What Hundreds of Student Resumes Taught a Hiring Manager... And What You Should Do Differently

If you're a student applying for summer jobs, internships, or your first real work experience, your resume is your first impression. But what makes it stand out, or get passed over?

A hiring manager at a mid-sized company in the Midwest recently reviewed hundreds of student resumes for a 4-month summer role. After going through each one, they shared straightforward feedback about what actually works and what instantly disqualifies an applicant.

As the team behind Yotru.com, a resume-building tool made for students and early-career professionals, we’ve broken those insights into 7 clear takeaways. Use them to avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of landing the job.

1. Your Location Still Matters, Even in a Remote-First World

More than 40% of applicants were from out of state, often from coastal cities applying to jobs based in the Midwest. While that shows ambition, most short-term roles do not include relocation support. Employers may assume you are unlikely to follow through.

🔍 Takeaway:
If you’re applying from out of state, make it clear you are available locally or willing to relocate on your own. Do not leave that unanswered.

2. Resume Format Is Flexible, but Clarity Is Not

The hiring manager said there is no single best resume template. What actually matters is whether your resume is easy to read and clearly explains your experience. Fancy designs are less important than clear content.

🔍 Takeaway:
Use a simple layout. Keep formatting consistent. Use bullet points and focus on relevant experience like school projects, part-time jobs, or volunteering. Employers care about what you did and why it matters.

Need help structuring your resume? Yotru offers guided help to keep things simple and effective.

3. Using AI Is Okay, but Edit It Like a Human

AI-generated resumes and cover letters are easy to spot. One applicant even left in a ChatGPT prompt. Others submitted robotic, generic content that had not been edited or personalized.

🔍 Takeaway:
It is fine to use AI to get started, but make sure you personalize the output. Always double-check company names, remove leftover instructions, and read it out loud. Make sure it sounds like something you would actually say.

4. Cover Letters Still Help, Even if Not Everyone Reads Them

Not every hiring manager reads cover letters, but many still do. In this case, personalized letters that referenced the company or position stood out. Generic letters or ones addressed to the wrong company were ignored.

🔍 Takeaway:
Keep your cover letter short and specific. Mention why you are applying and what interests you about the role. Some managers may skip it, but others will appreciate the effort.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances

Some of the most common errors included:

• Major grammar or formatting issues
• Wrong company names in cover letters
• Overly vague or hard-to-follow resumes
• Submitting transcripts without being asked
• Including profile pictures, which are not standard in the U.S. and may introduce bias

🔍 Takeaway:
Your resume does not have to be perfect, but it should feel intentional and polished. Sloppy work sends the wrong message about how seriously you take the role.

6. Show That You Put in Effort

The candidates who stood out were not necessarily the most experienced. They were the ones who clearly put in the time to customize their applications and explain their strengths in a way that made sense for the role.

🔍 Takeaway:
Show that you read the job description. Mention one or two relevant experiences or skills that connect with what the employer needs. Explain what you bring to the table, not just what you have done.

7. Reaching Out Is a Good Thing

The hiring manager also encouraged students to connect on LinkedIn. Not to ask directly for a job, but to have a conversation, get advice, or learn more about the industry. Many applicants do not take that step.

🔍 Takeaway:
If you have applied, it is okay to follow up with a brief, polite message. Ask a thoughtful question. Most professionals remember people who are curious and respectful.

Final Thoughts: What Hiring Managers Really Look For

After reviewing hundreds of resumes, this is what consistently stood out:

• Simple and clean layout
• Clear experience and relevant skills
• No obvious mistakes or errors
• A short, thoughtful cover letter
• Evidence that the applicant actually cares about the role

Employers are not looking for perfection. They are looking for clarity, effort, and someone who seems genuinely interested.

That is why we built Yotru. Our resume builder is designed for students and grads who want to get noticed without sounding robotic. You get clear guidance, real-time help, and a resume that still sounds like you.