You’re holding your degree, but now what?
If you’re a new grad, the job hunt can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff. You’ve got the knowledge, the drive, and the dream—but your resume might be the thing holding you back.
At 619 Recruiting, we’ve helped thousands of candidates—from fresh-out-of-college hopefuls to seasoned pros—craft resumes that actually get noticed. Whether you’re writing your very first one or giving yours a much-needed refresh, here’s how to turn your resume into your best advocate.
📌 First, Let’s Talk to the New Grads
If you’re just starting out, we get it: you might not have tons of “experience” in the traditional sense. But don’t let that stop you. You’ve got more to offer than you think.
1. Lead with a Strong Summary
Even if your resume is only a page, start with 2–3 sentences that tell us who you are, what you’re passionate about, and the kind of role you’re aiming for. Think of it as your “elevator pitch.”
Example:
Recent Marketing graduate with hands-on experience in social media strategy, campaign analysis, and brand storytelling. Eager to bring creative thinking and data-driven insights to a growing digital team.
2. Show Off Class Projects, Internships, and Volunteering
Not all experience comes with a paycheck. Highlight senior projects, internships, or volunteer gigs where you built real-world skills. Focus on what you did and what came of it.
Instead of: “Worked on a marketing project.”
Try: “Developed a social media campaign for a local nonprofit, increasing engagement by 40% in four weeks.”
3. Use Keywords from the Job Description
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS). That means resumes are scanned by bots before they ever reach human eyes. Include relevant keywords from the job posting to help your resume make it through.
✨ Tips for Everyone Looking to Improve Their Resume
Whether you’re five months or fifteen years into your career, these tips apply to all job seekers.
4. Quantify Your Impact
Numbers speak louder than buzzwords. Replace vague statements with results-driven bullet points.
❌ “Managed a team and led meetings.”
✅ “Led a team of 6, improving project delivery speed by 25% through new workflow strategies.”
5. Tailor Every Resume
Yes, every single one. Generic resumes are easy to spot—and easy to ignore. Customize your summary, skills, and bullet points for the role you’re applying to.
6. Keep It Clean, Simple, and Skimmable
Use clear headings, consistent formatting, and bullet points. Stick to one or two fonts max. And unless you’re in a highly visual field like design, skip the headshot and fancy graphics.
7. Get Feedback from Someone Who Hires
A friend or mentor is great—but a recruiter or hiring manager? Even better. At 619 Recruiting, we love helping candidates fine-tune their resumes. Don’t be afraid to ask for input.
🙌 Final Thought: Your Resume Is Not Set in Stone
It’s a living document, just like your career. It will change, grow, and evolve with you—and that’s exactly how it should be.
Whether you’re a new grad figuring out how to translate classroom skills into real-world value, or a mid-career professional ready for the next challenge, your resume should reflect not just what you’ve done, but who you are becoming.
Need help with your next step?
Let’s talk. At 619 Recruiting, we’re not just about finding your next job—we’re about building your career with you, one move at a time.
