First Job Resume for New Graduates: Templates & Examples (2026)

Why Your First Resume is Harder Than It Needs to Be

I remember staring at a blank Word document, completely frozen. "Professional Summary." "Work Experience." How was I supposed to fill these sections when I'd literally never had a full-time job?

Here's the truth: you have more to offer than you think. That group project where you coordinated five classmates? Leadership. The Python script you wrote to automate data analysis for your research paper? Real technical experience. Your part-time job at the campus bookstore? Customer service and reliability.

The problem isn't that you lack experience—it's that you don't know how to translate your academic and part-time work into professional language. Let's fix that right now.

According to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), 73% of employers screen resumes using applicant tracking systems (ATS), which means your first resume needs to be both human-readable and ATS-friendly. This guide will show you exactly how to write a first job resume that passes ATS screening and impresses hiring managers. For comprehensive strategies on translating your experience, our ultimate experience translation guide covers the complete framework.

What Employers Actually Look for in New Graduate Resumes

After talking to dozens of recruiters and hiring managers, here's what they told me they're looking for in entry-level candidates:

• Proof of core skills: Can you communicate, work in teams, and solve problems?
• Technical baseline: Do you have the fundamental tools/knowledge for the role?
• Coachability: Are you eager to learn and grow?
• Cultural fit: Will you thrive in their environment?
• Reliability: Will you show up and do the work?

Notice what's not on that list? Years of experience at Fortune 500 companies. They know you're new. They're looking for potential, not perfection.

Step 1: Choose the Right Format for Your First Resume

Don't overthink this. For your first job resume, use a reverse-chronological format with these sections:

Critical rule: Stick to a single-column layout. I know those fancy two-column templates on Canva look cool, but ATS systems hate them. Your resume will get rejected before a human even sees it.

Step 2: Craft a Compelling Objective Statement

Skip the generic "seeking a challenging position" nonsense. Your objective should be specific and enthusiastic. Here's the formula:

[Your degree/major] + [Key skills] + [Specific role/company] + [Value you bring]

Example: Strong Objective

"Recent Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience in full-stack development (React, Node.js, Python) seeking a Junior Software Engineer role at TechCorp. Eager to apply problem-solving skills and collaborative project experience to build innovative web applications."

Example: Weak Objective

"Motivated recent graduate seeking an entry-level position where I can utilize my skills and grow professionally."

See the difference? The first one tells them exactly what you offer and shows you've researched their company.

Step 3: Turn Your Education into an Asset

As a new graduate, your education section carries serious weight. Make it count:

What to Include

Example: Education Section

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Graduated: May 2026 | GPA: 3.7/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behavior Analysis, Data Analytics, Social Media Marketing, Brand Management

Honors: Dean's List (4 semesters), Marketing Excellence Scholarship

Pro tip: If your overall GPA is below 3.5 but your major GPA is strong, list the major GPA instead: "Major GPA: 3.6/4.0"

Step 4: Transform Class Projects into Professional Experience

This is where most new graduates mess up—and where you're going to win.

Here's the secret: recruiters don't care if it was a "class project" or a "real job." They care about what you accomplished and what skills you demonstrated.

The Formula for Project Bullets

Action Verb + What You Did + Quantifiable Result

Example: Computer Science Project

❌ Weak Version:

• Worked on a group project to build a mobile app

✅ Strong Version:

• Developed full-stack mobile application using React Native and Firebase, serving 200+ beta users
• Collaborated with 4-person team using Agile methodology, completing 3 two-week sprints on schedule
• Implemented user authentication and cloud database, reducing login time by 40%

See how the strong version sounds like real work experience? Because it is.

Example: Business/Marketing Project

❌ Weak Version:

• Created a marketing plan for class assignment

✅ Strong Version:

• Designed comprehensive digital marketing strategy for local startup, projecting 25% increase in customer acquisition
• Conducted market research analyzing 500+ survey responses to identify target demographic preferences
• Presented findings to client stakeholders, receiving approval for Q1 implementation

Step 5: Leverage Internships and Part-Time Work

Every job teaches transferable skills. That summer internship? Leadership experience. That campus job? Time management and customer service. Don't undersell these.

