How to Build a Standout Resume
Your resume is your first impression. Make it count.
Whether you're applying for your first internship, a summer job, or your dream entry-level role after graduation, your resume is often the first (and sometimes only) chance you get to show someone what you're capable of. So how do you make yours stand out in a sea of digital submissions?
In 2025, the job market is more competitive than ever—and so is the technology used to sort through applicants. But don’t worry. With a bit of effort, some strategy, and a few tips from this blog, you’ll be on your way to crafting a resume that gets noticed.
Why Your Resume Still Matters
With job applications now largely digital, many students assume that having a “nice” resume isn’t that important anymore. But employers—and more importantly, their hiring systems—still rely heavily on this one-page document to filter applicants.
Here’s why it still matters:
It's the first screen before you ever get a call or interview.
It shapes the conversation in interviews.
It's often your only shot to stand out—especially when applying online.
Understanding the Resume Robots: What Is an ATS?
Most large companies and even some small ones use something called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This is software that scans resumes for keywords, skills, and experience before a human ever sees it.
What This Means for You:
If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it might never make it to a real person.
ATS programs can struggle with fancy formatting or images—keep your layout clean and simple.
Customizing your resume for each job or internship makes a big difference. Tailor it to the role.
Pro Tip: Use the job description as your cheat sheet. If the job asks for “time management” or “customer service,” and you’ve got experience in those areas—make sure those exact words are somewhere on your resume.
2025 Resume Trends Students Should Know
Let’s keep it real: What worked 10 years ago doesn’t work now. Here’s what’s trending this year:
One page, optimal. Two pages, max. Especially for students and recent grads. Keep it concise, short and relevant.
Skills section up top. Hiring managers scan quickly—don’t bury your strengths.
Soft skills matter. Employers are looking for communication, adaptability, and problem-solving as much as hard skills.
No fluff. Avoid phrases like “go-getter” or “hard-working” unless you’re backing them up with real examples.
Include digital fluency. Mention relevant tools (Google Workspace, Canva, Zoom, Microsoft Office, etc.), especially if you're applying for admin, retail, or marketing positions.
Use action verbs. “Managed,” “Created,” “Led,” “Solved,” “Designed”—these help show what you actually did.
Real Talk: Don’t Rely on Technology Alone
Online applications are convenient … but they're also crowded. Hundreds of people may apply to the same role in a single afternoon. That’s why some of the best advice we can give you is this:
Don’t just apply online. Show up in real life.
If there’s a place you’d love to work—whether it’s a local coffee shop, a community nonprofit, a tech startup, or a university department—print your resume, dress professionally, and go introduce yourself.
Here’s how:
Walk in during off-peak hours.
Ask if the manager is available.
Shake their hand, smile, and say:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I just wanted to drop off my resume and say hello. I’m really interested in working here and would love to be considered if anything opens up.”
That 30-second interaction will do more for your chances than a dozen online applications.
References Matter More Than You Think
When you're just starting out, your character, work ethic, and potential are often more important than your experience—and that's where references come in.
Even if you haven’t had a formal job yet, you can still build a strong reference list. Consider asking:
A teacher who knows your strengths in the classroom
A coach or club advisor who has seen you grow and lead
A manager from a part-time job or volunteer organization
A mentor or community leader who knows your personality and drive
Even a peer or older student who can speak to your reliability and work style
You can list references on a separate page, or simply state:
“References available upon request.”
But don’t stop there. Letters of recommendation are powerful too—especially when applying to scholarships, internships, or competitive programs. A great reference or letter tells a future employer or admissions team:
“This person is someone worth paying attention to.”
Pro Tip: Reach out early and ask permission before listing someone as a reference. Keep them in the loop about where you're applying so they’re ready to speak on your behalf.
Building Blocks: What to Include on Your Resume
Here’s a quick checklist of what to include:
Contact Info: Full name, email, phone number, city/state (no full address needed)
Skills: Software, languages, tools, certifications
Summary (Optional): A sentence or two about your strengths or goals
Education: School name, expected graduation date, GPA (if it’s strong), relevant coursework
Experience: Jobs, internships, volunteer roles—focus on results and responsibilities
Extracurriculars: Clubs, sports, leadership roles, community service
Awards or Honors: Only if relevant and recent
References: Don’t forget to ask before you list your references
Final Tips Before You Hit Submit
Proofread. Spelling errors = instant rejection.
Save as PDF. Always send resumes as a PDF unless otherwise requested.
Rename the file. Something like Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf
Ask someone to review it. A teacher, friend, mentor—fresh eyes can catch things you missed.
Ready to Build Your Resume?
We’ve put together a downloadable template to make the process easier. It’s clean, modern, and built with ATS software in mind—no fancy formatting that’ll get you filtered out.
[Click here to download the resume template]
You’ve Got This.
Building your resume might feel intimidating, but remember: it’s a living document. You’ll revise it dozens of times throughout your career. The most important thing is to start now and keep improving. You never know what opportunity is waiting on the other side of a great first impression.
