Creating a resume as a high school student can be a daunting task, yet it is vital for future job opportunities. A strong resume showcases relevant skills, such as teamwork abilities and communication proficiency. Including educational achievements, such as GPA and honors, enhances the overall strength of the document. Extracurricular activities, ranging from sports participation to volunteer work, also play a significant role in demonstrating a well-rounded character. Understanding these essential elements will empower students to craft an effective resume that captures the attention of potential employers.
Source enhancv.com
What To Put On A Resume High School
Creating a resume while you’re still in high school can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time crafting one. But don’t worry! Your resume doesn’t have to be a long document filled with decades of experience. Instead, it’s all about showcasing what you have accomplished so far and how those skills can benefit future employers. Let’s break it down simply and clearly, piece by piece!
1. Contact Information
Your resume should start with your name and contact details at the very top—this is how employers will get in touch with you!
- Name: Use a larger font size to make it stand out.
- Phone Number: Make sure it’s a number where you can be reached easily.
- Email Address: Use a professional-looking email (preferably based on your name).
- Address: Optional, but you can include your city and state.
| Example |
|---|
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John Doe (555) 123-4567 [email protected] Springfield, IL |
2. Objective Statement
Your objective statement is a brief introduction to who you are and what you’re looking for. It’s like your elevator pitch!
- Keep it 1-2 sentences long.
- Focus on what job you want and how you can help the company.
Example: “Motivated high school senior looking for a part-time position in retail where I can apply my customer service skills and contribute to a positive store environment.”
3. Education
List your school information next. Include not just the school name, but also your expected graduation date.
- School Name: Include the full name of your high school.
- Location: City and state where your school is located.
- Expected Graduation Date: This helps employers know when you’ll be available for work.
- Awards and GPA: If you have a good GPA or any relevant awards, consider mentioning those here!
| Education Example |
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Springfield High School Springfield, IL Expected Graduation: June 2024 GPA: 3.8 |
4. Work Experience
If you’ve held any jobs, internships, or even volunteered, this is where you want to list them. Don’t fret if you haven’t had formal jobs yet—relevant volunteer work counts, too!
- Job Title: What was your role?
- Company Name: Where did you work?
- Dates of Employment: When did you start and finish? (Month and year)
- Responsibilities: A brief list or bullet points about what you did.
| Work Experience Example |
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Sales Associate ABC Store, Springfield, IL June 2023 – Present
|
5. Skills
This section should highlight what you can bring to the table. Focus on both hard skills (like computer skills) and soft skills (like teamwork or leadership).
- Customer Service
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
- Basic Computer Skills (Word, Excel)
- Social Media Proficiency
6. Extracurricular Activities
Don’t forget to include activities outside of the classroom! This can help show that you’re well-rounded.
- Clubs: Any clubs you’re part of, like student government or a sports team.
- Volunteer Work: Any community service activities you’ve participated in.
- Leadership Roles: If you’ve held leadership positions, be sure to mention them!
| Extracurricular Activities Example |
|---|
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– President of Student Council – Member of the Math Club – Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter |
7. References
It’s a good idea to have a references section, but it’s perfectly acceptable to just say “Available upon request” at this stage. If you are including references, make sure they are people who know you well and can speak positively about your qualities.
Feel free to customize your resume for each job you apply for. Highlight experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position. Keep it polished and make sure it’s free of typos or errors!
What To Put On A Resume: High School Edition
For First-Time Job Seekers
If you’re applying for your first job, it’s important to highlight any relevant experience, even if it comes from school or extracurricular activities.
- Education: List your high school, graduation date, and GPA if it’s strong.
- Extracurricular Activities: Include clubs, sports, or student government.
- Volunteer Experience: Mention any community service or volunteer work.
- Skills: Highlight skills such as teamwork, communication, or leadership.
For College Applications
When applying to colleges, your resume can showcase your achievements and interests beyond academics.
- Education: List your high school and any relevant coursework.
- Honors and Awards: Include any academic, athletic, or community service awards.
- Extracurricular Activities: Detail your roles and contributions in clubs or sports.
- Interests: Showcase personal interests that may align with your intended major.
For Part-Time Jobs During School
If you’re looking for a part-time job to balance with your studies, a well-crafted resume is key to demonstrating your availability and responsibility.
- Objective Statement: Write a brief statement expressing your desire for a part-time position.
- Education: List current enrollment and anticipated graduation date.
- Availability: Specify hours or days you can work.
- Skills: Focus on attributes like punctuality, time management, and any relevant experience.
For Students with Leadership Experience
If you’ve held leadership positions in school or community activities, it’s vital to highlight these roles effectively.
- Leadership Roles: List positions such as team captain, club president, or class officer.
- Responsibilities: Describe your key achievements and lasting impacts in these roles.
- Skills: Emphasize leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- References: Consider including references who can vouch for your leadership abilities.
For Students Pursuing Internships
Internships can offer valuable experience, and your resume should reflect your readiness to undertake professional responsibilities.
- Career Objective: Include a tailored objective that indicates your interest in the specific field.
- Relevant Coursework: Highlight classes that relate to the internship.
- Projects: Mention any academic projects or presentations relevant to the internship position.
- Soft Skills: Discuss problem-solving, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
For Skills-Based Resumes
If you’re looking to emphasize your skills rather than traditional experiences, a skills-based resume is perfect for you.
- Skills Section: Prioritize skills over experience, such as computer proficiency or language skills.
- Education: Provide educational details, including relevant coursework.
- Projects/Portfolios: Include any projects or portfolios that showcase your skills.
- Volunteer Work: List any volunteer work that helped develop crucial skills.
For Creative Positions
When applying for roles in creative fields like design or writing, your resume can be more artistic and visual.
- Creative Format: Use a visually appealing layout that reflects your personal style.
- Portfolio Link: Include a link to your online portfolio or samples of your work.
- Education: Mention relevant classes in art, design, or creative writing.
- Projects: Detail any individual or collaborative creative projects.
What Sections Should High School Students Include on Their Resume?
High school students should include the following sections on their resume: contact information, objective statement, education, experience, skills, and extracurricular activities. Contact information includes the student’s name, phone number, and email address. The objective statement summarizes the student’s career goals in a concise manner. The education section lists the name of the high school and expected graduation date. The experience section details any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. Skills highlight relevant strengths such as teamwork, communication, or technical abilities. Extracurricular activities showcase involvement in clubs, sports, or community service, illustrating the student’s interests and engagement.
How Should High School Students Format Their Resume?
High school students should format their resume using a clean and professional layout. The recommended font is Arial or Times New Roman, with a font size between 10 and 12 points. Margins should be set to one inch on all sides for a balanced appearance. The resume should be organized in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent experiences. Bullet points should be used for easy reading and clarity. The resume should be no longer than one page to maintain focus and conciseness. Proper spacing between sections enhances readability, making it easier for potential employers to scan the document quickly.
What Skills Are Relevant for High School Resumes?
High school students should focus on both soft and hard skills relevant to the job they seek. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, which demonstrate the student’s ability to work effectively with others. Hard skills may include computer proficiency, foreign language abilities, or specific technical competencies related to the job. Students should also highlight any certifications, such as CPR training or software proficiency, to enhance their qualifications. Emphasizing transferable skills that align with the job requirements can attract the attention of potential employers and improve chances of securing interviews.
Thanks for hanging out and diving into how to jazz up your high school resume! I hope you found some tips that spark your creativity and help you showcase what makes you awesome. Remember, this is just the start—there’s a whole world of opportunities waiting for you! Keep refining your skills, and don’t hesitate to come back for more advice as you journey through school and beyond. Catch you later, and good luck!
