Building a Strong Resume While Earning Your Online Degree: A Guide to Career Success

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In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is essential for showcasing your qualifications and standing out with potential employers. As you pursue your online degree, it’s a great time to start thinking about how to reflect your academic achievements, transferable skills, and hands-on experience on your resume.

This article delves into the significance of resumes, the value employers place on online degrees, key skills to highlight for future employers, and strategies to bolster your resume while earning your degree.

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What Is a Resume?

A resume is a concise document that summarizes your professional background, including: 

• Achievements
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills

The primary purpose of a resume is to provide employers with a snapshot of your qualifications. This universally-required document is used to demonstrate how your experiences align with the requirements of a specific job role. An effective resume not only details your work history, it also highlights your accomplishments and the value you’ve brought to previous positions.

Are Resumes Always Formatted the Same?

No, resumes are not all consistently formatted in the same way. While all resumes share common elements—like contact information, work experience, education, and skills—the format and structure can vary based on industry, career level, and personal preference. The key is to choose a format that best highlights your qualifications and makes it easy for employers to scan your information quickly.

There are three main resume formats:

1. Chronological Resume – This is the most common format, listing work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). It is ideal for those with a consistent work history in the same field.
2. Functional Resume – This format focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than work history. It is useful for career changers, recent graduates, or individuals with employment gaps.
3. Combination (Hybrid) Resume – This format blends elements of both chronological and functional resumes, allowing applicants to highlight key skills while also showcasing work experience. It is a great choice for those with diverse skill sets or multiple career experiences.

Certain industries may have specific resume expectations. For example:

• Creative fields (graphic design, marketing) may favor visually appealing resumes with custom layouts or portfolios.
• Technical and IT roles may emphasize skills, certifications, and project-based experience.
• Academic or research-based careers often require a Curriculum Vitae (CV) instead of a traditional resume, which details publications, presentations, and research work.

Regardless of the format, a resume should be clear, concise, and tailored to the job description. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords. In fact, according to Jobscan, over 97% of Fortune 500 companies rely on ATS to help with new hires. ¹

As artificial intelligence (AI) takes hold of the global industry, it’s also important to note that employers frequently use AI tools to help in the hiring process. According to Forbes, as many as 65% of employers are using AI to automatically reject candidates in the initial stages of the hiring process. ²

The bottom line is to ensure proper formatting and include relevant keywords, which can improve visibility and increase the chances of landing an interview after ATS and AI scans.

Important Elements for Your Resume

Resumes serve as the first impression for potential employers. A compelling resume can open doors to interviews and job opportunities—while a poorly constructed one may lead to missed chances.

77% of hiring managers say they’ll immediately reject resumes with typos or poor grammar — while job seekers with near-perfect spelling are three times more likely to get hired.

ResumeGenius ³

One of the most important parts of a well-developed resume is effectively showcasing your education and skills. That demonstrates your qualifications and potential value to employers. Whether earned in person or online, your degree is a key component that can set you apart. To make the most of your online education experience, it’s essential to present your coursework, certifications, and the real-world skills you’ve acquired in a way that aligns with employer expectations.

Highlighting Online Degrees on Your Resume

The perception of online degrees has evolved significantly over the past decade. A National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey revealed that 87.4% of employers have hired graduates with online degrees. This is a strong indicator of the broad acceptance of online education in the professional realm. ⁴

This trend suggests that employers are increasingly recognizing the credibility and rigor of online programs, especially when they are accredited and aligned with industry standards.

What Skills Are Important to Highlight on a Resume?

While crafting your resume, you should showcase a blend of technical and soft skills that are pertinent to your desired role. Key skills to consider include:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in industry-specific tools, software, or methodologies.
• Communication: Ability to convey information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated aptitude for identifying issues and implementing solutions.
• Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to new challenges and environments seamlessly.
• Teamwork: Experience collaborating with others to achieve common goals.