Example: Internship Experience

Marketing Intern
Green Solutions Inc., Remote
June 2025 - August 2025

• Managed social media content calendar, increasing Instagram engagement by 35% over 10 weeks
• Conducted competitive analysis of 15 industry players, identifying 3 untapped market opportunities
• Assisted in email campaign creation, contributing to 12% open rate improvement

Example: Part-Time Job

Customer Service Associate
Campus Bookstore, UCLA
September 2023 - May 2026

• Provided customer support to 50+ students daily, maintaining 98% satisfaction rating
• Processed inventory shipments and managed stock organization for 5,000+ items
• Trained 3 new hires on POS system and customer service protocols

Key insight: Even if your part-time job seems "unrelated," you're demonstrating reliability, work ethic, and professionalism—qualities every employer values.

Step 6: Build a Skills Section That Passes ATS

Your skills section is critical for getting past ATS systems. Include both hard skills (technical) and soft skills (interpersonal).

Example: Skills Section (Computer Science)

Technical Skills: Python, Java, JavaScript, React, Node.js, SQL, Git, AWS, HTML/CSS
Tools: Visual Studio Code, Jira, Figma, Tableau
Soft Skills: Team Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Time Management, Written Communication

Example: Skills Section (Business/Marketing)

Technical Skills: Google Analytics, SEO/SEM, HubSpot, Salesforce, Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)
Tools: Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, Tableau
Soft Skills: Project Management, Data Analysis, Presentation Skills, Cross-Functional Collaboration

Pro tip: Pull keywords directly from the job description. If they ask for "Python" and you know Python, make sure it's in your skills section.

Step 7: Add Optional Sections to Stand Out

These sections can differentiate you from other candidates:

Certifications

If you've completed any online certifications (Google Analytics, AWS Cloud Practitioner, HubSpot Inbound Marketing), list them here. Employers love to see self-directed learning.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer experience demonstrates initiative and values. Format it like work experience:

Volunteer Web Developer
Local Nonprofit, Los Angeles
January 2025 - May 2025

• Redesigned organization website using WordPress, improving mobile responsiveness and reducing page load time by 30%
• Provided ongoing technical support and training to 5 staff members

Awards and Leadership

Include relevant academic awards, club leadership roles, or competition wins. These show drive and accomplishment.

For comprehensive guidance on showcasing volunteer experience effectively, see our detailed guide on how to list volunteer experience on your resume.

Common First Resume Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

I made every single one of these mistakes on my first draft. Learn from my pain:

Many of these mistakes stem from not understanding how applicant tracking systems work. Take time to research ATS systems to ensure your resume gets past the initial screening.

Real Example: Complete First Job Resume

Here's a full example of a strong new graduate resume:

ALEX MARTINEZ
Los Angeles, CA | (555) 123-4567 | alex.martinez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/alexmartinez

OBJECTIVE
Recent Data Science graduate with hands-on experience in Python, SQL, and machine learning seeking a Junior Data Analyst role at DataCorp. Eager to apply statistical analysis skills and data visualization expertise to drive business insights.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Graduated: May 2026 | GPA: 3.8/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Database Systems, Data Visualization, Python Programming
Honors: Dean's List (6 semesters), Data Science Excellence Award

PROJECTS
Predictive Analytics Capstone Project
September 2025 - December 2025
• Developed machine learning model to predict customer churn with 85% accuracy using Python (scikit-learn, pandas)
• Analyzed dataset of 50,000+ customer records, identifying 5 key churn indicators
• Presented findings to faculty panel and received top project award

E-Commerce Sales Dashboard
March 2025 - May 2025
• Built interactive sales dashboard using Tableau, visualizing $2M+ in transaction data
• Collaborated with 3-person team to design user-friendly interface for non-technical stakeholders
• Delivered final product 1 week ahead of schedule

