in this guide

simple resume format for graduate school

Resume Guide

Crafting an impeccable grad school resume format in four steps, the experience section of your grad school resume: your professional journey, how to create an impactful grad school resume skills section, highlighting your educational and certification milestones on your grad school resume, summary or objective: making your grad school resume shine, extra sections to include in your grad school resume, key takeaways.

Graduate students often struggle with showcasing their extensive academic skills and research experiences in a concise, impactful manner on a resume. Our guide can help by providing strategies for effectively highlighting relevant coursework, teaching experience, publications, and research projects, ensuring that grad school accomplishments are represented powerfully and succinctly.

Enhance your application for the grad school role with our concise guide on how to:

Format your grad school resume, ensuring a balance between professionalism and creativity, in line with best practices.
Align your resume with the grad school job requirements by incorporating relevant industry keywords.
Utilize distinct resume sections to highlight your skills and achievements, making a case for why you're the top pick for the grad school role.
Draw from leading grad school resume examples to effectively tailor your experience.

Upload your resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

functional skill-based resume format - that puts the main focus on your skills and accomplishments;
hybrid resume format - to get the best of both worlds with your grad school experience and skills.

Recruiters' top picks for grad school resume sections:

A header with essential contact details and a headline showcasing your current role.
A summary or objective that aligns your standout expertise with the role's demands.
An experience section that delves into your key responsibilities and achievements.
A skills section that intertwines job requirements with your unique capabilities.
Education and certifications sections that bolster your professional credentials.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

Relevant Academic Accomplishments: This includes any coursework, research projects, or thesis work that align with the course you're applying for.
Prior Experiences: Internships, co-op positions, part-time jobs, or any other relevant professional experiences.
Potential for Contribution to the Program: Examples could be leadership roles in student organizations, volunteering experiences, or other activities where you've demonstrated initiative and impact.
Awards and Honors: Any merit-based scholarships, academic awards, or recognition from previous studies or work environments.
Skills and Abilities: Technical and soft skills relevant to your field of study. These could include programming languages, data analysis capabilities, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Types of Resumes
The 23 Most Creative Resume Designs We've Seen

The experience section is your platform to narrate your professional story. Recruiters scrutinize this section to gauge your unique value proposition.

Here are five steps to craft a compelling experience section:

Highlight relevant roles, including the company, role description, and tenure, supported by up to six bullet points per role.
Emphasize tangible outcomes of your contributions, using quantifiable metrics where possible.
Integrate positive feedback or endorsements to bolster your claims.
Ensure verb tense consistency when detailing responsibilities.
Summarize significant achievements relevant to each role.

Explore how seasoned grad school professionals have crafted their experience sections to secure roles at industry-leading firms.

Led a team of 5 researchers in designing and conducting experiments, resulting in the development of a groundbreaking algorithm for image recognition.
Collaborated with industry experts to publish 3 research papers on machine learning in reputable journals.
Implemented data analysis techniques and created visualizations to extract meaningful insights from large datasets, contributing to a 20% increase in accuracy of predictive models.
Designed and delivered presentations on complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, receiving positive feedback for clarity and effectiveness.
Developed and maintained software tools to automate data collection, reducing manual effort by 30%.
Managed a team of 10 engineers, overseeing the successful completion of multiple large-scale infrastructure projects within budget and ahead of schedule.
Implemented Lean Six Sigma methodologies, resulting in a 15% reduction in project delivery time and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Led the development and implementation of safety protocols, resulting in zero lost-time incidents over a period of three years.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and streamline operations, achieving a cost savings of $500,000 annually.
Negotiated contracts and managed vendor relationships, resulting in a 10% decrease in procurement costs.
Designed and executed marketing campaigns across multiple channels, resulting in a 30% increase in lead generation and a 20% boost in conversion rates.
Conducted market research and competitive analysis to identify new business opportunities, leading to the launch of two successful product lines.
Managed social media accounts and implemented targeted advertising strategies, growing the company's online presence by 50% within one year.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and launch a customer loyalty program, increasing customer retention by 25%.
Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations for product enhancements.
Developed and maintained web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, resulting in an intuitive user interface and improved user experience.
Collaborated with UX designers to implement responsive designs and optimize website performance, resulting in a 40% decrease in page load time.
Performed testing and debugging to ensure high-quality code and resolved issues, resulting in a 20% reduction in software bugs.
Integrated third-party APIs and implemented new features, resulting in increased functionality and improved client satisfaction.
Participated in code reviews and provided constructive feedback to team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Managed end-to-end recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to conducting interviews and negotiating job offers, resulting in a 30% reduction in time-to-hire.
Developed and implemented employee training programs, resulting in a 20% increase in employee productivity and job satisfaction.
Streamlined HR processes and implemented an automated HRIS system, reducing administrative overhead by 25%.
Conducted salary benchmarking and market research to ensure competitive compensation packages, resulting in improved talent retention.
Implemented performance management systems and facilitated performance reviews, resulting in more objective feedback and employee development.
Led a team of data analysts in identifying key business trends and providing actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making.
Developed predictive models using machine learning algorithms to optimize inventory levels and reduce stockouts, resulting in a 15% reduction in holding costs.
Created dashboards and reports using BI tools, enabling stakeholders to monitor KPIs and make data-driven decisions in real-time.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define data requirements and ensure data integrity, resulting in improved accuracy of business analytics.
Implemented data governance framework and established data quality standards, resulting in a 20% improvement in data reliability.
Performed financial statement analysis and risk assessments to evaluate investment opportunities, resulting in informed investment recommendations.
Conducted comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends and potential investment risks, informing portfolio diversification strategies.
Managed client relationships, providing personalized investment advice and achieving a 95% client retention rate.
Assisted in the development of investment strategies and asset allocation models, resulting in a 10% increase in portfolio returns.
Monitored and evaluated portfolio performance, implementing proactive adjustments to optimize returns and mitigate risks.
Led cross-functional teams in the successful implementation of ERP systems for multiple clients, resulting in streamlined business processes and improved operational efficiency.
Developed and executed test plans, ensuring smooth system integration and minimizing disruption to client operations.
Provided end-user training and support, facilitating the adoption of new technologies and maximizing user satisfaction.
Collaborated with clients to define project requirements and scope, managing expectations and delivering projects within budget and timeline constraints.
Led post-implementation reviews and identified areas for system optimization and process improvement, resulting in increased client satisfaction.
Managed a portfolio of key accounts, cultivating strong relationships and driving revenue growth of 25%.
Provided strategic guidance to clients on marketing campaigns and promotional activities, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer engagement.
Collaborated with product development teams to identify market trends and develop new product offerings, resulting in a 30% expansion of product portfolio.
Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, resulting in a 15% increase in average order value.
Coordinated trade shows and industry events to showcase products and generate leads, resulting in a 40% increase in qualified leads.
Conducted market research and competitor analysis to identify new business opportunities and inform strategic marketing initiatives.
Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns across various channels, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 20% boost in online conversions.
Implemented SEO strategies to improve organic search rankings, resulting in a 25% increase in visibility and lead generation.
Managed social media accounts and engaged with followers to enhance brand reputation and foster customer loyalty.
Analyzed campaign performance using analytics tools and made data-driven recommendations for optimization, resulting in a 15% improvement in ROI.

Quantifying impact on your resume

Include your GPA, particularly if it is strong, to demonstrate your academic prowess and intellectual capacity.
List the number of projects you have completed during your grad school years, showing your practical experience and ability to manage tasks.
Provide the number of students you mentored or tutored if applicable, as this showcases your leadership and teaching skills.
Mention any scholarships or grants you received with their amounts, indicating your achievement and recognition in the field.
Highlight any quantifiable improvements made in previous roles, such as percentage increase in efficiency, to show your impact.
Outline the size of teams you worked in or led, illustrating your teamwork or leadership abilities.
Add the number of papers or articles you have published, acting as a testament to your research and writing skills.
Feature the number of presentations or public speaking engagements you've had, demonstrating your communication abilities.

Crafting the experience section for novice grad school candidates

Lack of extensive experience doesn't equate to an empty resume. Here's how you can enrich your experience section:

Volunteer Roles: Community involvement often equips you with valuable interpersonal skills, and sometimes even technical ones, relevant to the job.
Academic Projects: Highlight significant university projects that contributed to the field, showcasing your hands-on experience.
Internships: Even short-term internships can be invaluable. If they're pertinent to the role, they deserve a spot on your resume.
Past Jobs: Even if unrelated to the grad school, these roles can demonstrate transferable skills that are beneficial for the position.
Resume Action Verbs
How Far Back Should Your Resume Go

Highlight what sets your experience apart. Incorporate metrics, feedback, and the tangible value you've added to organizations. This specificity ensures your resume remains pertinent and memorable.

Recruiters always care about the skill set you'd bring about to the grad school role. That's why it's a good idea to cherry pick yours wisely, integrating both hard (or technical) and soft skills.

Hard skills are gained through studying, are certifiable, and it's impossible to do your job without them. All in all, they show your suitability for the technical aspect of the role.

Your soft skills are those personality traits you've gained over time and most often than not - outside of the workplace. Soft skills are more difficult to quantify but are definitely worth it - as they show how you'll fit and adapt into a new team environment.

How do you build the skills section of your resume?

Include up to five or six skills in the section as keywords to align with the advert.
Create a specific technical skills section to highlight your hard skills aptitude.
Read more about the culture of the company you're applying and cherry pick the soft skills you have that deserve a mention.
Make sure you answer the majority of the job requirements that are in the advert within your skills section.

A grad school's resume requires a specific skill set that balances both industry-specific hard skills with personal, soft skills. Discover the most often used ones on grad school resumes from our list:

Top skills for your grad school resume

Research Skills

Critical Thinking

Data Analysis

Technical Writing

Subject Matter Expertise

Statistical Software Proficiency

Lab Techniques (if applicable)

Presentation Skills

Project Management

Foreign Language (depending on field of study)

Time Management

Self-motivation

Collaboration and Teamwork

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Stress Management

The placement of your skills section should align with its importance. If it's a showcase of your most significant strengths, position it prominently near the top of your resume.

While skills alignment is increasingly prioritized, your educational background and certifications still play a pivotal role in establishing credibility.

To effectively present your academic and certification achievements:

Detail your educational journey, including the institution and duration.
Highlight recent and relevant certifications, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning.
Be concise; focus on the skills and knowledge gained rather than exhaustive details.
If a certification is in progress, mention the expected completion date.

Remember, authenticity is key. If a certification is pending, be transparent about it.

Best certifications to list on your resume

I'm sorry, but I can't provide the information you're asking for without knowing the specific job title or field. Certain certificates are more relevant for specific fields and roles. For instance, the certifications for a role in Data Science would differ from those for Clinical Psychology. Please provide me with a specific job title or field and I'd be happy to help!

Remember, certifications can be woven into various resume sections, like experience or summary. Detail how a particular certification enhanced your performance or opened new opportunities.

Incomplete Degree on Resume
How to List MBA on Resume

Start your resume with a strong summary or objective to grab the recruiter's attention.

Use a resume objective if you're newer to the field. Share your career dreams and strengths.
Opt for a resume summary if you have more experience. Highlight up to five of your top achievements.

Tailor your summary or objective for each job. Think about what the recruiter wants to see.

Resume summary and objective examples for a grad school resume

Seasoned data scientist boasting a decade of experience in leveraging machine learning to solve complex problems; proficient in Python, R, SQL, and TensorFlow. Received 'Data Scientist of the Year' award for developing predictive models that enhanced operational efficiency by 20% at XYZ Corp.

Marketing professional transitioning into data science, equipped with a strong background in statistical analysis and recently completed a Data Science bootcamp. Acquired proficiency in Python, R, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization techniques. Recognized for surpassing sales targets by 35% consistently over the past five years.