Highlighting these skills can make your resume more appealing to hiring managers. According to a skills survey from ResumeGenius, 48% of hiring managers prefer candidates who list a combination of both technical and soft skills. This emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded skill set. ⁵

How a Resume Helps You Prepare for a Job Interview

Your resume serves as the foundation for your interview, acting as a roadmap to guide you and your potential employer. Since hiring managers often base their questions on the experiences and skills listed in your resume, thorough preparation is key.

Here’s how your resume can set you up for job interview success:

1. Guides Your Talking Points

A well-structured resume ensures you can easily recall and articulate key achievements, work experiences, and skills during the interview. Review each section carefully and prepare specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

2. Helps You Anticipate Questions

Employers will likely ask about your responsibilities, problem-solving abilities, and accomplishments based on what’s listed in your resume. For example, if you include a leadership role, be prepared to answer, “Can you describe a time you led a team through a challenge?” By studying your resume in advance, you can craft clear, concise responses.

3. Boosts Your Confidence

Knowing your resume inside and out allows you to speak fluently and professionally about your background. Practicing responses to common questions related to your experience can help eliminate hesitation and nervousness.

4. Highlights Key Skills and Achievements

Your resume gives you an opportunity to strategically steer the conversation toward your strongest qualifications. Emphasize quantifiable achievements, such as “Increased sales by 30% within six months” or “Managed a project that reduced processing time by 25%” to showcase your contributions effectively.

5. Demonstrates Your Preparedness

Employers appreciate candidates who come well-prepared and engaged. Reviewing your resume beforehand allows you to tie your experiences to the company’s needs and demonstrate how your background makes you an ideal fit for the role.

To make the most of your resume in interview prep, consider conducting mock interviews, refining your elevator pitch, and developing responses based on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) ⁶ method for behavioral questions. By leveraging your resume as a preparation tool, you’ll walk into the interview confident, focused, and ready to impress.

How to Boost Your Resume While You’re Earning Your Degree

With an online degree program, you can gain real-world experience and enhance your resume while you study. Here are some resume-building strategies to consider:

1. Gain Relevant Work Experience

Seek internships, part- or full-time jobs, or volunteer positions related to your field of study. This hands-on experience reinforces your learning and demonstrates your commitment and practical expertise to employers.

2. Develop Marketable Skills

Enroll in courses that teach in-demand skills. For instance, acquiring proficiency in data analytics, cybersecurity, or project management can make you more competitive in the job market.

3. Engage in Networking

Participate in virtual industry events, webinars, and online forums. Building a professional network can lead to mentorship opportunities and job leads.

4. Showcase Academic Projects

Include significant academic projects or research in your resume. Point out their relevance to practical applications or solutions to real-world problems.

5. Obtain Professional Certifications

Earn certifications that strengthen your resume and reflect current industry standards. Certifications can validate your skills and dedication to professional growth.

Balancing work, skill development, and education requires effective time management and dedication. However, the effort invested can lead to substantial rewards. 

Even a bachelor’s degree can add significant value and increase earnings over a lifetime. According to data from the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, bachelor’s degree holders earn 86% more than workers with just a high school diploma. ⁷ This significant increase in earning potential highlights the long-term benefits of obtaining your degree—whether traditionally or online.

Resources to Build Your Resume Effectively

Building a strong resume takes more than just listing your work experience—it requires strategic formatting, compelling descriptions, and industry-relevant keywords.

Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help you create a professional, well-structured resume that stands out to employers. NMSU Global Campus even offers career development and leadership micro courses that can help you better understand your skills, interests, and goals to get oriented in the job market.

If you want to begin with a few free tools, we’ve outlined some resources that may help guide you. Here are some essential tools and strategies to help prepare you for career success in any industry:

1. Online Resume Builders and Templates

If you’re unsure where to start, resume-building websites provide structured templates and formatting guidance. Some popular options include:

• Canva – Offers visually appealing and customizable resume templates.
• Zety – Provides AI-powered resume suggestions and formatting tools.
• Novoresume – Helps create ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) resumes.
• ResumeGenius – Features a step-by-step resume-building process.

