I'm a teenager applying for my first job and need a solid resume template that works for high school students. What are some good examples or templates that I can use to get started?
Absolutely, you're on the right track in creating a resume that leaves a lasting impression.
Firstly, it's important to remember that because you are a high school student and applying for your first job, your resume will not be as experience-laden as someone who's been in the workforce for years. That’s perfectly okay. Employers considering students for a first job usually don’t expect a long resume.
In your case, the resume should be limited to a single page. It should include your contact information: name, address, email, and phone number.
List your education next. As a high school student, your education takes priority and should be mentioned before any mention of work experience. If you have a high GPA or have received any academic awards, you might also include those.
Now comes the experience part. Since this is your first job, you can include volunteer work, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, etc. under your work experience section. These can be opportunities where you've developed applicable skills for the job you're applying to.
Don't forget about skills and achievements. If you are bilingual or multilingual, that's a valuable skill. Other skills could include proficiency in certain software, public speaking, team coordination etc.
Finally, references can be added if you have them, but they're usually optional. If you decide to include them, make sure you ask the people you're listing if it's okay to use them as a reference.
Stick to a clean, professional layout. Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and many online resources offer free templates that can be easily customized. For a high school student, it's best to use a simple and straightforward layout, that's easy for the employer to read.
Remember, the goal of the resume is to make a good impression and demonstrate that you have the ability to take on the responsibilities of the job. Good luck with your job application!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.