Best First Year Resume Contest Details

We see you, first-year trailblazer Got a resume? You could win up to $150 in Amazon shopping credit just for submitting it. 

17th Annual Best First-Year Resume Contest is on—and it’s your chance to shine, even if you’re just starting out. We are accepting resumes from 10/12/26, until 11/8/26 @ 11:59 PM PST.

Prizes:

• 1st Place: $150 Amazon credit + your resume featured on our website as the go-to example for future students
• 2nd Place: $125 Amazon credit
• 3rd Place: $100 Amazon credit

Pro Tips:

Check out last year’s winning resume 

Use our Basic Chronological Resume format (skip Canva/and pre-made templates) 

Review pages 25–43 of our NEW Career Guide for insider tips

How to Enter:

1. Be a first-semester, first-time college student (sorry, transfers and graduate students not eligible)
2. Email your resume to careerplanningpeer@usfca.edu by 11/8/26 at 11:59 PM
3. Make sure it follows our example resume format

Winners announced on Instagram @USFCAREER by 11/23/26

Want a quick review before you submit? Book a resume check on Handshake—we’ve got your back.

This is your moment. Go for it