How to Write a Resume as a High School Student

Putting together a resume as a high school student can feel a bit like trying to craft a masterpiece without all the right colors. But don't worry, you've got more than you think! In this post, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know to create a resume that showcases your strengths. Even if you think you don't have much experience yet.

Getting Started: Gather Your Information

Before you dive into the actual writing, it's smart to gather all your information in one place. Think of this as gathering ingredients before cooking a meal. You'll be grateful you did when it's time to mix everything together. Start with the basics:

• Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email, and address. Make sure your email sounds professional. If it doesn't, consider creating a new one.
• Education: List your high school, expected graduation date, GPA (if it's strong), and any honors or AP classes.
• Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, sports, or organizations you take part in. Don‚Äôt forget leadership roles or notable achievements.
• Volunteer Work: Any unpaid work or community service can be valuable.
• Skills: Think about soft skills like teamwork and communication, as well as hard skills like computer literacy or language proficiency.

Feeling overwhelmed? Take a deep breath and remember, this is just the prep phase. Once you've gathered your info, the writing will be much easier.

Choosing the Right Format

Choosing the right resume format is a bit like picking the right outfit for an occasion. You want something that fits and feels right for what you're aiming to achieve. For high school students, a simple, straightforward format usually works best. Here are a couple of common options:

Chronological Format

This format focuses on listing your experiences in order, starting with the most recent. It's great if you have a few solid experiences you want to highlight. Here's a quick example:

John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA
[email protected]
(555) 555-5555

Education
Anytown High School, Anytown, USA
Expected Graduation: June 2024
GPA: 3.8/4.0

Experience
Volunteer, Anytown Animal Shelter
Summer 2023
- Cared for animals and assisted with adoption events
- Organized fundraising activities

Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Fluent in Spanish

Functional Format

If you don't have much work experience, a functional format might be your best bet. This style emphasizes skills and experiences over the timeline. It can be particularly effective for highlighting what you can do, rather than what you've done. Here's a peek:

Jane Smith
456 Oak Avenue
Hometown, USA
[email protected]
(555) 123-4567

Skills
- Strong leadership abilities from serving as Student Council President
- Excellent communication skills honed through participation in debate team

Experience
Student Council President
Hometown High School, 2022-2023
- Led meetings and organized school events
- Represented student body in discussions with school administration

Education
Hometown High School, Hometown, USA
Expected Graduation: June 2024

Pick the format that feels most comfortable for you. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to resumes.

Crafting a Strong Objective Statement

The objective statement is like the trailer for your resume. It's a quick summary that grabs attention and makes the reader want to learn more. A well-crafted objective can set the tone for your entire resume. Here’s what to consider:

• Be Specific: Tailor your objective to the job you're applying for. A generic statement won‚Äôt stand out.
• Highlight Your Strengths: What makes you a good fit for this position? Consider both your skills and your passion.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for one to two sentences that pack a punch.

Here's an example of a strong objective statement:

"Motivated high school student with a passion for animal welfare seeking a summer internship at the local animal shelter. Skilled in organizing events and eager to contribute to community outreach initiatives."

Notice how this statement is specific to the job and highlights relevant skills and interests. That's the kind of objective you want to aim for.

Highlighting Education and Achievements

Your education section is more than just a list of schools. It's a chance to highlight your academic achievements and any honors or awards you've received. This section can be a real selling point, especially if you’re light on work experience. Here’s how to make it shine:

• Include Relevant Coursework: Highlight advanced classes or subjects related to the job you're applying for.
• Share Your GPA: If it's 3.5 or higher, it‚Äôs worth showcasing.
• List Honors and Awards: Whether it's Honor Roll, a science fair medal, or an essay competition, don't be shy about your accomplishments.

Here's a sample education section:

Education
Hometown High School, Hometown, USA
Expected Graduation: June 2024
GPA: 3.9/4.0

Relevant Coursework: AP Biology, AP English, Statistics
Honors: National Honor Society, First Place in Regional Science Fair

This section is a great place to let your academic strengths and interests shine.

Showcasing Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are not just for fun. They can also play a pivotal role in your resume. These activities showcase your interests and the skills you've developed outside the classroom. Here’s how to present them effectively:

• Focus on Leadership: Highlight any leadership roles, such as team captain or club president.
• Include Skills Gained: Think about the skills you've developed, like teamwork, communication, or time management.
• Be Selective: Choose activities that align with the job or demonstrate valuable skills.

An example of how to list extracurricular activities might look like this:

Extracurricular Activities
- Captain, Hometown High School Soccer Team
  - Led team to regional championships
  - Organized weekly practice sessions and team-building activities

- Member, Debate Club
  - Developed strong public speaking skills
  - Participated in state-level competitions

Remember, the goal is to show how these activities have prepared you for future responsibilities.

Volunteer Experience: More Than Just a Good Deed

Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience and show potential employers your commitment to your community. Even if it’s unpaid, volunteer work can be just as valuable as a traditional job. Here’s how to make it count:

• Highlight Impact: Describe what you did and how it made a difference.
• Include Skills Used: Mention the skills you utilized or developed during your volunteer work.
• Be Honest: Don't exaggerate your involvement or responsibilities.

Here's a way to present your volunteer experience:

Volunteer Experience
- Volunteer, Hometown Food Bank
  - Assisted with sorting and distributing food to the community
  - Developed organizational skills through inventory management

- Event Coordinator, Community Clean-Up Day
  - Led a team of volunteers in organizing a local park clean-up event
  - Improved leadership and event planning skills

Volunteer work can really set your resume apart, showing employers your dedication and willingness to contribute.

Skills: Let Them Shine

Skills are an essential part of your resume, especially when you're just starting out. They can be the deciding factor when an employer is choosing between candidates. Here’s how to showcase them effectively:

• Include Both Soft and Hard Skills: Soft skills like teamwork and communication are just as valuable as hard skills like programming or graphic design.
• Relevant to the Job: Tailor your skills section to match what the employer is looking for.
• Provide Examples: Whenever possible, back up your skills with examples or achievements.

A sample skills section might look like this:

Skills
- Strong organizational skills developed through managing multiple school projects
- Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and video editing software
- Excellent communication skills honed through public speaking competitions

Remember, it's not just about listing skills but showing how you've applied them.

Proofreading: Because Typos are a No-Go

Once your resume is written, it's tempting to send it off right away. But hold on. Proofreading is a crucial step. A single typo can make you appear careless. Here’s how to catch those pesky errors:

• Take a Break: Step away for a while before proofreading, so you return with fresh eyes.
• Read Aloud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing or missing words.
• Get a Second Opinion: Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review it.
• Use Tools: Consider using Spell to help spot errors you might miss.

Proofreading might not be the most exciting part, but it's essential for making a great impression.

Customizing for Each Job

Now that your resume is polished, you might think you’re done. But here’s the thing: customization is key. Tailor your resume for each job you apply for to show employers that you’re the perfect fit for their role. Here are some tips:

• Use Keywords: Match your resume language with the job description. This can help you get past automated systems.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Adjust the focus of your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to each job.
• Revise Your Objective: Tweak your objective statement to align with each specific role.

Customizing each resume might seem like extra work, but it’s worth it when you land that interview.

Final Thoughts

Creating a resume as a high school student might seem challenging, but it's definitely doable with the right approach. By focusing on your strengths, tailoring your resume to each opportunity, and presenting your skills and experiences effectively, you can create a standout resume. For a little extra help, consider using Spell to craft and polish your resume, making the process even smoother and more efficient.