These platforms allow you to easily design a professional resume while ensuring that important sections, such as work experience and skills, are presented clearly.

2. Career Services and Resume Coaching

Many universities, including NMSU Global Campus, offer career development services to help students and alumni craft standout resumes. These services may include:

• One-on-one resume reviews with career advisors.
• Workshops on resume writing and optimization.
• Mock interviews to refine talking points based on your resume.

Utilizing these resources can help you tailor your resume to specific industries and job opportunities. Explore NMSU Global Campus Resources for current students here.

3. Professional Networking Platforms

Your resume isn’t just a document—it’s also your professional online presence. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to dynamically showcase your skills, work experience, and education. Here’s how to optimize your LinkedIn profile:

• Keep your experience and skills updated.
• Ask colleagues or professors for professional recommendations.
• Share relevant industry insights and certifications.

A strong LinkedIn profile can complement your resume and help employers find you.

4. Industry-Specific Resume Examples

Different fields have unique resume expectations. Reviewing resume samples from your industry can give you a better idea of what employers look for. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Jobscan offer real-world resume examples tailored to different professions, whether you’re in business, healthcare, IT, or education.

5. Skill Development and Certifications

A well-rounded resume showcases both experience and skills. You can enhance your resume by earning certifications that demonstrate expertise in your field. Consider platforms such as:

• Microlearning from NMSU Global Campus – Self-paced courses deliver practical skills you can apply at work immediately. Perfect for career growth or learning something new on your own schedule. Earn digital badges or certificates to boost your resume, impress top employers, and take your career to the next level.
• Google Career Certificates – In-demand certifications in digital marketing, IT support, and project management.
• LinkedIn Learning – Certifications in business, tech, and creative skills.
• Coursera – Industry-recognized courses in various fields.

Adding certifications to your resume makes you more competitive and signals your commitment to continuous learning.

6. AI-Powered Resume Optimization Tools

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a hiring manager even sees them. Tools like Jobscan and Resumeworded analyze your resume and provide keyword optimization suggestions—this can help your resume rank higher in employer searches.

7. Professional Resume Writers

If you want expert guidance, consider hiring a resume-writing service. While these services come at a cost, they can be valuable if you’re applying for competitive roles or transitioning your career. Companies like TopResume and ResumeSpice offer personalized resume writing tailored to your goals.

Take Advantage of NMSU Global Campus Career Advisors

By leveraging the resume-building tools shared in this blog post, staying proactive, and continuously refining your experience, you will be better prepared to land job opportunities that align with your career aspirations.

At NMSU Global Campus, our Career Services advisors assist students with the tools and support they need to build a strong resume and successfully enter the job market. Whether you need resume reviews, career counseling, or networking opportunities, our resources are designed to help you highlight your education and skills in a way that attracts employers. We’re here for you every step of the way.

References

1. Henderson, Robert. “Applicant Tracking Systems: Everything You Need to Know.” Jobscan, 12 November 2024.

2. Wells, Rachel. “65% Of Employers To Use AI To Reject Candidates In 2025.” Forbes, 27 October 2024.

3. Chan, Eva. “50+ Essential Resume Statistics in 2025 — Analysis of 500,000 Job Applications.” ResumeGenius, 24 March 2025.

4. Gray, Kevin. “Employers See Online Degrees as Comparable to In-person Degrees.” National Association of Colleges and Employers, 30 January 2024.

5. Chan, Eva. “50+ Essential Resume Statistics in 2025 — Analysis of 500,000 Job Applications.” ResumeGenius, 24 March 2025.

6. The Muse. “The STAR Method: How to Ace Your Next Interview.” Last updated 14 May 2024.

7. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. “How does a college degree improve graduates’ employment and earnings potential?” Last accessed 11 April 2025.