As we grow older, we find ourselves needing to adapt to the “real world“. We hear about it for years, and as it gets closer we become stressed because of everything we don’t know. Part of it means taking on part-time jobs, internships, and positions that require a significant amount of qualifications. Developing a resume is a great way to start preparing for a life outside of highschool. At first glance, it might seem like a daunting task, especially when there is little to no work experience behind us due to our age. However, as students, we have plenty of qualifications and important information we might have not even considered that can build a quality resume.

Why a Resume Is Important

As a high school student, having a resume is a perfect start for college preparation. Starting as early as high school can ensure a foundation of experiences and skills that will translate on as we graduate and immerse ourselves into a working world. Resumes are used for job applications, securing internships, and college applications. These documents act as a medium to sell yourself; the first means where you use to present yourself as the best choice or candidate to wherever you may be applying to. Having a well-written resume can set you apart from the competition, impressing employers or college admission members. Not only is it essential for prospective positions, but resumes also hold a collection of accomplishments, they document achievements from high school and beyond. Personally, having an overview of what I have done so far just encourages me to strive for more. It allows me to take pride in what I have done and serves a reminder of room for tremendous growth. 

If you’re a teen and in desperate need of a good resume, keep the following tips in mind when you sit down to write it. 

What to Include In Your Resume

The most important to include in your resume is your contact information, along with experience and education. This is the foundation and what’s essentially going to differentiate your resume from the thousands in the application pile. Try to make your resume as concise as it can be.

• Pertinent contact information includes your name, home address, mobile phone number, and email. 
• Make sure to include the current high school you are enrolled in, the year you graduate, and your current GPA (weighted and unweighted).
• Emphasize achievements like a high GPA or any academic awards. Success in the classroom is a good indicator of success on the job. You may also want to include a list of dual enrollment classes and AP courses taken throughout the years (if applicable). 
• Include a section with test scores from SATs, ACTs, and AP exams. Detail when the test was administered and scores for each section of the exam.

Goals & Objectives

While not necessary, stating a clear career goal/objective allows for employers an idea of why you are applying for a position or spot. Their decision to hire you can be swayed with a career objective. One or two sentences stating your intentions for your future career and how this aligns for the needs of the admissions office can be crucial for a high school student. The following is an example of a career objective: “…to further my knowledge of legal studies in order to pursue a career in law.”

Work Experience and More

When looking for applicants, it’s fairly impressive to see a high schooler who was able to maintain studies and work aligned. If you have formal paid work experience, certainly include it. However, most of us don’t hold jobs. Informal work such as tutoring, babysitting, or volunteering still display skills and the needed reliability as a potential candidate. It’s important to draw upon all aspects of your character: work ethic, skills, persistence, and others that seem attractive. 

• Extracurricular Activities: Another important feature to include in your resume are extracurricular activities. Evidence of so is important to the admission process. Highlighting a limited number of interests, long-term involvement with organizations and activities related to a potential major or career goal is essential to your resume. Make sure to include from the beginning of your high school until the present.
• Community Service: Including community service projects and events (along with the number of hours for each event) displays leadership qualities and ability among an individual. Community service also shows an altruistic attitude for helping others.
• Recognition and Awards: Think of this as the icing on the cake: it gives the reader of the resume a reason to continue reading your application. List all awards and achievements – academic or not – from the beginning of the high school until present-day. College admission officers are looking for candidates who have a history of making an impact. Sharing your awards and achievements proves you can make positive contributions and will help you stand out above other applicants.

Skills & Hobbies

Dedicate a section to highlight any skills that might be at all meaningful. College admissions like to see a variety of skills and hobbies which make you the individual that you are. Having hard skills, abilities that are specific to the job, are always impressive to showcase. This may include proficiency with software like Microsoft Office, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Photoshop. Language skills are highly looked upon, therefore you must include the languages you speak and the level of fluency. Soft skills, qualities rooted in personality, may range from great sense of time-management to good verbal communication. Always be honest and sincere of the skills and hobbies you have.

References

Lastly, make sure to include a list of references that can be contacted in case an employer wants a recommendation. You can include past teachers, school administration, and past employers who you know that will speak highly of you. When listing these references, add in their contact information.

Resume templates are easily available online for you to use, in addition to examples of teenage resumes for visual aid. Continually edit your writing style when needed and always proofread your resume before submission.

• We have the ability to develop an impressive resume filled with challenging coursework, volunteer work, skills, and work experience that make you an outstanding candidate. Highlighting future aspirations and strengths can make a strong case when applying to your dream college or university. As high schoolers, we should begin this process earlier than most to have a lasting impression on college admission officers and employers alike. 

Photo Credit: Carmen Ordonez