Still job hunting after graduation? You’re not alone. Stepping into the professional world with limited experience can be intimidating, especially in a cooling job market influenced by factors like the recent loss of 350,000 federal jobs due to DOGE-related reductions.
Since founding The Welch Group over forty years ago, I’ve reviewed hundreds of résumés, interviewed many candidates, and hired professionals at every stage of life and experience.
One thing is clear: a thoughtfully crafted résumé can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door, especially when you are just starting out and your work experience is limited.
Here are a few résumé-building strategies that I wish more recent graduates knew to help you stand out:
1. Tailor Your Résumé for Every Job Application
A customized résumé signals effort and often catches the attention of employers. When I come across a résumé that’s clearly tailored to the specific role I’m hiring for, it immediately stands out. It demonstrates that the candidate has taken the time to understand the company and align their strengths with the position’s needs.
Start by carefully reviewing the job description and exploring the company’s website, values, and recent initiatives. Then, strategically align your résumé to emphasize the most relevant skills, coursework, internships, certifications, or accomplishments that match what the employer is seeking.
This isn’t just about swapping a few words; it’s about reshaping your experience to speak directly to the role. A tailored résumé demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, and genuine interest—all qualities hiring managers value.
2. Include a Skills Section
AI-powered screeners are becoming the norm. Having a dedicated skills section that highlights both hard and soft skills can help you make it through the first round of filtering. This helps automated systems and hiring managers quickly identify your qualifications.
Hard skills may include:
- Microsoft Excel
- Data analysis
- Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript)
Soft skills may include:
- Communication
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability
- Leadership and initiative
3. Highlight Leadership and Involvement
Your experience goes beyond jobs. Some of our strongest hires have had limited formal job experience, but they’ve shown leadership skills through campus or off-campus experiences.
Employers value any transferable skills, initiative, and leadership, even in non-professional settings. Highlight roles in student organizations, athletics, or community service.
Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- ❌ “Organized events for the business club.”
- ✅ “Coordinated three networking events attended by 200+ students and alumni, resulting in a 20% increase in club membership.”
These numbers demonstrate impact, not just activity.
4. Use a Clean, Professional Format
A cluttered résumé can distract from your strengths. Stick with a clean layout, consistent fonts, and clearly defined sections. For most new graduates, one page is sufficient. Use bullet points to break up long text, and save your résumé as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Need inspiration? Search “Best Résumé Examples for New Graduates” or consider engaging a professional résumé service.
Make a Strong First Impression
Your résumé is more than a list of experiences—it’s your first impression and often serves as your chance to capture an employer’s attention. By presenting your skills and story with intention, clarity, and professionalism, you can set yourself apart, even without years of experience. A strategic, well-crafted résumé doesn’t just open doors, it invites opportunity.
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Stewart H. Welch, III, CFP®, AEP, is the founder of THE WELCH GROUP, LLC, which specializes in providing fee-only investment management and financial advice to families throughout the United States. He is the author or co-author of six books, including 50 Rules of Success; J.K. Lasser’s New Rules for Estate, Retirement and Tax Planning- 6th Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.); THINK Like a Self-Made Millionaire; and 100 Tips for Creating a Champagne Retirement on a Shoestring Budget. For more information, visit The Welch Group. Consult your financial advisor before acting on comments in this article.
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The video segment by The Welch Group, LLC (“Welch) was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the video serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Welch or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither Welch’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if Welch is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Welch is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Welch is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Copies of Welch’s current written disclosure Brochure and Form CRS discussing our advisory services and fees are available upon request or at www.welchgroup.com.