Degree in Hand, Resume in Demand: New Grad Resume Stats

Breaking into the job market as a recent graduate comes with its challenges, but understanding what employers look for on resumes can give you a competitive edge. To uncover key trends for the Class of 2025, I analyzed data from over 450,000 resumes created by recent graduates in Zety’s online resume builder in 2024, alongside insights from the latest report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The findings reveal what employers prioritize in entry-level candidates, from must-have skills to hiring trends and salary expectations. Whether you’re writing your first resume or refining an existing one, these data-driven insights can help you stand out in today’s evolving job market.

Smarter Than AI: Why Employers Love Power Skills

Employers continue to place a high value on problem-solving and teamwork skills—and the data backs it up. According to NACE’s latest findings, these two abilities remain top prioritiesfor hiring managers, alongside strong communication and a solid work ethic. But it’s not just employer surveys that highlight these trends.

Zety’s data confirms that the 10 most frequently added skills by recent graduates are overwhelmingly soft skills—also known as power skills. Interestingly, the top two soft skills added by new grads in our builder match NACE’s findings—both employers and job seekers recognize the importance of problem-solving and teamwork.

With the rise of generative AI, technical skills are becoming more automatable, while power skills—such as adaptability, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication—are growing in demand. Employers increasingly seek candidates who can collaborate effectively, think strategically, and navigate complex challenges in dynamic work environments.

Graduates who highlight these human-centric skills with concrete examples in their resumes—whether from coursework, internships, or leadership roles—can position themselves as indispensable assets in the workforce. However, the shift toward power skills isn’t the only hiring trend reshaping the job market.

Skills-Based Hiring on the Rise

Degrees alone don’t cut it anymore. A staggering 64.8% of companies now use skills-based hiring practices, focusing on competencies rather than credentials. Many organizations are shifting to structured interviews and competency-driven job descriptions.

To stay competitive, new grads should tailor their resumes to emphasize key skills such as analytical thinking, leadership, and technical expertise.

Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay—Are You Ready?

As flexible work arrangements become the norm, 54% of entry-level positions now follow a hybrid model, while 42% require full-time office presence. Meanwhile, fully remote opportunities remain rare, making up just 4% of entry-level jobs.

To appeal to employers, graduates should highlight their proficiency in collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom, demonstrating their ability to thrive in hybrid work environments.

Make Your Resume Talk: Why a Profile Is a Must-Have

First impressions matter—and yet, many fresh graduates miss a key opportunity to grab a recruiter’s attention.

Zety’s resume builder analysis reveals a surprising trend: only 46.09% of new grads include a resume profile (either a summary or an objective). That means more than half of applicants start their resumes without a compelling introduction, leaving recruiters to dig through bullet points to understand their qualifications.

With recruiters often spending just a few seconds scanning each resume, a well-written profile ensures they see your most valuable qualities first—giving you a stronger shot at landing interviews.

Beyond Basics: the Top Extra Resume Sections for New Grads

While education and experience form the core of a resume, extra sections can help new graduates stand out. Zety’s analysis highlights the three most popular resume extra sections among new grad resumes:

• Languages (161,227 users): Employers highly value foreign language skills. Research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages shows that nine out of ten U.S. employers rely on multilingual employees, and one-third report a high dependency on workers with language proficiency. As globalization continues, fluency in multiple languages provides a significant edge in business, customer service, and healthcare.
• Certifications (91,350 users): Certifications validate industry knowledge and make candidates more employable. A survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that 68% of employers prefer hiring college graduates who also hold a micro-credential, as it demonstrates initiative and professional development.
• Hobbies & Interests (72,940 users): This section is often overlooked, yet it provides a personal touch to resumes. Employers value well-rounded candidates who bring creativity, leadership, and fresh perspectives.

These findings reinforce the importance of showcasing relevant skills and achievements beyond traditional resume sections. Employers seek multilingual, certified, and well-rounded candidates, making these extra sections a smart addition for any new graduate.

GPA Still Matters, But Won’t Make or Break You

While some employers still use GPA as a screening metric, its importance is evolving. NACE reports that 46.4% of employers consider GPA in hiring decisions, though many now prioritize a more holistic view of candidates.

Graduates with lower GPAs can balance this by showcasing hands-on experience, research projects, and leadership roles that highlight their professional readiness.

Internships & Extracurriculars: Your Secret Job Market Weapon

When evaluating new grads, employers don’t just look at coursework—they place significant weight on practical experience.

• Internships, whether paid or unpaid, signal industry readiness and hands-on expertise.
• Involvement in student organizations showcases leadership, teamwork, and initiative.

To make a strong impression, candidates should detail their contributions and achievements in these roles, showing how their experiences translate into workplace success.

Salary Trends: a Bright Outlook for 2025 Grads

The job market is showing promising signs for new graduates:

• Many employers plan to raise starting salaries for both bachelor’s and master’s degree holders.
• Over 55% of organizations are offering sign-on bonuses to attract top talent.

These trends suggest that while competition remains fierce, skilled graduates who position themselves well will have strong earning potential in 2025.

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Sources

• NACE, "What Are Employers Looking for When Reviewing College Students’ Resumes?"
• NACE, "Job Outlook 2025"
• Association of American Colleges and Universities, "The Career-Ready Graduate: What Employers Say about the Difference College Makes"
• International Center for Language Studies, "US Employers Recognize the Need For Foreign Language Proficiency"