Killer Part-time Job Resume For College Students | Samples & Writing Tips 2023

After meeting the requirements for a part-time job, most college students struggle with preparing a job resume. The reasons are that, it could be their first job and they need real work experience to include on the resume.

If this describes you, you are on the right track, as you will be getting writing tips and samples on writing a killer part-time job resume for college students.

Basically, a job resume is a primary platform where job seekers present their credentials and also spell out the exact job they need. As a college student, a part-time job resume is the best place to hone your skills in and outside of the classroom through academics and extracurricular activities.

Therefore, this article will outline the necessary writing tips and format for a part-time job resume to make this possible for you. In addition, you will get samples of the killer part-time job resume for college students.

What Is A Part Time Job Resume?

A job resume is basically a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments. Just like a cover letter, submission of a job resume is also part of the application process for most professional positions.

A resume for a part-time job is not far away from that of a real job. In fact, it should be treated as a real job resume because the job will eventually give you your first work experience.

Furthermore, contrary to what we think, a resume isn’t just about your previous jobs; it is also about showcasing what makes you a hard-working, motivated employee.

As a college student seeking a part-time job, your resume gives the employer a true first impression of who you are. This is so because a job resume is the first document a hiring manager will look at when reviewing your application.

As such, it is necessary to put time and effort into developing and maintaining an updated, accurate parttime job resume as a college student.

What Is The Purpose Of A Part-time Resume?

Generally, a resume is one of the important requirements in any job application (be it full time or part-time). In fact, a resume is a form of self-advertisement that sums up your experience on one page.

Below are the reasons why most employers need your job resume:

  • It gives the employer concise information about the job seeker.
  • A resume provides hiring managers with an overview of the qualifications you have for the job for which you’re applying.
  • Through the job resume, employers also get to know the skills and educational achievements of the job seeker.

Looking for internship positions? See Cover Letter for Internship That Won | Samples and Writing Tips

How Should A College Student Structure A Part-time Job Resume?

The importance of a job resume cannot be overemphasized. However, if your resume structure is confusing and disorganized it will end up in the rejected pile. And you will certainly not like that.

Therefore, to avoid a situation like this, we are going to discuss how to structure a job resume.

Before we proceed, it is important to remember that no two resumes will nor should look exactly alike. However, resumes generally should have the following sections:

  • Header & Contact Info
  • Professional Summary
  • Skills
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Additional Experience

Header And Contact Info

At the top of your parttime job resume, always include a heading with your name. Also include your contact information (usually your phone number, personal email address and sometimes links to social profiles or personal websites).

This is to ensure that the recruiters do not get confused about the ownership of the resume. Also, a clear resume makes it easier for recruiters or hiring managers to contact you.

In addition, avoid putting your contact information in the header or footer of the document itself. This is because most software ignores headers and footers while scanning a resume.

Professional Summary

The professional summary is a short section of one to three sentences that stands out in your resume. It succinctly describes who you are, what you do and why you are perfect for the job.

Unlike the outdated objective statement; a line that describes the type of career opportunity you are looking for; professional summaries do not refer to what you want. Instead, they focus on the value they could bring to a potential employer.

It should also be taken into account that a professional summary is not compulsory. That is, if your resume is missing one, it probably wouldn’t a problem.

Notwithstanding, having a professional summary is a good way to give time-pressed recruiters and hiring managers a quick and high-level overview of why you are the right person for the job.

Skills

Once relegated at the end of the resumes, the skills section has become increasingly important as recruiters and hiring managers now look for candidates with specialized backgrounds.

Now, it is better to clearly state your skills than make people reading your resume go through the stress of finding them.

If they see immediately that you have the ability to do the job, they are most likely to take your resume seriously.

Work Experience

In this critical section of a resume, you detail your work history in a consistent and compelling format. Basically, the work experience section should include the following:

  • Company names
  • Locations
  • Dates of employment
  • Roles and titles held
  • Most importantly, bullets containing action verbs and data points detailing the relevant achievements of each position.

This part is essential for recruiters and hiring managers, who look for information about your work experiences and connect your skills with what they are looking for in the potential hire. Recruiters are often inundated with resumes and need to research and carefully identify quality candidates in a packaged package

You have to make sure your work experience stands out for you to be selected by the recruiters among others.

Education

Most jobs require a certain level of education; therefore, it is important to mention your academic credentials in your resume. However, this section should not take up too much space. Instead, you can indicate where you schooled, when you went, and the degree you attained that will be sufficient.