Eager to leverage my passion and theoretical knowledge in Machine Learning and AI, gained through a rigorous academic program at ABC University. Aspiring to apply these in a practical setting, while also refining my skills in Python and big data tools.

An HR executive with seven years of experience, keen on transitioning into IT Project Management. Recently completed a PMP certification and possesses a strong understanding of Agile methodologies. My accomplishment includes implementation of an employee onboarding process that reduced turnover by 15%.

A Physiology graduate passionate about combining healthcare and technology, seeking an opportunity to break into the Health Informatics field. Completed a post-graduation certificate in Health Informatics and proficient in Python, SQL, and EHR systems.

Motivated Finance major, thrilled to delve deep into the realm of Data Analysis. Fresh out of university, looking to utilize my robust understanding of statistical methods, honed through extensive coursework, coupled with my familiarity with Excel and Python.

What should you do if you happen to have some space left on your resume, and want to highlight other aspects of your profile that you deem are relevant to the role?

Add to your grad school resume some of these personal and professional sections:

Passions/Interests - to detail how you spend both your personal and professional time, invested in various hobbies;
Awards - to present those niche accolades that make your experience unique;
Publications - an excellent choice for professionals, who have just graduated from university or are used to a more academic setting;
< a href="https://enhancv.com/blog/volunteering-on-resume/"> Volunteering - your footprint within your local (or national/ international) community.
Keep your grad school resume clear and organized with key sections.
Only include relevant details. Space is limited.
Support your achievements with both hard and soft skills.
Detail your experience, focusing on your industry expertise.
Highlight the most relevant certifications to show your dedication to the field.

Looking to build your own Grad School resume?

Resume Examples

How to List GED on Your Resume

Which resume font to use for making an outstanding resume, how to list projects on a resume: a concise approach, navigating internal job applications: tips for communicating with your current boss, how to write a military to civilian resume, star interview questions.

Create Resume
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences
Resume Templates
AI Resume Builder
Resume Summary Generator
Resume Formats
Resume Checker
Resume Skills
How to Write a Resume
Modern Resume Templates
Simple Resume Templates
Cover Letter Builder
Cover Letter Examples
Cover Letter Templates
Cover Letter Formats
How to Write a Cover Letter
Resume Guides
Cover Letter Guides
Job Interview Guides
Job Interview Questions
Career Resources
Meet our customers
Career resources
English (UK)
French (FR)
German (DE)
Spanish (ES)
Swedish (SE)

Made with love by people who care.

Knowledge Base
Free Resume Templates
Resume Builder
Resume Examples
Free Resume Review

How to write a resume for grad school?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete Grad school resume sample ]

The first hurdle you encounter when you start applying for a grad school is that they all require you to submit a resume for grad school application.

But hold on!

You don't have any idea how to make a resume for grad school!

You don't know what the differences are between a graduate school resume and a professional resume.

These questions can make it really difficult for you to write a resume for grad school.

But don't worry! Writing a graduate school resume is not that difficult.

In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about writing a resume for grad school.

Here's a summary of the blog:

Why do you need a resume for grad school
How graduate school resume is different from other resumes
What admission committee look for in a grad school resume
What are the characteristics of a resume for grad school application

Things to include in your graduate school resume

Why do you need a resume for grad school.

[ Back to Table of Content ]

"I'm not applying for a job! Why do I have to create a resume for grad school application?"

This question might come to your mind when you are filling up your grad school application. Ideally, resumes are not only for jobs. Its primary function is to give a brief introduction to your professional or academic background.

Your resume objective for grad school is the same. It helps the school committee understand your academic qualifications.

Grad schools get a lot of student applications each year. They try to sort those applications and select the candidates who are most suitable for the curriculum.

And, graduate school resumes are the best way for candidates to showcase their interests and stand out among other applicants.

In the next part, we will walk you through the things you need to include in your resume for grad school application to get in front of the competition.

Sample grad school resume

To help you understand how a grad school resume looks, we have included a grad school resume sample for you.

Conducted primary research to interview 30 + branch managers of various banks & created a report based on the results
Identified the prevalent lack of knowledge on the topic of mutual funds in the hills of Alabama
Recommended that Apple Records Sales Representatives conduct presentations in branches to spread knowledge
Gained proficiency in the domain of Foreign Exchange in concepts such as currency risk , forwards , and options
Liaised with accounts payable , treasury and payroll teams, and worked on OCS data migration
Conducted verification of disbursements , overtime claims , insurance details, vouchers and cheques
Successfully completed multiple internal audits at the firm
Rendered assistance in administering the authentication of multiple payments including Foreign Exchange Payments
Carried out all allocated tasks within the stipulated timeline & with zero errors
Successfully ensured ZERO error rates by 100% control adherence and focus on accuracy
Built and maintained cordial relationships with interns from Operations as well as the Front Office
Conducted regression tests on the data to test the validity of the CAPM model
Carried out Literature Review of CAPM and discussed the extensions of the model in the project
Concluded the following after completing the entire research:
The model succeeded in explaining the linear relationship between risk and return but failed in explaining risk completely
Due to certain sources of error , complete accuracy of the study’s results could not be established
Computed the Cost of Capital and Net Present Value (NPV) of Valkyrecords
Calculated the NPV of Valkyrecords as positive to conclude that:
Long term projects were expected to produce more income than what could be gained by earning discount rate
The company should go ahead with the project
Participated as a team member in Blizzart Half Marathon Feb ' 17
Participated as a team member in Inter-college Volleyball Match '16
Languages : English and Spanish

Feel free to use the sample to understand the structure of your grad school resume.

If you want to create your grad school resume, go to Online Resume Builder and create one for yourself, or you pick one from our pre-built resume templates.

How does a graduate school resume differ from professional resumes?

Graduate school resumes are similar to professional resumes, but there are many fundamental differences between them. You can not use the same elements of a professional resume in a grad school resume.

Here are a couple of ways a resume for grad school differ from a professional resume:

No strict length restriction

Professional resumes generally stretch between one to two pages. But a grad school resume can extend beyond two pages. This gives the student more space to include their academic achievements and other experiences.

That doesn't mean you can write a novel in your resume. It's still preferable to wrap up your resume within two pages. But it's nice to have the option to add more pages if needed.

Detailed education details

When you're applying for a grad school, you don't have much work experience to show for. So it makes sense to focus on your educational details more.

For example, your graduate school resume should include your GPA, projects, any thesis you've written, any paper you've published, any classes you've taken relevant to your grad school application, etc.

Some grad schools specifically tell what information they need in the graduate school resume to make things easier. Even if they don't, it's a good practice to include detailed academic achievements in your resume.

Importance of internship and volunteer experience

Professional resumes give importance to the past work experience of the candidate. But since grad school applicants don't have full-time work experience, grad schools prioritize candidates' internship and volunteer experience in the graduate school resume.

So, don't shy away from adding all your volunteer and internship experience into your resume.

What admission committee looks for in a grad school resume?

Grad school admission committee gets thousands of applications every year. And they want to make sure they are selecting the right candidate who will be an excellent fit for the grad school program or curriculum.

So, make sure that your resume stands out from thousands of other graduate school resumes.

Here are some characteristics of a standout graduate school resume:

Tailor your resume to the specific program

Add the academic achievements and skills that are important for the program you're applying for. That will give you a higher chance of getting selected for grad school.

Mention your academic details

A rule of thumb for your resume for grad school is to include a detailed academic overview in it. Include your GPA, any academic award you've achieved, or even coursework you've done.

This shows you've been serious with your studies and likely to work hard for your grad school studies as well.

Include internships and volunteer works

If you have a decent internship and volunteer work experience in your resume, it shows the admission committee that you are determined and a hard-working person.

So, don't be afraid to put even the smallest of your internship and volunteer work experience on your grad school resume.

Include your grants or award

If you have received any awards in your undergraduate school or written any grant proposals, include these in your grad school resume.

It looks impressive on your resume and increases your chances of getting selected for grad school.

Make the resume easy to follow

If you search online, you'll see thousands of designed graduate school resume templates available. But often, these designed resume formats are confusing and difficult to read.

Grad school admission committees have to go through hundreds of resumes every day. And they prefer simple formatted resumes that they can understand easily.

So, make sure your resume is well-structured and easy to read.

Format your resume professionally

Do not go for a creative template for your grad school resume. Instead, use a professional resume style. Here are some points for resume format:

Use sans serif fonts
Make font size between 10-12 points
Leave minimum 1-inch margins on all sides
Use bolded headlines, bullet points to highlight important information

Read this resume format guide to learn more.

Use powerful verbs

Strong verbs get the reader's attention. So, use strong verbs to demonstrate your academic and work experience.

For example, use "Assisted in inventory management for university library" instead of using "worked as an inventory manager in the university library."

Here is a list of power verbs you can use in your resume.

Make sure your resume flows logically

A well-organized resume is easier to read. The grad school admissions committee wants to see that you are organized and know how to present information logically.

Use the reverse chronological resume format to write your information on the resume for grad school. For example, when you give your education information, put the most recent on top, and go in descending order from top to bottom.

There are no definite guides online to show students what to include in a resume for grad school application.

To be honest, there is no single best way to write your graduate school resume. But, there are simple structures that need to be followed. Here is a list of things that you should include in your resume for grad school:

Personal information- name address, phone number

Resume objective

Research Experience
Teaching Experience

Internships

Volunteer Work experience
Honors & Awards
Professional Affiliations
Academic Publications
Memberships
Skills & Abilities
Community Involvement

Extracurricular activities

Educational Travel

Note : Do not try to use all these sections on your graduate school resume. Use the ones that are relevant to the program you are applying for. The most important thing is to keep everything clear and concise.

Personal information

Personal information is a standard for resumes. It goes on top of your grad school resume. However, make sure you add just the right amount of information, not too overly personal information on this section, i.e., date of birth, gender, etc.

Here's what you must include in your grad school resume personal information:

Email address
Mailing address
Contact number
Linkedin profile link

Here are some tips for nailing your personal information on resume for grad school:

Make sure to use a decent email address with your name on it, i.e. [email protected] , not [email protected]
Give your personal mobile number than the home telephone number
Make sure to optimize your Linkedin profile and keep everything up-to-date

Use Hiration's LinkedIn Profile Review to prepare your Linkedin profile for graduate school application.

A suitable resume object will help to grab the committee's attention and convince them that you are the right candidate for their program.

The resume objective for grad school should not be more than two or three sentences and focuses majorly on your academic achievement and future goal rather than any specific skills.

Things to include in resume objective:

Undergraduate degree
Internship/volunteer experience
Admission goal

*Undergraduate computer science student (3.95 GPA) with six months software engineer internship experience with AT&T Labs. Seeking admission into Cornell University for a master's in computer science program. *

This is the most important section for your resume for grad school application. It gives the admission committee a clear picture of your academic career and performance.

So put a reasonable effort in writing the education section on your grad school resume, and write it in reverse chronological order.

Here's what you should include in your education qualification:

Degrees you've achieved
School/college name with state
Graduation date (year)
GPA you scored
Awards and honors you've achieved

Note : High school degrees are irrelevant for a grad school resume. You can choose not to include it on your resume.

Here's an example of the education section on grad school resume:

Education Major in Mathematics (B.S) UCLA, Los Angeles, California Graduation:2019 GPA: 3.8/4.00 Honors: Magna cum laude

Research and teaching experience

Once you're done with the education section, the next section should address your work experiences. This section can be broken down into research experience, teaching experience, internships, and volunteer work.

Make sure the information you are adding is relevant to the program you are applying for.

Example of research experience :

Research Assistant May 2018- April 2019 Assisted Dr. G. Regts in his research paper "Weighted counting of solutions to sparse systems of equations."

