As high school students, many of us are expected to get jobs and earn our own money, whether to pay for college, buy our own things or to occupy our time. However, when looking to apply for a job many applications request a resume. A document in which we are expected to jot down everything important while making it sound professional. It requires listing previous jobs, your degree or level of education and a list of accomplishments. For students, this can be a difficult task because we have not even graduated high school; it is possible we have not had a previous job or the jobs we’ve had were solely just babysitting and lemonade stands. Plus many of our accomplishments are usually school-related so it feels awkward telling employers about our seemingly minuscule achievements. With that being said, here is the perfect formula for writing a resume as a high schooler.
Step one: Finding a template. This could mean looking up images of a resume, going onto Canva and using one of their free templates or using a template provided elsewhere. The template should be plain, try not to choose one with bright colors and swirly letters, it’s not a third-grade presentation, it’s an actual document with importance.
Step two: Important information. The basic information a resume should include is how to reach you, such as a phone number, email address and home address. It should also include your name at the top. Then to add more Information you will need to write about previous jobs. Even if you have not had a previous employer, you can list babysitting or volunteering. Putting these on your resume is important because it will add to your professional portfolio and is useful in sharing skills that are applicable in a work environment. When adding previous work experience try to make things sound formal. Instead of saying “I babysit” you could say “ I’m experienced in childcare, I provided a nurturing and safe environment for children of all ages and implemented educational and engaging activities.” Or, if you worked at McDonald’s instead of saying “I made burgers,” you could say “I handled monetary interactions and ensured the satisfaction of each customer.”
Step three: Add your accomplishments. It can be anything, even any school achievements, if you are in NHS or if you are the leader of a club that is an accomplishment that can be shared. Having accomplishments listed can show that you are an achiever who will work hard. These listings may give you a leg up when trying to get a job. Adding school information is important too. Sharing that you are a high school student and if you have a high GPA should also be written on the resume.
Step four: Organize your resume. Make sure the information listed is easy to read and comprehensible for the possible employer. Having a basic resume is better than having a complicated one, when possible try to simplify what is written.
With all of this in mind writing a resume should be a simple task and a quick application.
