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Creating a Simple Resume for Freshers: Your Ultimate Guide to Landing That First Job
Creating a resume can feel daunting, especially when you're unsure how to present yourself professionally without prior work experience. You might be asking, "How do I make an impression as a fresher?" That’s where this resume for freshers guide comes in to help.
In this resume for freshers guide, you’ll learn how to create a professional resume that emphasizes your strengths, highlights your potential, and grabs the attention of employers. We’ll explore the key elements of resume building, provide useful tips for crafting a resume when you’re just starting out, and link to unique resume templates designed to help you stand out from the crowd.
If you're building your first resume, get a jump-start with our free professional resume templates. Easily customize and download a CV or resume for free!
Before you start to make a resume, it’s important to know what sections to include because certain info is simply a must-have. How you structure these sections in your resume is vitally important as well. In fact, your resume's structure is one of the key puzzle pieces to making a great first impression.
Here's a pro tip: While order is important and there is an ideal resume structure, your resume sections might differ. For example, if you have limited formal education but extensive hands on experience, you’ll want to list your experience above education. A best practice here is to ensure that your most relevant skills and qualifications are prominently displayed at the top, making them the first thing an employer sees. This approach highlights your strongest selling points right away, increasing your chances of making a strong first impression.
Swap out any sections for ones that are more relevant to you and your qualifications. For example, you can swap "certifications" for "awards."
Here’s a breakdown of the must-have sections to include on a simple resume for freshers in the ideal order:
Your contact information is the first thing potential employers see, so make sure it’s complete and professional. This section should include:
The objective or summary is a brief statement that gives employers a snapshot of who you are and what you’re aiming for.
For freshers, including an objective can be effective as it highlights your career aspirations. However, for those with years of professional experience in the role, an objective is less relevant.
For example: “Enthusiastic marketing graduate eager to apply my skills in content creation in a dynamic startup environment.”
As a fresher, your education is one of your strongest assets. This section should detail your academic background, including:
Your resume skills section is where you highlight both hard and soft skills that make you a suitable candidate for the job.
Even if you’re a fresher, you likely have some experience that’s worth showcasing. This could be internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or even significant academic projects.
You may feel stumped because you don't have much experience or a long list of skills to full your resume with. This is common for freshers, so don't worry because everyone has to start somewhere. This is why we recommend adding a projects section. This is particularly valuable for freshers as it's a place where you can demonstrate practical experience and problem-solving abilities from school projects or home projects you've been involved in. Here's what you should add to this section:
Certifications can set you apart from other candidates by showing that you’ve gone the extra mile to gain additional knowledge or skills. Here's the info you'll want to include:
While this section is optional, it can be a great way to showcase your personality and interests that are relevant to the job. It will also be a helpful way for companies to know if you're a good cultural fit.
If you are proficient in more than one language, this section can be an excellent addition to your resume, especially if the job requires communication in multiple languages or if you're applying to a company that operates internationally - you might be applying to a business that’s hiring in the United States but based in Europe, for example. Here's what to include:
Language: List the languages you speak, read, or write.
Proficiency Level: State your proficiency level in each language. Common categories include:
As a fresher, you might feel that your lack of experience puts you at a disadvantage. However, there are several strategies you can use to create a strong resume that highlights your potential:
Since you may not have much work experience, lean into your education and academic projects. Discuss your coursework, highlight major projects, and explain how they’ve prepared you for the job you’re applying for.
When describing your experiences or projects, use action-oriented language to convey a sense of accomplishment and proactivity. Words like “developed,” “initiated,” “coordinated,” and “achieved” help to create a dynamic and impactful resume.
Instead of saying you “helped with a project,” say you “coordinated a project team of five members to successfully deliver a marketing campaign ahead of schedule.”
Additionally, instead of simply listing tasks, emphasize what you accomplished in each role or project. Provide strong examples and, whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Use numbers to illustrate the impact you made.