Example of teaching experience :

Laboratory Teacher Assistant UCLA, Los Angeles, California March 2018- May 2019 Assisted and instructed 40 undergrads in organic chemistry laboratory Prepare chemical solutions for experiments before each class Maintained chemistry laboratory equipment

Don't have many academic achievements or experiences?

Don't worry! You might have internships or volunteer work experience under your belt worth sharing. It shows that you are hard-working and have the dedication to complete the master's program.

Here's what your internship section should look like:

Internships example :

Software Engineer Intern AT&T Labs, Manhattan, New York March 2017- September 2017 Developed software for clients Assisted in testing new software for clients Collaborated with beta testers and improved existing software

Your volunteer experience addresses your commitment towards society and also addresses your skills.

Here's what your volunteer experience section should look like:

Volunteer experience Example :

Volunteer Teacher XYZ Volunteer Teacher Program, California June 2018- May 2019 Manages a class of 40 students taught English, Mathematics, and Science

Honors, awards, or grants

Having a study grant, scholarship, or teaching assistantship is an incredible achievement in your academic career. And it looks impressive on a resume for grad school application.

You can arrange this section by importance. That means the most important achievement goes first, followed by the rest of the achievements.

Make sure you don't repeat the same honors and awards mentioned in the education section. Also, make sure to add the award name, providing organization, and date of receiving on the graduate school resume.

Grants Alan Moore Memorial Scholarship, University of Prince Edward Island, 2018 Honors & awards Dean’s list for 2018 & 2019, UCLA, California

Affiliations & memberships

If you are a part of any affiliated professional body or a member of any professional group, you can add it to your resume for graduate school. Make sure to include:

Name of the organization
City and state
Affiliation/membership timeline

Note : Only include the membership you are currently part of—no need to include past memberships or affiliations.

Academic publications

Have you published any article, paper, or book anywhere? If you have, add those to your resume.

Note : Ask your prospective graduate school for the correct citation format to follow. Also, bold your name to put emphasis on it.

Here is an example of the Publication section on your grad school resume:

Publications 2019, John S , Trever C., "Optofluidics: Basics, Devices, and Applications" University of California Press. March 2019.

If it's possible, include a couple of references on your resume for graduate school. If you've already included your references on the grad school application, no need to add them to the resume. Here are things to include in the reference section:

Reference name
Their professional designation
Their contact information

Example of reference section on grad school resume:

References Alan Finch Professor, Department of Physics University of California [email protected] (416)234-2343

Skills & abilities

Through your undergraduate degree, internships, volunteer works, you have developed a lot of useful skills. Use the skills and abilities section on your resume to highlight those skills that are relevant to your graduate school application.

However, the importance of certain skills depends on the program you are applying for.

For example, if you apply for a master's in mathematics, your coding skills will not be relevant to the program. Keep that in mind, when adding your skills to the resume.

Add the most relevant skills at first and least relevant skills at last.

Skills & abilities Mathematica Matico lab Ansys Coding language: Java Language: Spanish

Fluency in another language is an impressive addition to a grad school resume. Usually, it's included in the skill section, but if that language is essential for the program you are applying for, highlight it in a separate section.

Leadership experience

If you have worked in any leadership position, add it to your resume. It projects your leadership skills.

Content Lead MBA Insider's blog, UCLA, California May 2017- April 2018 Managed a team of 10 student writers Increased organic traffic by 20% YoY

Grad school does not look for only academic excellence. They want a candidate with broad exposure to different areas. In this extracurricular activities section, you can include various types of activities you have done.

For example, if you are a music player and have been a part of your university music club, you can add it to this section.

Lead Guitarist Music Club of UCLA June 2017- April 2019 Composed songs for UCLA band "Voice of the Moon." Taught guitar to 20+ students

Educational travel

Have you been to another country for educational or research purposes? If so, add that to your resume for grad school application. It shows that you are interested in personal development and have exposure in different cultures.

Things to include:

Name of the country
Date of trip
Purpose of trip

South Africa, June-October,2019 Conducted research for the "Sustainability of Livestock Farming in South Africa" paper.

Key Takeaways

Hopefully, you have got all the answers you needed for your graduate school resume. To sum it up, here are the key takeaways:

Unlike a professional resume, resume for grad school focus on academic experience more
Your graduate school resume must be tailored to the graduate program you are applying for
Use reverse chronological order to format your graduate school resume
Use a simple format to create resume for grad school
Do not include overly personal details on your graduate school resume
Include your research, teaching experience, internship, and volunteer experience to showcase your skills
Give emphasis on awards, grants, extracurricular activities, publications, etc.

With that, we have come to the end of this blog. If you want to create your graduate school resume, head over to Hiration Online Resume Builder , and get your resume in minutes.

Online Resume Builder

Hiration's Online Resume Builder comes with all of these resources:

Option to save unlimited resumes
Full rich-text editor
25+ resume designs
Auto bold feature
LIVE resume score
JD-resume matcher
100+ pre-filled resume templates
Unlimited PDF downloads
A sharable link
1-click design change
Intuitive next text suggestion
LIVE resume editor

Try our Online Resume Builder and get the perfect resume for grad school application.

Hiration LinkedIn Profile Review

You can get your Linkedin profile reviewed and optimized easily with Hiration.

Instant Review of LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn profile score
Section-wise review & score
Pro-tips from LinkedIn experts
Export your profile in One-Click
Choose from over 100+ designs

Make sure to review your Linkedin profile with Hiration's LinkedIn Profile Review before adding it on the grad school resume.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

Testimonials

Free Resources

PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, 4 stellar resume and cv templates for graduate school.

On the hunt for a graduate school resume or CV template? Then look no further! Chances are your graduate school application requires a resume or CV. But good-quality resume and CV templates can be hard to find online. To lend you a hand, we’ve created a handful of unique resume and CV templates you can use for graduate school . And they’re entirely free!

In this article, we’ll start by exploring the differences between graduate school resumes and CVs as well as what the graduate school resume format (and CV format) entails. Then, we’ll give you our four original resume and CV templates . Finally, we’ll leave you with a few ideas on how you can customize your graduate school resume template or CV template for graduate school.

Feature Image: the Italian voice /Flickr, resized from original

Article Navigation

Resume vs cv: how do they differ, graduate school resume sections, graduate school cv sections, free resume and cv templates for graduate school, how to customize our resume and cv templates: 4 tips, recap: resume and cv templates for graduate school.

Is the graduate school resume format all that different from the graduate school CV format? Aren’t the two documents basically the same thing? In short, yes and no.

Similarities-wise, resumes and CVs both summarize academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and skills . Essentially, the two documents serve the same purpose of securing you a position, whether that be the position of employee or the position of grad student.

That said, there are a few key areas in which the two documents differ significantly:

Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what to study? Confused by how to improve your score? We give you minute by minute guide.

You don't NEED a prep program to get a great GRE score. But we believe PrepScholar is the best GRE prep program available right now , especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't know what to study .

Click here to learn how you can improve your GRE score by 7 points, guaranteed .

Length: Resumes are succinct and focused, whereas CVs are long and elaborate. Typically, a resume is no more than one or two pages long, but a CV can be however long you need it to be. (Most people use two or more pages.)
Content: Resumes have a larger emphasis on employment and work-related skills. CVs, on the other hand, focus more on your academic history, experiences, and accomplishments, especially those most relevant to your field of study.
Usage: Resumes are more commonly used to obtain employment in the public and private sectors (in the U.S.), whereas CVs are more commonly used to obtain employment in the fields of academia or scientific research.

In regard to your graduate school application, are you better off writing a resume or a CV? The answer depends on what you and your program want. Some programs allow applicants to select whichever document they prefer, while other programs are stricter and strongly prefer one document over the other.

In the end, always opt for the document your program either prefers or requires — don’t hand in a well-crafted CV if your program wants resumes!

What Should You Include on Your Resume/CV?

To start, graduate school resumes and CVs should always contain the following features:

A logical structure. Reverse chronological order (from most recent to earliest) is an ideal arrangement because it highlights what you’re currently doing as well as your most recent experiences and accomplishments.

But what about the sections? What kinds of headings should you include on your resume/CV? In truth, resumes and CVs overlap significantly in regard to headings and sections . So don’t be surprised if you find a lot of the same information listed for both resumes and CVs!

Your resume should be a concise document focusing primarily on your education and employment history .

Generally, resumes shouldn’t exceed one or two pages; however, some graduate schools aren’t as picky about length. In the end, just make sure your resume abides by your program’s rules and doesn’t exceed any page limits.

Below is a brief overview of the kinds of sections you may include on your resume. For more details on how to structure a graduate school resume, check out our guide on how to write a graduate school resume .

This section goes at the very top of your resume and includes your full name, home address, phone number, and email address. Always emphasize your name in some manner (usually, by increasing its font size and/or bolding it) so admissions committees can quickly note whose resume they’re evaluating.

Additionally, you’ll save space by avoiding superfluous words such as “phone” and “email.” Trust me, it’ll be obvious which ones are which!

Your education section should always come directly after your header. Because you’re applying to graduate school, you’ll want to emphasize your academic history a little more than you normally would on a resume.

For this section, include as many of the following details as possible:

All universities you attended
The location (city and state) of each university
Your degree, including major and minor
Your (expected) graduation date (month and year)
The title of your thesis (if applicable)
The name(s) of your thesis advisor(s)
Coursework relevant to your field of study
Non-degree coursework or study abroad programs
Your cumulative GPA*
Academic honors, distinctions, and awards (or you may include these in a separate awards section)

*There’s no need to include your cumulative GPA if it’s not that impressive. In this case, either omit the GPA altogether or replace your cumulative GPA with a more impressive variation of your GPA, such as your major GPA. Be sure to note what kind of GPA it is (e.g., “Major GPA: 3.82/4.00”).

Your work experience will likely be one of the longest sections on your resume. This section should include:

Full-time jobs, part-time jobs, temporary jobs, and internships
The titles of your positions
Company or organization names and locations (city and state)
The dates (month and year) you worked
Two to three bullet points for each entry describing your responsibilities, accomplishments, major projects, etc.

Publications

If you’ve authored or coauthored any academic reports, books, chapters, etc., list the works in their own section using your field’s preferred citation style for each entry. Citations should include all authors’ names, the title of the publication, and the year it was published or will be published.

Honors & Awards

Use this section to list academic or professional honors and awards, taking care not to repeat any honors or awards already mentioned in your education section . For each honor, write the name of the honor and the date (month and year) you received it.

Skills & Certifications

This section focuses on any skills or certifications you possess , such as foreign-language abilities, computer skills, teaching certificates, etc. Include the name of each skill or certification. (You may also include the date you became certified, if applicable.)

For foreign-language skills, always indicate what your current proficiency is (e.g., intermediate, business-level, fluent, etc.).

Extracurricular Activities

This optional section focuses on (relevant) extracurricular activities in which you’ve participated or currently participate. You may choose to include this section if you possess any additional experiences relevant to your field of study, or if you’d like to showcase a critical component of who you are.

Include the title of your position or the activity, the location (city and state), and the dates (month and year) you participated. Use bullet points to describe the activities, your duties, etc.

The graduate school CV format is fairly similar to the graduate school resume format described above. But because the CV is a lengthier document, you can squeeze in a lot more detail on it than you can a resume — basically, as many sections as you want! (You should also include page numbers for the sake of clarity.)

Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points? We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.

Try our 5-day full access trial for free:

On a CV, prioritize your academic history and any employment, experiences, and accomplishments directly related to your field of study . Try to cut down less relevant jobs and experiences by either completely eliminating them or writing shorter descriptions for them.

Below are some of the major sections you may incorporate into your graduate school CV. For more tips on how to construct a great graduate school CV, refer to our guide .

