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How do I create a good resume?
I'm an 8th grader and I need to know how to write a resume because I'm about to apply for a job at Chick-fil-A
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8 answers
Danuta Detyna
Career Expert, Certified Professional Resume Writer
12
Answers
Rzeszow, Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Danuta’s Answer
Hello 😃,
Creating your first resume as an 8th grader is a fantastic step towards gaining early work experience! Here's a straightforward guide to help you build a resume for your job application at Chick-fil-A:
1. Choose a Clean Layout
Start with a simple and professional template. Make sure it's easy to read with clear headings and a neat structure.
2. Include Your Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include:
Your full name
A phone number (make sure your voicemail message is professional)
An email address
3. Add an Objective Statement
This is a brief section where you explain why you are applying for the job. For example:
"Motivated middle school student seeking a team member position at Chick-fil-A to gain work experience and develop customer service skills."
4. Education
Since you're in school, this will be a key component of your resume:
List your current school and grade level.
Mention any academic achievements or awards that demonstrate your responsibility and commitment.
5. Skills
Here, you can list skills that are relevant to the job at Chick-fil-A:
Communication skills: Mention any experiences in school where you have developed your communication, such as class presentations or group projects.
Teamwork: Highlight any sports, clubs, or group activities you're involved in that show your ability to work well with others.
Reliability: Emphasize traits that show you are dependable, like punctuality or responsibilities you manage at home or in school activities.
6. Extracurricular Activities
Include any sports, clubs, or community activities you participate in:
These show you are active and engaged, qualities that are valuable in fast-paced work environments.
7. Volunteer Work
If you've done any volunteer work, list it here. Describe what you did and the skills you gained. This can be especially appealing to employers because it shows initiative and a willingness to contribute to the community.
8. References
It’s a good idea to include a section for references. These could be teachers, coaches, or family friends who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Make sure to ask them for permission before you list them as references.
9. Keep It Short and Sweet
Your resume should be one page long, clear, and direct. This shows respect for the hiring manager's time and highlights your ability to communicate efficiently.
10. Proofread
Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors. Ask a parent, teacher, or friend to review it to catch any mistakes.
11. Customize Your Resume
Tailor your resume for the job at Chick-fil-A by emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the job description, such as customer service and teamwork.
Building a resume at your age shows great initiative and prepares you for future opportunities. It’s all about presenting yourself in the best light and showing why you would be a great addition to their team.
For further tips on enhancing your resume and making a strong impression, consider reading this informative article: How to Write a Resume for a Teenager. 😊
Creating your first resume as an 8th grader is a fantastic step towards gaining early work experience! Here's a straightforward guide to help you build a resume for your job application at Chick-fil-A:
1. Choose a Clean Layout
Start with a simple and professional template. Make sure it's easy to read with clear headings and a neat structure.
2. Include Your Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include:
Your full name
A phone number (make sure your voicemail message is professional)
An email address
3. Add an Objective Statement
This is a brief section where you explain why you are applying for the job. For example:
"Motivated middle school student seeking a team member position at Chick-fil-A to gain work experience and develop customer service skills."
4. Education
Since you're in school, this will be a key component of your resume:
List your current school and grade level.
Mention any academic achievements or awards that demonstrate your responsibility and commitment.
5. Skills
Here, you can list skills that are relevant to the job at Chick-fil-A:
Communication skills: Mention any experiences in school where you have developed your communication, such as class presentations or group projects.
Teamwork: Highlight any sports, clubs, or group activities you're involved in that show your ability to work well with others.
Reliability: Emphasize traits that show you are dependable, like punctuality or responsibilities you manage at home or in school activities.
6. Extracurricular Activities
Include any sports, clubs, or community activities you participate in:
These show you are active and engaged, qualities that are valuable in fast-paced work environments.
7. Volunteer Work
If you've done any volunteer work, list it here. Describe what you did and the skills you gained. This can be especially appealing to employers because it shows initiative and a willingness to contribute to the community.
