3 answers
Elayna
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Updated
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What content makes up a good high school resume?
I want to start building up my extracurricular and academics in order to create a well rounded profile for myself. And also because I'd like to be more involved in my community and sports for my own goals of self improvement and putting myself out there. Any tips?
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Heyo Elyana!
So, Doc Frick’s got some great tips for building a high school resume, and I totally agree with his approach! When you start working on your resume, think of it as a way to show off your personality, skills, and the things you’ve done that set you apart. Your extracurriculars are a huge part of that.
The more you get involved in things like clubs, volunteer work, sports, or even tutoring, the more you’re building a well-rounded profile that colleges and future employers are going to love. Here’s the thing—whether it’s sports, leadership roles, or volunteering, it all counts. Each of these activities gives you the chance to build something beyond just your grades. It’s about showing who you are and what you can bring to the table.
For example, volunteering shows you're not just about yourself but you care about others too. It speaks volumes about your character, and if it’s connected to something you’re passionate about—like helping with a community garden, tutoring kids, or working at a local shelter—it becomes even more meaningful. Those experiences help you develop soft skills like empathy, teamwork, and communication that will carry you through life, especially in any career.
Also, leadership? That’s pure gold. If you can manage a team, take on a project, or even just lead a school club, it shows you have initiative and the ability to take charge. That’s something any future employer or school will respect. And it doesn't need to be a big title—being part of a club, and actively helping to organize events or initiatives, counts as leadership too.
Now, if you're into something more hands-on like coding, technology, or creative fields, make sure you mention those activities too. There are tons of clubs and competitions out there where you can flex your skills, even if you're still in high school. The more you dive into those, the stronger your profile becomes, and you’ll even get a head start in figuring out what you enjoy.
The key takeaway here is that your resume isn't just about checking boxes for college applications. It's about showing who you are as a person. The more you put yourself out there in different areas—sports, clubs, volunteering, leadership—the clearer your passions and skills will be to others. And that’s what will make you stand out in the future!
So go ahead, dive into the things that excite you. Whether it’s science, art, sports, or community work, everything you do builds the kind of profile that will help you later on, whether for college or any other adventure you pursue. Keep it real and have fun with it! All the best Elyana!
So, Doc Frick’s got some great tips for building a high school resume, and I totally agree with his approach! When you start working on your resume, think of it as a way to show off your personality, skills, and the things you’ve done that set you apart. Your extracurriculars are a huge part of that.
The more you get involved in things like clubs, volunteer work, sports, or even tutoring, the more you’re building a well-rounded profile that colleges and future employers are going to love. Here’s the thing—whether it’s sports, leadership roles, or volunteering, it all counts. Each of these activities gives you the chance to build something beyond just your grades. It’s about showing who you are and what you can bring to the table.
For example, volunteering shows you're not just about yourself but you care about others too. It speaks volumes about your character, and if it’s connected to something you’re passionate about—like helping with a community garden, tutoring kids, or working at a local shelter—it becomes even more meaningful. Those experiences help you develop soft skills like empathy, teamwork, and communication that will carry you through life, especially in any career.
Also, leadership? That’s pure gold. If you can manage a team, take on a project, or even just lead a school club, it shows you have initiative and the ability to take charge. That’s something any future employer or school will respect. And it doesn't need to be a big title—being part of a club, and actively helping to organize events or initiatives, counts as leadership too.
Now, if you're into something more hands-on like coding, technology, or creative fields, make sure you mention those activities too. There are tons of clubs and competitions out there where you can flex your skills, even if you're still in high school. The more you dive into those, the stronger your profile becomes, and you’ll even get a head start in figuring out what you enjoy.
The key takeaway here is that your resume isn't just about checking boxes for college applications. It's about showing who you are as a person. The more you put yourself out there in different areas—sports, clubs, volunteering, leadership—the clearer your passions and skills will be to others. And that’s what will make you stand out in the future!
So go ahead, dive into the things that excite you. Whether it’s science, art, sports, or community work, everything you do builds the kind of profile that will help you later on, whether for college or any other adventure you pursue. Keep it real and have fun with it! All the best Elyana!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Elayna including extracurricular activities on your resume can help you to promote yourself as a competent individual.
✅ LEADERSHIP SKILLS
When reading resumes from students or recent graduates, employers often look for evidence that the candidate has leadership experience. Employers know the experience you gained as a leader in school is often transferrable to the workplace. If you had the opportunity to manage a team or direct a project while a student, you're likely able to do the same as a part of the workforce. Consider including your experience as an organizational president, for example, to denote your leadership skills.