Additional Experience

The additional experience is an optional, but potentially very valuable addition to your job resume. This general section at the end of your resume allows you to highlight awards, volunteering experience, and hobbies.

Furthermore, this section should not be too long. It should not detract from your skills or work experience, rather, it should be a good way to provide a more complete picture of who you are.

Are you stuck with writing a cover letter for your scholarship application? Then, Cover Letter For Scholarship | Best Samples

Which Type Of Resume Is Best For College Students Looking For PartTime Jobs?

Basically, there are three main types of job resumes. They include:

  • Chronological resume
  • Functional resume
  • Combination resume

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is the most versatile and popular resume for job seekers and recruiters alike. This type of resume focuses more on your recent work history above all. Here, you list your positions in reverse chronological order, with the most recent positions at the top and the oldest ones at the bottom.

Furthermore, the ultimate goal is to show how your previous positions have perfectly prepared you for the role you are applying to.

Pros of a Chronological Resume
  • Easy for the recruiters to scan.
  • Sure to pass any ATS scan.
  • It highlights your experience.
Cons of a Chronological Resume
  • It requires careful and consistent formatting.
  • It exposes gaps in your career.
  • Also, it is not great for career changers.
  • Applicants seeking a job similar to their previous positions
  • Students and entry-level applicants

Are you in need of internship positions that suit you as an international student? Then, see the 15 Types of Internships for International Students [Detailed Guide]

Functional Resume

A functional program emphasizes the relevance of your experience. To create a functional resume, you will highlight your professional summary, your skills and a work experience section based on how close they relate to the position you are applying for.

Basically, this format is ideal for those who wish to minimize gaps in the resume or who are in transition to a new industry.

Pros of a Functional Resume
  • It directs the recruiter’s attention to the candidate’s skills.
  • It works great for creatives whose employability lies in their portfolio.
  • Helps military transitioners translate their skills into civilian parlance.
  • It highlights your experience.
Cons of a Functional Resume
  • It is hated by the recruiters for limited scannability.
  • It hides your professional experience thus decreasing your chances.
  • Also, it is likely to fail the ATS scan.
  • Creatives
  • Freelancers with a varied portfolio
  • Military transitioners
  • Also, candidates who do not want to come across as overqualified.

Combination Resume

Your guess is actually right. Just like the name, a combination resume borrows from the two aforementioned formats. Basically, it combines the work experience section of a chronological resume with the professional summary and skills section of a functional resume.

This format is a powerful way to stand out to recruiters by emphasizing your experience and skills. It is also useful for many types of job seekers.

Pros of a Combination Resume
  • It gives equal attention to your skills and experience.
  • It is also a good choice for those with employment gaps on a resume.
Cons of a Combination Resume
  • It is only suitable for highly-experienced candidates seeking specialized positions.
  • It is also the most complicated resume structure to organize efficiently and effectively.
  • Seasoned professionals targeting a specific position
  • Career changers

Before we go ahead, as a student, you need a guide. Read more on our numerous tips for students.

What Should I Include on my Part-time Job Resume As A College Students

As a college student seeking a parttime job, there are certain things that you shouldn’t leave out of your resume. They include:

  • Education
  • Relevant Jobs
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Leadership Experience

Lay emphasis on your academic history. In addition, name your school and degree, include any achievements, such as a high GPA or any academic awards.

Also, if you have taken courses related to the job you’re applying for, list those as well.

Include any internships or jobs where you developed the qualities, skills, and experiences the job requires. In a situation where your work experiences aren’t directly related, think of ways to highlight the experiences you had that are relevant to the job you want.

For instance, you can include a former job as a cashier if it helped you develop customer service or leadership skills.

As a college student, you will have little or no work experience, hence, the need to emphasize any non-work activities. These include clubs, sports, babysitting, volunteer work, and community service. All of these activities can show your skills and abilities.

List any leadership experience that shows your ability to lead a team. For instance, if you have held a position in a club or been a captain on a sports team. Also, include any leadership responsibilities at your previous jobs.

What Are the Tips to Writing a Killer Part-time Job Resume For College Students?

