How to Make a Resume for High School Students

Resume for High School Students: Your Guide to Landing That First Job

Getting your first job can feel like a huge mountain to climb. Especially if you're in high school and don't have much work experience. But don't worry! A great resume can really help. This guide will show you how to make a resume that shows off your skills – even if your work history is short. We'll cover everything from the format to how to show off those extracurriculars and volunteer gigs.

Why is a Resume So Important?

Even for a part-time job or summer internship, your resume is your first impression. It's a snapshot of you, showing employers what you're capable of. It’s not just about what you’ve done; it's about what you can do. A strong resume helps you stand out and get those all-important interviews. It's your first step towards a great career.

What to Include in Your High School Resume

Your resume might be shorter than a grown-up's, but it needs to be powerful. Here's what you need:

1. Contact Info: Put your name at the top. Then add your phone number, email, and maybe your LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Keep it professional and accurate!
2. Summary/Objective (Optional): A short summary or objective statement can be helpful. A summary highlights your best skills. An objective statement tells them what job you want. For example, a summary could say: "Highly motivated high school student with great communication skills, looking for a part-time job to gain experience." An objective might be: "To get a part-time job at [Company Name] to learn customer service and be a valuable team member."
3. Skills: This is super important! List hard skills (like using Microsoft Office, data entry, handling cash) and soft skills (like teamwork, communication, problem-solving). Whenever you can, add numbers to show how good you are (e.g., "Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; created presentations and spreadsheets").
4. Experience: Show off your achievements, even if they aren't “real” jobs. Include:
• Part-time Jobs: Even short jobs are great! Focus on what you did and what you accomplished (e.g., "Increased sales by 15% by helping customers").
• Volunteer Work: This shows you care about others. Describe your roles (e.g., "Organized donations at a food bank, helping over 50 families").
• Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, sports – these show teamwork and dedication. Highlight your role (e.g., "Debate team captain, led the team to regionals").
• Academic Achievements: Include awards or great grades in relevant subjects. If your GPA is good, you can include that too.
• Projects: Coding, writing, art – personal projects show initiative!
5. Education: Your high school, graduation date, and any relevant coursework.
6. References: You can say "References available upon request" or give a separate sheet.

Tips for a Killer Resume

Keep it Short: Aim for one page. High schoolers usually don't have tons of experience, so keep it brief.

Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong verb (e.g., managed, organized, developed, led). It makes your accomplishments sound better.

Use Numbers: Use numbers to show your impact. Instead of "Improved customer service," say "Improved customer satisfaction by 10%."

Tailor it: Change your resume for each job. Read the job description carefully and highlight what matters most for that job.

Proofread! Grammar and spelling mistakes are bad. Ask someone to check it over before you send it.

Use a Nice Font: Use a clean font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Use a professional format. A resume template can help!

Examples of Resume Sections

Experience:

• Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter: Helped care for animals, cleaned, fed them; organized donation drives, raising $500.
• Cashier at Local Grocery Store: Handled cash efficiently; kept the checkout area clean; helped customers.
• Tutoring Peer Students: Tutored in math and science; helped students improve their grades.

Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Great communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Organized and manage my time well
• Good with customers
• Problem-solving skills

Beyond the Resume: Job Hunting and Interviews

Your resume is just one part. Here's more to help you get that job:

• Network: Talk to people – friends, family, teachers – about jobs.
• Use Job Boards: Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster are great places to look for jobs.
• Practice Interviews: Prepare answers to common questions (like "Tell me about yourself"). Practice with a friend or family member.
• Research Companies: Learn about the company before your interview.
• Dress Professionally: Make a good first impression!

Making a great resume takes planning. By following these steps and tailoring your resume, you’ll improve your chances of getting that first job. Remember, this is your first step in your career – make it count!