Hi, I'm a junior in high school and I'm trying to put together a resume for some summer jobs and internships. I've never really created a resume before and I'm not sure how to start. I know I should include my education and any extracurricular activities, but I don't have much work experience. What are some things I can highlight to make my resume stand out? Also, if anyone has any tips on the format or layout that looks professional, I'd appreciate it! Thanks for the help!
Creating a resume can be somewhat daunting at first, but you're already on the right track by thinking about relevant details like your education and extracurricular activities. Here are some steps and tips to guide you through the process:
1. Heading: Begin with a clear heading that includes your name and contact information (email and phone number). If you've got your professional website or LinkedIn profile, you can add those too.
2. Education: List your high school education along with the expected graduation date. If you've taken any Advanced Placement (AP) courses or other advanced classes, feel free to include those as they speak to your motivation and academic rigor.
3. Skills: Highlight any hard (computer literacy, language proficiency, etc.) and soft skills (communication, leadership, teamwork) you possess. These skills could be from a school project, a group activity, or even personal hobbies.
4. Extracurricular Activities: Don’t underestimate the value of your extracurriculars. Many employers are looking for qualities like teamwork, leadership, and initiative, all of which can be demonstrated through involvement in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer work.
5. Awards and Certifications: If you've received any awards for academic excellence, leadership, or service, include them. Also, if you've completed any certifications, like First Aid or coding courses, they should be listed here.
6. Work Experience: While you may not have formal work experience, you might have relevant experiences such as part-time jobs, babysitting, lawn care services, etc. You can also include volunteer work or internships. The key here is to emphasize the responsibilities you had and what you learned from these experiences.
7. References: While not always necessary for a high-school resume, you can include a line stating that references are available upon request.
As for formatting, keep it simple: use a clean, readable font, clear headings for each section, and bullet points for detailing your experiences. Use action verbs when describing your experiences (led, coordinated, assisted, etc.). Finally, make sure your resume is free of grammatical errors - a second pair of eyes can help catch mistakes.
Remember, the goal of a resume is to highlight your skills and experiences that would make you a good fit for the job you're applying for. Make sure to tailor your resume for each specific role highlighting relevant experiences and skills. Good luck!
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