How to Make a Resume for High School Graduates

Landing your first job after high school can feel like climbing Mount Everest. Don't worry, you're not alone! A great resume is your secret weapon, showing employers you're ready to shine. This guide gives you everything you need to make a resume that'll get you noticed and land those interviews.

What's the point of a resume?

Your resume isn't just a list of stuff you've done. It's like a fancy ad for you, showcasing your skills and accomplishments. Think of it as a quick summary, making employers want to learn more about you.

Must-have sections for high school grads

The sections you include might change depending on your experience and what kind of job you want, but these are the basics:

1. Contact Info:Put your name, phone number, email, and maybe your LinkedIn at the top. Make sure it looks professional and is easy to find.
2. Summary/Objective: This is your "elevator pitch." It highlights your goals and skills. For high school grads, a summary is often better since it shows you're ready for the job market. Example: "Motivated high school grad looking for an entry-level role in [industry]. I'm good at [skill 1] and [skill 2]."
3. Education: Include your high school, graduation date, and any special awards or honors (like a high GPA). If you took cool classes outside of your regular schoolwork, you can mention those too.
4. Experience: This is where you talk about any jobs, volunteer work, internships, or even clubs that show your skills and abilities. Even if you haven't had a "real" job, talk about things that prove you're responsible, a team player, and good at solving problems.
5. Skills: List your tech skills, soft skills, and anything else that shows you're a good fit for the job. Think about the skills needed for the jobs you're applying for and tailor your list. Include things like computer skills, languages you speak, software you know, and your communication skills.

Tips to make your resume awesome

1. Make it look good

• Keep it Short and Sweet: Your resume should fit on one page, unless you have a ton of work experience.
• Choose a Professional Font: Pick a font that's easy to read, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use a font size between 10 and 12 points.
• Give It Some Space: Don't cram everything in. Leave some white space between sections and bullet points to make it easier to read.
• Use Clear Headings: Make your sections stand out by using bold text and bigger font sizes for the headings.
• Pick a Template: You can find free and paid resume templates online. Pick one that goes with your font and looks good.

2. Highlight your skills and experience

• Use Numbers to Prove Your Success: Whenever you can, use numbers and facts to show how good you are. Instead of saying, "Assisted with customer service," try "Handled customer inquiries, resulting in a 90% satisfaction rating."
• Start with Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with an action verb that shows what you did. Words like "managed," "developed," "analyzed," "created," "led," and "collaborated" are good choices.
• Make It Relevant: For each job you apply for, change your resume a little to highlight the skills and experience that are most important for that particular job.
• Show Your Transferable Skills: Even if you don't have much work experience, highlight skills you've learned from clubs, volunteering, or personal projects. These can be just as valuable to employers.

3. Put those extracurriculars to work

Your extracurricular activities are a chance to show off your skills, interests, and how dedicated you are. Here's how to use them in your resume:

• Find the Connection: Think about which skills you learned from your extracurriculars that could help you in the job you're applying for. For example, being on the debate team shows that you're good at communication and speaking in public.
• Don't Just List, Show Results: Instead of just saying, "Member of the school newspaper," say, "Wrote and edited articles for the school newspaper, which led to a 20% increase in readers."
• Group Similar Activities: If you have a lot of activities, put them together by category (like Leadership, Community Service, or Sports). This makes your resume look neater and easier to read.

4. Proofread Carefully

Before you send out your resume, check it over for any mistakes in grammar, spelling, or things that don't match up. It's also a good idea to have a friend or family member look at it too, just in case you missed something.

Here are some resume examples for high school grads

Example 1: Retail Sales Associate

[Your Name][Your Phone Number][Your Email Address]Summary: I'm a motivated and enthusiastic high school grad looking for a customer-focused role in retail. I'm really good at delivering amazing customer service and building strong relationships. I love making people happy while they shop, and I always go the extra mile to meet their needs. I'm great at communicating and getting along with people. Education: [High School Name] | [City, State] | [Graduation Date] Experience:[Job Title], [Company Name] | [City, State] | [Dates of Employment]Provided top-notch customer service and help, making sure customers were always happy. Managed the cash register and processed transactions quickly and efficiently. Helped with keeping track of inventory and organizing the store's stock. Worked with my team to keep the store clean and organized. Skills:Customer Service Communication Teamwork Cash Handling Inventory Management Microsoft Office Suite Retail POS Systems

Example 2: Administrative Assistant

[Your Name][Your Phone Number][Your Email Address]Summary: I'm a hardworking and detail-oriented high school grad who's excited to find an administrative assistant role. I'm organized, I know how to prioritize tasks, and I'm really good with Microsoft Office programs. I'm eager to learn new software too. I'm a great communicator, and I can work on my own or as part of a team. Education: [High School Name] | [City, State] | [Graduation Date] Experience:[Job Title], [Company Name] | [City, State] | [Dates of Employment] Managed the office calendar and scheduled meetings. Answered phones and emails, always responding promptly and professionally. Put together documents and kept accurate records. Provided administrative support to the team, including data entry and creating reports. Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Data Entry Filing and Organization Communication Teamwork Problem-Solving Time Management * Phone Etiquette

More tips for high school grads

• Show Off Your Skills: Even if you don't have a lot of work experience, focus on the skills you've learned from clubs, hobbies, or personal projects.
• Make Connections: Talk to your family, friends, and teachers to see if they know of any job openings or people who might be able to help. Go to career fairs and networking events to meet new people in your field.
• Get Involved: Volunteer your time at local organizations or try an internship. It's a great way to get experience and build your resume.
• Play to Your Strengths: Figure out what you're really good at and highlight those skills in your resume. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
• Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Talk to career counselors, teachers, or mentors to get feedback on your resume and advice on your job search.

Remember, your resume is your first impression. By following these tips and showing off your best qualities, you can create a resume that will make employers want to meet you and help you land your dream job after high school!