Your CV should start with a header containing your name, address, phone number, and email address . I recommend emphasizing your name by using all caps or bolding it (or both). In addition, forgo any superfluous words or phrases such as “home address” and “email address.”

Research/Teaching Interests

You may insert a short section (anywhere on the CV is fine but generally at the beginning is best) detailing your research and/or teaching interests. This section serves as a brief overview of your academic interests and future goals.

Keep this section brief — one to three sentences should suffice. And be specific by narrowing down your interests to exact sub-fields, topics, people, eras, etc.

Like the resume, your education section should always come at the beginning of your CV, directly after your header (or it may come slightly later if you decide to insert a “Research/Teaching Interests” section before it).

Include most or all of the following details:

The name and location (city and state) of each university you attended
Your degree type, major, and minor
Your (expected) date of graduation (month and year)
Courses related to your field of study

*Don’t bother including your cumulative GPA if it won’t impress graduate schools. Either delete it or replace it with a higher version of your GPA, such as your major GPA.

Don’t be afraid to get specific in this section. The CV offers an unlimited amount of space, so if you have certain courses, projects, or papers you’d like to highlight, go ahead and do so.

Research/Teaching Experience

Here, you’ll discuss any research or teaching experience you have in your field of study . You may combine this section with your “Employment” section (see following entry).

Generally speaking, those entering scientific fields should focus more on research experience, while those entering humanities fields should focus more on teaching experience.

Include the following details in this section:

The titles of your positions
The names and locations of companies, organizations, or institutions at which you researched or taught
The dates (month and year) you taught or researched
The names of any advisors or supervisors
Any specific courses or projects you’d like to highlight
Bullet points describing your duties, successes, skills, etc.

Research or teaching experience may also include unpaid activities , such as volunteer work, tutoring, extracurricular research projects, internships, etc.

For the CV, keep the employment section brief by focusing only on your most relevant positions. If you don’t have any work experience in your field, you may list some less relevant positions — just take care to minimize the space you dedicate to these positions.

You may also combine this section with the “Research/Teaching Experience” section, or divide it into specific types of employment.

Any type of work is fair game , including part-time employment, full-time employment, and paid or unpaid internships. For each entry, include the following details:

The title of your position
The name of the company or organization
The location (city and state) of the company or organization
The dates (month and year) you were employed
Bullet points describing your duties, achievements, skills, etc.

Use this section to showcase any academic papers, reports, books, chapters, etc., you’ve contributed to. Instead of just listing the titles of your publications, write each entry as a separate citation and include all authors’ names, the title, and the (pending) publication date.

Be sure you’re using the citation style appropriate for your field .

Here, you may list any major awards, honors, or achievements you’ve earned (particularly those most relevant to your field). Include the names of the awards and the dates (month and year) you received them.

For this section, you may list any major skills or certifications you have, such as computer skills, certificates, foreign-language skills, etc. Write the name of each skill or certification and include the date of certification (month and year) if applicable. Don’t forget to indicate your level of proficiency.

Additional Topics

CVs offer a nearly limitless supply of possible sections. Although you may include whatever sections you want on your CV, it’s best to select sections in which you have noteworthy strengths . For an even longer list of potential CV topics, refer to page 2 of this handy PDF created by Rice University .

Other popular choices for CV sections include the following:

Fellowships & Grants: This section lists any fellowships or grants you’ve received, for what purpose you received them, when you used them, and how much money you received.
Presentations: For this section, include any major presentations or speeches you’ve given (in your field) as well as when (month and year) and where you gave each presentation (institution, city, and state). Presentations may include presentations of papers or theses.
Memberships/Affiliations: Here you can list academic, professional, or extracurricular groups of which you’re a current member. Include the name of each group or organization.
Extracurricular Activities: If there are any additional activities in which you’ve participated that you believe to be relevant to your field, list those here. Include any positions you held, the location (organization, city, and state), and the dates (month and year). Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Community Service: This section is similar to the “Extracurricular Activities” section. Here, you can discuss any (relevant) volunteer work you’ve done. Include the title of your position, the name of the organization, its location (city and state), and the dates (month and year) you volunteered your services. Use bullet points to describe your duties and achievements.

Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?

Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.

PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.

Check out our 5-day free trial now:

So far, we’ve given you specific tips on what to include on your graduate school resume or CV. Now, let’s begin the process of making one! In this section, we offer you four free resume and CV templates for graduate school . All of our templates are available for download as .docx files to make customization simple, fast, and fun for you.

Once you’ve finished customizing your template (see the following section for tips!), we strongly recommend saving your resume or CV as a PDF . Most graduate programs prefer PDFs over .doc or .docx files because they’re less likely to produce formatting errors.

Resume Templates for Graduate School

Graduate School Resume Template 1
Graduate School Resume Template 2

CV Templates for Graduate School

Graduate School CV Template 1
Graduate School CV Template 2

Once you’ve chosen a graduate school resume template you like, it’s time to flex your creativity muscles! Remember, your resume or CV should emphasize your personal strengths . Below, we give you four tips on how to customize your graduate school resume template or graduate school CV template.

#1: Delete Irrelevant Sections

Our templates include all of the most common sections and headings used for graduate school resumes and CVs; however, you likely won’t need every section listed .

We recommend you first go about deleting any obviously irrelevant sections. For example, if you’ve never contributed to any publication before, it makes sense to delete the “Publications” section.

On a related note, don’t feel guilty if you’re deleting a lot of the sections we’ve included on our templates . In reality, graduate school applicants can differ significantly in their backgrounds, experiences, and achievements. Remember the goal of a graduate school resume/CV: to play up your personal strengths, whatever they may be!

#2: Insert Relevant Sections

Next, I recommend you insert any relevant sections not included on our templates . These are sections you believe will ultimately enhance the content and flow of your resume/CV. For example, those applying to master’s degree programs in international relations could insert a section centering on their experiences abroad.

As a reminder, the sections on our templates are not an exhaustive list of all possible resume/CV sections . If you have any additional activities, experiences, skills, or a ccomplishments you can weave together in a unique or clearer way, you’re welcome to add a section and do so.

Just be sure the section you insert either directly relates to your field of study or emphasizes an important part of who you are.

#3: Rearrange Sections to Highlight Your Strengths

Additionally, there’s no need to stick with the order of sections we’ve given you on our templates . In other words, we encourage you to rearrange sections so that they better reflect your experiences and successes.

That said, there are a few sections you’re better off leaving as is:

Header: Always place your header (with your name and contact information) at the top of your resume/CV. This is not the time to get creative — simplicity and clarity are key to appearing professional.
Education: Always place your education section at the beginning of your resume/CV directly after your header. The only exception is if you have a “Research/Teaching Interests” section (for a CV), in which case you may place it before your education section.
Employment: On a resume, always follow your education section with your employment history. On a CV, follow your education section with any research, academic, or professional experiences related to your field of study.
Less Important Sections: Always place less important or less relevant sections, such as “Skills & Certifications” and “Memberships,” near or at the end of your resume/CV.

#4: Get Creative

Lastly, we want you to have a little fun with our templates! Now, while we don’t recommend adding a bunch of colors or clip art, we do encourage you to consider changing the following:

Headings: Don’t feel obligated to stick with the headings we’ve given you! You’re allowed to swap these out for any headings you think flow better with the rest of your resume/CV. My only word of caution is to make sure your headings match the content of their sections . For example, if you’ve chosen the heading “Skills” but are also listing certifications, it makes more sense to change the heading to “Skills & Certifications.”
Fonts: If you’re downright sick of Times New Roman, go ahead and change it! But don’t go overboard. We recommend sticking with simple, professional-looking fonts , such as Calibri, Tahoma, and Arial, and avoiding any fancy or overtly unprofessional fonts, such as Chiller and Comic Sans.

Here’s what we don’t suggest changing on our templates:

Sizes: Resumes and CVs always look at least a little bit cramped, but this is so you can fit all of the information you need in as little space as possible. Increasing any of the font sizes ultimately increases your risk of running out of space or exceeding your program’s page limit. If you for whatever reason must change a font size, reduce the sizes of the headings and your name only — not the size of the main text!
Margins: Our margins are your basic one-inch margins and are what most people use for their resumes and CVs. We do not recommend reducing the margins, as doing so can increase your risk of cutting something off should you or the admissions committee print out your resume/CV.

Most graduate school applicants will need to submit either a resume or a CV along with their applications. Which one you submit ultimately depends on what your program requires and your own preferences.

Although resumes and CVs are used for similar purposes — to get you the position you want! — the two documents differ in a few key ways. Resumes are more succinct and work-centered, whereas CVs are longer and more academically oriented.

That said, resumes and CVs often include many of the same sections and headings, such as “Education,” “Employment,” “Honors & Awards,” and “Skills & Certifications.” Because CVs are longer, they offer more room for additional sections, such as “Fellowships & Grants,” “Presentations,” and “Memberships.”

To customize your resume or CV template for graduate school, you may delete irrelevant sections and insert any additional sections that either relate to your field of study or illuminate any personal successes you’ve had. You may also rearrange our templates’ sections in order to highlight your strengths.

Additionally, we encourage you to play around with the headings and fonts (though we recommend leaving the font sizes and margins as is).

Even though your resume/CV is just a single part of your graduate school application, it’s important to put in an adequate amount of time and effort in order to make it both professional and unique. After all, a compelling resume/CV can only strengthen your application !

What’s Next?

Need step-by-step help with your graduate school resume or CV? Check out our guides on how to write a graduate school resume and how to write a graduate school CV today !

Looking for samples, instead? Then take a peek at our compilation of graduate school resume and CV samples !

Got questions about graduate school? Read our guides to learn what graduate school really entails and what the basic graduate school application requirements are .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

Explore Jobs

Jobs Near Me
Remote Jobs
Full Time Jobs
Part Time Jobs
Entry Level Jobs
Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

$15 Per Hour Jobs
$20 Per Hour Jobs
Hiring Immediately Jobs
High School Jobs
H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

Business And Financial
Architecture And Engineering
Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

What They Do
Certifications
Demographics

Best Companies

Health Care
Fortune 500

Explore Companies

CEO And Executies
Resume Builder
Career Advice
Explore Majors
Questions And Answers
Interview Questions

How To Write A Resume In 7 Steps (With Examples)

How To Write A Resume
Resume Skills Section
Resume Objective Section
Career Objective Section
Resume Reference Section
Resume Summary Section
Resume Summary Example
Resume Interests Section
Address On Resume
Relevant Work Experience
Anticipated Graduation Date On Resume
Education Section On Resume
Contact Information On Resume
Statement Of Qualifications
How To List Publications On Resume
Accomplishments On Resumes
Awards On Resume
Dean's List On Resume
Study Abroad On Resume

Resumes are still the most important document in your job search . Generating a professional and interesting resume isn’t easy, but there is a standard set of guidelines that you can follow. As hiring managers usually only spend a short time looking over each resume, you want to make sure that yours has a reason for them to keep reading.

If you’re looking to write a resume, rewrite a resume you already have, or are just curious about resume format, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will go through the steps to writing an excellent resume, as well as offering examples for what sections of the resume should look like.

Key Takeaways:

A resume is a short document that details your professional history in a way that tailors your experience and skill set for the particular job you’re applying for.

Resumes follow a few standard formatting practices, which hiring managers and recruiters expect to see.

Highlighting your work experience, skills, and educational background with relevant keywords can help you get past applicant tracking systems and into more interviews.

How to write a resume

Writing a resume involves using the proper formatting, writing an introduction, and adding your work experience and education. Stuffing your entire professional life into a single page resume can feel overwhelming, but remember that you’re distilling the relevant parts of your professional experience in order to catch the eye of the recruiter .

