How to Highlight a Summer Job on My High School Resume

I worked a summer job and want to add it to my resume for internships and college applications. What are the best ways to showcase my experience and skills I developed during this time?

Including a summer job on your high school resume can speak volumes about your responsibility, time management, and initiative. Here are some ways to make that experience stand out:

1. Job Title and Dates: Begin by clearly stating the job title, organization name, and the dates you worked. This might seem straightforward but it provides the evaluation committee or potential employer a clear understanding of where and when you worked.

2. Describe Responsibilities: When it comes to describing your role, focus on your responsibilities and duties in an active voice and use action words like 'achieved', 'developed', 'created', etc. For example, instead of saying "Was tasked with restocking shelves," phrase it as "Managed inventory and restocked shelves according to demand."

3. Showcase Skills: Highlight the practical, transferable skills you gained. These can include time management, communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving, or customer service. This is important because it helps the reader to understand not just what you did, but what you learned and how it could apply to future endeavors.

4. Achievements: If there were any achievements or successes during your time, make sure to include them. This could include things like 'consistently recognized for top-of-the-line customer service' or 'implemented a new process that improved efficiency'.

Be sure to tailor your resume according to the school or internship you're applying for. Look at their requirements or values and try to align your summer job experience accordingly. For instance, if they value leadership and you held a supervisory role at your job, emphasize that aspect. Keep your descriptions concise and relevant, as the reader most likely has many applications to review.