As a fresh graduate looking to break into the workforce, resume building is the most important skill you can learn. A resume is your way of getting your education, experience and skills across to prospective employers in a concise manner. A well-put-together resume will also communicate strong attention to detail and good design skills.
Unfortunately, many students are intimidated by the prospect of writing a resume. If you fall under this category, there’s no need to fret. Using a resume-building tool like Adobe Express takes much of the stress out of the process and allows you to put together an application that’s sure to wow recruiters and hiring managers at any company you want to apply to.
Take Advantage of Existing Templates
Writing the content of your resume is intimidating enough on its own without even considering that you also need to design it in such a way that it stands out to recruiters. Luckily, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The Adobe Express resume builder gives you access to many free templates that you can use for your own resume.
When picking a template, the first thing to consider is whether or not it has all the sections you need. For instance, if you speak multiple languages, it’s imperative that you find one with a ‘Languages’ section so you can show off your polyglot skills. If you’re in a creative industry like graphic design or interior design, you should choose a template that gives you space to link your portfolio.
It’s also important to remember that simply choosing an existing template and changing some of the information contained within won’t cut it. Remember that your goal is to stand out in a crowded job market.
From changing colours to adjusting layout and spacing, Adobe Express lets you make smart visual choices that help recruiters notice your resume for the right reasons. Want to highlight a particular section? Try a subtle pop of colour. Need to guide the reader’s eye? Use white space wisely to make sure everything is easy to follow.
Also, don’t be afraid to rearrange sections or even combine elements from different resume templates if you don’t find one that fits your needs to a tee.
Emphasise Education
As a recent graduate, your biggest selling point is your education. If you’re using a premade Adobe Express template, we suggest finding one where the ‘Education’ section, rather than the ‘Work Experience’ section, is front and centre of your resume.
When writing about your education, don’t simply list down your degrees and the universities where you received them. Be more specific: list specific courses you’ve taken that are relevant to the job you’re applying to. If you were a member of any clubs or societies, or if you received any distinctions, make sure to mention them, too.
Education goes well beyond the university you went to. Mentioning relevant courses you studied outside of your main place of learning can also help you land a job in your chosen field. For example, if you’re applying for a role in a marketing agency, listing down any digital marketing courses you studied outside of university will be tremendously beneficial.
Discuss your educational experiences, both inside and outside of university, at length, especially when applying to your first full-time job.
Make Yourself Stand Out
In a job market as competitive as today’s, standing out from the competition is more important than ever. Thankfully, Adobe Express gives you an incredible amount of freedom when it comes to customising your resume. You can add, edit and delete entire sections, allowing you to make a resume that’s fully yours, even if you’re using a pre-existing template.
Make sure to include anything that might set you apart from your peers. If you have exceptional English language skills, for instance, you can consider adding your IELTS, TOEFL or PTE scores to your ‘Languages’ section.
On the other hand, if you’ve recently completed an internship at a well-known organisation, discuss your role and responsibilities in great detail. By placing an emphasis on what makes you special, you can catch recruiters’ eyes and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Lastly, always proofread your resume. It’s easy to let human error creep in, especially if you tailor your resume for each job you apply to, so it never hurts to double- and triple-check it prior to sending it off to prospective employers. A resume that’s free of typos and formatting errors demonstrates attention to detail, which is a quality that all employers value in job candidates.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to spot each and every error, even if you proofread your resume. Thankfully, Adobe Express includes a spell checker: simply click ‘Edit,’ then locate the ‘Check Spelling’ option. Express will point out any errors you may have missed, which is a godsend for anyone in the midst of applying for jobs.
You can also put your resume through Grammarly for more in-depth suggestions when it comes to wording and sentence construction. By combining diligent manual proofreading with advanced digital tools, you can create a polished resume that employers will love.
Build a Resume That Tells Your Story
Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs – it’s a snapshot of who you are, what you’ve achieved, and where you’re headed. Adobe Express makes it easy to add new sections that go beyond the basics.
Want to highlight your awards and accomplishments? There’s space for that. Have specific skills or attributes that set you apart? You can give them the spotlight they deserve. You can even include interests and extracurriculars that give hiring managers a sense of your personality, like your commitment to team sports, your creativity in music, or your passion for art.
Just remember: aim for relevance. Adobe Express gives you full control, but it’s up to you to decide what makes the cut. Tailor your resume to the role. For instance, mentioning your love for reading and blogging could be a real asset if you’re applying for an editorial job. If you’re going for a design role, showcasing your drawing skills or involvement in creative hobbies could work in your favour.
Creating an Impressive Resume Has Never Been Easier with Adobe Express
Building your resume is a major step on the way to being a full-fledged member of the workforce. Whether this is your first time or you’ve had some resume-building experience before, Adobe Express can help expedite the process and help you design a resume that’s professional, aesthetic and unique.
With a few simple tips and the right tools, you can create a resume that stands out to hiring managers and showcases exactly what you bring to the table. It’s all about making sure your personality and strengths shine through – you’re ready to impress!