Expert Tips for Christian College Students on How to Write a Winning Resume

In today's competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job and making a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

At DBU, we understand the importance of helping our students develop strong resumes that reflect their unique strengths, skills, and values.

In the guide below, we'll review the steps for crafting a resume that showcases your professional qualities and aligns with your career goals, starting with the value of securing an internship or relevant work experience.

Why Is it Important to Get an Internship?

Internships are more than a checkbox on your college to-do list. They're invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience, explore your passions, and make a lasting impact. As Christians, your internship can be a platform for sharing your faith and values in the professional world.

Here's why securing an internship is so important:

• Real-world application: Internships allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you've gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, which helps solidify your understanding of your coursework and gives you a taste of what it's like to work in your chosen field.
• Skill development: Internships can also help you develop new skills that potential employers seek. These include problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Networking: Building meaningful connections with professionals can open doors to future career opportunities. As a Christian, you can use these connections to influence others for Christ and positively impact your industry.
• Faith in action: Internships provide tangible opportunities to live out your faith and make a lasting impression in the workplace. You can demonstrate your Christian values through your work ethic, integrity, and how you treat others.

Expert-Backed Resume Tips

Crafting a resume that reflects your professional achievements and effectively showcases your skills requires careful consideration and attention to detail.

Here are some expert-backed tips to help you create a resume that stands out and aligns with your Christian values:

• Keep it concise and focused: Your resume should be well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points and concise language to highlight your accomplishments and experiences. If you need help deciding what information to include, do a quick online search for resume examples, find a college student resume template, or consider using a college resume builder tool like Resume.io.
• Tailor your resume to the position: Customize your resume to match the specific requirements and qualifications of the internship or job you're applying for. Be sure to highlight the experiences that are most relevant to the position. For example, if you're applying for an internship in a nonprofit organization, emphasize any volunteer work or community service that reflects your commitment to serving others.
• Include relevant coursework: As a college student, you may have limited professional experience. Including relevant coursework can help fill in the gaps and highlight your academic achievements.
• Emphasize leadership: If you've taken on leadership roles in your church or through campus activities, mention those experiences on your resume. Leadership is a valuable skill that not everyone has, and it can set you apart from other candidates.
• Highlight community service: Include any community or volunteer work you've done. This demonstrates your ability to work as a team and can show employers that you're a well-rounded individual with a heart for making a difference. Feel free to mention any mission trips or service projects you've participated in as well.
• Use action words: Use action words and strong verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities. For example, instead of saying, "Helped organize events," you could say, "Coordinated and executed various events for the church community, including fundraisers and outreach programs."
• Proofread and edit: Be sure to proofread your resume for any grammatical or spelling errors. It may help to have someone else, such as a trusted friend, family member, or mentor, review it as well. You can also consider visiting the Center for Career and Professional Development for additional guidance and feedback.

At DBU, we believe in the potential of every student living out their faith to make a difference in the world. Your resume is not just a document; it's a testament to your faith, values, and commitment to excellence.

Remember what Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (NIV) This verse reminds us that as Christian students, we should commit our job search and resume-building process to God. Use Proverbs 16:3 as a reminder to seek God's guidance and trust in His plan for your career journey.

By following these expert-backed tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a resume that reflects the character and skills that set you apart as a DBU student.