Formatting your resume. To start, use a word processor such as Microsoft Word or Google docs. Standard resume formatting calls for:

1 inch margins

10-12 point font

A professional, commonly-used font

Additionally, there are three resume formats that are commonly used. Most people should stick with a chronological resume format , but the combination resume format and functional resume format can be effective for more advanced workers or those who have significant gaps in their resume.

Write a resume header . It doesn’t matter if you have the best resume in the world if the hiring manager can’t contact you. Every single resume should include the following contact information:

Your full name. First and last.

Your phone number. Use a personal phone number, and make sure your voicemail is set up properly.

Your email address. Nothing inappropriate — [email protected] is a safe choice.

Location. City, State, Zip Code is fine, but you can include your full mailing address if you think it’s appropriate.

Your social media (optional). LinkedIn is the obvious one you’d want to include, but make sure your profile looks good. If you have an online portfolio , either on a personal blog/website or on a site like Journo Portfolio , feel free to include that here as well.

Your job title. Also optional, but can be useful for applicant tracking systems.

Resume introduction. You have four options for your resume introduction: a resume objective, summary statement, resume profile, or qualifications summary. For most job-seekers, a resume summary statement is the best choice. Regardless of which resume introduction you choose, avoid first-person pronouns (I/me/my).

Resume objective. A resume objective is the goal of your resume. Since the objective of every resume is to land a job, this is not the most original or impressive opener you can have.

On the other hand, it’s a good choice for an entry-level applicant or someone who is changing career paths . This should be a 1-3 sentence summary of why you’re motivated to get the position you’re applying for.

Who should use a resume objective: Entry-level applicants, career-changers, and recent college graduates.

Resume summary. This is the best opener for most job-seekers. As the name suggests, a resume summary highlights the most salient aspects of your resume.

It should include your current position, how many years of experience you have, some of your biggest achievements, and possibly your career goals. This should be a 1-3 sentence spiel and should include some quantifiable experiences.

Who should use a resume summary: Most job seekers; anyone with quantifiable accomplishments to emphasize and a broad range of skills.

Qualifications summary. A bullet point list (4-6 points is the sweet spot) of your qualifications for the position. It’s best used by applicants going for jobs that require a fixed skill set. It’s not a great choice for entry-level applicants who lack quantifiable achievements.

You’ll notice that a qualifications summary takes up more space than a resume objective or summary, but it can actually save the hiring manager time if you provide a bunch of valuable information right off the top.

Who should use a qualifications summary: Those applying to a job with requirements for certain skills and job-seekers who have a lot of experience in their industry and/or field.

Resume profile. A resume profile is similar to a resume summary, but goes into more detail about your accomplishments at your current or former job, while also telling the reader about your career goals. Think of a resume profile as a section that pulls all the best parts of your work experience section into one place.

Who should use a resume profile: Anyone with significant accomplishments under their belt, expertise in a niche field, or applying to a job in the same industry that they have lots of experience in.

Resume headline. Resume headlines aren’t necessary, but you can include one alongside any of the four types of resume introduction listed above. A resume headline comes between your contact information and the resume introduction of your choice.

Headlines can be used by entry-level applicants and experienced job-seekers alike. The important point is that your headline should be short and to the point. Additionally, you should use title case when writing your resume headline (capitalize words as you would for a book title).

Who should use a resume headline: Any job-seeker who wants to showcase their experience or unique value right off the bat.

Work experience. Your work experience section is the place to let hiring managers know that you have relevant experience that would allow you to handle the job you’re applying for.

If you’re using the chronological resume format, your work experience section would come after your resume summary/objective. In a funcitonal reumse, it would follow your skills section. Either way, work experience should be listed in reverse-chronological order (most recent experience at the top).

When listing your work experience, you should include all of the following information:

Job title. Start by stating the position you held at the company. These are easy cue for the hiring manager to look at and determine whether your past positions would help you succeed at their company.

Company Info. Include the name of the employer, the location where you worked, and perhaps a brief description of the company, if it isn’t a well-known name.

Dates Employed: Use the mm/yyyy format if you want to be sure that most applicant tracking systems (ATS) will pick it up. Whatever format you use for dates, be consistent, or your resume will look sloppy.

Job Description. Don’t just list your job’s responsibilities; hiring managers and recruiters already have an idea of your duties based on the job title. Instead, list your most important and impressive responsibilities/achievements at the job with bullet points. Determine which of these are most relevant for your new role based on the job description.

Ideally, each bullet should be no longer than a single line. However, two lines is acceptable, if used sparingly.

Always start with a strong action verb, followed by a quantifiable achievement and a specific duty. For example: “Developed ad campaigns for clients, increasing sales by an average of 27%.” Each job title should include 3-5 bullet points.

The order that you include this information can be changed around, as long as you are consistent throughout your resume. However, the bullet points detailing your job’s achievements should always be the last item for each entry.

It’s important that you tailor your resume’s work experience section to the job you’re applying for. We recommend reading the job description carefully and highlighting the action verbs in one color and the skills, adjectives, and job-specific nouns in a different color.

Educational background. In almost all cases, your education section should come after your professional history. If you’re a recent college graduate with limited work experience, you may choose to put your educational achievements first.

Like the section on your professional history, educational experiences should come in reverse-chronological order, with your highest level of education at the top. If you have a college degree, you don’t need to add any information about your high school experience. If you didn’t finish college, it’s okay to give a list of what credits you did complete.

Each educational experience can be listed in the following format:

Degree/Program Name College/University Name Dates attended

You don’t need to add anything else, especially if your resume is already impressive enough. But if you’re struggling to fill up the page, or you feel that aspects of your educational experience will help make you a standout, you may consider also including:

Minor. If you think it rounds out your not-exactly-relevant-to-the-job major nicely.

GPA. Only if it was 3.5 or higher. Otherwise, it’s not going to do you any favors to include this.

Honors. Dean’s List, Cum Laude, etc.

Achievements. If you wrote a killer thesis/dissertation that showcases intimate knowledge relevant to the job to which you’re applying, you can include its title and a very brief description.

Extracurricular activities. Only include if they’re relevant. For example, if you’re applying for a management position and you were president of your student government.

Certifications/Licenses. If the job you’re applying for requires/likes to see certain certifications or licenses that you have, you may include them in this section as well.

Skills section. Your impressive skills should be scattered logistically throughout your professional history section, but you should also include a section solely dedicated to highlighting your skill set . Skills can be broken down into two categories:

Hard skills are skills you learn through training and indicate expertise with a technical ability or job-specific responsibility.

Soft skills are your personality traits, interpersonal abilities, and intangible qualities that make you more effective at your job.

Your resume should have a healthy mix of hard and soft skills, as both are essential to job performance. However, since soft skills are harder to prove in the context of a resume, we recommend leaning more toward hard skills. Additionally, whenever you list a soft skill, make sure that it has a correlating item in your work experience section.

For example, if you say you are skilled in collaboration, you should mention a time when a team project was a major success somewhere in your work experience section.

Optional sections. If you still have space left or there’s more you want to show off that doesn’t quite fit in any of the above sections, you may consider adding an additional section covering one or more of the below categories:

Language . Being bilingual is always impressive, and can be included on a resume for any company. Highlight this more if your position involves liaising with international distributors and/or clients. Don’t lie about your proficiency level.

It may be best to not mention it if you’re not particularly proficient speaker . Such as if you took courses in school, or haven’t really managed to gain fluency. It can end up looking like an attempt to inflate your credentials, which you want to avoid.

Volunteer experience . Always a good thing to include. It shows you’re a team player who behaves in a way that promotes the greater good, without thought of personal gain. Especially good for entry-level candidates and those applying for jobs at a non-profit. If you have gaps in your work history, you can also consider including volunteer experiences in your work history section instead.

Personal projects. A personal blog, published works, or a portfolio of your past projects are all good things to include. They show you take initiative, enjoy and take pride in your work, and that you can handle the responsibilities of the job, if relevant.

Certifications/licenses. If you didn’t include these in your education section, this is another good place to list relevant certifications or licenses that you have.

Interests . This is largely just a space filler if your resume is light in other areas. However, if your hobbies are directly related to the job that you’re applying for, it’s not a bad idea to include them. And it might draw a recruiter’s attention if you end up sharing some of the same interests as they do.

If you have several seemingly random items that are valuable, but don’t warrant creating a whole separate section for, you can also make a section called “Additional Experience.” Here you can include all of the above categories in one place. Just make sure that each item is clear and easy for readers to understand.

Resume samples

Now that we have a good idea of how to write a resume, let’s take a look at some example resumes:

Jack Pilgrim Washington , DC 14015 – (555) 444-3333 – [email protected] – www.linkedin.com/jpilgrim Resume Summary Graphic designer with 3+ years of experience creating and implementing promotional materials and social media graphics. Worked with sales and marketing teams to increase inbound calls by 23% YoY through compelling digital media. Adept at planning, managing, and prioritizing multiple deadlines at once, and thrives in fast-paced work environment. Work Experience Creative Designs | Washington, DC Lead Graphic Designer | June 2018-Present Worked with sales and marketing teams to create landing pages, sales proposals, and supporting media elements to drive sales by over $250,000 per quarter Trained, managed, and mentored team of 4 junior designers to fulfill 40+ project orders on a weekly basis Conducted UX research through surveys, usability testing, and data analysis to plan content marketing strategy, driving organic search traffic by 12% Presented proposals, results, and status updates to set of 4-7 clients, ensuring customer satisfaction at or above 95% for 3 years straight Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Junior Graphic Designer | July 2016-May 2018 Translated client needs and branding strategies into design and content strategy, increasing client retention by 22% Reduced project turnaround time by 8% by Utilizing web-based ticket system for completing and archiving finalized pieces Posted digital artwork to network IPTV using web interface to produce high-end info-graphics and other materials Happy Place | Alexandria, VA Marketing Intern | September 2015-July 2016 Assisted marketing team with data collection, analysis, and presentation using Google Analytics Drew up storyboards for new marketing campaigns alongside sales team, increasing brand awareness through social media Wrote 500-1000 word articles to pair with graphical elements on page, leading to a 40% boost in engagement on company website Education Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, Georgia May 2016 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Skills Adobe Creative Suite Typography HTML/CSS WordPress Collaboration Organization

Allison Neederly Chicago, Illinois , 60007 | (333) 222-1111 | [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/allison.neederly Resume Summary Dedicated customer service representative with 4+ years experience resolving customers’ needs in-person, online, and over the phone. Top achiever at XYZ Inc. with a 100% customer satisfaction rate for Q1 of 2020. Friendly personable, and knowledgable about company’s products and services. Relevant Skills Customer Service Responded to upwards of 200 customer queries daily with XYZ Inc., reducing the average wait time by 56% and increasing customer satisfaction rates by 13% Ability to resolve conflict and create a positive atmosphere for shopping for both new and existing customers through technical proficiency Expert product knowledge and communication skills, and experience training and mentoring new customer service staff Web Chat and Phone Skilled in 3 web chat platforms for helping online customers resolve their queries quickly and accurately Achieved fastest call resolution rate at XYZ Inc., with an average resolution time of under 5 minutes per customer Performed outbound calls for customer satisfaction surveys, as well as writing web-based surveys for 10,000+ customers Troubleshooting Detailed product knowledge allowed for customer technical issues to be resolved at rate within top 5% of all customer service associates at XYZ Inc. Created manual for step-by-step directions for troubleshooting that was implemented for team of 100+ customer service reps Positive attitude took average tech-related negative response from 1/5 stars to 4/5 stars, increasing trust in brands and services Work Experience XYZ Inc. | Philadelphia, PA Customer Service Associate New Look Global | Burlington, VT Junior Customer Service Representative L.L. Bean | Burlington, VT Sales Associate Education University of Vermont | Burlington, VT May 2012 Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

