Spencer Lanoue
Writing your first resume as a high school student might seem like a challenge, but it's a great opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and potential. Whether you're applying for a part-time job, internship, or college, a well-crafted resume can make a strong impression. This guide will walk you through the process, offering tips and examples along the way.
Start with the Basics: Contact Information
Let's kick things off with the easiest part of your resume—your contact information. It might sound simple, but getting this section right is crucial. You want to make sure potential employers can reach you easily. Here's what you need to include:
- Full Name: Use your full name as it appears on official documents.
- Phone Number: Double-check that your phone number is correct. You don't want to miss out on opportunities due to a typo.
- Email Address: Use a professional email address. If your current one is something like "soccerfan123@gmail.com," consider creating a new one that includes your name.
- Location: You don't need to include your full address. City and state are usually enough.
- LinkedIn Profile: If you have a LinkedIn profile, include it, but only if it's up-to-date and professional.
Here's how you might format it:
Jane Doe
(555) 123-4567
janedoe@email.com
Los Angeles, CA
linkedin.com/in/janedoe
While this section is often straightforward, it's amazing how often people forget to update it. Before sending out your resume, double-check everything. It's a simple step that ensures you can be contacted easily.
Craft a Strong Objective Statement
An objective statement, also known as a summary or profile, gives a brief overview of who you are and what you're looking for. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch. It's your chance to make a great first impression, so make it count. Here's a basic structure to follow:
- Who You Are: Mention that you're a high school student and highlight any relevant skills or interests.
- What You're Looking For: Specify the type of position you're seeking.
- Your Goals: Briefly state what you hope to achieve in this role.
Here's an example:
High school junior with a strong interest in environmental science and excellent research skills. Seeking a part-time position at Green Earth to gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation and contribute to sustainable initiatives.
Notice how this statement is specific and tailored to the position. Avoid generic statements like "looking for a job to gain experience." Tailor each objective to the job you're applying for, highlighting how you can add value.
Highlight Your Education
As a high school student, your education is one of your strongest assets. List your current school and any relevant coursework, activities, or achievements that relate to the job. Here's how to structure this section:
- School Name: Include your high school and its location.
- Expected Graduation Date: Mention when you plan to graduate.
- GPA: If it's strong (generally 3.0 or above), feel free to include it.
- Relevant Coursework: List classes that relate to the job or industry.
- Extracurricular Activities: Highlight clubs, sports, or organizations you're involved in.
- Honors and Awards: Mention any academic achievements or awards.
Here's a sample format:
Springfield High School, Springfield, IL
Expected Graduation: June 2024
GPA: 3.8
Relevant Coursework: Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry
Extracurricular Activities: Member of the Environmental Club, Varsity Soccer Team Captain
Honors and Awards: Honor Roll (2019-2023), Science Fair Winner (2022)
Highlighting your education shows employers that you're committed to learning and making the most of your high school experience. If you've taken any special courses or received awards, don't hold back—let them know!
Showcase Your Work Experience
Even if you haven't held a formal job, you likely have experience that can be valuable to employers. Think about volunteer work, internships, or even family responsibilities. Here's how to present it:
- Job Title: Use a title that accurately describes your role.
- Organization: Include the name of the place where you worked or volunteered.
- Dates: Mention when you started and ended the position.
- Responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe your main tasks and achievements. Start each bullet with an action verb like "managed," "organized," or "assisted."
Example:
Volunteer, Community Garden Project
Springfield Community Center, Springfield, IL
June 2022 - Present
- Assisted in planting and maintaining community garden beds, contributing to a 20% increase in yield.
- Organized weekly workshops for local children on sustainable gardening practices.
If you've babysat for neighbors, mowed lawns, or helped out in a family business, include those experiences and describe the skills you've gained. Employers value reliability, responsibility, and initiative, which these activities demonstrate.
Skills That Shine
Your skills section is where you can really stand out. Think about both hard skills (like coding or graphic design) and soft skills (like communication or leadership). Here's how to list them:
- Technical Skills: Any specific knowledge you have, such as Microsoft Office, social media, or any other software.
- Soft Skills: Traits like teamwork, problem-solving, or adaptability.
- Languages: If you speak any other languages, list them here.
Example:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Fluent in Spanish
Customize your skills to fit the job description. If the posting mentions specific skills, include them if they apply to you. This can help your resume get past applicant tracking systems that scan for keywords.
Include Extracurriculars and Leadership Roles
Extracurricular activities and leadership roles can be just as important as work experience. They show that you're active, engaged, and capable of managing responsibilities. Here's how to list these experiences:
- Activity Name: Mention the club, team, or organization.
- Role: If you held any leadership positions, list them.
- Dates: Indicate when you were involved.
- Achievements: Highlight any specific accomplishments or contributions.
Example:
President, Debate Club
Springfield High School, Springfield, IL
September 2021 - Present
- Led a team of 15 students to regional debate competitions, securing a 2nd place finish in 2023.
- Organized weekly meetings and practice sessions to improve club members' public speaking skills.
This section can demonstrate your ability to work with others, lead projects, and commit to activities outside of schoolwork. Even if you were just a member, it shows you're involved and willing to learn.
Tailor Each Resume to the Job
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to resumes. Tailoring your resume for each job application is important. This doesn't mean starting from scratch each time, but rather tweaking sections to better fit the position. Here's how:
- Objective Statement: Adjust it to reflect the specific job and how you can contribute.
- Relevant Experience: Highlight the most relevant experiences for the job.
- Skills and Keywords: Use keywords from the job description in your skills section.
When applying for a part-time job at a retail store, your resume might include teamwork and customer service skills. For a tech internship, focus more on any coding classes or projects you've done.
Proofread and Get Feedback
The final step before sending out your resume is proofreading. Spelling and grammatical errors can make a poor impression, so take the time to review your document. Here are some tips:
- Read Aloud: Hearing your resume can help catch mistakes.
- Check Consistency: Ensure that formatting is consistent (e.g., bullet points, fonts, spacing).
- Get Feedback: Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to review your resume.
Interestingly enough, many resumes get passed over due to simple errors that could have been avoided with a bit of extra care. If you're unsure about your grammar or sentence structure, consider using a tool like Spell to help. Spell can generate personalized resumes tailored to specific job descriptions, ensuring your document sounds confident and professional.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a resume as a high school student may seem like a big task, but with a clear structure and attention to detail, you can create a compelling document that stands out. Each section—contact info, objective, education, experience, skills, extracurriculars—plays a role in telling your story. With tools like Spell, you can generate personalized resumes quickly and fine-tune every section to highlight your strengths. Take your time, be honest, and let your personality shine through. Good luck on your journey to landing that first job or internship!
