Should I include my high school jobs on my resume?

I'm updating my resume and I'm not sure if I should include the part-time jobs I had during high school. Are they relevant for applications, or should I leave them out if I've had other experiences since then?

Definitely! Including your high school jobs on your resume can be beneficial, especially if you're a recent high school graduate or current college student. While you might not think they're related to your intended career, they often provide valuable transferable skills that can catch the attention of admission committees or employers.

For example, working in a fast food restaurant might demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, your teamwork skills, or your level of responsibility. Similarly, a job in retail can highlight your customer service skills and experience dealing with diverse people.

Remember to focus not just on your job title or day-to-day activities, but rather on the skills you obtained, your accomplishments, or any responsibilities you were given over time. This way, you're showing how the experience helped develop you as a person and how it might translate to future roles.

That said, as you gain more relevant experiences that align with your academic or career goals, you may gradually phase out these high school jobs to make room for more pertinent entries. It's all about balance and ensuring your resume is targeted to the opportunity you're pursuing.