I'm working on my resume to apply for part-time jobs, but I'm not sure what to include as a high school junior. Should I focus more on school activities, or are there other things employers look for?
Creating a compelling resume as a high school student can indeed be a challenge, especially if you don't have much work experience under your belt. However, the key is to emphasize transferable skills and experiences that demonstrate your work ethic, responsibility, and ability to learn new things.
Here are some things you might consider including:
1. Your contact information: This should be at the top of your resume and include your full name, email address, and phone number. Remember to use a professional email address, not something like "partyboy123@email.com".
2. Objective Statement: This is a summary that describes who you are and what you're looking to gain from the part-time job. Tailor this to each specific job application.
3. Education: Include the name of your high school and your expected graduation year. If you currently maintain a high GPA, it might be worth adding that information as well.
4. School Activities and Community Involvement: As a high school student, these are likely to be your primary sources of experiences. Include clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities you've participated in. Emphasize any leadership roles you've held, projects you've led, or exceptional achievements you've had (like winning a competition or being recognized for your contributions).
5. Volunteer Experiences: If you've done any community service or other volunteer work, highlight this on your resume. Like with school activities, mention any leadership roles or special projects you contributed to.
6. Skills: Make a list of skills you think would be beneficial in a part-time job. This can include things like being proficient with technology, bilingualism, excellent communication skills, good organization, and so on.
7. Any Prior Work Experience: If you've done any babysitting, lawn care, dog walking, or other similar jobs, add these to your resume. Even if it's not directly relevant, it still shows that you have some experience in a working environment.
Remember, a resume is your opportunity to make a great first impression on potential employers. Be sure to spell-check, format consistently, and have someone proofread your resume before you send it out. Good luck with your job search!
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