Tips for writing a high school graduate resume

We explore the vital factors to take into account when preparing a high school resume;

Focus on your education 

Education is significant to businesses since it demonstrates the subjects you are passionate about and have learned. Highlight your education as a high school student, mentioning your past and present coursework, grades, and the courses you hope to pursue. Displaying this information can illustrate your commitment and capacity to overcome challenges, particularly if you got outstanding academic grades or finished difficult assignments and projects. Also, describing co-curricular activities in a high school student's resume is beneficial because it exhibits your interests, passion, and effort.

Showcase any experiences

Add any paid or volunteering work you have done while in high school. List all the examples of your professionalism, teamwork skills, and capability to function in a team, whether it was babysitting, mowing lawns, or volunteering. Ensure to mention any management positions you held or noteworthy accomplishments related to this experience. Additionally, it makes a positive impression on managers by showcasing your dedication, dedication, and commitment to the position. You should check the job description for the position you're seeking, and utilize any keywords or prerequisites that correspond to your experiences. For example, your employment section can highlight this if you're applying for a position as an attendant at a movie theater and the job description specifies that you must be able to work both individually and collaboratively.

Specify your accomplishments and honors

Awards and accomplishments convey to organizations that you have a track record of producing noteworthy outcomes and having an impact. Incorporating awards on your CV, whether they're educational or otherwise, can help your job application get noticed.

Present your skills

Because you might not have much expertise related to the position you're seeking as a high school student, your talents can be a wonderful method to highlight your qualifications for the position. Organizations favor applicants with a blend of soft talents that can enable them to thrive in the role and hard abilities that are particular to the job. If you were applying for an apprenticeship as a craftsman, you may list any current abilities that could be useful in the field of woodworking.

Describe your behavior and attitude

You might not have the opportunity to address this elsewhere on your resume if your mindset and productivity are your biggest assets, but companies respect these qualities in candidates. Organizations may be looking for applicants with strong work ethics and efficiency as they don't anticipate you to have much experience as a high school student. 

Write your resume objective

A resume objective is one- or two statements of your professional aspirations and how they relate to the demands of an organization. It is the first thing recruiters will read while reviewing it. High school students must add an objective statement because the employment experience might not match their future objectives. Managers can better understand your motivation for applying for a job and how their job will help you achieve your aspirations by reading your career objective.

Pointers for writing a high school graduate resume

Here are s few pointers to assist you in creating an ideal high school resume;

Make a strategy

If you're unclear about how to start your resume, write a summary or sketch of all the experiences, abilities, and accolades you might mention. By doing this, you can gather the bulk of the details you need to present and then choose the appropriate word to express it. Consider this a creative-thinking exercise, and remember that you can always refer to the list again and include more as you come up with ideas.

Incorporate action words

When explaining the details on your resume, use powerful words because it can give the impression that you are driven and diligent. In the sections of your resume where you utilize lists to discuss your experiences, active voice is highly suitable. Use active verbs to begin your sentences, such as directed, taught, explored, developed, and analyzed.

Keep it brief

Recruiters may be busy and have other job submissions to consider, so it's crucial to keep in mind that they would like to rapidly evaluate you and your accomplishments. As a result, your resume should not exceed one page in length, if it does, this may be a clue that it needs to be shortened. The use of bullet points below every heading makes it possible to display a variety of data in a condensed amount of space and enhances comprehension. Also, make every line as significant and beneficial to the reader as possible. When you compose a sentence, consider whether it is essential to include and will enhance your resume. If not, it may be preferable to omit it.

Convey a story

By linking your experiences and qualifications to the demands of the position, you can establish a rapport with the reader. It can result in a compelling story that gives your resume coherence, makes it understandable, and communicates why you're looking for the job. For instance, if you've never been employed as a barista but are applying for one, emphasize your customer service abilities, work style, and teamwork experience and relate these to the position's requirements.

Proofread 

Your resume needs to be edited and proofread if you want to make a positive impact. Before making any corrections, go over your document again for typos and inaccuracies. When doing this, ensure the resume is logical and every statement contributes to its value. Lastly, you can request honest feedback for your resume from a friend or your career advice counselor.

What should a high school graduate put on a resume

If you just finished high school, your resume might not have lots of job experience, but it can still show off the skills, education, achievements, and activities that matter. Here's a simple guide on what to include;

Contact Info

1. Name
2. Mobile number
3. Email address
4. LinkedIn 

Objective or Summary: A short statement about your career goals or what kind of job you're looking for.

