How to Make a Resume for a Summer Job

Want a summer job? Awesome! It's a great way to get work experience, make some money, and meet new people. But, lots of students want the same jobs. You need a strong resume to stand out.

Why a Good Resume Matters

Employers get tons of applications. A good resume is your first chance to impress. It shows you care about details and can communicate well. It basically answers the question: "Why should I hire this person?" A good resume can get you an interview.

What Goes Into a Winning Resume?

First, gather your info. Think about jobs, school, skills, and activities. Then, write each section to show off your best stuff. Here's what you need:

1. Your Contact Info

Easy, but important to get right!

• Full Name: Make it look professional.
• Phone Number: Use a number you check.
• Email Address: [email protected] is good. [email protected]? Not so much.
• LinkedIn Profile (Optional): If you have one, link it. Make sure it's up-to-date.
• Address (Optional): City and state are usually enough.

2. Objective or Summary (Do This!)

Don't have much work experience? Then, definitely use this! It's a quick (2-3 sentence) look at what you can do. Pick one:

• Objective: What you want to achieve. Best if you're new to the workforce. Example: "Hardworking student looking for a cashier job at [Company]. Excited to learn and help customers."
• Summary: What you're good at. Use this if you have some experience, even volunteer work. Example: "Reliable student with good communication and teamwork skills. Learns fast and adapts easily. Looking for a summer job in [Industry] to gain experience."

Tip: Change this section for each job! See what the company wants and highlight those skills.

3. Education

For summer jobs, this is often the biggest part of your resume. Include:

• School Name: High school, trade school, or college.
• School Location: City and state.
• Graduation Date: (Or expected date). Month and year.
• GPA (Optional): Only if it's over 3.5 and the job asks for it.
• Relevant Classes: List classes that relate to the job. Retail job? Mention "Customer Service."
• Achievements: Any awards, honors, or scholarships? List them!

Example:

[School Name], [City, State]
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Relevant Coursework: Algebra, English, Computer Science
Awards: Honor Roll (2022, 2023)

4. Your Skills

What can you do? List both hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (personal qualities). Again, tailor this! What does this job need?

• Hard Skills: Measurable skills you can learn. For example:
• Computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, specific programs)
• Technical Skills (coding, using equipment)
• Languages (how well do you speak them?)
• Cash Handling
• Customer Service Software
• Soft Skills: Your personality and how you work with others. For example:
• Communication (written and spoken)
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Organization
• Attention to Detail

Example:

Skills: Microsoft Office, Customer Service, Communication (Excellent), Teamwork, Time Management, Cash Handling, Basic Spanish.

5. Experience (Even if it's Volunteer!)

What have you done? Even if it's not a "real" job, list it! Volunteer work, clubs, projects... they all count. Focus on what you learned and what you accomplished. Use strong action words.

For each, include:

• Job Title/Role: Be specific.
• Organization Name: Company, school, or volunteer group.
• Location: City and state.
• Dates: Month and year.
• Responsibilities and Achievements: What did you do? How did you make a difference?

Examples:

• Volunteer Tutor, [School Name], [City, State] (September 2022 - Present)
  • Helped elementary students with math and reading.
  • Improved students' grades and study habits.
  • Talked to students and parents about progress.
• Treasurer, [School Club Name], [City, State] (August 2022 - May 2023)
  • Managed the club's money.
  • Ran a fundraiser that made $500.
  • Made financial reports for the club.
• Babysitter, [Neighborhood], [City, State] (June 2021 - Present)
  • Took care of kids ages 3-7.
  • Planned games and activities.
  • Made meals and helped with bedtime.

Tip: Even small experiences can be helpful. Think about what you learned!

6. Activities and Interests (Optional, But Good!)

Show your personality! List clubs, sports, hobbies... anything you enjoy. It helps employers see you as a person.

Example:

Activities and Interests: Debate Club, Volunteer at animal shelter, Basketball, Science fiction.

Make it Look Good!

How your resume looks is important! It should be easy to read. Here are some tips:

• Choose a Professional Font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are good. Don't use fancy fonts.
• Be Consistent: Use the same font sizes and spacing throughout.
• Use Bullet Points: Makes it easier to read.
• Use Bold and Italics Carefully: To highlight important things. Don't overdo it.
• Keep it Short: One page is best.
• Proofread! Check for mistakes. Ask someone else to check, too.
• Save as PDF: So it looks the same on any computer.

Tailor It!

Don't send the same resume to every job! Change it for each one.

How?

• Read the Job Description: What skills do they want?
• Use Keywords: Use the same words they use in the job description.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on what they need.
• Change Your Objective/Summary: Make it fit this job.

Don't Do These Things!

Here are some common resume writing mistakes:

• Typos and Grammatical Errors: Always proofread!
• Generic Stuff: Be specific about your skills and what you've done.
• Lying: Don't do it!
• Irrelevant Info: Stick to what matters for this job.
• Ugly Formatting: Make it look neat and easy to read.

Where to Find Jobs?

Now you know how to make a resume for a summer job. Time to find one!

• Online Job Boards: Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.
• Company Websites: Check the companies you like.
• Career Fairs: At your school or in your community.
• Networking: Ask friends, family, and teachers.
• Local Businesses: Ask around!

Follow Up!

After you apply, follow up with the employer. It shows you're interested. Send a thank-you email. If you don't hear back, call or email to check on your application.

You Got This!

Making a good resume for summer jobs isn't hard. Just follow these tips, tailor it to each job, and show off your skills and enthusiasm. Good luck!

By focusing on these resume tips, you'll be well on your way to landing that perfect summer job.