Résumé Tips for New Grads

If you’re a new grad or relatively early in your career and struggling to get interviews, there’s a good chance it’s not you… it’s your résumé. (Isn't it always, Nicole?! Well, probably. 🤷🏽‍♀️)

And, hey—that’s incredibly common. Most new grads were never actually taught how to write one that works.

Here are 5 ways to tighten it up so you actually get the call back:

☝🏽 Your résumé isn’t written for you.

It’s written for the person scanning it in 6 seconds, deciding if you’re worth a closer look.

Most new grads try to include everything. Strong résumés do the opposite—they focus on what actually matters for the role. Study the job description and prioritize relevant accomplishments. Relevance > volume.

✌🏽 It’s not about what you did—it’s about how you think.

Hiring teams are reading between the lines. They want to understand how you approached problems and what changed because you were involved.

Instead of listing tasks, use the X–Y–Z formula (a framework shared by Google recruiters): Accomplished [X], as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].

👌🏽 Ownership is everything.

Make it obvious where you led, contributed, or drove something forward. If it’s vague, it gets skipped—even if it was impressive. Start bullets with clear, past-tense action verbs.

🏌🏾‍♀️ Skills only matter if we can see them in action.

Anyone can list “communication” or “leadership.” What stands out is showing how you used those skills to move something forward. Embed them into your accomplishments.

🖐🏽 Impact is what gets you interviews.

Not just that you did the work, but why it mattered. What changed? What improved? What moved?

Impact tells employers three things:

⇢ You can do the job

⇢ You can do it well

⇢ You make a difference

At the end of the day, a strong résumé doesn’t list your experience—it makes your value obvious.

If you’re ready to tighten yours up, let’s get to work! 👊🏽