✅ TECHNICAL SKILLS
Another reason to include extracurriculars on your resume is to demonstrate specific skills. In some fields, you can gain practical training and industry expertise by joining a club or becoming a member of an on-campus organization. Including this on your resume can show potential employers that you have some technical skills and that you intentionally sought opportunities to develop professionally.
✅ VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer work goes beyond showcasing your willingness to help others—it reflects teamwork, reliability, and empathy. Employer's are interested in volunteer work or community service that connects you to the position they’re looking to fill. Volunteer work related to a professional organization is a key experience that stands out to employers; it shows you’re vested in your community.
✅ TUTORING
If you’ve worked as a tutor or peer mentor, you’ve likely honed your teaching abilities, communication skills, and patience. These experiences show that you can break down complex topics, guide others toward success, and invest in the growth of your peers. For example, serving as a math tutor for younger students or mentoring first-year college students demonstrates a commitment to helping others while sharpening your interpersonal and organizational skills. These roles are particularly relevant for careers in education, training, or counseling, where guiding others is a central component.
✅ CLUB PARTICIPATION
Joining academic or professional clubs related to your field of interest demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth. For example, being a member of a marketing club, debate society, or Women in STEM organization shows you’re not just interested in your career path but also actively seeking to build relevant skills and connections.
These activities are also a great way to develop soft skills such as public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Organizing events, managing budgets, or mentoring junior members are all experiences that can help recruiters see you as a motivated candidate who knows how to network and contribute to a team.
CONCLUSION
Start by identifying the extracurriculars that best highlight your strengths and align with the role you’re applying for. For instance, leadership roles or team-based activities are excellent for managerial positions, while participation in technical competitions or industry-related clubs can enhance applications for specialized fields like engineering or IT.
Hope this was helpful Elayna
✅ LEADERSHIP SKILLS
When reading resumes from students or recent graduates, employers often look for evidence that the candidate has leadership experience. Employers know the experience you gained as a leader in school is often transferrable to the workplace. If you had the opportunity to manage a team or direct a project while a student, you're likely able to do the same as a part of the workforce. Consider including your experience as an organizational president, for example, to denote your leadership skills.
✅ TECHNICAL SKILLS
Another reason to include extracurriculars on your resume is to demonstrate specific skills. In some fields, you can gain practical training and industry expertise by joining a club or becoming a member of an on-campus organization. Including this on your resume can show potential employers that you have some technical skills and that you intentionally sought opportunities to develop professionally.
✅ VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer work goes beyond showcasing your willingness to help others—it reflects teamwork, reliability, and empathy. Employer's are interested in volunteer work or community service that connects you to the position they’re looking to fill. Volunteer work related to a professional organization is a key experience that stands out to employers; it shows you’re vested in your community.
✅ TUTORING
If you’ve worked as a tutor or peer mentor, you’ve likely honed your teaching abilities, communication skills, and patience. These experiences show that you can break down complex topics, guide others toward success, and invest in the growth of your peers. For example, serving as a math tutor for younger students or mentoring first-year college students demonstrates a commitment to helping others while sharpening your interpersonal and organizational skills. These roles are particularly relevant for careers in education, training, or counseling, where guiding others is a central component.
✅ CLUB PARTICIPATION
Joining academic or professional clubs related to your field of interest demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth. For example, being a member of a marketing club, debate society, or Women in STEM organization shows you’re not just interested in your career path but also actively seeking to build relevant skills and connections.
These activities are also a great way to develop soft skills such as public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Organizing events, managing budgets, or mentoring junior members are all experiences that can help recruiters see you as a motivated candidate who knows how to network and contribute to a team.
CONCLUSION
Start by identifying the extracurriculars that best highlight your strengths and align with the role you’re applying for. For instance, leadership roles or team-based activities are excellent for managerial positions, while participation in technical competitions or industry-related clubs can enhance applications for specialized fields like engineering or IT.
Hope this was helpful Elayna
This was very helpful. Thank you.
Mr. Trish
12
Answers
Updated
Mr.’s Answer
Dr. H and Doc Frick gave excellent insights! Focus on showcasing your leadership, technical skills, and volunteering experiences. Here’s a final tip: Make sure your resume reflects who you are, not just what you’ve done—let your passion shine through! Keep up the great work, Elayna!