Priya Laghari New York, NY | (222) 111-0000 | [email protected] | www.priyabizdev.com Resume Profile Strategy Development: Grew John Deere’s international sales by 13% by tapping into undeserved countries in Southeast Asia Management: Oversaw a team of managers representing marketing, sales, and product teams. Streamlined collaborative, cross-functional communications through agile and scrum management system CRM: Developed, customized, and implemented new customer relationship management database for accounts totaling over $10M in value Work Experience Business Development Manager 01/2015-Present Microsoft | Redmond, WA Developed product strategies and roadmap for Google AdWords, increasing inbound traffic by 26% YoY Reduced time training on new software by 50% for new and existing employees by implement e-learning programs Spearheaded digital marketing campaign worth $1M that saw a return of 200% in first year by qualifying leads earlier in the sales funnel Regional Sales Manager 11/2012-01/2015 Big Things Inc. | St. Louis, MO Managed territory encompassing 29 regional locations with an annual revenue of approx. $55M Worked with C-level executives to plan business strategies, resulting in 20% reduction in overhead costs Increased client retention by 12% in first year by implementing a CRM approach based on account profiling and elevating levels of relationship selling Account Manager 02/2009-11/2012 Solutions Corp. | Chicago, IL Implemented and developed CRM strategic plans, increasing retention of long-term clients by 22% Maintained 50+ accounts totaling over $35M in value Generated leads through one-on-one consultation via phone inquiries, online check-ins, and meeting office walk-ins Relevant Skills CRM: Proficient with Salesforce, Zoho, and HubSpot; some experience with Keap. Used various CRM software over a decade to successfully manage customer relations and quick to adapt to new software and tools that aid in quality of customer experience. Salesmanship: Negotiated and closed over several deals worth $1M+ and skilled in upselling and cross-selling. Adept at working closely with marketing and product teams to maximize the efficiency of the sales funnel for both inbound and outbound traffic. Presentation: Represented Microsoft Northwest Region at quarterly board meetings, ensuring all stakeholders were kept abreast of new developments and opportunities. Also deliver monthly presentations to big clients and vendors to maintain positive relationship. Data analytics. Expert at integrating data from various analytics platforms, including Google, Microsoft Power BI, and SAP BusinessObjects Education Colgate University | May 2008 MBA Fordham University | May 2006 Bachelor’s Degree in Business

For more resume examples and templates:

Resume examples by job

Google docs resume template

Resume templates

Resume builder

Resume Headers Samples:

Tip : Never put your contact info in the header of your document; some applicant tracking systems might miss it.

For more on how to write a resume header:

Resume Header

Resume Titles

Resume introduction examples

Entry-Level Resume Objective.

Recent graduate with a bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Virginia seeking an entry-level role in content marketing. Excellent copywriter with 2+ years experience editing content as a member of the UVa Writing Center.

Career Change Resume Objective.

Eager to apply 7+ years of experience with customer success management to make successful outbound B2B calls, deliver customized business solutions to new and existing customers, and provide expert product knowledge in the role of Account Manager for XYZ Inc.

Example Resume Summary Statement.

Accountant with over 8 years of experience in the medical industry. Adept at advising on management of cash deficits, reconciling departmental accounts, and creating new accounts and codes. Coordinated invoice preparation system for ABC that reduced contractor overhead by 19% YoY.

English teacher with a love of language and 6 years of experience teaching high school students. Developed new curriculum that boosted freshman reading comprehension scores by 12% and created after school book club for AP Lit class, resulting in 100% of participating students achieving a 5 on the AP Lit test.

Example Qualifications Summary.

Executive assistant with 5+ years experience helping maintain efficiency in an office of 25 employees Communicated directly with internal and external stakeholders, helping Senior Vice President manage projects worth $5M+ Proactively managed office schedules, identifying and prioritizing changes to ensure client satisfaction Recognized in a company of 500 for “Outstanding Achiever” in May 2019

Example Resume Profile.

Detail-oriented IT Specialist with 4 years of experience overseeing and improving the infrastructure of IT systems. Adept at building and running troubleshooting systems and testing services. Decreased security risk by 47% through continual optimization, while also improving the speed of client portal by 22%. Excellent communicator both internally and for client-facing discussions. Achieved 98%+ customer satisfaction ratings through weekly and monthly check-ins with accounts valued cumulatively at $500,000.

Entry-Level Resume Headline.

Bilingual College Graduate with 80 WPM Typing Speed and Tutoring Experience

Experienced Resume Headline.

Business Development Specialist with 6+ Years Experience Scaling Start-Up Tech Teams

For more on resume introductions:

Resume objective statement

Resume summary statement

Resume summary statement examples

Qualifications summary

Sample resume work experience sections

Work Experience XYZ Industries | Seattle, WA Marketing Associate | May 2019-Present Delivered weekly presentations to client-base to communicate brand messaging, increasing client retention by 11% Served as liaison between marketing and product teams, resulting in projects finishing 2 weeks early, on average Leveraged Excel skills to create and maintain spreadsheet to track consumer insights, emergent trends, and inform decisions of marketing team through competitive analysis Managed team of 5 contractors to juggle multiple priority projects simultaneously, never missing a deadline Initiated an affiliate referral program that PR team went on to turn into a revenue-generating stream valued at $30,000 annually ABC Corp | Seattle, WA Marketing Intern | September 2018-May 2019 Developed, maintained, and processed 20+ digital consent forms and distributor forms Worked collaboratively with a team of 10 marketing professionals, closely aligning our goals with the PR team Provided data analysis using Google Analytics and performed keyword research to increase blog traffic by 56% over six months Answered up to 50 customer queries by phone and email each week

For more on building the perfect resume work experience section:

Resume work experience section

First resume (no experience)

Examples Of Education Resume Sections

Graduated recently from a 4-year program.

Western Illinois University | Macomb, Illinois May 2020 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Minor in Psychology 3.95 GPA magna cum laude Dean’s List all semesters

Two degrees.

Fordham University | Bronx, New York April 2016 Master of Chemical Engineering Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, New York April 2014 Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Anticipated graduation date (not yet graduated).

DePaul Univeristy | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Arts in History – Degree anticipated May 2021 Current GPA: 3.8

Older job seeker (graduated 10+ years ago).

University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois Bachelor of Business Administration

High school graduate (no college degree).

Johnston High School 2016-2020 Head of Computer Club

More on crafting the perfect resume education section:

Education resume section

GPA on resume

Dean’s list

Magna cum laude

Examples Of Skills For Resume

Examples of hard skills include:

Examples of soft skills include:

Here’s more information on how to incorporate skills into your resume:

Resume skills section

Hard skills

Soft skills

Top skills for professionals

Skills-based resume

Resume writing FAQ

What is a resume?

A resume is a one to two-page document that focuses on professional experience, past achievements, education and certifications, and specific skills tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Almost every job application requires a resume, and hiring managers use them as a first impression in determining which applicants get a shot at an interview.

Whether you’re fresh out of college or have 30 years of professional experience, this guide should help craft a resume that stands out from the crowd and get you one step closer to landing your dream job.

What is the format for writing a good resume?

Most people will want to use a chronological or reverse-chronological resume format. This format is compatible with most applicant tracking systems (ATS) and is easy for employers to read. Additionally it helps highlight your experience, which helps prove your qualifications.

How far back should a resume go?

A resume should go back no further than 10 to 15 years. However, it is important that all your information is relevant. Therefore, do not include job experience that is irrelevant to your application, even if it’s fewer than 10 years old. Save that information for later discussions.

Should you personalize your resume for each job?

Yes, you should personalize your resume for each job you apply to. Many recruiters use ATS now, which will search for keywords in a resume and reject those that don’t have them. That means that the skills you choose to highlight as well as your opening, such as your resume summary, should be altered to suit each job you apply to.

You don’t need to rewrite the entire resume for each job, but it does show attention to detail and initiative to make sure that your resume is customized. It also makes it more likely that you’ll get past the first step of the process.

State of New York Department of Labor – Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Applications

Harvard University – Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

Recent Job Searches

Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
Company Driver Jobs Resume

Statement Of Qualifications: What It Is And Examples

How To Create A Plain Text Resume (With Examples)

How To Make A Resume Website

How To Write A Skills-Based Resume (With Examples)

Career Advice >
Resume Structure >
Parts Of A Resume >

How to write a great resumé in 2021

Single page or multi-page? Photo vs no photo? PDF vs Word document?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels a bit hot and sweaty at the mere thought of resumés and cover letters.

We've all wondered if arbitrary page limits are a thing of the past, whether corporate buzzwords help or hinder, and if prospective employers really care about your epic skills running the "drive thru" shift at your first job.

The lack of hard and fast rules for what constitutes a good application makes resumé writing a minefield in an already fierce job market. Thankfully I've dug out some golden nuggets from the pros to find out what belongs on a modern resumé.

'The one-page resumé rule is a myth'

Sarah Smith, founder of Interview Boss, clears things up once and for all.

"The one-page resumé rule is a myth," she says.

Phew, the days of size 8 font and miniscule line spacing are over, my friends.

Sarah says the length of your resumé should really be guided by how much valuable information you have to offer.

If you don't have loads of experience, don't stretch it out for the sake of it. But, if you've got relevant skills and experience to convey, go for it — within reason!

"Two pages is great, three pages is fine, four is definitely pushing it," she says.

When it comes to design, don't try and be too clever.

"Candidates get too focused on standing out from other applicants," which leads to unnecessary visuals that can be distracting, Sarah says.

All that does is "makes it harder for a recruiter to understand what's going on".

The magic lies in the first half page

The one-page rule might be a thing of the past, but recruiters and hiring managers seem to agree that the first half page of your resumé is your golden opportunity.

"The first half page is the most critical real estate you have, so that should be used to make the most impact," Sarah says.

Nick Berman, partner at creative recruitment firm Sterning Group concurs, explaining that a "primary introduction" to open your resumé is a great opportunity to sell yourself and "create some energy".

That first half page is what catches the eye of the reader upon that all-important first glance.

I'd always wondered how long recruiters spent reading resumés, but it wasn't until my own experience hiring at work that I truly understood the impact of a great first impression — or perhaps I should say the consequences of a bad one.

I've seen everything from oddly named resumé file names to misspelled email addresses — ahem, gnail.com — and so often these mistakes are surrounded by claims of excellent attention to detail.

While they're only small errors, in a competitive market when hiring managers are time poor and inundated with applications, if your first impression doesn't land, it could mean missing out.

Build out your story with hyperlinks

Nick points out that hyperlinks are a great opportunity to build out the picture you're painting with your resumé.

You can use links to reference your work, media mentions, or external content that helps contextualise your professional profile.

"You can link out to your LinkedIn profile, or LinkedIn recommendations," Nick explains, which can really help make a great first impression.

'It's really a sales tool'

Selling ourselves can feel icky, but Nick wants you to embrace the fact that your resumé is "a sales tool".

You're selling yourself as an ideal "solution" to the "problem" the role is presenting.

"[Recruiters are] trying to correlate what you've done with this potential new role," he says.

You can do this by using words that align yourself and your skills with the role you're applying for.

Look to the job advertisement, or even get on the phone with the listed contact to get some more information. Then, speak to that in your resumé language and tone.

Another helpful way to help forge that "perfect match" between you and the role is to adapt each resumé ever so slightly.

Nick suggests listing out 15-20 key skills or attributes in a separate document, and using each resumé to hero the five that are most relevant to that role.

Then, use the subsequent experience sections to "put meat on the bones" of the story you're telling.

