Student Resume Tips

As a high school student, creating an effective resume can be a valuable skill to have, especially if you have work-based learning experience. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out when applying for jobs, internships, or college applications. Keep reading for tips and tools to create a resume that stands out. 

If you need help or have questions, please reach out to your school's counseling office.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before you start writing your resume, collect all the necessary information:

  • Personal Details: Include your name, contact information (phone number, email address), and optionally, your address.
  • Objective (Optional): Write a brief statement about your career goals and what you hope to achieve through your resume.
  • Education: List your high school name, graduation date (expected), GPA (if it's strong), and any relevant coursework or honors.
  • Work-Based Learning Experience: Highlight the key details of your work-based learning experience, including the company/organization name, your role, dates of involvement, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
  • Skills: Identify your skills, both hard (e.g., computer programming) and soft (e.g., communication), that are relevant to the job or educational program you're applying for.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Mention any clubs, sports, or volunteer work that demonstrates your skills and commitment.

Step 2: Choose a Resume Format

High school students typically use a chronological or functional resume format:

  • Chronological: This format lists your experiences in reverse chronological order (most recent first), which is suitable if your work-based learning experience is your most significant achievement.
  • Functional: Use this format if you want to focus on your skills and qualifications, which can be helpful if your work-based learning experience is not directly related to your future goals.

Step 3: Write Your Resume

  • Start with your contact information at the top.
  • Include a concise objective statement (if desired).
  • List your education details.
  • Highlight your work-based learning experience, emphasizing relevant skills and achievements.
  • Showcase your skills and abilities.
  • Mention any extracurricular activities.
  • Proofread your resume for errors and consistency.

Step 4: Use Online Resources

Here are some online resources to help you create your resume:

  • Canva (canva.com) - Offers resume templates and design tools to make your resume visually appealing.
  • ResumeGenius (resumegenius.com) - Provides resume-building tools and tips.
  • Purdue OWL (owl.purdue.edu) - Offers a comprehensive guide on resume writing with examples.
  • Jobscan (jobscan.co) - Helps optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) commonly used by employers.
  • LinkedIn Learning (linkedin.com/learning) - Offers courses on resume writing and career development.

Step 5: Review and Customize

Tailor your resume for each job or educational program you apply to. Customize your objective, skills, and experiences to match the specific requirements of each opportunity.

Step 6: Seek Feedback

Ask teachers, mentors, or career counselors for feedback on your resume. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Step 7: Finalize and Save

Save your resume in a widely accepted format (PDF is a safe choice) and give it a clear, professional file name (e.g., "JohnSmith_Resume.pdf").

Additional Online Resources