Soft Skills (Personal Strengths):

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Problem-solving

• Time management

• Leadership

• Creativity

• Adaptability

Use a mix of hard and soft skills to show you’re well-rounded.

5. Include Internships, Part-Time Work, or Volunteerism

You don’t need much work experience; it can be any experience that demonstrates responsibility and contribution.

You might include any of these job types: 

• Internships (online or in person)
• Freelancing 
• Part-time jobs
• Community service (however, if you’re short on work experience, it’s best to include only one)
• Volunteering with an NGO
• School committees/clubs 

Here’s an example of how it should look: 

Title – Organization (Month/Year – Month/Year)

A few brief bullet points about what you did and what you accomplished.

It shows initiative and gives the employer something to see when it comes to meaningful, real-life experiences.

6. Display Projects & Assignments

If you do not have work experience, then projects can really set you apart. Projects represent your abilities, interests, and other real experiences.

Here are a few example projects:

• A science or research project
• Coding or app development
• A marketing or presentation
• A social science survey
• A business plan
• Creative writing assignment
• Design portfolio

Projects help entice the employer about what you can actually do.

7. Emphasize Certificates and Online Courses

Today, students can choose from thousands of free and paid courses. Adding these courses to your resume helps you seek a job with a reputable feel.

Some of the more notable options available include:

• Coursera
• LinkedIn Learning
• Google Certifications
• Internshala
• Udemy
• NPTEL

Be sure the courses you list are relevant to your chosen career direction.

8. Add Extracurriculars and Achievements

This is where your personality shines.

Include:

• Sports participation

• Debate competitions

• Club memberships

• Cultural programs

• Olympiads

• Awards or recognitions

This section helps employers understand your strengths beyond academics.

9. Layout Your Resume Neatly

Proper layout is also important in making a good impression.

Please remember:

• Use bullet points
• Keep the document to 1-2 pages
• Use a legible font (Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica)
• Keep colors to a minimum
• Keep section headings simple

A well-organized resume will be easier to read and more likely to make it to the shortlist!.

10. Tailor Your Resume for Every Application

A common mistake students make is using the same resume everywhere. Instead, customize it based on:

• Job description

• Required skills

• Company expectations

Highlight what matters the most for that particular internship or job.