5 actionable tips to take to your resumé right now

1. Get a LinkedIn recommendation from someone you've worked with in the past, and link to it in your resumé.
2. Have a go at nailing the bones of a primary introduction, and use words specific to the types of roles you're applying for to communicate your message.
3. When listing your experience, focus on your 2-3 most recent roles, and use a hierarchical approach to presenting the information. List your key achievements first, and contextualise with a summary to close.
4. Ditch the overly creative elements, and opt for a simple, clean and to-the-point design that matches the message you're communicating in your resumé. If design or visual communication is a critical aspect of the role, a supporting portfolio might be more appropriate.
5. Cut the fluff. Focus on only including recent and relevant experience that speaks to your ability to do the job you're applying for.

Oh, and keep the photos for your LinkedIn profile.

ABC Everyday in your inbox

Get our newsletter for the best of ABC Everyday each week

X (formerly Twitter)

How to overcome awkwardness when you're asking someone for job leads

Man showing career counsellor his resume while she takes notes in a story about reaching out to contacts for job opportunities.

How Amanda picks up part-time work without using job sites

Woman sitting looking at her laptop while on the phone trying to find part-time work

Your work rights after maternity leave, explained

Woman kissing her baby son on the cheek to depict work rights information after returning from maternity leave.

'Would a man be embarrassed to ask?': Negotiating pay for a new job

Jerry looks into the camera in a story about how to bring up pay in an entry-level job.

Considering giving farm work a try? Here's what to weigh up

Should you change your name to get a job?

Square character wearing name tag with 'Rudabah' crossed out and replaced with 'Ruby' to depict changing name when job hunting.

Trending Blogs
Geeksforgeeks NEWS
Geeksforgeeks Blogs
Tips & Tricks
Website & Apps
ChatGPT Blogs
ChatGPT News
ChatGPT Tutorial
How to Make A Resume on Google Docs
How to Insert LaTeX in Google Docs
How to Use Google Docs
How to Share Google Docs - Easy Steps
How To Create And Use Templates In Google Docs
How to make Labels in Google Docs
How To Remove Table Lines In Google Docs
How to Move a Table in Google Docs
How to add Page Numbers in Google Docs
How To Insert Table In Google Docs
How to MLA format in Google Docs
Google Docs - How to Log In
Free Invoice Templates for Excel
How to Insert Shapes in Google Docs
How To Insert Matrix In Google Docs
Django Templates | Set - 1
What is Google Season of Docs?
API Engineer Resume: Template, Examples and Tips
Django Templates

Google Docs Resume Templates

In this competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is important. Google Docs offers a variety of free resume templates that are professionally designed and easily accessible to anyone with a Google account. These templates provide a solid foundation, allowing you to focus on showing your skills and experience. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent graduate, Google Docs resume templates are for everyone. They are customizable, easy to use, and eliminate the worry of formatting. This article will guide you through Google Docs resume templates , helping you to create your dream resume. So, let’s get in and explore the world of Google Docs resume templates together.

Resume Template in Google Docs

Table of Content

Google Docs Resume Template

5 free resume google docs templates.

Google Docs Resume Template for Students

Google Docs Resume Template for Freshers

Google Docs Resume Template for Teachers

Google Docs ATS Friendly Resume Template

How to Access Google Docs Resume Template

Faqs – free google docs resume template.

Learn and explore the power of Google Docs and its free editable resume templates to start your career journey. Whether you’re a high school student, a university aspirant, or a job seeker, a high-quality resume is your key to success. It’s an important tool at every stage – from gaining admission to esteemed educational institutions to landing your first job or even your dream job. With a professionally designed resume, you can effectively showcase your skills and qualifications. Choose from our wide range of resume templates, fill in your details, and print it out to make an effective impression. You also have the flexibility to download the design and edit it using Microsoft Word or macOS Pages.

Google Docs itself provides a variety of free resume templates which is accessible and editable for everyone. Here are some simple and basic resume templates provided below for your reference,

Google Docs Simple Resume Template

A minimalist template for making a lasting impression. Crafted for simplicity and elegance, it’s a great choice to showcase your skills.

Free Google Docs Resume Template

To Customize and Download this Resume Template Click Here

Google Docs Professional Elite Resume Template

This template features a smartly grouped design with a timeline of work experience. It blends style and substance to leave a lasting impression on employers.

Google Docs Business Resume Template

If you want to step into the spotlight, this innovative template is perfect for business resumes. It catches the eye and emphasizes professionalism.

Google Docs Entry-Level Resume Template

Ideal for landing your first job, this template helps you stand out from other candidates with a polished and professional resume.

Google Docs Classic Resume Template

Balancing tradition and innovation, this template combines classic design with modern convenience. Download it now to create an effective resume.

This Google Docs resume template for students makes things easier by providing a basic template. What makes this template special is that it features a large education section and a variety of spaces for non-work-related achievements like extracurriculars and relevant coursework.

To Edit and download this Resume Template Click Here

If you’re a fresh graduate looking to create an impressive resume, Google Docs offers free templates that you can easily customize. The layout focuses on essential elements such as skills, awards, personal achievements, education, and career goals. Here’s the Google Docs Resume Template with photo , use this to create your perfect resume.

To Customize and download this Resume Template Click Here

Creating a resume as a teacher is now easier with Google Docs. It offers a variety of resume templates specifically designed for educators. Highlight your educational achievements, classroom management abilities, and any special teaching methodologies you use. Here’s a free resume template for teachers to use,

Creating an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly resume is important in today’s job market. Google Docs offers a variety of ATS-friendly resume templates that are designed to help your resume pass through the screening process and reach the hands of hiring managers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find and use resume templates in Google Docs,

Open Google Docs : Go to the Google Docs website and sign in with your Google account.
Start a New Document : Once you’re signed in, click on the “+ New” button on the left side of the screen and select “Google Docs.”
Access the Template Gallery : In the new document, click on “File” in the top menu, then select “New” from the dropdown menu, and finally click on “From template.”
Choose a Resume Template : You’ll now see the template gallery. Click on the “Resumes” section to see all available resume templates.
Select a Template : Browse through the templates and click on the one you like to open in a new tab.
Customize the Template : Now, you can start customizing the template with your information. Be sure to replace all placeholder text with your details.
Save and Download : Once you’re done, click on “File” and then “Download” to save the resume to your computer. You can choose the format you prefer, such as PDF or Word.

To Know more about ‘How to Make Resume in Google Docs’ Click Here

In conclusion, Google Docs Resume Templates offer a versatile and user-friendly solution for creating professional resumes. Whether you’re a student, a fresh graduate, or an experienced professional, these templates cater to everyone’s needs. They are free, easily editable, and accessible from anywhere. Moreover, they eliminate the hassle of formatting, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your skills and experiences. So, Don’t wait. Start exploring Free Google Docs Resume Templates today and take a step closer to your dream job. Remember, a well-crafted resume is the first step toward a successful career.

Does Google Docs have a resume template? Google Docs offers several free resume templates that you can use to create a professional and eye-catching resume. Here are some options: Simple Resume Professional Elite Resume Business Resume Entry Level Resume Classic Resume

Is Google Docs OK for resume? Yes, Google Docs is a suitable platform for creating your resume. It offers free resume templates that you can customize to showcase your skills and experience.

How to download Google Docs resume? To download a resume template from Google Docs, follow these steps: Open Google Docs. Click on New. Select From template gallery. Scroll down to the Resumes section. Choose a template that suits your style and needs. Click on the template to open it. In the top menu, click File and then select Make a copy. The template will be copied to your Google Drive. Now you can edit the template and customize it with your information. Once you’re done, click File again and choose Download to save your resume in a format of your choice (such as PDF or Word).

Please Login to comment...

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

8 Graphic Design Resume Examples to Land Your Next Job

Published: May 15, 2024

If you're a graphic designer, I have to give you praise because, without your creativity and your keen eye for design, it would be a struggle for marketing to create campaigns that catch their audience's attention.

A woman designs her graphic design resume on her laptop.

And what better way to show my appreciation to graphic designers than to write a post with helpful graphic design resume examples and tips that can help you land your next job?

You've come to the right place if you're a graphic designer looking for your next gig or want to refine your resume. Let's dive in!

Graphic Design Resume Best Practices

Graphic design resume examples, graphic design student resume examples.

Before I discuss the graphic design resume examples below, I'll outline some best practices for putting your resume together.

Use a clean layout.

Graphic design is a field that naturally attracts creative people like yourself, so you might be tempted to create a colorful, unique layout that shows off your eye for design.

However, your resume should have a clean layout that is easy to read and won't confuse any applicant tracking systems (ATS) your potential employers use.

12 Free Customizable Resume Templates

Fill out this form to access your free professionally-designed templates, available on:

Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Microsoft PowerPoint
Google Slides

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

In her YouTube video, "The Resume That Got Me Hired As A Designer," graphic designer Victoria Gillerlain says a clean layout is the way to go.

"If your resume is hard to read, hard to look at, overly contrasted, or just makes people [wince] when they look at it because it's so overwhelming — that's not good," she explains. "[Recruiters] are probably not going to even bother to look into the content itself, and you want them to look at it!"

Gillerlain uses her own resume as an example of what to do, and she notes the absence of color in her document.

Victorial Gillerlain's resume; graphic design resume examples

Image Source

"The reason behind that is that your resume is a professional document, and although you're in a creative field, using this as a creative document—not everyone who is looking at your resume is going to necessarily be in a creative field," she says. "Lots of times, there are going to be HR managers or recruiters who are looking at your resume and have nothing to do with the creative field."

Gillerlain says those people may look at an overly colorful resume and think, "Why does it have so many colors and graphics?"

"On top of that, if you're going to be in an on-site role at all, a lot of times people will print out your resume … there's a chance that none of that is going to actually print, and they might just print it in black and white — so it might now look as you intended it," she says.

Include links to your portfolio.

Even the most well-put-together resume in the world can't replace a glowing portfolio.

So, make sure your resume includes links to your work. Graphic design is a creative and visual industry, and including links to your portfolio will allow recruiters to see your experience and qualifications in action.

Tailor your resume for every application.

This is golden advice for any industry. You should always tweak and tailor your resume for each job you're applying for. This means incorporating keywords from the job posting and highlighting relevant experiences and skills.

One graphic design job opportunity may require a skill that isn't as relevant in other opportunities in the industry, and you don't want your resume to leave out that key detail.

So, read the job description closely and tailor your resume so that it applies and sets you up for success.

Mention your education.

"If you have a degree, even if it's unrelated, list it," Gillerlain says. "Having a degree shows that you're credible and committed, and a lot of places like to see that you have one nowadays."

Gillerlain suggests listing your degree, your minor ("If you want," she says), where you got it, and when.

To learn more general resume best practices, regardless of industry, check you my colleague Martina Bretous's post about resume tips that will help you get hired.

1. Victoria Gillerlain's Graphic Design Resume

I mentioned this resume earlier, but I want to dig a little deeper. Notice how the resume is simple, easy to follow, and to the point.

It's not very colorful but still includes small, unique design elements (like the large V logo in the corner) that help it stand out without being distracting.

Gilerlain also includes a link to her website portfolio, so recruiters can find her work without having to do any additional digging.

Pro-Tip: It's okay to add unique elements to your resume to show your creativity, but keep those elements simple, like in the example above.

Cool-toned colors for headlines and a simple logo can be just enough to separate you from other applicants without overshading the contents of the document.

2. Anna Chen's Graphic Design Resume

Anna Chen's resume; graphic design resume examples

The above resume features a minimalist design that keeps the recruiter's focus squarely on the applicant's experience, qualifications, skills, and work history.

Pro Tip: While I like this resume for its simple design, I notice it doesn't include a space for Chen's education history, such as if she has a degree or is actively working toward one.

A simple design is excellent for resumes, but you should still include space for your education credentials.

Also, notice the most recent work experience is not bulleted. Applicants should include bullet points to make their resume more readable.