We will give you parttime job resume samples well-formatted with the structure above way down this post. Before then, let’s take a look at some tips you can inculcate to make your resume irresistible as a college student:

  • Use action verbs
  • Quantify when possible
  • Showcase the skills that qualify you for the job
  • Carefully edit and proofread
  • Use a resume example

Use Action Verbs

Basically, action verbs help show your responsibility. Action words are used while describing your achievements. Words like “led,” “researched,” “accomplished,” “designed,” “initiated,” and “supervised,” and created to portray your experiences in an energetic way.

Quantify When Possible

If possible, include numbers to show your accomplishments. For example, you could say that you worked at the cash register in a store that managed $10,000 a day, or that you helped 50 to 100 customers in your retail job every day.

Showcase The Skills That Qualify You For The job

Generally, some skills are in high demand by employers hiring college graduates. Also, there are other skills that relate specifically to the job you are applying for. Be sure to include the most relevant of each category in your job resume.

Carefully Edit and Proofread

Do well to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. A clean and error-free resume will make you look professional. Ask a friend or family member to read the resume for you too.

Use Resume Samples

Use a resume sample (read on to see samples) or a template to guide your own writing. A resume example can help you decide on the kind of content to include and how to format your resume.

Design And Formatting Tips For Job Resume

Generally, recruiters are more concerned with the subject matter of your resume. However, that doesn’t mean you should relax when it comes to design and formatting.

A messy and visually confusing resume makes it more difficult to read and, therefore, recruiters and hiring managers are more likely to reject it. On the other hand, a well written and sleek resume will have the opposite effect.

Use these general rules to make sure your resume is more beautiful.

  • Use an easy-to-read font of not less than 11 pt.
  • Add margins of at least .7 inches.
  • Make sure there is enough white space between sections.
  • Also, do not overdo it with a complex design or decoration. Touches of colors are fine, however, avoid any detail that clashes or is visually busy.
  • If you are going to print out copies of your job resume, invest in a good paper and use a high-quality printer.
  • Do not save your resume as a PDF unless the application specifically says it accepts PDF files. This is because some applicant tracking systems scan PDFs as if they were one big image, which fails to capture your information.
  • In addition, keep your resume to a maximum of 1-2 pages, unless you are in a field such as academia or medicine and you need to cite papers and publications.

Samples Of Killer Part-time Job Resume For College Students

Now you have a basic knowledge of how to write a part-time job resume for college students, it’s best you also see some examples to guide you.

Note: Some categories in the format below may not apply to you. Provide relevant information only.

#1 Part-time Resume Sample

Amanda Student

123 College Street  •  State College, PA 12345  •  (123) 456-7890  •  [email protected]

ADVERTISING PROFESSIONAL

Developing creative ad campaigns that meet clients’ goals

People’s person experienced at selling advertising and working on all aspects of successful campaigns.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ABC COMMUNICATIONS, New York, NY

SUMMER INTERN (June—August)

Partnered with design intern to create and execute two sell sheets, one print ad, and one postcard. Wrote radio script submitted with campaign proposal and assisted in other writing assignments.

Notable accomplishment:

  • Awarded Best Campaign of competing teams.

123 COFFEE SHOP, State College, Pa.

SHIFT SUPERVISOR/BARISTA (May 2016—Present)

Train new employees, open and close store, handle sales, build positive customer relationships, design promotional fliers for company events, and help maintain store webpage.

XYZ RESTAURANT, Washington, D.C.

SERVER/HOSTESS/EXPEDITER/BUSSER (May —August)

Provided prompt service for more than 75 customers per shift.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

STATE UNIVERSITY, State College, Pa.

Bachelor of Arts in Advertising; Minor: Spanish; GPA: 3.35, anticipated in May.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • Dean’s List: Fall 2017, Spring 2018
  • Awarded Best Advertising Campaign Proposal for Health Committee, State University, Spring

Certifications:

  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR
  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Information Technology Skills:

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • ADP / Workforce Now
  • HRMS

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE

Also, see Scholarship Essay Examples That Won Money | Format And Steps

#2 Part-time Job Resume Sample

Kenneth Applicant
8907 Greentree Avenue
Louisville, KY 40201
[email protected] (000) 123-4567 (cell)

ACCOUNTANT PROFILE

Highly analytical and detail-oriented emerging professional, poised to excel within the entry-level Accounting role requiring strong mathematical and organizational acumen.

  • Accounting: Well-studied in financial and managerial accounting, tax preparation, variance analysis, and FASB/GAAP best practices.
  • Information Technology: Adept in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel macros), QuickBooks, Turbo Tax, NetSuite, and Concur.
  • Communications: Communicate well both orally and in writing, effectively explaining complicated financial data to clients and stakeholders.
  • Key Strengths: Work well both independently and as a dedicated team member. Natural and proactive problem-solver, diligently reviewing work products to identify and eliminate errors.

