Hey guys! I need to create a resume for my college applications and I'm a bit lost. What tips do you have for writing an effective high school resume, and are there any specific formats or templates to follow? Also, which accomplishments/activities/experiences should I include? Thanks for the help!
Hey there! Writing a high school resume can seem daunting, but with the right tips and guidance, you'll have a great one in no time. Here are some pointers to help you get started:
1. Format: Keep the format simple and easy to read. Use a clean font, like Arial or Times New Roman, and utilize bullet points to list your accomplishments. You can find many templates online, or use a tool like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create a resume. The most popular formats are chronological (listing experiences in chronological order) or functional (grouping experiences by categories like academic achievements, leadership, community service, etc.).
2. Length: Your resume should be no more than one page. As a high school student, you don't have a wealth of experience to list, so you want to ensure that the experiences you do include are substantial and relevant.
3. Content: You'll want to include your contact information (name, mailing address, phone number, email address) at the top of your resume. After that, focus on these main sections:
A. Education: List your high school, graduation date, and GPA (if it's impressive). You may include AP classes, college courses, or any relevant course highlights.
B. Awards and Honors: Include any academic or extracurricular recognitions. This could be honor roll, debate championships, or awards from clubs or organizations.
C. Extracurricular Activities: Showcase your involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer organizations, or other activities outside of the classroom. Be sure to highlight any leadership roles and the duration of involvement.
D. Work Experience: Include any part-time jobs, internships, or co-ops you've held. Focus on skills developed and how these experiences relate to your career or academic interests.
E. Skills: List any relevant technical or language skills you possess.
4. Be Specific: When describing your accomplishments, be specific and include any quantifiable achievements. For example, instead of writing "volunteered at a food bank," say, "Volunteered 100 hours at a food bank, serving over 500 people in need."
5. Tailor your resume: If possible, tailor your resume to the college or program you are applying to by emphasizing your related experiences and accomplishments.
6. Edit and proofread: Make sure your resume is free from spelling and grammatical errors. It's helpful to have someone proofread it and offer suggestions for improvement.
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