8. References
It’s a good idea to include a section for references. These could be teachers, coaches, or family friends who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Make sure to ask them for permission before you list them as references.
9. Keep It Short and Sweet
Your resume should be one page long, clear, and direct. This shows respect for the hiring manager's time and highlights your ability to communicate efficiently.
10. Proofread
Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors. Ask a parent, teacher, or friend to review it to catch any mistakes.
11. Customize Your Resume
Tailor your resume for the job at Chick-fil-A by emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the job description, such as customer service and teamwork.
Building a resume at your age shows great initiative and prepares you for future opportunities. It’s all about presenting yourself in the best light and showing why you would be a great addition to their team.
For further tips on enhancing your resume and making a strong impression, consider reading this informative article: How to Write a Resume for a Teenager. 😊
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
462
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Being an 8th grader, you can emphasize on the courses you have taken with GPA, any volunteering you may have done with a recommendation letter from that organization and any sports that you have excelled on.
However, you have better options or choices than working at fast food chain if you have taken courses that benefits the local organization.
For instance: fixing computers, computer programming knowledge or expertise with MS Office.
If you are in good Math or English you can volunteer or get paid for tutoring and help kids who need help.
You will make more than minimum wage doing above.
My son worked for a defense contractor in our twp while he was in a high school where the head of this defense contractor was adamant about having kids become engineers vs working at fast food chains. He was making $25/hour as a high school student many years ago.
However, you have better options or choices than working at fast food chain if you have taken courses that benefits the local organization.
For instance: fixing computers, computer programming knowledge or expertise with MS Office.
If you are in good Math or English you can volunteer or get paid for tutoring and help kids who need help.
You will make more than minimum wage doing above.
My son worked for a defense contractor in our twp while he was in a high school where the head of this defense contractor was adamant about having kids become engineers vs working at fast food chains. He was making $25/hour as a high school student many years ago.
This is absolutely right - in 8th grade they will care about GPA, but after college, that's not a concern.
Vanessa Karnowski
Roger Best
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roger’s Answer
Hi there! I'm excited to share an excellent resource with you that's specifically tailored for students from 8th to 12th grade who are looking to create an impressive resume. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential elements to include on your resume and even offers customizable templates to get you started on crafting a standout document. Best of luck in your resume-building journey, and I'm confident this resource will be a fantastic support for you!
Check it out here: https://www.asvabprogram.com/media-center-article/64
Roger recommends the following next steps:
Brian Chan
Technical Architect
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
You're taking a big step in applying for your first job! Regardless of whether you get that job or not - no one can take away that away from you! When you have a gap or lack of work experience, you will want to focus on skills that you've developed that your prospective employer might be looking for.
In the fast food and retail industry, employers look for someone who is reliable ("Am I going to worry about you making your shifts"), an effective communicator ("will you work well with your team mates and managers"), and teachable ("how long will it take me to train you on our processes".
Are there any experiences that you might have that highlight some of those skills that they're looking for? Maybe you did some babysitting or did some volunteer work with your school or in your local community that you can use on your resume.
In the fast food and retail industry, employers look for someone who is reliable ("Am I going to worry about you making your shifts"), an effective communicator ("will you work well with your team mates and managers"), and teachable ("how long will it take me to train you on our processes".
Are there any experiences that you might have that highlight some of those skills that they're looking for? Maybe you did some babysitting or did some volunteer work with your school or in your local community that you can use on your resume.
Vanessa Karnowski
Director of Recruitment
1
Answer
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Awesome that you're thinking about creating your first resume! There is a lot of great advice here, but I will add my 2 cents in as well. As an 8th grader, your focus should be on your grades and any cool community activities that you're involved in.
Make sure to mention any awards or recognition you've received for your academic achievements, and highlight any extracurricular activities or volunteer work you've done. This shows that you're a go-getter and someone who likes to get involved in things.
Just a heads up, you don't need to include your GPA when you eventually get to the point of looking for a career, but that's not something to worry about just yet.
