Never Too Young for a Resume
Posted By Amanda Collins on January 21, 2011
January seems to be the time when high-school seniors wake up and realize, “Holy crap, I need to figure out what I’m doing after graduation!” If they were very with it, they will have already sent out college applications for early decision, but not everyone is that together. That’s why February 1st is often the deadline for admissions and financial aid. And, sometimes, along with that college application, a résumé is required. Rather than just throw something together, this is a great time to start thinking about the components to start building that all-important document.
I’ve had the great privilege of conducting résumé presentations for high-school students at some Phoenix area schools, and the biggest pushbacks I typically hear are that teenagers haven’t yet worked and they don’t have any accomplishments. I beg to differ. I also used to work in college admissions, and I know that, while a well-written résumé likely won’t make or break your application, it certainly can serve to impress. Besides, why not learn how to write it well the first time?
Some things to consider adding to that first résumé:
Volunteer Experience
It’s an old-fashioned notion that a résumé can only include paid experiences. If you title the section “Experience,” it’s open to all kinds of additions. Keep in mind what you’re looking to do and then think back about what you’ve done that fits. For instance, if you’re going to school to be a teacher and you watched your kid brother for the past three years on weekend evenings, that’s great experience! Or perhaps you tutored elementary kids. List your volunteer experience just like a job (don’t mention it was unpaid), along with accomplishments.
Don’t Discount “Irrelevant” Positions
Even if it doesn’t seem relevant, something in the customer-service realm is always helpful moving forward. If you have worked at McDonald’s for two years and your long-term goal is to be a doctor, you might be prone to omit this tidbit. However, McDonald’s has a strong customer-service model, and the fact that you held a job while attending school shows your ability to balance your time.
Mention School Projects
Have you been on the cheerleading squad? A football player? A member of the yearbook crew? All of these roles are important and highlight your ability to be responsible and part of a team—the main things employers seek! If they’re mostly “jobs,” put them in your experience section. Otherwise, they can be mentioned in your education section.
Include Relevant Classes
Many schools offer classes in the area you’ll be studying in college. If you have taken these relevant courses, by all means include them! If you want to go to law school, that debate class can definitely be important.
There are so many ways to write a great high-school résumé, so don’t get frustrated. It’s a chance to practice, and getting yourself on the right path is worth more than anything.