This past weekend, I worked on writing my resume, which is required to attend Thursday’s FISD Summer Job Fair. However, as soon as I sat down to write it, I realized I wasn’t sure where to start. Should I use color? What information should I include? How should I format it? These were just a few questions that ran through my mind as I stared at the blank Canva document. After several Google searches, I created a resume that truly represented me, and I hope this will also be the case for you.
What should I include in my resume?
A resume provides an overview of your qualifications and often serves as an employer’s first impression. It’s essential to include things that highlight your abilities, such as work experience, skills, languages (with proficiency levels), education, awards, and a description of yourself. For many high schoolers, resume writing can feel daunting, especially when comparing their resumes to others online.
However, it is essential to remember that age plays a significant role. It is unrealistic to expect a high school student to have an extensive history of work experience. My resume includes the following: leadership positions, languages, contact information, education, an “About me” section, and awards. This structure allows me to provide a solid overview of my interests and strengths.
How do I format my resume?
If you’re worried about formatting your resume, you should focus on two things: conciseness and clarity.
Your future employer does not want to read a long, multiple-page document. So, to save your future employer some time, remember to be concise. Instead of making paragraph-long explanations for every small detail in your resume, opt for short bullet points with keywords and ideas. Additionally, treat your resume as a “pre-interview” to encourage yourself to save something for the interview and use your resume as an outline.
Also, remember to be precise. If an employer sees a wordy and complicated resume, they will likely consider other candidates before you. To avoid this, proofread your resume multiple times, get a second opinion, and make your achievements as straightforward as possible (through order and wording).
Should I try to stand out?
Job hunting is like any competition: everyone is trying to stand out. A great way to do this is through your resume. As mentioned, your resume serves as an employer’s first impression of potential employees, so making yours stand out from the rest is essential. While your writing abilities take you far, they only take you so far. Sometimes, adding a pop of color or a creative layout can help you make a positive impression. However, like anything, remember not to overdo it. Overusing color and messy and unconventional formats can sometimes interfere with eligibility and qualifications. To avoid this, consider getting a second opinion, especially from someone who has been through the process and understands what employers are looking for.
I hope my resume-writing guide can help you land your next internship/job opportunity! Happy studying!