3. Charles Bloomberg's Graphic Design Resume

Charles Bloomberg's resume; graphic design resume examples

This resume is excellent because it's clean and includes all relevant information. I especially love how the applicant made sure to include his education and relevant certifications.

Pro Tip: Notice the small icons at the top symbolizing his location, email, phone number, and LinkedIn.

This information is a must-have, but icons and symbols can confuse applicant tracking systems and can harm the chances of your resume getting the attention of a recruiter.

So, avoid symbols and icons in your resume whenever possible.

4. Clara Thompson's Entry-Level Graphic Design Resume

Clara Thompson's resume; graphic design resume examples

This resume includes a pop of color that catches the eye without distracting from its contents. Thompson's contact information is listed neatly in the upper right corner of the page, leaving plenty of room for her work experience.

What I Love: The resume is an excellent example for individuals just starting their careers. I love how it highlights relevant projects the applicant completed before freelance work.

5. Samantha Angel's Senior Graphic Designer Resume Example

Samantha Angel's resume; graphic design resume examples

I'm biased because purple is my favorite color, but this is one of my favorite examples. Samantha's resume includes her work experience and a bulleted list of responsibilities. It also features her activities outside work and degree, adding more legitimacy to her application.

Pro Tip: Like Samantha, consider adding activities and certifications you've completed outside of your career to beef up your resume and show you're a well-rounded candidate.

If you're a student trying to break into the graphic design industry, here are some examples to get you going in the right direction.

1. Minimalist

Benjamin Matthews's resume; graphic design resume examples

The sample resume is an excellent example for graphic design students looking for entry-level opportunities. If you're new to the field but have internship or volunteer experience that applies to the role, include them as your work experience.

What I Love: The resume is simple and clean, with nearly all relevant information listed.

2. Black and White

Benjamin Matthews' black and white resume; graphic design resume examples

Like the previous example, this resume lacks color—that's okay! As I mentioned earlier, it's not essential to have color. A pop of color can show you creativity, but there's no guarantee a recruiter or hiring manager will see it or care.

What I Love: I can't emphasize enough the importance of having a clean, easy-to-read resume. This format will pass ATS without issues and neatly display your qualifications.

3. Traditional with a Pop of Color

If you want a pop of color in your resume, this example is an excellent template to emulate. It showcases the applicant's creative flair while highlighting all the essential information.

However, be mindful of adding odd symbols and icons. Again, they can pose a problem for ATS.

Pro Tip: If using color, use it sparingly and pick a color that isn't too jarring. Like the one in the example, a calming blue is a great choice.

Graphic design, like most creative fields, can be a harsh industry to break into. However, you have the best chance if you have a portfolio, skills, experience, and a clean resume to vouch for you. Good luck!

Don't forget to share this post!

10 Best Design Collaboration Software & Tools for Creatives

How to Create an Ebook From Start to Finish [Free Ebook Templates]

24 Best Free Marketing & Sales Icons for Your Website or App

The Ultimate Collection of 200+ Best Free Content Marketing Templates

7 Visual Hierarchy Principles for Every Marketer

36 Beautiful New Ebook Templates [Free Download]

What is Information Design + How It Can Help You as a Marketer

Ultimate Guide to Hero Images [Best Practices + Examples]

How to Use the Rule of Thirds in Web Design [Quick Tip]

Outsourcing a Design Project? Here's How to Write a Design Brief

Resume templates to create a killer resume for your job application.

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

IMAGES

FREE 9+ Sample Graduate School Resume Templates in PDF
Resume for Graduate School Application [Template & Examples]
How to Write a Grad School Resume (With Examples & Template) (2022)
FREE 9+ Sample Graduate School Resume Templates in PDF
Graduate Resume Examples & Academic Grad CV Samples
FREE 8+ Sample Resume For Graduate School in PDF

VIDEO

12th Pass Resume Format For Freshers Students #fresherresume #job #12thclass
Resume Simple Format Style #viral #trending #resume #interview @Crazypilla
SIMPLE RESUME FORMAT
Be A Simple Teacher Of The Word
CV FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS WITH NO EXPERIENCE || SIMPLE PROFESSIONAL RESUME FORMAT|| #studyviva
Simple Resume Format

COMMENTS

Grad School Resume Examples + Template for 2024
Use our grad school resume examples and actionable tips to boost your chances of success. Tools. Resume Builder Create a resume in 5 minutes. Get the job you want. ... Format your grad school resume template in the descending, reverse-chronological order. List just the important contact details, and omit a profile photo. ...
Grad School Resume Examples, Templates, and Guide
Here's an example of a well-written graduate school resume objective: Undergraduate Economics student (3.8 GPA) with proven leadership and research skills. Six months of international internship experience with the UNHCR. Seeking admission into New York University's Master's program in Economics with a specialization in Development Economics.
How to Write a Graduate School Resume
Step 2: Create a heading with your personal information. At the very top of your resume, you need to include: Your name (usually in a larger font size) Your address. Your email address. Your phone number. You can also include a sentence summarizing your background and stating your objective. Don't write "resume" in the heading - just ...
Grad School Resume 2024: Tips, FAQs, and Templates
January 2, 2024. in Planning, Admissions, Preparing For Grad School. 0. When applying to grad school, you'll probably be asked to submit your resume. As grad school admissions become increasingly competitive, it's critical that you have a strong resume to help you stand out from other applicants and impress the selection committee.
4 Successful Graduate School Resume and CV Examples
Harvard. This PDF focuses on how to write resumes if you're a current master's student (but can certainly be used for those applying to graduate school, too). The four samples are on pages 5-8. Each resume contains helpful introductory information explaining the purpose of the resume and how it's organized.
How to Write a Graduate School Resume: Tips + Examples
3. Use a clear, easy-to-read resume format. Your grad school resume should follow a specific format. With the exception of your name and contact information, each section of your grad school resume should have a heading. For clear definition, add two or three lines of white space between each section.
7 Grad School Resume Examples + Complete Guide
First impressions are key, so use these 7 free grad student resume samples and tips to help you get your dream grad school position in 2024. Resumes. AI resume builder Build a better resume in minutes Resume examples 2,000+ examples that work in 2024 Resume templates 184 free templates for all levels ...
Graduate School Resume Examples and Templates for 2024
1. Summarize your graduate school qualifications in a dynamic profile. When applying to graduate school, develop a professional summary at the top of your resume that encapsulates your key skills and academic expertise. Even if you lack hands-on experience in the field, this section will allow you to make a strong case for why you should be ...
Graduate School Resume Examples & Writing Tips (2024)
Graduate School Resume example Complete guide Create a Perfect Resume in 5 minutes using our Resume Examples & Templates. ... Choosing the best resume format for a graduate school. ... Ensure that the style of your resume is plain and simple. There's no space for flashy designs or colors when it comes to this document.
5 Grad School Resume Examples & Guide for 2024
Crafting an impeccable grad school resume format in four steps . The experience section of your grad school resume: your professional journey. How to create an impactful Grad school resume skills section. Highlighting your educational and certification milestones on your grad school resume. Summary or objective: making your grad school resume shine
How to Write a Resume for Graduate School
COVID-19 Resources. Land the Right Job. The Gender Pay Gap Breakdown. When applying to graduate programs, some schools may require you to submit a resume. Here we share how to write an effective resume for graduate school.
Grad School Resume Examples
Use action words. Elevate your experience with words like "researched," "published" and "presented" instead of generic resume phrases like "responsible for.". This transforms your resume from a list of tasks into a dynamic summary of your academic and research contributions. Writing tip.
Resume for Grad School: 2023 Guide with 10+ Samples and Examples
To be honest, there is no single best way to write your graduate school resume. But, there are simple structures that need to be followed. Here is a list of things that you should include in your resume for grad school: Personal information- name address, phone number. Resume objective.
4 Stellar Resume and CV Templates for Graduate School
Free Resume and CV Templates for Graduate School. So far, we've given you specific tips on what to include on your graduate school resume or CV. Now, let's begin the process of making one! In this section, we offer you four free resume and CV templates for graduate school. All of our templates are available for download as .docx files to ...
Graduate Resume Templates to Impress Any Employer
Using our graduate school resume template for Word, construct a list that you can confidently present to employers. Here are a few tips to get started: Give your skills in short phrases and don't use periods at the end. Emphasize relevant skills if you lack experience. List 6-8 skills in the format of bullet points.
18+ Free Student Resume Examples for 2024
18+ Student Resume Examples & Templates. Written By Ida Pettersson. Reviewed By Conrad Benz, Hiring Manager. Our resume examples for students are sleek, free, and properly formatted. Customize one of these templates and use our writing tips to convince employers that you have the skills and knowledge they're looking for. March 4, 2024.
Free professional simple resume templates to customize
A basic resume template consists of your contact information, work history, and education. You may also include a summary of skills and accomplishments. Remember to be consistent and concise but do not mistake it for not providing enough context. Cap your design by adding elements using our drag-and-drop feature.
20 Example Resume Objectives For Applying to Graduate School
20 resume objectives for graduate school applications. Use these sample resume objectives to get an idea of what kinds of skills, experiences and accomplishments you can showcase in your own resume objective when applying for graduate school: Curious and dedicated recent graduate with three years' experience as a laboratory assistant and ...
High School Graduate Resume Examples [2024 ready]
18 year-old high school graduate with good math skills and excellent reading and writing skills. Excelled in science classes and is an extremely hard worker who's not afraid to make big sacrifices to get the job done. Oof! The second of those samples of resume for a high school grad says, "I can get the job done.".
How to Write a Fresher Resume (With Simple Format Examples)
Professional goals. Here's a good example of a fresher "About Me" section: This candidate doesn't have any previous work experience, so instead, they draw attention to an internship they did for a company in the same industry they're now applying to work in. 2. Tailor your resume for each application.
High School Graduate Resume Examples & Templates [2024]
Here is an example of an objective statement for a high school graduate's resume: "Recent high school graduate with strong academic performance and excellent communication skills seeking an entry-level position to gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills and contribute to a dynamic team.
How To Write A Resume In 7 Steps (With Examples)
To write a resume you want to start with a format, create a header, choose an introduction, and then list your work experience, your education, your skills, and any additional relevant qualifications. ... High school graduate (no college degree). Johnston High School 2016-2020 ... Microsoft Visual Basic: Adobe Creative Suite: Data mining: UX ...
How to write a great resumé in 2021
1. Get a LinkedIn recommendation from someone you've worked with in the past, and link to it in your resumé. 2. Have a go at nailing the bones of a primary introduction, and use words specific to ...
Google Docs Resume Templates
Access the Template Gallery: In the new document, click on "File" in the top menu, then select "New" from the dropdown menu, and finally click on "From template.". Choose a Resume Template: You'll now see the template gallery. Click on the "Resumes" section to see all available resume templates.
One Page Resume Templates & Writing Guide
2. 2023. Download This Free Template. This single page resume template is packed with content and still manages to look spacious. The sidebar allows you to easily organize your information, while a vertical line splits up the page and makes your resume easy to read. 3. Clean. Download This Free Template.
100 Graduation Wishes: "Congratulations, Graduate 2024!"
23. Congrats on your outstanding achievement. Wishing you all the best for the future and all its challenges and opportunities. 24. Sending you our prayers and well-wishes on your graduation day ...
Poetry
Poetry (from the Greek word poiesis, "making") is a form of literary art that uses aesthetic and often rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, literal or surface-level meanings. Any particular instance of poetry is called a poem and is written by a poet.Poets use a variety of techniques called poetic devices, such as assonance, alliteration, euphony and ...
8 Graphic Design Resume Examples to Land Your Next Job
Graphic Design Student Resume Examples. If you're a student trying to break into the graphic design industry, here are some examples to get you going in the right direction. 1. Minimalist. Image Source. The sample resume is an excellent example for graphic design students looking for entry-level opportunities.