How to Make a Resume for High Schoolers
Creating a resume is an essential skill for high schoolers, as it helps them showcase their abilities, experiences, and achievements to potential employers, colleges, or other organizations. A well-crafted resume can make a significant difference in the competitive job market and college admissions process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create an impressive resume for high schoolers.
1. Choose the Right Format
The first step in creating a resume for high schoolers is to choose the right format. There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. For high schoolers, the chronological format is usually the best choice, as it lists experiences in reverse chronological order, making it easy for readers to follow your progress.
2. Start with Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Make sure this information is up-to-date and professional.
3. Create a Summary or Objective Section
Next, include a brief summary or objective section. This section should be concise (about three to five sentences) and highlight your key strengths, interests, and goals. For high schoolers, this section may focus on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and future aspirations.
4. List Your Education
Below the summary or objective section, list your education. Include the name of your high school, your expected graduation date, and any relevant coursework or honors. If you have taken advanced courses or earned high grades, mention these as well.
5. Highlight Your Work Experience
Include any work experience you have, such as part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. List the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Under each job, describe your responsibilities and achievements in bullet points. Use action verbs like “managed,” “organized,” and “improved” to make your experiences sound more impactful.
6. Showcase Your Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and dedication. List any clubs, sports, or organizations you’ve been involved in, along with your role and any notable achievements. If you’ve held a leadership position or won awards, be sure to include those details.
7. Include Your Skills
Highlight any relevant skills you possess, such as computer proficiency, language skills, or technical abilities. Group these skills into categories (e.g., technical skills, language skills, and organizational skills) for easier reading.
8. Proofread and Edit
Before submitting your resume, proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your formatting is consistent. Consider having a teacher, parent, or mentor review your resume as well.
9. Save and Distribute Your Resume
Save your resume as a PDF file to ensure that it retains its formatting across different devices. Distribute your resume to potential employers, colleges, or other organizations by email, through job boards, or in person.
By following these steps, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences as a high schooler. A well-crafted resume can open doors to new opportunities and help you achieve your goals. Good luck!