Education

1. High school diploma
2. Graduation date
3. Classes you took or any special achievements
4. GPA (if it's good)

Skills

1. List skills that relate to the job, like computer stuff, languages you know, or any technical skills.
2. Talk about both hard skills (like technical things) and soft skills (like teamwork or problem-solving).

Relevant Experience

1. Talk about any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering you did.
2. Focus on the skills you learned that can be useful in other jobs.

Extracurricular Activities

1. Mention clubs, sports, or groups you were part of in high school.
2. If you had any leadership roles or special achievements, include them.

Achievements and Awards: Share any honors, awards, or recognition you got during high school.

Projects: Highlight projects you worked on, especially if they show skills that relate to the job.

Certifications: List any certificates or courses you completed.

Languages: If you speak more than one language, say so and show how good you are.

References: Just mention that you have references if they're needed. You can give them later if the employer asks.

Formatting Tips

1. Keep it neat and easy to read with a simple font.
2. Try to keep your resume to one page.
3. To make it easier to check, consider bullet points.
4. Change your resume a bit for each job you apply to, so you highlight the most important stuff for that job.

Remember, employers know that high school grads might not have lots of job experience, so focus on showing your potential, excitement, and any skills or experiences that show you can do well at work.

How to make a resume for a high school graduate with no experience

If you’re a high school graduate with no work experience, you can still create an impressive resume that highlights your skills and achievements. Here are some indicators that you can follow;

1. Select the appropriate format for your resume: The best resume structure for recent high school grads without any work experience is a hybrid or functional resume. This resume format places more emphasis on your accomplishments and abilities than your employment experience.
2. Include a strong summary statement: Your summary statement should be a brief paragraph that highlights your skills, achievements, and career goals.
3. Highlight your education: Since you don’t have any work experience, your education section should be the focus of your resume. Include your high school diploma, GPA, and any relevant coursework.
4. List your skills: Make a list of your skills and abilities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This could include things like communication skills, computer skills, or leadership abilities.
5. Include any volunteer work or extracurricular activities: If you’ve done any volunteer work or participated in extracurricular activities, be sure to include them on your resume. This will show potential employers that you’re a well-rounded individual with a variety of skills.
6. Use a professional email address: Make sure your email address is professional and appropriate for a job application. Avoid using email addresses that are too casual or inappropriate.
7. Proofread: Remember you thoroughly modify your resume for typos and grammar mistakes before sending it. You may also want to have someone else review it to catch any mistakes you might have missed.

How do I write a resume for a 16 year old

While it may seem difficult, writing a CV at the age of 16 is possible. 

1. Keep it short and organized: Even if you don't have a lot of experience, list skills related to the job. A well-written resume shows good writing and attention to detail, which employers like.

2. Highlight what you can do: Focus on skills from school and real-life experiences. Be specific and connect them to what the employer needs. Link your activities and volunteering to the job description.

3. Add an objective statement: Especially if you lack experience, a brief statement about your goals and career plans is crucial. Keep it short, like: "Hard-working 12th-grade student with great time management."

4. Keep it simple: Use a clean format with easy-to-read fonts. Bullet points help highlight skills and achievements. Avoid fancy fonts and colors.

5. Check for mistakes: Proofread your resume for spelling and grammar errors. Get someone else to read it too, to catch anything you might have missed.

How do I write a CV for a secondary school graduate

Here are some tips to help you write a CV as a secondary school graduate;

1. Personal Information: Start with your name, address, phone number, and email address. 
2. Objective Statement: Write a brief statement that summarizes your career goals and what you hope to achieve in your next job.
3. Education: List your high school diploma, including the name of the school, the year you graduated, and your GPA if it’s above 3.0.
4. Skills: List any relevant skills you have that would be useful in the job you’re applying for. This could include computer skills, language skills, or any other skills that are relevant to the job.
5. Work Experience: If you have any work experience, list it here. Include the name of the company, your job title, and the dates you worked there. If you don’t have any work experience, you can skip this section.
6. Volunteer Experience: If you have any volunteer experience, list it here. Add the title of the company, your position, and the dates that you contributed.
7. References: You can include a list of references at the end of your CV. Before providing your references' contact details, confirm that you have their authorization.

