Blog: What Makes a Great Resume? A Guide for College Students and New Graduates
A resume is often your first opportunity to make a strong impression. Before you have the chance to interview, introduce yourself, or demonstrate your skills, your resume tells your story.
A great resume doesn’t simply list jobs, it highlights your strengths, showcases your accomplishments, and demonstrates your potential.
Whether you’re applying for your first part-time job, an internship, a scholarship, or a full-time career after graduation, learning how to build an effective resume is one of the most valuable career skills you can develop.
At Iowa Lakes Community College, students gain more than technical knowledge. They develop the professional skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce, including creating resumes that help open doors to new opportunities.
Quick Takeaways
A great resume should:
- Be clear, organized, and easy to read.
- Highlight accomplishments—not just job duties.
- Be tailored to the specific position.
- Showcase technical and transferable skills.
- Include education, work experience, and relevant activities.
- Be free of spelling and grammar errors.
- Demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail.
A resume is more than a document—it’s a marketing tool that introduces employers to your strengths and potential.
Why Your Resume Matters
Hiring managers often spend less than a minute reviewing a resume during the first screening.
That means your resume should quickly answer several important questions:
- Who are you?
- What experience do you have?
- What skills can you offer?
- Why are you a strong candidate?
A well-organized resume helps employers find those answers quickly and encourages them to learn more about you through an interview.
- Start with a Strong Professional Summary
Instead of beginning with an objective statement, many employers now prefer a brief professional summary.
This section should introduce who you are and what you bring to an organization.
For example:
Marketing student with experience in social media content creation, customer service, and event planning. Strong communication and organizational skills with a passion for helping organizations connect with their audiences.
Keep it concise—two to four sentences is usually enough.
- Highlight Accomplishments, Not Just Responsibilities
Instead of listing daily tasks, explain how you made an impact.
Instead of:
- Worked at a retail store.
Try:
- Provided customer service to an average of 75 customers per shift while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Assisted with merchandising and inventory organization to improve product availability.
- Trained two new team members on point-of-sale procedures.
Whenever possible, include measurable results.
- Include Relevant Skills
Employers are looking for a combination of technical knowledge and professional skills.
Examples include:
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- CAD software
- Electronic health records
- Welding certifications
- Precision agriculture technology
- Equipment diagnostics
- Data analysis
Professional Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Customer service
Choose the skills that best match the position you’re applying for.
- Don’t Underestimate Experience
Many students worry they don’t have enough experience.
Remember that experience can include:
- Part-time jobs.
- Internships.
- Clinical experiences.
- Career Academies.
- Volunteer work.
- Student organizations.
- Athletics.
- Leadership roles.
- Class projects.
- Work-based learning.
These experiences demonstrate responsibility, initiative, teamwork, and leadership.
- Tailor Your Resume for Every Application
One resume rarely fits every opportunity.
Review the job description and identify the skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer emphasizes.
Then adjust your resume to highlight the experiences that best match those expectations.
This not only helps recruiters quickly identify your qualifications but can also improve your chances of matching Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many employers use to screen resumes.
- Keep the Design Simple and Professional
A resume should be easy to scan.
Use:
- Clear section headings.
- Consistent fonts.
- Bullet points.
- Plenty of white space.
- Professional formatting.
Avoid:
- Bright colors.
- Excessive graphics.
- Multiple fonts.
- Dense paragraphs.
- Photos (unless requested or customary in your industry).
The goal is readability—not decoration.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong candidates can hurt their chances with avoidable mistakes.
Watch for:
- Spelling or grammar errors.
- Generic resumes sent to every employer.
- Including outdated or irrelevant information.
- Listing responsibilities without accomplishments.
- Using an unprofessional email address.
- Omitting measurable results when possible.
Taking time to proofread and customize your resume demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
Resume Trends Employers Are Looking For
Today’s employers increasingly value resumes that demonstrate more than technical qualifications.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers consistently seek candidates who can demonstrate:
- Communication.
- Critical thinking.
- Teamwork.
- Professionalism.
- Leadership.
- Technology skills.
- Career and self-development.
Your resume should include examples that illustrate these competencies whenever possible.
Resume Success Checklist
✔ Professional summary.
✔ Tailored for the position.
✔ Accomplishments with measurable results.
✔ Relevant technical and workplace skills.
✔ Clean, professional formatting.
✔ Error-free writing.
✔ Updated contact information.
The Iowa Lakes Difference
Preparing students for successful careers extends beyond the classroom.
At Iowa Lakes Community College, students build resumes through internships, clinical experiences, Career Academies, student organizations, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and employer partnerships.
These experiences help students graduate with more than a credential—they graduate with practical experiences that strengthen their resumes and prepare them for interviews and career success.
Whether you’re entering the workforce after graduation or transferring to a four-year university, Iowa Lakes helps students develop the career-ready skills employers value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes
How long should a college student’s resume be?
For most students and recent graduates, one page is ideal. As your experience grows, a second page may become appropriate.
Should I include my GPA?
If your GPA is strong—typically 3.5 or higher—and you’re applying for internships or your first professional position, including it can be beneficial. Follow employer expectations and your comfort level.
Can I include volunteer experience?
Absolutely. Volunteer work demonstrates initiative, leadership, teamwork, and community involvement, especially when it relates to the position you’re seeking.
Should I customize my resume for every job?
Yes. Tailoring your resume to the position improves its relevance for both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems.
Does Iowa Lakes help students with resumes?
Yes. Iowa Lakes offers career preparation resources that help students develop resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with career opportunities throughout their educational journey.
Your Resume Is the Beginning of Your Story
Every accomplishment, class project, internship, leadership experience, and part-time job contributes to your professional story.
A well-crafted resume helps employers understand not only what you’ve done—but what you’re capable of achieving next.
Investing time in your resume today can create opportunities that shape your future career for years to come.
Ready to Prepare for Your Career?
Whether you’re building your first resume or preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, Iowa Lakes Community College provides the education, experiences, and career preparation resources to help you succeed.
Explore our more than 60 career and transfer programs and options, connect with Career Services, or schedule a campus visit to learn how Iowa Lakes prepares students for meaningful careers and lifelong success.
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