WHAT IS A RESUME?
- A living document that should be updated continually as you age and gain more experience
- A formal document that provides an overview of your professional qualifications, including your relevant work experience, skills, education, and notable accomplishments.
- It is a snapshot of who you are, what you’re passionate about and how you spend your time.
- It is a marketing tool to help you sell yourself to employers as well as colleges & universities
- It can set you apart from other applicants
WHY DO I NEED A RESUME?
- It sets students apart from others. High school students likely won’t need a resume for service-oriented jobs, but if they’re looking for an internship or a more professional job, a resume will impress a potential employer and will make them stand out against other candidates.
- It shows that you’re responsible. Employers want to know that an employee is going to be dependable. On a high school resume, this can be demonstrated by prior work experience as well as activities and volunteering, which indicate their commitment to responsibilities.
- It highlights your ambition. One important part of a high school resume is to show the outside activities the student takes part in. Participating in extracurricular activities and volunteering shows employers that a high school student has passion and dedication, which are always desired in an employee. In addition, if a student is on the honor roll it shows that he or she is hard-working.
- It’s helpful for letters of recommendation. When it’s time for students to ask teachers, counselors, and previous employers for a reference or letter of recommendation, a resume will help remind them of what you’ve done and why you’re qualified of a specific position.
HOW DO I CREATE A RESUME?
There are several websites that offer free templates that you can use to help you get started.
Watch the video on How to Write a High School Resume and check out the links below.
It will also be helpful if you use a template like the spreadsheet below to keep track of things you do as well as your achievements as you go through high school.
This way you will always have a list available and you won’t have to worry that you are forgetting information that could go on your resument.