For many college students, writing a resume can feel stressful especially when trying to stand out among other applicants.That’s why Cleveland State University’s Career Services team is helping students create resumes that highlight their strengths, experiences and potential.

Having a strong resume is one of the most important steps toward landing a job or internship. 

“It’s important primarily because the goal is to get a job after college,” said Jacob Ott, a specialist at Career Services. “The stronger your resume is, the greater the chances of landing a job interview. And by stronger, that means both in terms of experiences described and also how well you describe them.”

If your resume feels empty, you’re not alone. Ott said one of the most common mistakes students make is leaving too much blank space. 

“Resumes are your chance to market yourself and what you have to offer an employer,” Ott said. “If you have too much empty space, you might be leaving something out that is important for them to know.”

Even if you don’t have much work experience, there are still ways to build a strong resume. 

Tip 1: Focus on your accomplishments, not just duties

Instead of listing what you did at a job, explain how you made a difference. “Strong resumes answer the question of how the person used their skills successfully,” Ott said. “Don’t just say you reduced processing time by 15%. Tell us how you did that.” Employers want to see real results and examples that show initiative and problem-solving.

Tip 2: Keep your design clean and simple

A neat, easy-to-read layout makes a big difference. “A clean and tidy single column is a start,” Ott continued. “I would suggest not adding too many colorful flourishes though since they can be distracting and take away from your accomplishments.”

Use professional fonts, bold headings and clear spacing between sections. Make sure your name and contact information stand out at the top.

Tip 3: Don’t stress about limited experience

Many students think they need years of job experience to build a strong resume but that’s not true. Ott said students can still show their potential through other experiences, such as school projects, volunteer work or campus involvement.

“Academic projects can be a great addition,” Ott said. “Otherwise, it might be time to consider a part-time job somewhere to help gain some sort of experience. Experience is experience when you are starting out.”

Even smaller roles can show valuable skills like teamwork, communication and time management. What matters most is how you describe what you learned and accomplished.

Tip 4: Be honest and original

In a world where AI tools can write almost anything, Ott encouraged students to keep their resumes authentic. “Don’t copy-paste from AI software,” he warned. “Be authentic and honest about your experiences. Employers can usually tell when something feels impersonal.”

Tip 5: Keep applying and stay open-minded

When applying for internships, Ott recommends exploring all kinds of opportunities. “Apply to a variety of companies,” he said. “Small and medium-size companies have great growth potential for new employees.” Sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places.

Career Services at CSU offers resume reviews,mock interviews and one-on-one appointments to help students prepare for their job search. Ott said their goal is to help students feel confident when presenting themselves to employers. “That confidence starts with a strong resume,” he said.

To schedule an appointment, visit Cleveland State University Career Services.