How to Make a Fresher Resume That Actually Gets Shortlisted in IT Companies

A fresher resume is not just a document. It is your first impression. In most cases, your resume decides whether you will get an interview call or not.

Many freshers work hard on learning coding, tools, and projects. But still, they don’t get shortlisted. This is not always because they lack skills. Most of the time, the problem is that their resume does not show their skills properly.

Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes daily. They spend only a few seconds scanning each one. If your resume is unclear, messy, or generic, it gets rejected quickly—even if you are talented.

This article explains how to create a fresher resume that looks professional, matches IT company expectations, and increases your chances of getting shortlisted.

Why Most Fresher Resumes Get Rejected

Before improving your resume, it’s important to understand why resumes fail.

Most fresher resumes get rejected because:

• they look too generic

• they don’t match a specific job role

• they contain unnecessary information

• they don’t show proof of skills

• they are not ATS-friendly

• they don’t highlight projects properly

A resume is not about writing everything you know.
It is about showing what the company needs in a clear way.

What IT Companies Actually Look for in a Fresher Resume

IT companies usually look for:

• role clarity (what job you want)

• relevant technical skills

• good projects

• basic problem-solving ability

• tools knowledge (Git, SQL, etc.)

• good communication and professionalism

• proof of learning and consistency

They are not expecting you to be perfect.
But they want to see that you are prepared for real work.

How to Make a Fresher Resume That Gets Shortlisted (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose One Role and Make Your Resume for That Role

This is the first and most important step.

Many freshers make one resume and apply for:

• Java developer

• frontend developer

• data analyst

• tester

• Python developer

This creates confusion.

A recruiter should immediately understand:

“This candidate is applying for this role.”

So decide your target role and tailor your resume around it.

Step 2: Keep Your Resume Simple and ATS-Friendly

A clean resume increases shortlisting chances.

Avoid:

• heavy design templates

• icons and graphics

• too many colors

• tables

• unnecessary decorations

Many companies use ATS systems.
If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may not even reach the recruiter.

A simple, structured resume is always better than a fancy one.

Step 3: Write a Strong Resume Headline

Your headline should be clear and professional.

Example:

• “Fresher Java Developer | OOP, SQL, Spring Basics | Projects on GitHub”

• “Frontend Developer Fresher | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React | Portfolio Projects”

• “Data Analyst Fresher | Excel, SQL, Power BI | Dashboard Projects”

This instantly tells recruiters what you are prepared for.

Step 4: Add Skills That Match the Job Description

Don’t list every skill you have heard of.

Instead, focus on:

• core skills

• job-relevant tools

• technologies you can explain confidently

If you list too many skills, interviewers may ask questions on them.
If you can’t answer, it creates a bad impression.

Your skills section should look strong, realistic, and relevant.

Step 5: Projects Are the Most Important Part of a Fresher Resume

For freshers, projects are proof of ability.

A good project section should include:

• project name

• technologies used

• 2–3 points explaining what you built

• features you implemented

• what problem it solves

Instead of writing:

“Made a website using HTML CSS”

Write:

“Built a responsive portfolio website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with mobile-first layout, contact form, and smooth navigation.”

Projects should look like real work.

Step 6: Show Your GitHub and Portfolio (If Available)

A GitHub link makes your resume more trustworthy.

Recruiters like candidates who:

• upload projects

• write clean code

• show consistency

If you have a portfolio website, add it.
If not, GitHub is enough.

Even simple projects look more professional when they are hosted properly.

Step 7: Add Internships, Training, or Practical Experience

Freshers often think:

“I don’t have experience, so I have nothing to write.”

But you can include:

• internships

• training programs

• freelance work

• college projects

• personal projects

• certifications with proof

The key is to show practical learning.

Companies don’t expect full experience, but they want effort and exposure.

Step 8: Improve Your Resume Language and Formatting

Many resumes get rejected because of poor writing.

A strong resume should be:

• easy to scan

• clear

• professional

• free from grammar errors

Avoid long paragraphs.
Use short, strong points.

Recruiters should understand your profile quickly.

Step 9: Keep Resume to One Page (For Freshers)

Freshers should keep their resume within one page.

A 2–3 page resume looks like:

• unnecessary

• unfocused

• filled with irrelevant content

One page is enough if you write correctly.

The Most Common Resume Mistakes Freshers Must Avoid

Freshers often include:

• long career objective paragraphs

• irrelevant personal details

• too many skills without proof

• fake skills

• weak projects

• poor formatting

• spelling errors

These mistakes reduce shortlisting chances immediately.