Spencer Lanoue
Writing your first resume as a teenager can be daunting. You might wonder what to include when you haven’t held many jobs yet. Don't worry; you're not alone. In this post, I'll guide you through crafting a resume that highlights your skills, experiences, and potential. Making you stand out to employers even if you're just starting.
Start with Contact Information
Your resume should kick off with your contact information. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and location (city and state are usually enough). You don’t need to get too detailed, but make sure it’s clear and easy for potential employers to reach you.
Here’s a simple example of how to format this section:
John Doe
123-456-7890
johndoe@example.com
Anytown, USA
Make sure your email address is professional. If you’re still using an old email like "skaterdude99@example.com," consider creating a new one that’s simply your name. It gives a much more polished impression.
Crafting a Strong Objective Statement
Your objective statement is a brief sentence or two at the top of your resume that tells employers what you're looking for and what you can offer. This section is your chance to make a first impression. Make it count!
Here’s a quick example:
"Motivated high school student seeking a part-time position in retail to hone customer service skills and contribute to a dynamic team."
Notice how this statement highlights the seeker’s motivation and willingness to contribute? Tailor your objective to reflect the specific job and your aspirations.
Highlighting Education
As a teen, your education is one of your strongest assets. Include your high school’s name, your expected graduation year, and any relevant coursework or achievements. If you have a strong GPA or are taking advanced classes, feel free to include those as well.
Anytown High School, Anytown, USA
Expected Graduation: June 2025
- GPA: 3.8
- Relevant Coursework: AP English, Math Honors
Including specific courses can show employers that you have relevant skills or interests, even if they’re not directly job-related.
Listing Work Experience
If you’ve had any jobs, paid or unpaid, this is where you list them. Include the job title, company name, location, and dates you worked there. Even if your experience isn’t extensive, it’s valuable. Babysitting, lawn mowing, or volunteering can all be relevant.
Babysitter
Private Family, Anytown, USA
June 2022 - Present
- Supervised and cared for children aged 5-10, ensuring a safe environment
- Organized fun and educational activities
Focus on the skills you used or developed. Did you learn leadership, responsibility, or time management? Mention it! Even short-term or simple jobs can showcase important skills.
Showcase Your Skills
This section is a great place to list the skills you’ve picked up from school, activities, or even hobbies. They can be hard skills like "Proficient in Microsoft Office" or soft skills like "Strong teamwork abilities."
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Time Management
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
Think about the skills you use regularly that could be valuable to an employer. If you’re unsure, ask a teacher or mentor for their perspective.
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Roles
Your involvement in clubs, sports, or other activities can say a lot about your abilities and interests. Employers like to see well-rounded candidates who show initiative and leadership.
President, Student Council
Anytown High School, Anytown, USA
September 2021 - Present
- Led a team of 15 students to organize school events and initiatives
- Collaborated with faculty to improve student life
Whether you’re part of a sports team, band, or debate club, these experiences demonstrate your dedication and your ability to work with others.
Adding Volunteer Experience
Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience and show your commitment to the community. Be sure to list any volunteer work, along with what you accomplished or learned.
Volunteer
Local Animal Shelter, Anytown, USA
March 2023 - Present
- Assisted in caring for animals and maintaining shelter cleanliness
- Supported adoption events and community outreach
These experiences are just as valuable as paid work and can sometimes be even more impressive to employers.
Formatting and Style Tips
Presentation matters! Your resume should be easy to read at a glance. Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Consistency in formatting is crucial. Make sure headings, bullet points, and spacing are uniform throughout.
Here are a few formatting tips:
- Keep your resume to one page.
- Use bullet points for lists to make them easier to read.
- Ensure there’s plenty of white space to avoid clutter.
Remember, your resume is a reflection of you, so make sure it looks neat and organized.
Polishing Your Resume
Before sending out your resume, review it carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors. These can be deal-breakers for employers. Consider asking a teacher, parent, or friend to read it over. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
If you're looking to streamline this process, Spell can be a great help. With AI-powered editing, it can quickly polish your resume, ensuring it’s error-free and professionally formatted.
Tailoring Your Resume for Each Job
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to resumes. Adjust your resume for each job application to highlight the most relevant experiences and skills. If you're applying for a retail job, emphasize your customer service skills. For an internship, focus on any academic achievements or related coursework.
Here's how you might adjust the objective statement for a retail job:
"Aspiring retail associate with strong communication skills, seeking to contribute to a dynamic team at [Retailer Name]."
Tailoring your resume shows employers that you’re genuinely interested in the position and have taken the time to customize your application.
Final Thoughts
Writing a resume as a teen might seem challenging, but with the right approach, you can create a compelling document that showcases your strengths and potential. And remember, with Spell, you can draft and refine your resume quickly, making the process much more efficient. Good luck with your job search!