When it comes to formatting your resume, keep it simple and easy to read. You can use a basic font like Calibri, and make your name stand out by using a larger font and bolding it. Then, below that, on one line and in smaller font, include your phone number, email, and where you live (just the city and state is fine, you don't need to put your whole address). Some people make the mistake of making their resume try to "stand out", when simple is usually better. Especially when big companies, who will have resumes uploaded, use a program to identify qualified candidates. If it's too busy, or too many columns, or there are pictures, it can cause the resume not to upload into the system properly.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your resume!
Make sure to mention any awards or recognition you've received for your academic achievements, and highlight any extracurricular activities or volunteer work you've done. This shows that you're a go-getter and someone who likes to get involved in things.
Just a heads up, you don't need to include your GPA when you eventually get to the point of looking for a career, but that's not something to worry about just yet.
When it comes to formatting your resume, keep it simple and easy to read. You can use a basic font like Calibri, and make your name stand out by using a larger font and bolding it. Then, below that, on one line and in smaller font, include your phone number, email, and where you live (just the city and state is fine, you don't need to put your whole address). Some people make the mistake of making their resume try to "stand out", when simple is usually better. Especially when big companies, who will have resumes uploaded, use a program to identify qualified candidates. If it's too busy, or too many columns, or there are pictures, it can cause the resume not to upload into the system properly.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your resume!
Melina Torres
HPE Aruba Business Management
2
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Melina’s Answer
Hey there! It's fantastic that you're about to embark on your very first job journey! Let me help you create an impressive resume that will get you noticed. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind:
1. Keep it concise – Aim for a one-page resume, so it's easy to skim and highlights the most important details.
2. Presentation is key – A well-formatted resume with a clean layout, eye-catching colors, and bullet points will make it easier to read and engage potential employers.
3. Showcase your accomplishments – Don't worry about not having any prior job experience; simply focus on your projects and achievements to demonstrate your capabilities.
4. Emphasize your strengths – Highlight essential skills like customer service, communication, and a positive attitude, which will be relevant to the position you're aiming for.
5. Let your personality shine – Include hobbies and interests to give employers a glimpse of the person they'll be bringing on board.
Also, consider adding a cover page with an "about me" section to provide a quick and appealing introduction. Here's a useful link for reference: https://www.slideteam.net/about-me-sample-of-ppt.html
All the best on your job search, and I'm confident you'll make a lasting impression with your outstanding resume!
1. Keep it concise – Aim for a one-page resume, so it's easy to skim and highlights the most important details.
2. Presentation is key – A well-formatted resume with a clean layout, eye-catching colors, and bullet points will make it easier to read and engage potential employers.
3. Showcase your accomplishments – Don't worry about not having any prior job experience; simply focus on your projects and achievements to demonstrate your capabilities.
4. Emphasize your strengths – Highlight essential skills like customer service, communication, and a positive attitude, which will be relevant to the position you're aiming for.
5. Let your personality shine – Include hobbies and interests to give employers a glimpse of the person they'll be bringing on board.
Also, consider adding a cover page with an "about me" section to provide a quick and appealing introduction. Here's a useful link for reference: https://www.slideteam.net/about-me-sample-of-ppt.html
All the best on your job search, and I'm confident you'll make a lasting impression with your outstanding resume!
Caitlyn Smith
Event Planner
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Caitlyn’s Answer
Hello! Congratulations on taking the first step to apply for your first job. From an 8th graders perspective this could be a daunting task, but you should be very proud of your initiative!
When building a great resume, I would recommend focuses on three main topics: your education, experiences, and skills.
Build your resume on a Microsoft Word Document. At the top page of your page in the header include your name and contact information (email address, phone number, and physical address).
At the beginning of your resume, you could include a brief introduction of yourself that explains your reason for wanting a job and why you would be a good for the position you are applying for. I would recommend keeping this brief and maybe only about 2-3 sentences.
