Have you just graduated and want to make a strong impression on your CV? Struggling to figure out what employers are looking for in a graduate resume? Look no further as this article is here to help you write the best resume for your graduate application!
How to Write the Best Resume for a Graduate Application
Your resume is often the first point of contact between you and a potential employer, and it’s crucial to making a good first impression. But how do you make your resume stand out among the hundreds of others an employer may receive? How do you showcase your skills and experience in a way that is both concise and compelling?
In this article, we’ll give you tips and examples to help you write the best resume for your graduate application. Whether you’re applying for a job or pursuing further education, these tips will help you showcase your strengths and get the job you want. So let’s get started!
Highlight your educational background
Your education is your greatest asset as a graduate student. Your educational background, including your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, any relevant courses or certificates, and any academic honors or awards you have won, should be the first part of your resume. Please provide the name of the institution, the date of graduation and the average of your grades.
Example:
Master of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, Expected graduation date: May 2022
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, ABC University, Graduation Date: May 2020
Dean’s List, ABC University, Fall 2018 – Spring 2020
Your relevant work experience should be highlighted.
In your resume, highlight your relevant work experience, starting with your most recent employment. Specify the job title, company name, and dates of employment. Pay special attention to your abilities and background which are most relevant to the graduate program you are applying to.
Example: Intern Software Engineering, Google, May 2021 – August 2021
- Worked on developing and testing new features for the Google Chrome browser
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high quality software products
- Gained experience with agile development methodologies and project management tools
List any extracurricular activities and volunteer work that are relevant.
Your leadership skills, teamwork skills and commitment to being a good influence can be demonstrated by including relevant extracurricular activities and volunteer work on your resume. Highlight any positions you held or initiatives you oversaw.
Example: Volunteer Teacher, ABC Elementary School, September 2019 – May 2020
- Weekly tutoring for students in Mathematics and English
- Monitoring the progress of the students in consultation with parents and teachers and adjusting the lessons accordingly
- Developed and implemented new teaching strategies to help struggling students
Make your resume specific to the program you’re pursuing.
The specifics of each degree should be reflected in your resume. The talents and experiences you highlight in your CV should be in line with the objectives and specifications of the program you are applying to.
Example: If you are applying to a graduate program in environmental sciences, highlight any coursework or research experience related to environmental sustainability, climate change, or conservation efforts.
Indicate dissertation experience
When applying for graduate programs, it is essential to emphasize any dissertation experience. This is especially true if you are enrolling in a research-based program. Your dissertation experience will demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of research methodologies and the ability to conduct independent research projects.
When listing your dissertation experience on your resume, include the title of your dissertation, the name of your supervisor, and a brief summary of your research objectives and findings. If your dissertation has been published in a peer-reviewed journal, please include the publication details. If not, include any presentations you’ve given on your dissertation topic, such as conference presentations.
Also list any research methods you used and highlight any specific skills you developed during your dissertation. This may include data analysis, literature review, research design and project management. Providing evidence of your dissertation experience and research skills sets you apart from other applicants and shows that you are prepared for the rigors of a graduate program.
Examples: dissertation experience
- Extensively researched the impact of social media on political activism, resulting in a 100-page dissertation of original findings and analysis.
- Developed and implemented a research methodology, including conducting surveys and interviews, data analysis using SPSS and creating visual representations of results.
- Presented research findings at a national conference and received positive feedback from esteemed scientists in the field.
- Demonstrated excellent writing skills and attention to detail, with an “A” for the thesis.”
Edit and proofread your resume.
Your resume should be error-free and easy to read. Write in a clear, concise manner and review your resume several times to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Before submitting your resume, consider asking a friend or mentor to research it. For example;
- Double-check your formatting to ensure consistency in your resume
- Use bullets to break up large blocks of text
- Use action verbs to describe your experiences and achievements
Recommended Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Your Resume For Graduate Application
What should I include in my resume for a graduate job application?
Your CV should include your personal information, educational background, work experience (if any), skills, achievements and other relevant information that demonstrates your qualifications and suitability for the programme.
How should I structure my resume for a graduate job application?
Your resume should be structured in a clear and concise manner, with section headings and bullet points to highlight important information. Be sure to prioritize the most important information, such as your educational background and relevant work experience.
Do I need to include a personal statement in my resume for a graduate job application?
While it is not necessary to include a personal statement in your resume, it can be a good way to emphasize your motivation for taking the program and showcase your personality and communication skills. However, if you are required to submit a separate personal statement as part of your application, you may choose not to include it on your resume.
How long should my resume be for a graduate application?
Your resume should be no longer than two pages as admissions officers don’t have time to read a long document. Make sure to prioritize the most important information and keep your formatting clean and simple.
How important is the formatting on my resume to a graduate application?
Formatting is very important in your resume as it can affect the readability and overall impression of your application. Be sure to choose a clear and professional font, use consistent formatting throughout, and include enough white space to make your document easy to read.
Do I need to customize my resume for each graduate program I apply to?
Yes, you should tailor your resume to each graduate program you are applying to to highlight your specific qualifications and suitability for that particular program. Be sure to research the program and its requirements in advance and tailor your resume accordingly.