Tips for High Schoolers Writing Their First Resume

As a high school junior, I'm working on putting together my first resume. I'm a bit lost on how to start and what exactly to include since I don't have a ton of work experience yet. Should I focus more on my extracurricular activities and volunteer work, or would it be better to highlight any leadership roles I've held? Also, are there any tips for making it look more professional, even if it's my first try? I'd appreciate any guidance or examples of what has worked for others.

Putting together a resume as a high schooler can feel challenging, but remember, everyone starts from the same spot you're at now. Since you're still in school and you may not have a lot of work experience, your resume will likely emphasize your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any volunteer experience.

Job experiences (if any) should definitely be included, but your key focus should be on highlighting your skills and achievements. Show how your school projects, club participation, and other activities provided you with these skills. Also, it's not just about roles or responsibilities, but achievements in those roles. If you've had a leadership position, be sure to highlight that and the resultant gains or achievements.

When listing your extracurricular activities, don't simply mention the activity or club name. Rather, identify your responsibilities and achievements in the role to emphasize the skills you have garnered from the experience. Remember the 4 tiers of extracurriculars; try to include any Tier 1 and 2 activities if you have them, as these will be most impressive.

In terms of making your resume look professional, formatting is key. Stick to a clean, simple design that is easy to read. Use bullet points to break up the text, and keep your style consistent (e.g., if you decide to italicize the names of your previous roles, do this throughout your resume). Make sure to proofread carefully to eliminate typos and grammatical errors.

Also, it is advised to tailor your resume according to the specific opportunity you are applying for. This means you highlight the most relevant skills and achievements first. You may also want to consider adding an objective statement at the top of your resume, which can act as a quick summary for potential employers about what you hope to achieve and bring to their organization or position.

Lastly, you can also seek guidance from your school's career center, if available, or a trusted teacher who can provide direction or feedback in preparing your resume. Preparation is the key when writing your resume, so take your time and do your research. Don't doubt your potential; even at this early stage, you've developed valuable skills, many of which are marketable on a resume. Happy writing!