Skip to main content
8 answers
8
Asked 461 views

How do I create a professional resume?

How do I create a professional resume? I am a freshman in highschool and I have no clue what I am doing.

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

8

8 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Doc’s Answer

So Laine whether you’re applying to colleges, looking for scholarships, or searching for internships online, there are many different situations in which a high school student might need a resume. Like in the professional world, a high school resume is an introduction. Potential employers, college admissions officials, scholarship decision makers and more all use high schoolers’ resumes to more fully understand the students they’re considering.

CONTACT INFORMATION - Be sure to include your full name, phone number, email address and location on your high school resume. This should be in a prominent position towards the top of the page.

OBJECTIVE - Think of this as your “elevator pitch.” Your resume objective should quickly and clearly describe who you are and why you’re the right candidate for whatever position you're applying for. This section of your resume should be no more than 3 - 4 sentences.

WORK EXPERIENCE - If you have work experience it can be a great thing to include on your high school resume. Successfully holding a job while in high school shows colleges or other employers that you are a hard-working, dependable candidate.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE - For students who have yet to find their first job, volunteering experience is a great thing to include. In fact, even if you do have work experience, it’s encouraged to include any volunteering you may have done on your resume, as such items are impressive to almost all colleges and universities.

SKILLS - This can be a great section for students who may have a wide range of skills but not too much experience putting them into practice in an organized setting. This can include academic skills like writing or mathematics, technological skills like coding or computer building, and even artistic skills such as drawing.

In addition Laine your resume is one of the most important marketing tools you can use to sell yourself to colleges, impress scholarship judges, and get a part-time job or an internship during high school and/or college. You can also use your resume when asking for recommendation letters. It gives the teachers a reminder of your accomplishments when they are writing recommendation letters for you.

Hopefully you'll find this helpful Laine
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Nina’s Answer

[This response is brought to you by a team of dedicated Salesforce volunteers]

As a freshman in high school, you're off to a great start even thinking about your resume. Here are some ideas:

- Determine the purpose of your resume: is this for a volunteer or job you're applying to?
- You can separate your resume into different sections. Make sure to incorporate details like your school, graduation date, GPA, contact information, and participation in clubs or extracurricular activities such as team events, leadership roles, and sports, any work or volunteer experience you've had, a professional summary, awards and certifications you've received, languages you speak, advanced courses you've taken, and any special skills you possess.
- Prioritize the content of the resume rather than aesthetics, make sure it's succinct and free of errors.
- Have a friend, parent, or teacher take a look at your resume so they can offer any suggestions.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Laine,

How to Create a Professional Resume

Creating a professional resume is an essential skill that can help you stand out when applying for jobs, internships, or college programs. As a high school freshman, it’s great that you’re already thinking about this. Here are the steps to create a professional resume:

1. Contact Information

At the top of your resume, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address is professional; if it’s not, consider creating a new one specifically for job applications.

2. Objective or Summary Statement

This section should briefly describe your career goals and what you can bring to the table. Since you’re just starting out, you can focus on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant skills or interests.

3. Education

List your current high school and its location. Include your expected graduation date and any honors or awards you’ve received.

4. Work Experience

Even if you haven’t had a traditional job yet, you can include volunteer work, babysitting, pet sitting, lawn mowing, or any other responsibilities you’ve had. Focus on the skills and responsibilities you gained from these experiences.

5. Skills

Highlight any skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. This could include computer skills, language proficiency, leadership abilities, or any other talents you possess.

6. Extracurricular Activities

Include any clubs, sports teams, or organizations you’re involved in. This shows that you’re well-rounded and have time management skills.

7. References

As a high school student, it’s good to have at least one reference from a teacher or mentor who can speak to your character and work ethic.

Formatting Tips:

Keep your resume clean and easy to read.
Use bullet points to list responsibilities and achievements.
Use a professional font and keep the formatting consistent throughout.

Final Tips:

Tailor your resume for each application by emphasizing different experiences and skills based on the job description.
Proofread carefully to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Remember that creating a professional resume is an ongoing process; as you gain more experiences and skills, you’ll continue to update and refine it.

I hope this guide helps you get started on creating a professional resume!

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

The Balance Careers: This source provides comprehensive guides on various career-related topics, including resume writing for students at different educational levels.
Indeed Career Guide: Indeed is a well-known job search website that offers valuable resources on resume writing for students and professionals alike.
U.S. News & World Report: This reputable publication offers insights into education and career development, including tips for high school students entering the workforce or preparing for college applications.

These sources were selected for their expertise in providing guidance on resume writing specifically tailored to high school students entering the workforce or seeking college opportunities.

GOD BLESS,
James Constantine.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Beth’s Answer

Congrats on thinking about putting a resume together while you're in high school. In addition to the advice you've received from other folks, a couple other things to consider:
1) Keep a running list of your accomplishments, including what the outcome was. For example, if you worked at a restaurant and came up with a better process for handling checks, talk about the process change AND how many more customers were able to come through as a result.
2) Check with resources at your high school. You may have a career center or guidance councilor who can help you with your resume. If your school doesn't have those options, consider asking a trusted teacher for help or a recommendation for local resources you can use.

Good luck!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Amanda’s Answer

Online or Microsoft templates are great tools for crafting your resume. During my tenure in a university's career services, we suggested students to scrutinize job descriptions of their desired roles. This helps to understand the responsibilities these roles demand. If your experience matches these requirements, highlight them in bullet points under your current job roles on your resume.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Afrad’s Answer

Hi Laine -

Lots of great responses to your question so far!

Most resumes have similar components from your personal information, a summary of your skills and professional background, your experience, your education etc.
One of the best places to start is using predefined templates, of which there are quite a few out there. These make it a lot easier since you're not creating them from scratch. I've recommended one from Indeed.com below.
There are also a ton of videos on Youtube, one example also included below or simply search, "resume creation", or "how to create great professional resumes".

Best of luck!

https://www.indeed.com/profile/resume-templates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRTs4HsICI8
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michael’s Answer

Hello Laine! Along with all the great suggestions you've already received, I'd also encourage you to ask 2-3 folks from your circle to take a look at your resume. It's a fantastic way to get fresh viewpoints and include details you might not have considered before.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Stacey’s Answer

Hello Laine,

Building a polished resume while still in high school is an excellent strategy to highlight your abilities, achievements, and experiences to prospective employers or universities. Here's a straightforward guide to help you craft a standout resume:

- Spotlight your skills and accomplishments: Present your abilities and accomplishments in a straightforward and brief way. Using bullet points can make your resume easier to read.

- Detail your education: Include your high school education details, such as your GPA and any distinctions or awards you've earned.

- Incorporate any relevant work history: If you've had any work experience, be sure to include it in your resume. This could range from part-time jobs to internships or even volunteer work.

- Mention extracurricular activities: Make sure to include any extracurricular activities you've taken part in, like sports, clubs, or community service.

- Stick to a professional format: Maintain a professional look for your resume with a clear font and layout. Steer clear of bright colors or decorative fonts.

A smart strategy to get started is to examine job descriptions in areas that pique your interest. Review the duties and requirements and aim to gain similar experiences. This way, you can include them in your resume, making it more appealing.

Keep in mind, your resume is a mirror that reflects your capabilities. Invest time in crafting a professional, polished document that effectively highlights your strengths and achievements. Best of luck!
0