Job hunting as a fresh graduate in 2025 is both exciting and daunting. With increased competition in the job market, a good resume is what can get you your first job. A strong resume enables the business, technology, or arts school graduate present themselves and their skills, experience, and potential to employers.
If you are struggling to write a good resume, here are 10 resume tips to make you stand out.
1. Select the Right Resume Format
Before you write, determine the most appropriate resume format. The three main types are:
- Chronological Resume: Lists work experience and education chronologically, most appropriate for candidates with relevant internships.
- Functional Resume: Emphasises skills over experience, suitable for graduates with minimal work experience.
- Combination Resume: Blends the strengths of the chronological and functional formats, emphasising key skills while demonstrating career progression and relevant experience.
A resume writer SG can assist you in selecting the most appropriate format depending on your strengths.
2. Write a Strong Resume Summary
A resume summary is a brief introduction at the top of your resume, summarizing your key skills and career objectives. Keep it brief and strong. For example,
“Marketing graduate with practical experience in social media management and market research seeking an entry-level position to apply analytical and creative skills in a fast-paced environment.”
3. Highlight Internships and Volunteer Work
As a new graduate, you may have limited work experience, but internships and volunteer work can highlight valuable skills and industry readiness. Make sure to include the following information:
- Company/Organisation name
- Duration
- Responsibilities and achievements
For example:
Marketing Intern | XYZ Agency | June – December 2024
- Assisted in the development of social media content, increasing engagement by 25%.
- Conducted market research to inform campaign strategies.
4. Show Transferable Skills
Employers look for skills that can be applied across different roles. These include:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Leadership
If you had a part-time job, were in a student organisation or led a project, emphasise how those will help in enhancing your related skills.
5. Emphasise Academic Achievements
Your education section should include your degree, university attended, and year of graduation. If you have a strong academic record or relevant coursework for the job you are applying for, be sure to highlight them to showcase your qualifications. For example:
Bachelor of Business Administration | National University of Singapore | 2025
- Relevant courses: Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, Consumer Psychology
- Dean’s List (2023, 2024)
6. Add Certifications and Online Courses
Online courses and certifications speak to your initiative and continuous learning. List relevant courses you have successfully completed to showcase your knowledge.
- Google Digital Marketing Certification
- Python for Data Science (Coursera)
- Project Management Foundations (LinkedIn Learning)
7. Add a Skills Section
A skills section makes it easy for the reader to evaluate and get an impression of your strengths. Group them into two types:
- Technical Skills: Software and coding languages and data analysis.
- Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, teamwork, etc.
- Technical Skills: MS Office, SQL, Canva
- Soft Skills: Critical thinking, time management, adaptability
8. Tailor for ATS
Almost every company uses ATS to sort through resumes. To increase your chances of passing the ATS, incorporate relevant keywords from the job description that align with your skills and experience. Common keywords include:
- Project Management
- Market Research
- Content Creation
- Financial Analysis
9. Keep Your Resume Design Simple and Professional
A neat resume enhances readability and impact. Keep these in mind:
- Use clean, readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman and keep font sizes between 10 to 12 pt
- Keep your resume at one page
- Avoid excessive colors and graphics
- Use bullet points for readability and maintain proper spacing and margins
If you need professional assistance, try resume writing Singapore services for a neat and ATS-optimised resume.
10. Proofread and Get Feedback
Even a single mistake can give the reader a wrong impression. Before sending your resume:
Use spell-checking tools like Grammarly
Seek feedback from a mentor or a career advisor
Read it out loud to identify awkward phrasing and improve clarity
Final Thoughts
Your resume is the first step toward your dream job. With these 10 resume ideas, you can showcase your skills, experience and potential in the best possible light. If you are unsure where to start, hiring a resume writer SG can provide expert guidance. Resume writing services ensure that your resume is clear, compelling, and customised for your target industry.
With a strong resume, you can secure your first job and pave the way for a successful career in 2025!