EXPERIENCE
Data Analytics Intern
Startup Inc., Remote
June 2025 - August 2025
• Cleaned and processed 100,000+ rows of sales data using Python and SQL
• Created weekly performance reports for executive team, tracking KPIs across 10 product categories
• Identified data quality issues and implemented validation scripts, improving accuracy by 20%

Campus Technology Support
UCSD IT Department
September 2024 - May 2026
• Provided technical support to 30+ students daily, resolving software and hardware issues
• Documented common troubleshooting procedures, reducing ticket resolution time by 15%
• Maintained 95% customer satisfaction rating

SKILLS
Technical Skills: Python, SQL, R, Excel (Advanced), Tableau, Power BI, Git
Tools: Jupyter Notebook, VS Code, MySQL, MongoDB
Soft Skills: Data Analysis, Problem-Solving, Communication, Team Collaboration

CERTIFICATIONS
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | December 2025

This resume works because it:

• Uses ATS-friendly formatting
• Showcases technical skills prominently
• Treats projects like real work experience
• Quantifies achievements wherever possible
• Tailors content to data analyst roles. Learn more about ATS-friendly resume formatting and optimization.

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Application

Here's what I wish I knew earlier: you need a different version of your resume for every job.

Not a complete rewrite—just strategic tweaks:

I keep a "master resume" with everything I've ever done, then create customized versions for each application. It takes 10 extra minutes but dramatically increases your callback rate. Similarly, you'll want to prepare a strong cover letter—check our cover letter examples and templates to pair with your resume.

How to Format Your Resume File

Final technical details that matter:

• File name: Use "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf" (e.g., "Alex_Martinez_Resume.pdf")
• File type: Always save and send as PDF (unless the job posting specifically asks for .doc)
• File size: Keep it under 1MB
• Margins: Use 0.5-1 inch margins
• Font: Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12pt)

Final Thoughts

Writing your first job resume is intimidating—I get it. But here's the thing: every professional you admire started exactly where you are right now. They had zero experience once, too.

Your class projects are real experience. Your part-time jobs do demonstrate valuable skills. Your internships count as professional work. You just need to present them with confidence.

Start with the template in this guide, customize it for each job, and remember: your resume is a living document. You'll update it dozens of times throughout your career. This is just version 1.0.

You've got this. Now go apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write a resume with no work experience?

Focus on your education, class projects, volunteer work, internships, and relevant coursework. Present academic projects in your "Experience" section using the same achievement-based bullet format as professional jobs. Emphasize transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving gained through school activities.

What should I put on my first resume as a new graduate?

Include: contact information, a brief summary/objective, education (with GPA if above 3.5), relevant coursework, class projects, internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, skills (both technical and soft), and any awards or certifications. Prioritize sections that showcase your capabilities most relevant to the job.

Should I include my GPA on my first job resume?

Include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher. If below 3.5, either omit it or include your major GPA if that's stronger. Most employers expect to see GPA for recent graduates, but once it's below 3.5, your projects and skills become more important.

How long should a new graduate resume be?

One page only. As a recent graduate with limited experience, you should easily fit all relevant information on a single page. Use concise bullet points and prioritize the most impactful information.

What format is best for a first job resume?

Use a reverse-chronological format with clear section headers: Contact Info, Summary/Objective, Education, Experience (including projects and internships), Skills, and optional sections like Certifications or Volunteer Work. Stick to ATS-friendly single-column layouts.

Can I list class projects as experience on my resume?

Absolutely! Treat significant class projects like work experience. Create a "Projects" subsection or integrate them into your "Experience" section. Use the same achievement-based bullet format: action verb + what you did + quantifiable result.

How do I make my first resume stand out?

Quantify everything possible (project scope, team size, results), tailor your resume to each job description, use action verbs, highlight technical skills relevant to the role, and include a brief but compelling objective statement that shows enthusiasm and alignment with the company's mission.