What does a 17 year old CV look like

If you’re a 17-year-old looking to create a CV, there are a few things you can do to make it stand out. First, you should highlight your education and any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. You can also include any volunteer work or internships you’ve completed, as well as any part-time jobs you’ve held. To get started, you can use one of the many free CV templates available online. These templates are designed specifically for teenagers and can help you create a professional-looking CV in no time. Here are some examples of websites that offer free CV templates and tips for teenagers;

1. Standout-CV: This website offers a comprehensive guide on how to create a CV for teenagers, including three CV examples and tips on structuring and formatting your CV.
2. MyPerfectCV: This website provides a range of CV templates for teenagers, along with helpful tips and answers to common questions.
3. Novoresume: This website features 20 templates that make great teen resumes. To create a teen resume, just select a template.
4. Indeed: This website provides top tips on how to write a resume for a teenager, including advice on being concise and systematic, listing relevant skills, and demonstrating writing skills and attention to detail.

You can also use HipCV, a free online resume builder/maker that allows you to create and track stylish professional resumes in minutes. HipCV provides a range of resume templates that follow the best practices and fit the hiring manager’s resume rules. You can choose from different formats, styles, and sections to create a professional and attractive resume in minutes.

What is a school leaver's personal statement for CV

A school leaver's personal statement is a short part at the beginning of a CV that gives a quick idea about you, your skills, and what job you want. It's like an introduction to your CV and tries to catch the eye of employers. Here's how to do it;

Introduction: Start with a strong sentence that shows something important about you. It could be about how much you like a certain job, a special skill you have, or something good you did.

Educational Background: Say quickly that you finished secondary school and mention any awards or special things you did. Also, talk about classes you took that relate to the job you want.

Skills: List the important skills you learned in school or from other activities. These can be things you're good at or things you know how to do. Make sure these skills fit the job you're applying for.

Career Aspirations: Tell clearly what kind of job you want or what you hope to achieve in your career. Say if you want to work in a certain industry or learn specific skills.

Personal Qualities: Talk about a few things that describe you well and make you good for the job. It could be about how you can adapt to different situations, how determined you are, or how creative and good at talking to people you are.

Relevance to the Role: Connect your personal statement to the job you want. Explain shortly why you're a good fit for that job.

Closing Statement: End with a sentence that says you really want the job and you're excited to help the company or industry.

Remember to keep it short and to the point. Your personal statement should be like one or two paragraphs that show why you're a good choice for the job. Change it a bit for each job you apply to so it fits what they're looking for.

How should a fresh graduate write a CV

Here are some tips to help you write a CV as a fresh graduate;

1. Know your audience: Your CV should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Research the company and the job description to understand what skills and experience the employer is looking for.
2. Make it short: A resume should not exceed more than two pages. Use bullet points to highlight your achievements and keep your sentences short and to the point.
3. Highlight your education: As a fresh graduate, your education is likely to be your strongest selling point. Make sure you include your degree, the name of your university, and your graduation date.
4. Include relevant work experience: Even if you don’t have much work experience, include any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
5. Emphasize your skills: Highlight any skills you have that are relevant to the job, such as communication, teamwork, or problem-solving.
6. Proofread: Make sure you proofread your CV carefully for spelling and grammar errors. 

What makes your resume eye catching

Making a resume that catches the eye of employers is important for leaving a good first impression. Here are a few strategies for making an outstanding CV;

Clean and Professional Design

1. Use a neat and professional layout.
2. Select a readable typeface and maintain formatting consistency.
3. Use bullet lists and simple titles to make it easier to read.

Visual Appeal

1. Use bold or italics strategically to highlight important points.
2. Consider adding a bit of color or using a well-designed template for visual interest.

Customization: Tailor your resume for each job by focusing on the most relevant skills and experiences.

Quantifiable Achievements: When possible, use numbers to show your achievements, like "increased sales by 35%."

Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb, like "accomplished" or "executed."

Summary or Objective: Put a short summary or objective at the beginning to highlight your career goals and what you can offer.

Keywords: Use industry-specific keywords relevant to the job you're applying for, as some companies use tracking systems.

Relevant Sections

1. Showcase your strengths with sections like skills, achievements, and relevant experience.
2. For entry-level jobs, focus on education, skills, projects, and extracurricular activities.

White Space: Use white space wisely to avoid a crowded look, guiding the reader's eyes and making it visually appealing.

