What to Write on Your High School Resume

Creating a standout high school resume can be a game-changer when applying for colleges, jobs, or internships. But where do you start? The key is to focus on what you have accomplished and how you can present it in the most impressive way. Let's break it down:

1. Start with Contact Information: At the top of your resume, include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Make sure your email is professional, ideally a combination of your first and last name.

2. Craft a Strong Objective Statement: Your objective should be brief but impactful, showcasing your career goals and what you bring to the table. For example, "Dedicated high school student seeking to leverage my strong academic record and leadership skills in a summer internship."

3. Highlight Your Education: List your high school, expected graduation date, and GPA if it is impressive. Include relevant coursework, honors, and awards. If you've taken advanced classes or participated in special programs, this is the place to mention them.

4. Showcase Your Experience: Include any jobs, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on what you did and how it made an impact. For example:

   • Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter: Assisted with animal care and adoption events, increasing adoption rates by 15%.
   • President of the Debate Club: Organized weekly meetings and led the team to win the state championship.

5. Detail Your Skills: Include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills could be proficiency in specific software or languages, while soft skills might include communication or teamwork. Be honest and relevant.

6. Add Extracurricular Activities and Achievements: Highlight any leadership roles, sports, clubs, or special projects. This shows that you’re well-rounded and engaged in your community.

7. Include Any Certifications or Special Training: If you’ve completed any relevant courses or certifications, make sure to list them. This could include anything from CPR certification to a coding bootcamp.

8. Use Action Verbs: Words like “managed,” “developed,” “led,” and “created” help make your achievements stand out. Action verbs are dynamic and show initiative.

9. Keep it Concise: Your high school resume should ideally be one page. Focus on the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary details.

10. Proofread and Edit: Finally, make sure your resume is free from grammatical errors and typos. Consider having a teacher, mentor, or family member review it before submission.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences, setting you up for success in your future endeavors.