Next I would begin your section about your current education. List your current school name and underneath it include bullet points about your current GPA, any school organizations you are involved in, and any after school activities you participate in. As you continue your education, you will be able to increase the information in this section about your high school diploma and college degrees.
The next section would be about your experiences. Always try to include experiences you have that would support why you are an ideal candidate for the job you are applying for. Your bullet points could include past jobs and your responsibilities in your previous roles. If you have not had a previous job, I would recommend including experiences from possible volunteer projects you've been a part of, any responsibilities you have in school, or if you have any goals you would like to achieve within your professional career.
The last section would be about your skills. List out the skills you have that would make an employer want to hire you for the position you want. Some examples of beginner professional skills would be great communicator, works well independently and in group settings, can multitask, fast learner, etc.
Before sending your resume to an employer, be sure to have another person review it for any spelling or grammatical errors. I always suggest keeping you resume to one page long so the employer can easily look over the information you've provided. Make sure your resume looks neat and organized; all the fonts are the same size and style.
I wish you the best of luck in getting your first job!
When building a great resume, I would recommend focuses on three main topics: your education, experiences, and skills.
Build your resume on a Microsoft Word Document. At the top page of your page in the header include your name and contact information (email address, phone number, and physical address).
At the beginning of your resume, you could include a brief introduction of yourself that explains your reason for wanting a job and why you would be a good for the position you are applying for. I would recommend keeping this brief and maybe only about 2-3 sentences.
Next I would begin your section about your current education. List your current school name and underneath it include bullet points about your current GPA, any school organizations you are involved in, and any after school activities you participate in. As you continue your education, you will be able to increase the information in this section about your high school diploma and college degrees.
The next section would be about your experiences. Always try to include experiences you have that would support why you are an ideal candidate for the job you are applying for. Your bullet points could include past jobs and your responsibilities in your previous roles. If you have not had a previous job, I would recommend including experiences from possible volunteer projects you've been a part of, any responsibilities you have in school, or if you have any goals you would like to achieve within your professional career.
The last section would be about your skills. List out the skills you have that would make an employer want to hire you for the position you want. Some examples of beginner professional skills would be great communicator, works well independently and in group settings, can multitask, fast learner, etc.
Before sending your resume to an employer, be sure to have another person review it for any spelling or grammatical errors. I always suggest keeping you resume to one page long so the employer can easily look over the information you've provided. Make sure your resume looks neat and organized; all the fonts are the same size and style.
I wish you the best of luck in getting your first job!
Dan Mehlman
Director, Technical Architecture
3
Answers
Rockville, Maryland
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Wow, this is so exciting! Congratulations on reaching this milestone! It's important to remember that your resume is like an advertisement – you're promoting yourself and showcasing how you'd be the perfect fit for the role you desire. Keep in mind who you're applying to and how you want to present yourself.
Writing a resume isn't just a routine task. It's an opportunity to make yourself stand out from the other candidates, and trust me, I see a lot of resumes. Yours should be exceptional! One excellent way to begin is by finding a visually appealing template with just a bit of effort on Google. Then, highlight the significant aspects of who you are and what you'd bring to the role.
Don't forget to include a "Career Objective" as well. Maybe you won't be working at Chick-fil-A forever, but if it kickstarts your journey towards a management position or helps you earn money for college where you plan to study XYZ, make sure you mention that. Doing so will genuinely make your resume stand out and increase your chances of success. Keep up the great work, and good luck!
Writing a resume isn't just a routine task. It's an opportunity to make yourself stand out from the other candidates, and trust me, I see a lot of resumes. Yours should be exceptional! One excellent way to begin is by finding a visually appealing template with just a bit of effort on Google. Then, highlight the significant aspects of who you are and what you'd bring to the role.
Don't forget to include a "Career Objective" as well. Maybe you won't be working at Chick-fil-A forever, but if it kickstarts your journey towards a management position or helps you earn money for college where you plan to study XYZ, make sure you mention that. Doing so will genuinely make your resume stand out and increase your chances of success. Keep up the great work, and good luck!