One of the most effective ways to make your resume stand out is by tailoring it to each job you apply for. This means tweaking your objective, skills, and experiences to align closely with the job description. Utilizing embedded business intelligence tools can streamline this process, allowing you to collect and analyze job data to better understand what skills and qualifications are in demand, ultimately helping you refine your resume for each application.
Your resume is just one piece of the puzzle. To go above and beyond, you want to cover all your bases and stand out! One way to do that is to make sure you have a strong profile across social channels and referenced on your resume. This helps potential employers see you beyond your resume and helps them learn more about you.
Plus, creating a strong employee profile, particularly on LinkedIn, can help you build your professional brand and attract potential employers. Those potential employers can get a better sense of your employee voice through your online presence, helping them understand your values, communication style, and professional interests.
Below are key ways to build your professional profile - you want to ensure a cohesive and polished image across all social channels, optimizing your appearance wherever potential employers may look:
Include links to your website and LinkedIn on your resume for easy digital viewing. This also enhances your image as a strong, proactive, and well-rounded applicant. Always double-check that there are no broken links to ensure employers can access your information without any issues.
As mentioned above, you’ll want to use a professional email address. This is a crucial part of your job search toolkit. It’s one of the first things employers will see, and it sets the tone for your communications.
If possible, set up instant notifications for this work email on your phone to quickly see and respond to interview offers.
Depending on the type of roles you’re applying for, you’ll often be asked to include a link to your professional website. If the job positions you want ask for a professional website, you definitely want to provide one. If they don’t ask, it’s an excellent way to stand out.
Think of it as your more creative digital resume. It’s a place where you can expand on the details in your resume and showcase your skills, projects, and creativity. Especially as a fresher, having a website can set you apart from other candidates and you’ll automatically set you apart from those who don’t. If you're targeting global opportunities, working with a translation company can ensure your website is accessible and appealing to international recruiters, helping to further increase your chances of landing a job.
These days, setting up a website is easier than ever. Here’s the simple steps you need to follow to build a professional website. And don’t forget to link to it on your resume!
Consider featuring your work on the home page so it’s the first thing viewers see.
A professional photo is a must for your LinkedIn profile and can also be used in your resume if appropriate. Here’s how to ensure your photo makes the right impression:
Your personal branding statement is like your elevator pitch - it’s a brief, compelling summary of who you are and what you bring to the table.
For example: “Innovative graphic designer with a passion for creating compelling visual narratives. Skilled in Kittl, with a strong focus on brand identity and user-centered design.”
A strong LinkedIn profile can enhance your job search by showcasing your resume, projects, and professional network. Follow the key LinkedIn profile tips below along with these additional 20 LinkedIn profile tips and make sure you follow all of the best-practices.
Now that you know what to include in your resume, let’s talk about how to design it. A professional-looking resume can make all the difference, and that’s where Kittl comes in. Kittl is a comprehensive design platform that’s perfect for creating a detailed CV or a simple resume for freshers that looks polished and professional.
Kittl isn’t just another resume builder - it’s a full-fledged design platform that offers a wide range of tools and features to help you create stunning visual content. You have to power to fully customize your resume to showcase who you are and what you can do.
Before you put the time into a costly or worse… complicated design platform, learn the key benefits of choosing Kittl to create your digital resume (or print resume).
One of the standout features of Kittl is its collection of free resume templates. These templates are professionally designed and ready to use, making it easy to create a resume that looks like it was crafted by a pro.
Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern, creative and bold, or simple and clean, Kittl has a template for you. Plus, they’re easily customizable. So once you’ve chosen a template, you can easily edit it by adding your information, adjusting the layout, and tweaking the design elements.
Create a professional quality resume with Kittl’s free resume templates: All templates are designed to look professional, ensuring your resume stands out in a crowded job market.
Once your resume is ready, you’ll want to download it in a format that’s easy to share and looks great. Kittl makes this process seamless.
Kittl allows you to download your resume as a high-resolution PDF, ensuring it looks crisp and professional whether you’re sending it digitally or printing it out. And with Kittl’s free plan, you don’t have to spend a thing to download your document.
