Crafting the Perfect High School Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a high school resume might seem daunting, but with the right approach and resources, it can be a straightforward and rewarding process. Whether you're applying for a part-time job, an internship, or college, a well-crafted resume can make a significant difference. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a high school resume, complete with actionable steps and free resources to help you along the way.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before you start writing, compile all the relevant information you’ll need:

Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and home address.
Education: List your high school, the expected graduation date, and any relevant coursework or honors.
Work Experience: Note any jobs you’ve held, including babysitting, tutoring, or working at a family business.
Volunteer Work: Include any community service or volunteer work.
Extracurricular Activities: List clubs, sports teams, or other groups you’re involved in.
Skills: Highlight any special skills, such as computer proficiency, language skills, or certifications.
Awards and Honors: Mention any awards or recognitions you’ve received.

Step 2: Choose a Resume Format

Select a resume format that best suits your experience. The most common formats are:

Chronological: Lists your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
Functional: Focuses on your skills and experiences rather than the order in which they occurred.
Combination: Merges elements of both chronological and functional formats.

For high school students, a combination format is often the best choice, as it allows you to highlight your skills while also providing a timeline of your experiences.

Step 3: Use a Template

Using a resume template can help ensure that your resume is well-organized and professional. There are many free resources available for resume templates:

Canva: Offers a variety of customizable resume templates.
Google Docs: Provides free templates that you can easily edit and personalize.
Microsoft Word: Includes built-in templates you can use.
Zety: Features a selection of free resume templates tailored for students.

Step 4: Write Your Resume

Now, it’s time to fill in your template. Here’s a breakdown of what to include in each section:

Contact Information

Place this at the top of your resume. Make sure your email address is professional.

Objective or Summary (Optional)

A brief statement about your career goals and what you aim to achieve. Tailor this to each application.

Education

Include your high school’s name, location, and your expected graduation date.
Mention any relevant coursework, honors, or GPA if it’s strong.

Experience

List your work experiences in reverse chronological order.
Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

Volunteer Work

Similar to the experience section, list your volunteer positions, the organizations, and your contributions.

Extracurricular Activities

Highlight clubs, sports teams, or other groups, including any leadership roles.

Skills

List relevant skills, such as proficiency in specific software, languages, or technical skills.

Awards and Honors

Include any academic, athletic, or community awards you’ve received.

Step 5: Proofread and Edit

Carefully review your resume for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ask a teacher, mentor, or family member to proofread it as well. Make sure the formatting is consistent and that all the information is accurate.

Step 6: Save and Share

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting remains consistent across different devices. When applying for jobs or colleges, you can easily attach this PDF to your applications.

Creating a high school resume doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these steps and utilizing free resources, you can craft a resume that showcases your strengths and sets you on the path to success.