⚡Quick Summary: The 30-Second Resume Guide
Format: Stick to a 1-page, single-column layout. Multi-column resumes often fail ATS scans.
Contact: Use a professional email (name.surname@gmail.com) and include your LinkedIn and GitHub (for IT) or Portfolio (for Core).
Education: List in reverse chronological order. Highlight your CGPA only if it is above 7.0.
Projects: Use the Action-Result formula. Don’t just list what you did; list what the result was.
File Type: Always save and send as a PDF unless specifically asked for a Word doc.
For most engineering students and freshers in India, writing a resume is the most confusing part of job preparation. Many students either copy templates blindly from the internet or create overly complicated resumes with unnecessary details.
The truth is simple — your resume is your first interview.
Before HR speaks to you, your resume speaks on your behalf. If it is not clear, structured and professional, you may never get shortlisted.
In this detailed Enggwave fresher’s guide, you will learn:
- How to make a resume step-by-step
- What to include and what to avoid
- Resume tips for engineering freshers
- Simple resume template structure
Let’s begin.
Why Resume Matters for Freshers in India
In India, recruiters receive hundreds — sometimes thousands — of applications for a single role. Most companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software to filter resumes before HR sees them.
A strong resume helps you:
- Get shortlisted for interviews
- Stand out among other freshers
- Highlight your strengths even without experience
- Show professionalism
Even if you do not have work experience, you can still create an impressive resume.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Resume as a Fresher
1️⃣ Start with Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Professional Email ID
- LinkedIn Profile (if available)
- GitHub/Portfolio link (for IT students)
Avoid using unprofessional email IDs like:
coolboy123@gmail.com
Instead, use:
firstname.lastname@gmail.com
Keep it simple and professional.
2️⃣ Write a Strong Career Objective
Many freshers skip this or write generic lines like:
“Looking for a challenging position in a reputed organisation.”
This is overused and boring.
Instead, customise your objective based on the job role.
Example for Mechanical Engineer:
“Motivated Mechanical Engineering graduate with strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and manufacturing processes, seeking an entry-level role to apply technical knowledge and contribute to operational efficiency.”
Keep it 2–3 lines maximum.
3️⃣ Add Educational Qualification
Mention in reverse chronological order:
- Degree (BE/ B.Tech)
- College name
- University
- Year of passing
- CGPA/Percentage
If your marks are above 7 CGPA or 70%, highlight them. If not, do not overemphasize.
4️⃣ Highlight Technical Skills
This is one of the most important sections.
Divide skills clearly:
For IT/CS Students:
- Programming Languages
- Tools & Technologies
- Databases
- Operating Systems
For Core Branch Students:
- Core Subjects
- Software Tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, PLC etc.)
- Technical Concepts
Do not list skills you cannot explain in an interview.
5️⃣ Add Academic Projects (Very Important)
Freshers usually do not have work experience. So projects become your strength.
Instead of writing:
“Did project on solar energy.”
Write:
“Designed and analysed a solar-powered water heating system to improve energy efficiency by 25% using simulation tools.”
Always mention:
- Project title
- Technologies used
- Your role
- Outcome or result
Projects show practical knowledge.
6️⃣ Internship or Industrial Training (If Any)
Even short-term internships matter.
Mention:
- Company name
- Duration
- Key responsibilities
- Skills gained
If you do not have internship experience, try to complete at least one before final year.
7️⃣ Add Soft Skills
Employers value communication and teamwork.
Include:
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
But be honest. Interviewers may test these skills.
8️⃣ Certifications (Optional but Useful)
Add relevant certifications like:
- Programming courses
- NPTEL certifications
- AutoCAD training
- Online technical courses
Certifications improve your credibility.
Resume Tips for Engineering Freshers
Here are practical tips to improve your resume:
✔ Keep resume length to 1 page (maximum 2 pages)
✔ Use simple font like Calibri or Arial
✔ Maintain proper spacing and alignment
✔ Avoid too many colours
✔ Save resume as PDF
✔ Customise resume for every job application
✔ Use keywords from job description
Common Resume Mistakes Freshers Make
❌ Copying resume from friends
❌ Including false information
❌ Writing long paragraphs
❌ Adding unnecessary personal details (religion, marital status, etc.)
❌ Poor formatting
Keep it clean and professional.
Simple Resume Template Structure for Freshers
Here is a basic structure you can follow:
- Contact Information
- Career Objective
- Education
- Technical Skills
- Academic Projects
- Internship Experience
- Certifications
- Soft Skills
This format works for most entry-level jobs in India.
Should Freshers Use Resume Templates?
Yes, but wisely.
Many free templates online look attractive but are not ATS-friendly.
Choose:
- Simple layout
- Minimal graphics
- Clear headings
- Black & white professional format
Remember, content matters more than design.
Final Advice from Enggwave
Your resume is not just a document. It is your personal marketing tool.
As a fresher, you may not have experience. But you have:
- Academic knowledge
- Projects
- Skills
- Potential
Present them clearly and confidently.
Do not wait until final year to prepare your resume. Start early, update regularly, and improve continuously.
A well-structured resume combined with skill development and smart job strategy can significantly increase your chances of getting shortlisted.
Your first job begins with a strong first impression — and that starts with your resume.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is a 2-page resume okay for a fresher?
Ideally, no. Recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds looking at a resume. A concise, 1-page resume ensures they see your best highlights immediately. Only go to 2 pages if you have significant research papers or multiple high-level internships.
2. Should I include my photograph on the resume?
In India, for most IT and Core Engineering roles, a photograph is not required and can sometimes interfere with ATS software. Focus on your skills and projects instead.
3. What if I don’t have any internship experience?
Don’t worry! Focus heavily on your Academic Projects and Certifications. Use the space to explain the technical challenges you solved in your final year project or a personal “side project.”
4. How do I make my resume “ATS-friendly”?
Use standard headings (Education, Experience, Skills), avoid placing important text inside tables or header/footer sections, and use keywords found in the Job Description (JD).
5. Should I mention my 10th and 12th marks?
Yes. In the Indian recruitment context (especially for companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro), 10th and 12th percentages are often used as basic eligibility criteria.
