High School Resume Guide: Tips, Template, Example
Are you a high school student looking to create a resume that will impress colleges, scholarship committees, or potential employers? A well-crafted resume is an essential tool for showcasing your skills, achievements, and experiences. In this guide, we will provide you with tips, a template, and an example to help you create a standout high school resume.
1. Understand the Purpose of a High School Resume
Before diving into the details of creating your resume, it’s important to understand why you need one in the first place. A high school resume serves as a snapshot of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any relevant work experience. It allows you to highlight your skills and qualifications, making it easier for colleges, scholarship committees, and potential employers to assess your suitability for their programs or positions.
2. Choose the Right Format
When it comes to formatting your high school resume, there are a few options to consider. The most common formats include chronological, functional, and combination resumes. The chronological format is the most straightforward, as it lists your experiences in reverse chronological order. The functional format focuses on your skills and abilities, rather than your work history. The combination format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats, providing a comprehensive overview of your qualifications.
3. Include Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and professional. Avoid using email addresses or phone numbers that may give off an unprofessional impression.
4. Write a Compelling Summary Statement
The summary statement is a brief paragraph that highlights your key strengths, accomplishments, and goals. It should grab the reader’s attention and entice them to continue reading your resume. Tailor your summary statement to align with the specific requirements of the college, scholarship, or job you are applying to.
5. List Your Education
Include information about your high school, such as its name, location, and graduation date. If you have received any academic honors or awards, be sure to mention them. Additionally, include any relevant coursework, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.
6. Highlight Your Extracurricular Activities
Colleges and employers value extracurricular activities as they demonstrate your ability to manage your time, work in a team, and take on leadership roles. Include information about clubs, sports teams, community service, part-time jobs, and any other activities you have participated in. Be sure to mention any achievements or responsibilities you had within these activities.
7. Showcase Your Skills
List any relevant skills you possess, such as computer skills, language proficiency, or certifications. Be specific and provide examples or evidence of how you have utilized these skills in the past.
8. Include Work Experience
If you have any work experience, whether it be part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work, include it in this section. Provide details about your responsibilities, accomplishments, and the skills you gained from each experience.
9. Use Action Verbs and Quantify Achievements
When describing your experiences and accomplishments, use action verbs to make your resume more engaging and dynamic. Additionally, whenever possible, quantify your achievements by including numbers or percentages. This helps to provide a clearer picture of your accomplishments and the impact you made.
10. Proofread and Edit
Before submitting your resume, make sure to thoroughly proofread and edit it for any grammatical or spelling errors. Ask someone else to review it as well, as they may catch mistakes that you may have missed. A well-polished and error-free resume shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Conclusion
Creating a high school resume is an important step in preparing for college applications, scholarship opportunities, and future employment. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this guide, you can create a compelling resume that effectively showcases your skills, achievements, and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should my high school resume be?
A: Your high school resume should typically be one page in length, unless you have extensive work experience or a significant number of extracurricular activities to include.
Q: Should I include references on my high school resume?
A: It is not necessary to include references on your high school resume. However, you should have a list of references prepared and available upon request.
Q: Can I include personal hobbies and interests on my high school resume?
A: While it is not required to include personal hobbies and interests on your high school resume, you can include them if they are relevant to the position or program you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a position in a sports-related field, mentioning your involvement in sports teams or clubs can be beneficial.
Q: Should I include a cover letter with my high school resume?
A: Including a cover letter with your high school resume is not necessary, but it can be a good way to introduce yourself and explain your interest in the position or program you are applying for. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants.
Q: Can I use a template to create my high school resume?
A: Yes, using a template can be a helpful starting point for creating your high school resume. However, make sure to customize the template to reflect your own experiences and qualifications.