Consistency: Keep the same formatting style for headings, bullet points, and dates throughout.

Online Presence: Make sure your social media profiles show you in a positive light.

Unique Qualities

1. Highlight any special skills, experiences, or qualities that make you stand out.
2. Professionally show your personality.

Remember, a standout resume not only looks good but also effectively tells employers why you're valuable. Customize it for each application, focusing on the qualities that make you a great fit for the specific job.

What is a good eye catching summary for a resume

A summary statement is a brief section at the top of your resume that highlights your qualifications for a job. It should be eye-catching and concise, and it should give the hiring manager a clear idea of what you can bring to the table. Here are some tips for writing an effective summary statement;

1. Tailor it to the job: Make sure your summary statement is tailored to the job you’re applying for. Look closely at the job description and take note of the skills and experience the employer is looking for in a candidate. Use these keywords throughout your summary statement to show that you’re a good fit for the position.
2. Highlight your accomplishments: Use your summary statement to highlight your most impressive accomplishments. This is your chance to show the hiring manager what you’ve achieved in your career so far.
3. Keep it concise: Your summary statement should be no more than three to four sentences long. Keep it short and sweet.
4. Use strong action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments. This will help your summary statement stand out and make a strong impression on the hiring manager.
5. Include your personal brand: Use your summary statement to showcase your personal brand. This can include your unique skills, experience, and personality traits that make you stand out from other candidates.

How does a 14 year old resume with no experience

Making a résumé as a 14-year-old without any prior work experience can be difficult. You can still, however, write a polished CV that emphasizes your accomplishments and skills. Here are some recommendations on creating a resume;

1. Be precise: Teenagers who are writing resumes should be methodical and succinct. Even if you don't have much experience to present, you can still include abilities that are pertinent to the position. A well-written CV highlights your attention to detail and writing abilities. These are the two most crucial elements of every work.
2. Add contact details: You probably won't obtain the job if the hiring manager can't get in touch with you. You can make your contact information visible to employers so they can schedule a meeting with you. They frequently appear on resumes as the second entry following your complete name. You can share your location, telephone number, and email address. If giving your address makes you uncomfortable, instead mention your city and state. Create an official email address just for job applications if you don't already have one. Unless specifically requested by the job, there's no need to provide unneeded information, such as your profiles on social media. Additionally, including financial or super information is not necessary. After hiring you, your employer will request these details.
3. Include an objective statement: This is very important if you do not have much experience. It might outline your professional and personal objectives. Keep it brief—no more than two or three sentences—and avoid using too many words to attract the interest of the hiring manager. 
4. List your skills: If you don't have much experience, this is crucial. It might outline your professional and personal objectives. Keep it brief—no more than two or three sentences—and avoid using too many words to attract the attention of your potential hire. For instance, "Determined year 12 student with outstanding time management abilities." Listing your skills is still possible even if you don't have any professional experience. Consider your strengths and your favorite activities. You may list arithmetic proficiency, for instance, as a skill. You can also include your enjoyment of sports if you play them. Be sure to adjust your skill set to the position for which you are applying.
5. Education: Give a brief summary of your education, including the institution you attended, the dates you were enrolled, and any honors or prizes you have won. You can include the anticipated date of your graduation if you're still enrolled in classes. 
6. Provide volunteer work and extracurricular activities: Be sure to highlight any volunteer or extracurricular activity experience you have on your resume. This might demonstrate your sense of accountability, dependability, and effective time management.

Remember that this is your chance to use your resume to create a great first impression. Make sure it is clear, well-written, and highlights your skills and achievements.

What should be avoided in a resume summary

When you write a short summary at the beginning of your resume, it's important to make it short and relevant. Here are some things you should not include in your summary;

1. Things not related to the job: Only talk about things that matter for the job you want. Don't put in experiences or skills that don't match what the job needs.
2. Personal stuff: Don't share personal details like your age, if you're married, your religion, or your political views. These things don't matter for the job and can cause discrimination.
3. Objective statements: Skip saying what your job goals are. Instead, focus on showing off your skills and accomplishments that make you a good fit for the job.
4. Overused phrases: Don't use phrases that everyone else uses, like saying you're a "team player" or "detail-oriented." These are too common and don't make your resume stand out.
5. Mistakes: Check your summary for spelling and grammar mistakes. Errors can make you look like you didn't put in effort and can make you seem unprofessional.