Graduation season is here in the Philippines, marking a time of celebration and expectation for the future. For numerous fresh graduates, this next chapter starts with creating one of the most vital instruments for any job hunt: a resume.
Launching your career requires a solid understanding of resumes, especially when you’re seeking your first job, internship, or on-the-job training. And, of course, knowing how to create a standout resume is the first step.
What is a Resume?
A resume is a short, customized document highlighting your educational background, relevant experience, skills, and achievements. For fresh graduates or those updating their resumes after a gap, it’s a way to show what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and where you’re headed.
Most resumes are one page long, but two pages are acceptable if you’ve had multiple internships, part-time jobs, or active leadership roles. Simply, think of your resume as a sort of personal pitch to potential employers. Therefore, a strong resume should:
- Catch a recruiter’s attention in seconds
- Show how your strengths align with the job
- Communicate confidence and readiness to learn
Here’s what it should include:
- Contact information
- Professional summary or career objective
- Educational background
- Internships, volunteer work, or campus leadership roles
- Skills (both technical and soft skills)
- Optional: Certifications, seminars, languages, awards, or student projects
Resume vs. CV: What’s the Difference?
If you’re just starting out, it’s easy to confuse a resume with a CV, but knowing the difference can help.
- Resume. Short and targeted. Used for job applications in companies and industries like business, tech, design, and more.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV). Longer and academic-focused. Often used for research, education, or graduate programs.
Use a resume if you’re applying for corporate jobs, marketing agencies, tech startups, or customer service roles.
How to Build a Job-Winning Resume (Even Without Work Experience)
Here’s how fresh graduates or those updating their resumes after school can make a strong impression:
- Start with Your Contact Info
Use a professional email and include your mobile number and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). - Write a Career Objective
One to two lines summarizing who you are and what you’re looking for. Example:
Newly graduated IT major passionate about software development, looking for an entry-level role to grow my coding and teamwork skills. - Focus on Education
Highlight your degree, school, graduation year, and any honors or awards. Add coursework or projects relevant to the job. - Show Experience Beyond Jobs
List internships, volunteer work, student org roles, or freelance gigs. Focus on what you contributed, not just what you did. - Highlight Skills That Matter
These can include technical tools (e.g., Canva, Excel, coding languages) and soft skills (e.g., problem-solving, adaptability). - Include Certifications or Online Courses
If you completed online trainings—Google courses, Coursera, or TESDA—mention them, especially if they match the job description. - Stick to Simple Formatting
Avoid flashy templates. Use bold headings, bullet points, and enough white space to keep it easy to read. - Review the Job Posting
Tailor your resume according to the job description. Many companies now use AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and keywords can play a key role in increasing your chances of landing the job.
Try Internships and Apprenticeships to Build Experience
Not every employer expects you to have years of experience, but showing that you’ve taken the initiative to grow your skills can set you apart, and one of the best ways to strengthen your resume as a fresh graduate is by joining an internship or apprenticeship program, since these opportunities let you:
- Apply what you’ve learned in a real work environment
- Build your portfolio or experience section
- Learn directly from industry professionals
- Get a foot in the door with potential employers
Reliasourcing will soon open new apprenticeship and internship programs to help first-time job seekers like you gain practical experience while contributing to meaningful projects. Programs like these could be the perfect starting point if you’re not quite ready for a full-time role or want to boost your confidence before entering the job market. Stay tuned!
What to Avoid as a First-Time Job Seeker
- Avoid selfies or photos unless specifically required.
- Don’t include unnecessary personal info like age, religion, or height.
- Don’t just list responsibilities, highlight accomplishments.
- Avoid vague phrases. Instead of “good communicator,” say “led a group presentation on sustainable marketing strategies to an audience of 50 classmates and faculty.”
- Proofread! Grammar and spelling mistakes are easy to fix but can cost you an interview.
Ready to Create Your First Resume?
We’ve made it easier for you. Download our editable resume template specifically designed for new graduates and first-time job seekers.
Download our Free Resume Template
Where to Apply: Start Your Journey with Reliasourcing
Already have your resume ready? That’s a great first step! Now it’s time to put those new skills into action. Reliasourcing has opportunities for motivated individuals like you.
Apply now at our Careers Page and become part of our growing team!
About Reliasourcing
Reliasourcing is a premier outsourcing solutions provider in the Philippines. We deliver tailored services that help businesses across industries achieve operational efficiency and scalability. With a focus on customer experience and innovation, Reliasourcing continues to be a trusted partner in unlocking potential through outsourcing.
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