Creating a captivating social sciences resume can be a game-changer for students, interns, or experienced professionals in their job application journey. Explore our tried-and-true tips and examples to transform your resume from a basic document into a captivating story showcasing your unique skills in the field of social sciences.
Julia Belak Certified Professional Résumé Writer Last updated: Aug. 20, 2024 Average: 4.9 ( 152 votes )
Crafting a standout social sciences student resume can sometimes feel like conducting a research project — it requires the right mix of data and presentation.
In our ultimate guide, we’ll provide essential tips, practical examples, and handy templates to help you compile a resume that truly reflects your academic journey and skills in social sciences.
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Whenever you write a resume of any kind, the first thing you must decide is which resume format will best fit your needs. Let's take a look at three main formatting options:
Picking the right resume format is like choosing the right tool for the job — it can make all the difference in showcasing your strengths. Whether you go with reverse-chronological to highlight your experience, functional to emphasize your skills and education, or hybrid to balance both, make sure it aligns with your unique path.
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Writing a compelling summary or objective for your resume is like crafting a great opening line — it grabs attention and keeps the reader interested in learning more about you.
A resume summary is a short statement at the beginning of a resume that helps to introduce an applicant to the employer. In this summary, you should strive to include your best professional attributes, such as key specializations or notable accomplishments.
Having a well-written summary on your resume is important, as it helps you to make your resume more memorable and stand out from the competition.
To better illustrate how to write an effective resume summary, we've provided a weak example below, followed by a correction and explanation:
Social sciences student with some experience. Looking for a job to gain more skills. Good at research and working with people. Seeking opportunities to grow in my career.
Why does it fall short? First of all, this summary is simply too vague and lacks specifics that would help it stand out. Stating "social sciences student with some experience" doesn't offer any concrete information about your background or achievements. Phrases like "looking for a job to gain more skills" and "good at research and working with people" are generic and don't provide tangible evidence of your skills or experiences.
Social Sciences Graduate Student, with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Political Science. Co-President of the Campus Voting Outreach program which achieved a 25% increase in the number of students registered to vote on campus. Conducted a campus-wide study on the correlation between political awareness and voting participation that was published in the American Journal of Sociology.
Why is this so much better? In this corrected example, the applicant offers much better information regarding their degrees and experience in a leadership role for a campus organization, going as far as to list a very specific accomplishment achieved within this role. They end the summary with a highly impressive academic accomplishment, making this summary much more effective overall.
A resume objective is similar to a summary but is often used by those who are just starting their career or transitioning into a new field. An objective focuses on your career goals and how they align with the job you're applying for.
When to choose a resume objective?
Components of a strong resume objective:
Now, let's take a look at two contrasting examples:
Seeking a position in social sciences to gain experience and further my career. Interested in research and working with people.
Why is this objective weak? Like the weak summary, this objective is too vague and lacks specifics. It doesn't provide any concrete information about the candidate's goals or relevant skills, nor does it show how they align with the employer's needs.
Passionate Social Sciences graduate aiming to leverage my dual degrees in Sociology and Political Science to contribute to impactful community research projects at XYZ Organization. Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a proven track record in leading campus initiatives to increase political participation among students.
Why is this effective? This objective clearly spells out the candidate's career goals, highlights their relevant skills, and shows how they align with what the employer needs. It's a detailed and compelling way to introduce the candidate.
By crafting a strong summary or objective, you can effectively capture the reader’s attention and present yourself as an ideal candidate for the role. Whether you choose a summary or an objective depends on your experience and career stage, but both should highlight your qualifications and how they make you a perfect fit for the job.
As a social sciences student, you'll likely want to showcase as many of your social and interpersonal skills on your resume as possible. But don’t just list your skills — make sure to separate your technical skills from your interpersonal ones.
Interpersonal skills can be both learned and inherent. They affect how you interact with the people and world around you. Comparatively, technical skills must be obtained through education or training and often deal with more complex actions and activities, such as knowing how to conduct a social experiment.
