How to Make a Resume for a High School Student

Entering the workforce can be daunting, especially for high school students. But fear not, a well-crafted resume can be your key to unlocking opportunities. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experiences, and potential to employers. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to create a winning resume that gets noticed.

Understanding the Purpose of a High School Resume

A high school resume serves as a concise document that summarizes your qualifications and experiences, highlighting your suitability for a specific job or internship. It’s a tool for:

• Introducing yourself to potential employers: Your resume is your first impression, so make it count.
• Demonstrating your skills and accomplishments: Showcase what you can offer, even with limited work experience.
• Securing job interviews: A well-written resume is essential for landing that interview.

Key Sections for a High School Resume

While the specific sections may vary based on your experiences, the following are common elements of a high school resume:

1. Contact Information

Start with your contact information, ensuring it’s accurate and easy to read. This includes:

• Full Name: Use your full legal name.
• Phone Number: Include a phone number where you can be easily reached.
• Email Address: Use a professional email address. Avoid using informal or outdated email addresses.
• Address: Include your city and state. You can choose to include your full address or just your city and state.

2. Summary or Objective (Optional)

This is a brief statement (2-3 sentences) that summarizes your career goals or skills. For high school students, a summary might be more appropriate if you have relevant experience. Here's an example:

"Highly motivated and organized high school student seeking an entry-level position in [Industry Name]. Eager to learn new skills and contribute to a team environment."

If you have limited experience, an objective statement might be a better choice:

"Seeking an entry-level position in [Industry Name] to gain practical experience and develop skills in [Specific Skill]."

3. Education

This section is crucial for high school students. Provide the following details:

• School Name: List your current high school.
• Location: Include the city and state of your school.
• Graduation Date: Indicate your expected graduation date.
• GPA (Optional): Only include your GPA if it is above 3.0.
• Relevant Courses (Optional): List any courses that align with your career goals or the position you are applying for.

4. Work Experience

This is where you highlight any part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate relevant skills. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Here's an example:

"Cashier, [Company Name], [City, State], [Dates]

• Processed customer transactions and provided excellent customer service.
• Maintained a clean and organized workspace.
• Assisted with inventory management.

"

If you lack formal work experience, consider including:

• Volunteer Work: Highlight any volunteer experiences that demonstrate transferable skills, like leadership, teamwork, or communication.
• Extracurricular Activities: Include relevant extracurricular activities that showcase your skills and interests. Mention any leadership roles, awards, or accomplishments.
• Projects: Describe personal projects that demonstrate your skills and initiative. For example, if you created a website or app, include this in your resume.

5. Skills

List your skills under this section. Focus on skills that are relevant to the job or internship you are applying for. This could include:

• Technical Skills: Programming languages, software proficiency, computer skills, etc.
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, etc.
• Language Skills: Include any foreign languages you speak or write fluently.

You can present your skills in a bulleted list or use a skills matrix, where you list skills with a rating system (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced).

6. Awards and Honors (Optional)

Include any awards, honors, or recognitions you have received. This can include academic achievements, extracurricular awards, or community service awards.

7. References

You can include a “References Available Upon Request” statement at the bottom of your resume. Alternatively, you can create a separate reference sheet with the contact information of your references.

Tips for Creating a Standout Resume

Now that you understand the basic sections, let's delve into some essential tips for creating a compelling resume:

1. Keep it Concise and Easy to Read

Your resume should be no longer than one page for high school students. Use clear formatting, bullet points, and white space to make it visually appealing and easy to read.

2. Use Action Verbs

Instead of stating what you did, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. This adds dynamism and impact to your resume. For example, instead of “Assisted customers,” say “Assisted customers with product selection and provided excellent customer service.”

3. Quantify Your Accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to make them more impactful. For example, instead of “Increased sales,” say “Increased sales by 15% during the holiday season.”

4. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

Don’t send out a generic resume. Customize your resume for each job you apply for by highlighting skills and experiences that align with the specific requirements of the position. Use the job description as a guide for tailoring your resume.

5. Proofread Carefully

Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. It’s also a good idea to have someone else proofread your resume for you.

Resume Formats and Templates

There are different resume formats you can choose from. Here are two popular options:

1. Chronological Resume

This is the most common format, where you list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is easy to read and allows employers to quickly see your career progression. It is a good choice for students with relevant work experience.

2. Functional Resume

This format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. It is a good option for high school students with limited work experience or those who are transitioning to a new career field. This format allows you to showcase your skills and abilities, even if you don't have a lot of professional experience.

You can find many free resume templates online. Look for templates that are visually appealing, easy to read, and appropriate for high school students.

Resume Writing Tools and Resources

To help you with the resume writing process, several online tools and resources can provide guidance, templates, and feedback:

• Indeed Resume Builder: Indeed’s free resume builder allows you to create a professional resume in minutes. You can choose from a variety of templates and get personalized feedback.
• Resume.io: Resume.io offers a user-friendly online resume builder with various templates and design options. It also provides tips and advice on resume writing.
• Canva: Canva’s design platform allows you to create visually appealing resumes using its vast library of templates and design elements.
• Novorésumé: Novorésumé is an online resume builder that uses artificial intelligence to create a custom resume based on your input. It offers unique templates and helps you craft a compelling resume.

Example High School Resume

Here's an example of a high school resume:

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Your City, State]

Summary

Highly motivated and responsible high school student with a strong work ethic and a passion for [Industry Name]. Seeking an entry-level position where I can develop my skills and gain valuable experience.

Education

[Your High School Name] [City, State] Expected Graduation: [Your Graduation Date]

Work Experience

Cashier, [Company Name], [City, State], [Dates]

• Processed customer transactions and provided excellent customer service.
• Maintained a clean and organized workspace.
• Assisted with inventory management.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer, [Organization Name], [City, State], [Dates]

• Assisted with [Specific tasks] at [Organization name].
• Provided [Specific services] to [Target group].
• Gained experience in [Relevant skills].

Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Customer Service
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Time Management

Awards and Honors

• [Award name]
• [Honor name]

References

Available upon request.

Conclusion

Creating a resume as a high school student may seem daunting, but it's an essential step in your career journey. Remember, it’s your chance to showcase your potential and make a strong first impression. By following these guidelines and using the available resources, you can craft a compelling resume that helps you stand out from the crowd.

Your resume is a powerful tool, and with the right approach, it can open doors to exciting opportunities. Good luck on your job search!