EDUCATION

BSBA in Accountancy (May 2018); 3.79 GPA UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, Louisville, KY

Dean’s List; Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society; Agnes Avery Accounting Scholarship; Accounting Society Secretary

EXPERIENCE

THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, Louisville, KY
Student ~ Accountancy, 09/2014-06/2018

Completed comprehensive studies in Accountancy. Completed coursework included: Advanced Accounting Problems, Advanced Managerial Cost Accounting, Auditing Theory and Practice, Advanced Taxation, and Advanced Accounting Information Systems. Accounting co-op experiences: 

  • Bardstown Physicians Associates (Spring 2016): Performed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger accounting for physicians’ business office.
  • German Manufacturing (Spring 2017): Honed expertise in payroll accounting for a 700-member workforce.
  • Stengel Enterprises (Winter 2018): Helped senior accountant and CPA to compile financial and tax records during the IRS audit.

OFFICE SUPPLIES CO., Louisville, KY
Seasonal Retail Sales Consultant, Summers 2016 and 2017

Provided attentive customer service to patrons of the high-volume office supply store. Helped customers with product selection, stocked shelves, and also operated a point-of-sale system.

Key achievements

  • Earned “Most Valued Associate” two summers in a row.
  • Rehired by management in recognition of punctuality, attention to detail, and excellent work ethic.

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE

#3 Part-time Job Resume Sample

123 Fastweb Lane · Fastweb City, FW 01234 · 123.456.7890 · [email protected]

Jane W. Fastweb

Summary                                                                                 

Motivated honor roll high school student, with proven leadership skills and a history of philanthropic involvement, seeking work experience and professional development opportunities.

 Education                                                                                    

Fastweb High School                                                                      Fastweb City, FW

  • 3.8 GPA
  • Anticipated diploma May 20XX
  • National Merit Scholar
  • Honor Roll, Fall 2016 – Current
  • AP & IB Coursework
Extracurricular and Volunteer Activity                                                   

Fastweb High School Tennis Team                                         Fall 2016 – Current

  • Team Captain, Fall 2017 – Current
  • Regional Champions, Spring 2018

Student Council                                                                              Fall 2016 – Current

  • Secretary – record and compile all council meeting notes and disperse to student council members and administrators
  • Assist and facilitate multiple schools and community events, such as baked good drives, school dances, and council as well as school-wide volunteer opportunities.

Fastweb City Food Bank                                                             Fall 2017 – Current

  • Assist with preparing, serving and cleaning up two evenings each month as well as special events, like Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
  Skills                                                                                                              
  • Proven leadership and organizational skills both inside and out of the classroom within a variety of teams and groups.
  • CPR and Safe Sitter Certified, Spring 2018
  • Four years of Spanish language learning, intermediate level
  • Experience with Microsoft Suite and macOS.

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE

How Should I Send My Part-time Job Resume?

Generally, a job posting should give you detailed information on how you are expected to apply. While you may be asked to upload your resume online in some, others may request that you email your resume.

If it is to be sent by email, you are most likely going to get advice on what format you should use for your resume, what to include in the subject line of the email, and when the employer needs to receive it.

To make this process an easy one for you, here are some steps to follow while emailing your parttime job resume:

  • Follow the directions
  • Send it as an attachment
  • Choose a resume file format
  • Name your attachment
  • Keep it simple

Follow The Directions

Basically, the first general rule when sending a resume by email is to do exactly what the job list says. For instance, if the list asks you to send your resume in a particular format or asks you to save your resume with a specific name, be sure to do so.

Employers are less likely to consider applications that do not follow submission instructions exactly.

Send It As An Attachment

Always keep in mind that not all employers accept attachments. In such cases, just paste your resume in your email message as plain text.

However, when there are no instructions, the easiest way to send your resume is as an attachment. The attachment will preserve your resume content and format. In addition, you can also attach your cover letter or write it in the body of an email message.

Choose A Resume File Format

While reading the job listing, carefully lookout for any directions on what format the employer would prefer for your resume. In cases where there are no directions, submit the resume as either a Microsoft Word document (.DOC or .DOCX) or as a PDF document. They are the formats most commonly preferred by employers.

