Resume Writing for High School Students

What is a Resume?

What is a resume? A resume is a summary of your skills, education, goals, and experience. A resume tells future employers what you want them to know about you and why you would be a good fit for their open position. A resume is designed to get you an interview. Your resume will change as you gain more experience and education.

Why would a person need a resume? To apply for a job To apply for a scholarship To apply to go back to school

Parts of a Resume

All of your information should fit on one page Resume Basics Resumes can come in many different styles. You can be creative with fonts and design, but try to keep your resume uncluttered. Fonts: Limit your use to two CLEAR fonts. Instead of adding a new font, use bold and all-caps to show the order of information. Design: The format of your resume should have a balance of text to white space. Use creative spacing to achieve this balance. All of your information should fit on one page

Part 1: Your Contact Information You must include: Your name (bolded) Address Phone number (if you only text, write this!) PROFESSIONAL email

(this information should be typed into the header) Part 1: Your Contact Information Kristin M. Johnson 630 East Chestnut Hill Road Newark, DE 19713 (302) 454-2301 Kristin.johnson@christina.k12.de.us (this information should be typed into the header)

Part 2: Your Objective An objective is a short statement that tells a business how you will help them achieve their goals. The objective statement varies depending on the jobs you are applying for. You must include: To obtain a position ___ in order to ___.

Part 2: Your Objective Examples: If you are applying to work for a construction company: Objective: To obtain a position in the field of construction in order to utilize my knowledge of building structures. If you are applying to be a dishwasher: Objective: To obtain a position as a dishwasher in order to utilize my great work ethic and organizational skills.

Part 3: Education Always start with your most recent education information. You must include: Name of the institution (school) The location of the institution (city and state) Dates attended (if you are still attending, you can say ___-present) Degree or certification earned (if any) Field of study (if applicable) Grade point average (GPA) Were you involved with athletics? Clubs? After school activities?

Part 3: Education Education Delaware School for the Deaf 2013 – present Newark, DE Cumulative GPA: 3.5 Athletics: Varsity soccer and varsity basketball Clubs: Newspaper club or… Paul M. Hodgson Vocational Technical High School 2015 – present Culinary Arts Cumulative GPA: 3.8 Clubs: Baking club

(If you do not have any job experience, skip this part!) Part 4: Job Experience Always start with your most recent job experience information. You must include: Employer’s name or business name The location of the employer/business Dates of employment (if you are still working, you can say ___-present) Your job title Job responsibilities (listed in bullet form) (If you do not have any job experience, skip this part!)

Part 4: Job Experience Job Experience The Cheesecake Factory 2008 – 2009 Newark, DE Dishwasher Used an industrial grade dishwasher to clean dirty dishes Moved dried dishes and utensils to their storage locations Scrubbed floors and equipment to safety standards

Part 5: Volunteer Experience Always start with your most recent volunteer experience information. You must include: Name of business or organization The location of the business Your job title Job responsibilities (listed in bullet form)

Part 5: Volunteer Experience Wilmington Cares 2003 Wilmington, DE Volunteer Helped to cleanup schools in Wilmington by painting walls, scrubbing floors, and fixing windows Showed commitment by being on time and dedicated

Part 6: Honors and Awards This is your opportunity to show off! Consider any and all applicable awards such as: Honor roll District/state writing awards Awards from your mainstream programs Athletic awards Volunteer awards Scholarships

Part 6: Honors and Awards High school science fair, 2015 Varsity basketball MVP, 2014

Part 7: References You need THREE Be sure to ASK the person before you use him/her as a reference! You must include: Person’s name Person’s position/job title Person’s employer (how do you know this person?) Person’s email address Person’s phone number

Part 6: Honors and Awards References Katy O’Brien Mackie School Psychologist Delaware School for the Deaf kathryn.obrienmackie@christina.k12.de.us (302) 454-2301 Kristin Johnson High School English Teacher kristin.johnson@christina.k12.de.us