PRO TIP: Always start by listing the skills that are directly mentioned in the job ad. This shows potential employers that you have exactly what they're looking for and that you've carefully read and understood the job requirements. Tailoring your resume in this way can make a big difference and help you stand out from the competition.
Keeping our tips in mind, let’s look at the following examples of technical and interpersonal skills that look great on a social sciences student resume:
Remember, by carefully choosing and separating your technical and interpersonal skills, your resume will highlight what makes you stand out as a social sciences student. Tailor your skills to fit the job you're eyeing, making sure each one showcases your readiness to thrive in the role. With the perfect mix of skills, you'll grab the attention of potential employers and kickstart your journey to success.
When you're still a student, chances are that you won't yet have enough formal work experience to create a super in-depth work experience section.
However, if you have academic experiences such as internships, assistantships, or required clinical hours, these can all work as good substitutes for actual jobs in your work history. To describe your past experience effectively, it's essential to include as many quantifiable and specific details as possible.
ABC Organization
Social Sciences Intern
August 2021 to May 2022
Why is this so unimpressive? Well, this example is too vague and lacks detail. It doesn’t provide any specific information about what the candidate accomplished or the impact of their efforts. Phrases like "helped categorize items" and "worked on an exhibit" don’t give a clear picture of the candidate’s role or contributions, making this entry weak and uninformative.
American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY |
Anthropology Intern
August 2021 to May 2022
Why is this entry better? It's much stronger because it provides specific details and quantifiable achievements. The candidate mentions assisting a senior colleague, collaborating with a team, and contributing to significant outcomes such as raising funds for charity. These details give a clear picture of the candidate’s responsibilities and the value they brought to the organization, making this entry far more compelling.
By following these tips and making sure your work experience is detailed and relevant, you can create a strong section that demonstrates your readiness for the job, even if your formal work history is still developing.
Using action words in your social sciences student resume is like giving your experience a turbo boost — they bring your responsibilities and achievements to life. But why are they so important?
Action words inject energy into your resume, making it compelling and easier for hiring managers to visualize your impact. Instead of stating blandly what you did, action words highlight how you did it and what you accomplished. This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging, helping you stand out in a crowded field.
Now, let's see how to use these in practice:
Remember, by strategically using action words, you can transform your resume from a simple list of duties into a compelling story of your academic journey and achievements. These words help potential employers quickly grasp the value you bring, making your resume not just a document but a dynamic narration of your college experiences.
In general, to practice the social sciences you'll need a minimum of either a bachelor’s or master’s degree depending on which discipline you choose to pursue. Including these credentials on your resume is done by creating a dedicated education section.
When you're still a student, it's important to include all of your degrees on your resume, even if they aren't yet complete. To list an ongoing degree, you simply need to state that the degree is “In Progress,” as well as list your expected date of graduation.
What's more, your education section is where you should list your academic achievements, such as graduation honors or key academic roles.
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
M.S. in Psychology
In Progress, Expected Graduation: December 2022
University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
B.S. in Psychology
Graduated: May 2019, Summa Cum Laude
Why does it work? This example is more than a list of degrees; it provides detailed achievements and honors that highlight the candidate’s academic dedication and success. Mentioning a specific research thesis, awards, leadership roles, and publications paints a vivid picture of an accomplished student who's actively contributing to their field.
Always include specific achievements like research projects, awards, and leadership roles. These details add depth to your resume and highlight your initiative and commitment to your field. Using strong action verbs and quantifiable results will surely boost the impact of your education section.
Adding extra sections to your resume can really help showcase your unique experiences and skills, making your application stand out. But how do you choose which sections to include?
When deciding which extra sections to add, think about what will best highlight your strengths and align with the job you’re applying for. Look at the job description and consider what additional information can show that you’re a well-rounded, proactive candidate.
