A well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing your first IT job. As a fresher, you might think you don’t have much to showcase, but with the right structure and focus, you can create a resume that stands out.
What is an ATS-friendly resume?. An ATS (Applicant Tracking System)-friendly resume is one that is optimized to be without difficulty parsed and understood via way of means of ATS software. Many recruiters use ATS to control process applications, and in case your resume isn’t always ATS-pleasant, it can now no longer also be visible via way of means of human recruiters.
1. Start with a Strong Header
Your name, contact details, and LinkedIn profile should be the first thing recruiters see. Avoid unnecessary details like your full address. Keep it simple and professional.
2. Write a Clear Objective Statement
A strong objective tells the recruiter what you bring to the table.
Example:
“A passionate computer science graduate with hands-on experience in web development, looking to contribute technical and problem-solving skills to a dynamic team.”
3. Highlight Your Skills
- List your technical skills like programming languages, tools, and technologies.
- Separate them into categories for clarity (e.g., Programming: Java, Python; Tools: Git, VS Code).
- Mention soft skills like teamwork, communication, or adaptability if relevant.
Read related posts if you haven’t read yet: How to Improve Communication Skills for Interviews
4. Showcase Academic Projects
Your projects are proof of your skills. For each project, include:
- Title: A descriptive name (e.g., “E-commerce Website with React and Firebase”).
- Tools/Technologies Used: Highlight relevant skills.
- Description: Explain what the project does and your role in its development.
5. Add Internships or Training
If you’ve interned anywhere or taken any professional training, mention it. Focus on:
- Company Name and Role
- Key Contributions: What did you do and what was the result?
6. Highlight Academic Achievements
If you’ve won competitions, received awards, or have a high GPA, include it. This shows your dedication to learning and excellence.
7. Include Extracurricular Activities
Show your well-rounded personality by mentioning activities like coding competitions, hackathons, or leadership roles in college clubs.
8. Keep It Crisp and Relevant
Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning resumes. Stick to one page and include only the most relevant information.
9. Use a Professional Format
- Use a simple, clean font like Arial or Calibri.
- Maintain consistent formatting (headings, bullet points).
- Save and share your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Your resume is your first impression on recruiters, so make it count. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for, keep it concise, and double-check for errors. A well-prepared resume reflects your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role.