I need help putting together my first resume as a high school student. What should I include to make it stand out, especially since I don't have much work experience yet? Any suggestions would be awesome!
Starting on your first resume can indeed feel like a daunting task but remember, everyone starts from the same place. Here are some things you can do to make your high school resume stand out:
1. Personal Information: Start your resume by providing your full name, email address, and a phone number where you can be reached. Be sure to use a professional email address—ideally, it should be just your name or a variation of it.
2. Objective Statement: Since you haven't held a job before, it would be a good idea to include an objective statement. It can be a brief one or two sentences stating what you hope to achieve in your first job and what skills you hope to bring to it.
3. Education: Write down where you are attending high school and your expected graduation date. Include your GPA if it is strong. Also, if you have completed any particular courses that might be relevant to the jobs for which you're applying, consider listing these too.
4. Skills: List skills you possess that might be valuable on the job. These could range from proficiency with specific software, to problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills, and more. Try to focus on transferable skills that could be useful in many different jobs.
5. Extracurricular Activities: If you have participated in clubs, sports, or other activities at school, include these next. These can demonstrate qualities like leadership, teamwork, dedication, which can be valuable in a workplace, even if they don't directly relate to the job.
6. Volunteer Work: Volunteering shows employers that you are a proactive individual and care about your community. Depending on the type of volunteering, it can also showcase particular skills.
7. Honors & Awards: Any academic honors, scholarships, or awards you have earned should also be included. This can help to highlight your scholarly commitment and demonstrate that you are a high achiever.
8. Hobbies & Interests: You can optionally add a section showcasing your hobbies or interests. If your interests align with the company's activities or industry, it could be a nice touch.
Always remember, the most important thing about your resume at this stage is to demonstrate that you are a dedicated, responsible, and capable individual. It's not about the amount of work experience you have but about how you present yourself and the qualities you can bring to a position.
Finally, make sure you proofread your resume several times for any grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. Have someone else look at it as well. Accuracy and attention to detail can make a big difference! Good luck!
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