Spring semesters are in full swing and commencement is getting closer by the day for seniors. By the time college students graduate, they should have a couple internships under their belts. But if they weren’t lucky enough to nab an awesome internship at Spectrum Brands then their resumes may be looking a little bare. The good news is that recent grads still have experiences that can beef up their resumes. What are they? Take notes, seniors:
Personal Projects
If you’re interested in, let’s say, graphic design, you don’t need to have an official internship to gain experience. Take on clients of your own — think friends or family members — and start working on projects for them that will look great on your resume. Maybe your aunt owns a flower shop and you want to redesign her logo. Even if she doesn’t use the logo, you could still include it in your portfolio. Your portfolio can be made up of just-for-fun, unpaid, and unsolicited projects.
Relevant Classes
This is especially important if your degree is general or different than the position in which you’re applying for. List any tutelage you received — even if it was just a hobby class you took on the weekends — if it will help justify your cause and display your expertise.
Letters of Recommendation
If you bonded with a particular professor, instructor, or internship boss, ask them to write you a glowing review on LinkedIn. Or request a lengthier review that you can attach to your cover letter. Be sure to get the recommendation signed and dated. While great experience is the gold standard for a resume, a recommendation won’t hurt.
Soft Skills
We’ve touted the benefits of soft skills before (read Soft Skills Rock! What Employers Really Want), and it’s no different here. Great communicators, team players, problem solvers, and decision makers are in need at every company in every position. Include any club or sport you were involved in that demonstrates these characteristics.
How did you make your recent grad resume shine? Comment below!
Image by Bill S via Flickr.
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