The job market is dynamic, and so are you. You might need to update your resume as you gain new skills, experience, or change your career direction. Kittl makes it easy to go back and make edits whenever you need to.
Creating your resume on Kittl is a straightforward process, even if you’re new to design tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
First, visit the Kittl website and sign up for a free account. If you already have an account, simply log in to get started.
Signing up to design in Kittl is quick, easy, and FREE - Just enter your email and create a password.
Next, browse through Kittl’s library of resume templates by navigating to the resume template category. Choose one that matches your style and the type of job you’re applying for.
Once you’ve selected a template, it’s time to make it your own. Kittl’s design tools allow you to customize every aspect of your resume.
Including an image, like a professional headshot, can personalize your resume and make it more engaging. Here’s how to do it in Kittl:
After customizing your resume, save your work to your Kittl account. Then, click the download button and select the PDF option. Kittl will generate a high-quality PDF that’s ready to send to employers.
Need to update your resume later? No problem. Just log back into your Kittl account, open your saved resume, and make the necessary changes.
Including an image in your resume isn’t required, but if you choose to, it can enhance your personal branding. Here are some tips to ensure your image looks professional and appropriate:
Your photo should convey professionalism and approachability. Here are some tips for taking a professional headshot for your resume:
A low-quality image can detract from the overall professionalism of your resume.
The size and placement of your image can impact the overall design of your resume.
Below is a selection of our favorite resume templates that are free to use and customize in Kittl. Each one has a unique trait that makes it stands out. We recommend using these resume ideas and copying them into your own.
We'll explain why these resume tactics should be adopted as a best-practice.
This resume example is simple yet creative. The level indicators or progress bars are an awesome addition that can show off your skills at a glance. It's an incredibly helpful way to let hiring managers know what you're great at and what you can bring to the team. This really highlights your best qualities and makes it easy for them to see how you'd be a great fit!
The QR code here is an excellent touch. It ensures their website is easily accessable in the case that the doc is printed. It also showcases creativity as adding QR codes to resumes and CVs isn't a very common practice yet. So we highly recommend you give this tactic a try, especially if you're a fresher, as it just might help you stand out.
Like a few of these resume examples, this one states exactly who the person is directly under their name. We specifically appreciate this format however because the title isn't limiting. They included Graphic Designer alongside Web Designer to showcase they're professional in more than one area. But that's not to say you'd want two completely different titles listed such as Web Developer and Zoo Keeper. If you have two key professions that are in the same wheel house and are typically desirable under one role, then list them. Showcase your range but show your focus and dedication to one area.
This resume design is a perfect example of one that includes a website. It's listed directly with the rest of their contact information so it's impossible to miss. We also love the use of icons here next to each contact detail. Learn more about symbols and their meanings and think of ways you can get create by using symbols in your resume. Perhaps a graph to represent something you improved.
Their profile summary is the perfect structure to tell a recruiter or potential employer exactly what they need to know - and ideally catch their attention so they put more focus on the rest of the fine details.
This profile intros by stating who the person is/what they do: a highly skilled and innovative Web Developer. It then lists a passion and skill of theirs: creating user-friendly websites. Then jumps to three specific skill areas: HTML, JavaScript, and PHP. And finishes with a desirable soft-skill: their an avid learner and this soft skill has led them to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Ideally this prompts the recruiter to read more. If you want to improve this even more, we recommend backing your statement with a result.
For example: "cutting-edge solutions that increase customer satisfaction by x%."
Get started with one of the resume templates below or visit our collection of free resume templates to browse more options.
Crafting a resume as a fresher doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on the essential sections, highlighting your strengths, and using an intuitive design tool like Kittl, you can create a resume that not only looks professional but also effectively communicates your potential.
With Kittl’s easy-to-use platform, you can customize your resume to reflect your personal style, download it as a high-quality PDF, and make edits whenever necessary. Whether you’re just starting your job search or looking to refine your resume, Kittl makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Now, you’re ready to create a resume that will help you land that first job and kickstart your career.
Get started with Kittl for free and create a resume with a customisable template now!
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