Keep it to one page
As a fresher, you almost never need more than one page. A tightly written single page reads as more confident and more relevant than two pages padded with filler.
The sections that matter
A clear, standard structure helps both recruiters and applicant tracking systems read your resume correctly.
- Contact info — name, phone, email, city, and LinkedIn if you have one
- Summary (2–3 lines) — your target role and your strongest relevant skill or achievement
- Skills — a focused list, not everything you've ever touched
- Education — degree, institute, year, and relevant coursework if space allows
- Projects & internships — this replaces "work experience" for most freshers
- Certifications — only ones relevant to the role you're applying for
What to put instead of work experience
If you don't have full-time work experience, lead with what you do have: academic projects, internships, freelance work, competitions, or significant coursework. For each, briefly state what you did and what the result or outcome was — not just a task description.
Common mistakes to avoid
- An objective statement that's generic ("seeking a challenging role...") instead of specific
- Listing every software or tool you've ever opened, rather than what you can actually use
- Typos and inconsistent formatting — proofread, and have someone else check it too
- A photo, unless it's specifically requested (not standard for most private-sector roles in India)
- Dense paragraphs instead of short, scannable bullet points
Keep it ATS-friendly
Applicant tracking systems parse resumes as text, so avoid heavy graphics, tables, or unusual fonts that can scramble on import. Stick to a standard file format (PDF is generally safest unless a specific format is requested), clear section headings, and standard fonts.