Resume Summary for Fresh Graduates 4 Tips + Examples for Different Careers!

Jobstreet content team – updated on 22 November, 2022

Where career objectives used to shine, a short and concise career summary is what hirers now look for in a resume. The idea of a career summary is to provide hiring managers with a quick overview of your skills and accomplishments. Think of it as a teaser for your resume! Writing a resume summary is even more important for fresh graduates because it can help you stand out.

If you’re a fresh graduate, you would presumably think that you don’t have much to share in your resume. But this is only true to some degree. Even as an entry-level applicant, you already have a background and skills. It boils down to how you articulate it.

What is a resume summary?

A resume summary is an overview of your experience and skills, which describe why you are an ideal candidate for a job. This is placed at the beginning of your resume, before going into a list of your experiences. Recruiters often go over a summary before deciding if they want to give your resume a second glance.

A summary is different from a resume objective. The objective is a heading statement describing your professional goals in a few sentences. A summary is broader in comparison and is usually used by those with work experience. While fresh graduates may be more inclined to write an objective, consider using a resume summary to give employers a much broader perspective of why they should consider you.

How to write a resume summary if you have no work experience

You might wonder if writing a resume summary is possible if you’re a fresh graduate. The answer is yes, it’s very much possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your summary.

1. Research the company.

To formulate a powerful resume summary, you need to conduct adequate research on the company you’re applying to and use words that are related to the job opening. When you revise your resume to match the position, your chances of being interviewed increase.

2. Include grades and experiences.

Start the summary section by writing your field of study, degree, and GPA (if it’s above 3.0). Once this is done, add any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work related to the job you’re applying for. Add any relevant transferable skills you’ve acquired through your projects and work. If the job you’re applying to requires technical skills or knowledge, include that too.

3. Translate achievements to numbers.

Employers like to see candidates who can achieve solid results, and results are best displayed in terms of numbers. Putting a number on your feats is a sure way of conveying results and impressing a hiring manager.

4. Polish and proofread your resume.

An easy-to-navigate style should be the focus of a career summary, while adding a little professional flare is also appreciated. Be consistent in your resume by using the same design and format. Lastly, proofread for any spelling and grammatical mistakes. Any errors will get your resume tossed in the trash.

Resume summary examples for fresh graduates

Getting started on writing anything can always be daunting, even something as short as a resume summary. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

For engineering graduates

Recent graduate of Industrial Engineering at Monash University, with experience in AutoCAD and programming languages C++ and Python. Interned at a multinational corporation, working under the supply chain management team. Developed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills as the president of Monash University’s Industrial Engineering Circle.

Apply to engineering jobs here.

For marketing graduates

A creative and motivated international marketing student with demonstrated experience in implementing new marketing plans and campaigns. During an internship at a global candle brand, assisted the marketing team in executing new strategies and campaigns. Curated content for the brand’s social media platforms and increased call-to-action through Instagram by 40% in three months.

Find marketing jobs here.

For information technology (IT) graduates

Recent information systems graduate certified in CompTIA A+ with an ITIL Foundation Certificate, looking to apply knowledge of computer systems and technology trends and grow within a company. Enthusiastic and driven learner looking to enhance knowledge in the business intelligence sector.

Demonstrated knowledgeable expertise in PyTorch, programming for GPGPU, and system power analysis after completing a degree in computer science and working as an IT intern for a conglomerate.

BS Information Technology graduate from APU University with a 3.0 GPA. Demonstrated leadership and analytical skills with various student hackathons and boot camps. With experience in different app development languages, including C++, Java, and HTML5, and knowledge of basic user experience and user interface.

Apply to IT jobs here.

For business administration graduates

An adaptable and responsible graduate seeking an entry-level position in the Business Analytics market or Business Consultancy market. Previously an active member and served as the Vice President for External Affairs for HELP University’s Junior Marketing Association and showed initiative for projects. Keen to learn more about emerging technologies and business issues.

Double degree student in Business and Law from Sunway University. Developed an analytical approach to tasks, software skills, and the ability to work under pressure with previous work as a financial controller. Reliable, hard-working, with strong attention to detail.

Apply to business administration jobs here.

For finance graduates

A dependable financial individual with an outstanding education record of a 3.98 GPA and solid experience. Excels in accounting principles, business statistics, and analytical software. Well-rounded and knowledgeable in financial and operational reporting. Expert in handling customers and can work independently and as a team player. Eager to learn more about working in a financial role.

Graduated in the top 10% of the class in Finance Management and worked as a business and finance intern for KPMG. Proven experience in working with clients to solve their personal and corporate tax issues. Proficient in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and QuickBooks.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and recent graduate of BS Finance from Taylor’s University. Interned at a global accounting firm and developed experience in working as a team player. Proficient in MS Excel, QuickBooks, and basic knowledge in Enterprise Resouce Planning.

Apply to finance jobs here.

For healthcare graduates

Nursing student exploring opportunities as a nursing assistant. Showed leadership and problem-solving skills as student council president at MAHSA University and strong communication skills as a volunteer at a local home for the aged.

Recent graduate of occupational therapy and licensed occupational therapist with volunteer experience at the local Red Cross chapter. Through volunteer work and various university organisations, demonstrated leadership, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

Find work in the healthcare industry here.

Even fresh grads can write a resume summary and still be noticed by recruiters. Leverage your experience from your university years and highlight the things you learned which are relevant to the job opening.

Time to write powerful resume summaries to #SEEKBetter work now! Update your profile at JobStreet and find the work that aligns with your passion and purpose.

For more expert tips and advice on job hunting and resume writing, check out our Career Resources Hub.