How to Write a Student Resume
Whether you are applying for a part-time job, an internship or a campus role, a student resume shows what you have learned and how you apply it.
A student resume follows the same principles as any resume, with one important difference: your education and activities carry more weight because you have less work history. Employers hiring students look for potential, reliability and the ability to learn.
The quickest way to start is the Student template. It puts education and projects first and keeps everything on one clean page.
Recommended structure
Contact details
Name, phone, a professional email address, city and a LinkedIn or portfolio link if you have one.
Objective or summary
Two lines on your year, field of study and the role you want. See resume objective examples.
Education
School, degree or program, expected graduation date, GPA if 3.0 or above, and relevant coursework.
Experience
Part-time jobs, internships, work-study and summer jobs.
Projects
Class, personal or team projects that show relevant skills.
Activities and leadership
Clubs, sports, student government, volunteering.
Skills
Software, languages and technical skills.
The Student template puts education, projects and skills first.
Use the Student TemplateWhat counts as experience for students
- Part-time jobs, even if they are not related to your field. Retail and hospitality show reliability and customer service
- Internships, co-ops, apprenticeships and research positions
- Campus jobs: library assistant, tutor, resident assistant, lab assistant
- Volunteer work and community service
- Freelance and informal work, such as tutoring or design for local businesses
- Leadership roles in clubs, teams or organizations
Example bullets for students
- Campus jobAssisted 50+ students per shift at the library help desk with research databases and printing.
- RetailHandled cash and card transactions accurately during weekend shifts of up to 300 customers.
- Club leadershipPlanned 6 events as social chair for a 90-member student club, doubling average attendance.
- Class projectDesigned a mobile app prototype in Figma with a team of 3, presented to a panel of local business owners.
- ResearchCollected and cleaned survey data from 400 participants for a faculty research project using SPSS.
- VolunteerTutored 5 middle school students weekly in reading through a community literacy program.
Need more ideas? See the action verbs list and the college student resume example.
Education section tips for students
- Write "Expected May 2027" for a degree in progress
- Include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher
- Add three to five relevant courses on one line
- Include scholarships, dean's list and academic awards
- Remove high school details once you are well into college
Common student resume mistakes
- Going over one page. Keep it to a single page.
- Listing every class. Choose only relevant coursework.
- An unprofessional email. Use your school email or a simple address with your name.
- Undervaluing part-time jobs. They show work ethic. Describe them with results.
- Typos. Ask a friend, career services office or teacher to proofread.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have never had a job?
Focus on education, projects, volunteering and activities. The resume with no experience guide shows how.
Should a student resume have a photo?
In the US, Canada and the UK, no. In some European and Asian countries, a professional photo is common. See the resume photo guide.
Can I list my high school achievements in college?
In your first year or two, yes, if they are strong. Replace them with college experience as you gain it.
Should I include references?
You do not need to list references on your resume. Prepare a separate list of two or three people, such as a professor, supervisor or coach, to share when asked.
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