Here are some ideas for you:
Volunteering Experience
Volunteer
Local Community Center, May 2021 - Present
Research Projects
Research Assistant
Sociology Department, XYZ University, Jan 2021 - Dec 2021
Certifications and Workshops
Certificate in Conflict Resolution
ABC Institute, Jun 2021**
Workshop: Understanding Ethical Issues in Social Research | XYZ University | Mar 2021**
By thoughtfully selecting and including relevant extra sections, you can paint a fuller picture of your experiences and skills. Whether it’s through volunteering, research projects, or additional certifications, these sections help show potential employers that you're a well-rounded candidate ready to make a meaningful contribution.
Don't let simple missteps derail your chances of landing that dream job. If you're a social sciences student, steering clear of these common resume mistakes can set you up for success. Let's dive into what to watch out for and turn your resume into a standout piece.:
Avoiding these common mistakes can greatly enhance the quality of your social sciences student resume. Be specific, use keywords, quantify your achievements, and don’t overlook the basics like contact information and proofreading. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a compelling and effective resume.
Your resume is a powerful snapshot of your skills and experiences, but a well-crafted cover letter can add depth and personality to your application. Let’s explore how to pair your resume with a relevant cover letter to create a comprehensive and compelling job application.
When to include a cover letter? Including a cover letter with your resume is generally a good idea unless the job posting explicitly states not to. A cover letter provides an opportunity to explain why you’re interested in the role, highlight your most relevant experiences, and address any questions the employer might have about your background.
While your resume lists your qualifications, education, and experiences in a structured format, your cover letter allows you to delve deeper into your story. It’s a chance to explain why you’re passionate about the field, how your experiences have prepared you for the role, and what contributions you can make to the organization. Think of your resume as the "what" and your cover letter as the "why."
A unified design for both your resume and cover letter is key to presenting a professional and cohesive application. Here’s why:
How to ensure design consistency:
Pairing your resume with a thoughtful and well-designed cover letter can significantly strengthen your application. A clear and compelling cover letter helps to tell your story, explaining why you’re the right fit for the role, and making it easier for employers to see the value you bring. So, ensure you give both your resume and cover letter the attention they deserve.
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Wondering about the financial and job prospects in the field of social sciences? Let’s dive into the most recent stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to give you a clearer picture.
As of May 2023, the median annual wage for life, physical, and social science occupations was $78,280. That’s a solid figure, giving you an idea of what you could potentially earn as you advance in your career. Depending on your specific discipline within social sciences, your salary might vary, but this median gives you a helpful benchmark.
What's more, the job market for social sciences looks promising. Overall employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. This is great news if you're pursuing a career in this field!
The BLS projects about 136,800 openings each year, on average, in these occupations. These openings come from a combination of new positions being created and existing positions becoming available due to retirements or people moving on to other jobs. So, there are plenty of opportunities out there for passionate social sciences graduates like you.
With a strong median annual wage and a positive job outlook, a career in social sciences is both promising and rewarding. Whether you’re just starting your studies or getting ready to enter the job market, it’s an exciting time to be in this field. So, keep honing your skills, gaining experience, and preparing yourself to take advantage of the many opportunities that lie ahead.
For ambitious social sciences students, knowing where to look can shape the trajectory of your job search. Here are some must-have resources to help you land your dream role:
Remember, in the diverse field of social sciences, having a well-rounded approach to job hunting can open a wealth of opportunities. With these resources at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to launching a successful career.
Focusing on your educational background, coursework, and academic projects is crucial. Also, highlight any internships or volunteer work related to your field. Extracurricular activities demonstrating transferable skills can also be included.
As a student or recent graduate, keeping your resume to one page is generally recommended. However, if you have extensive relevant experience or achievements, a two-page resume may be appropriate.
Absolutely. Tailoring your resume to each specific job demonstrates to hiring managers that you've seriously considered how your skills and experiences align with the role's requirements.
Very important. Hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often scan for keywords related to the specific role. Be sure to include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume.
The inclusion of an 'Interests' or 'Activities' section can help demonstrate characteristics that may not be evident from your work or academic experience. It's particularly beneficial if these interests relate to your chosen field, or show a commitment to community service, leadership potential, and other valuable skills.