Furthermore, if you have saved your resume as a Google Doc or with word processing software other than Microsoft Word, convert your resume to a Word document. To do it in your Word environment, click “File,” then “Download as” or “Save As,” and save it as a Word document. 

To save your document in PDF format, depending on your word processing software, you can select the “File” menu, then the “Save As” submenu and save it in PDF format. Otherwise, there are free programs that you can use to convert a file to PDF. See programs HERE.

Name Your Attachment

When you attach your resume to your email, always remember that your employer can see the name of your document. Therefore, always include your name in the title so that the employer will know, at a glance, who you are.

For instance, you could name your resume “Firstname_Lastname_Resume.”

Avoid using a generic name like “Resume” or, even worse, “Resume1” or “Resume 2.” This might give the employer the impression that you do not care enough about the job to tailor your materials specifically for the position. Also, the use of generic names doesn’t help the employer to remember who you are.

Do not use a generic name such as “CV” or, worse, “CV 1” or “CV 2”. This could cause the employer to believe that he does not care enough about the job to adapt his documents specifically to the job. Nor does it help the employer to remember who you are.

Keep It Simple

Whether you paste your resume into the body of the email message or send it as an attachment, always keep the font and style simple.

Try your best to use an easy-to-read font and also, remove any fancy formatting. Do not use HTML, emoticons, colored fonts, or images. Besides, you do not know what email client the employer is using. Therefore, so simple is best because the employer may not see a formatted message the same way you do.

Additional Tips For Emailing A Job Resume

  • Always use an effective subject line.
  • Also, address the hiring manager by name.
  • In the first paragraph, do well to tell the hiring manager who you are and why are you contacting them.
  • In the second paragraph, write the value you will bring to the company.
  • Also, close the resume email by saying you are eager to meet in person.
  • Also, add a professional signature with your contact details
  • Finally, attach your resume and a cover letter saved in PDF with professional file names

Email Resume Sample

Dear Ms. Cooper,

I’m writing to apply for the summer docent program at the Museum of Local History.

I have an extensive docent experience, having volunteered at both the Harbor Museum and ABC Art, and have led tours both as a student leader and a member of the town’s historical society. In addition, I’m a lifelong town resident and an enthusiastic amateur historian.

I’ve attached my cover letter and resume for your review. I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to discuss the program and to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time.

Best,

Sarah Smith
[email protected]
555-555-555

Download Email Sample

What Should I Leave Out Of My Part-time Job Resume As A College Student

While writing your job resume, always think like an employer and also as a job seeker. You do not want to pack your document with irrelevant details. Typically, what you exclude is just as important as what you include.

Do not include experiences that are irrelevant to the job you are applying for. Also, if you took a job and only stayed there for a month or less, many have advised that you not include that position.

In summary, try to strike a balance between including experience that is both timely and relevant to the job in your resume.

FAQs On Killer Part-time Job Resume For College Students | Samples & Writing Tips

Yes, you do. It is through the job resume that the employer gets a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments

To write a resume for your part-time job, use the following tips:

Use action verbs
Quantify when possible
Showcase the skills that qualify you for the job
Carefully edit and proofread
Use a resume example

A chronological resume is an ideal resume format for college students. It is also the most versatile and popular resume with job seekers and recruiters alike.

While writing your part time job resume as a college student, it is advisable you use this structure:

Header & Contact Info
Professional Summary
Skills
Work Experience
Education
Additional Experience

As a college student seeking a parttime job, there are certain things that you shouldn’t leave out of your resume. They include:

Education
Relevant Jobs
Extracurricular Activities
Leadership Experience

If you are submitting your part-time job resume via email, then do well to follow this steps.

Follow the directions
Send it as an attachment
Choose a resume file format
Name your attachment
Keep it simple

Conclusion

Just like a cover letter, submission of a job resume is also part of the application process for most professional positions. However, a resume for a part-time job is not far away from that of a real job.

Therefore, as a college student seeking a part-time job, your resume gives the employer a true first impression of who you are. As such, it is best you structure your email using the right format and following the right steps.

Here is a summary of how to write your part-time job resume as a college student:

  • Start with a qualifications summary.
  • Give your education a top billing on the resume.
  • Always be strategic in describing unrelated jobs.
  • Also, think like an employer as well as a job seeker.
  • In addition, pick the right resume length.

I hope these tips and samples help you as you write a killer resume for your next part-time job as a college student.

Good Luck And Success!!!

References

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