Teenlife Guide to Writing Resumes by TeenLife Media

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME School

What High

Students NEED TO KNOW TO LAND A JOB A PUBLICATION OF TEENLIFE.COM

An effective resume highlights your achievements, accomplishments and contributions at school and in the community. It reflects your skills, interests and background, making you into a three-dimensional person instead of a name on a page. And a strong resume will be completely free of typos or errors – after all, if you can’t get things right on your resume, why would anyone expect you to have excellent attention to detail as an employee?

BUT WHERE DO YOU START?

Right here. Follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll have a resume that reflects the best of you and helps to convince an employer that you’re up to the job.

or years you’ve done mountains of homework, practiced sports seven days a week, attended club and student council meetings, and maybe worked a part-time job. Now it is time to condense all that work, effort and passion into a short but important document: Your first resume for a job or internship.

F 1

THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE

3. Stick with fundamental fonts. There are hundreds of fonts at your disposal and it can be tempting to choose something a little different in an attempt to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Hiring managers, however, generally prefer the basics: Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri or maybe Trebuchet, if you’re feeling really bold. Under no circumstances should you even consider using Comic Sans.

RESUME BASICS

1. Keep it to one page. Years from now, it may be appropriate to have a longer resume. For high school or college students and most young professionals, though, a resume should capture education, experiences, skills and interests concisely. Employers don’t want to read a long and complicated resume for an entry-level job candidate.

Perhaps the biggest mistake novice resumewriters make is to consider their resumes just dry lists of facts that can be written once and then used indefinitely. But the truth is, your resume needs to be tweaked each time you send it out.

2 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

EDUCATION SKILLSEXPERIENCE

4. Use color carefully. You’ll never go wrong with a plain black-and-white resume. There is a little room for creativity with color, however. A simple blue or dark red could be appropriate in a section header or bullet points, for example. But don’t go overboard. Never use more than one color or add color to more than one element.

Your resume will be broken down into separate sections, which will be used to describe aspects of your life and qualifications. Your resume should include sections on:

You could also include sections on Interests and Activities, and Volunteer Experience (or Community Service).

Usually, the Education section will come first, followed by Experience, Skills and then other sections as appropriate. This set-up is just a guideline, however, and there are certainly cases (which we’ll discuss further as we go) in which you might want to put Experience or Skills first.

LOOKING GOOD

2. Think about digital and print. Most of the time your resume will be attached to a email and be read on a computer, but you will occasionally want to print a few hard copies to take to an interview. After you've created your resume, convert it to a PDF for submission. This will preserve your hard-fought formatting and prevent any unintentional changes to the file. Make sure you name your file something appropriate, such as Smith_resume2022, or something that's specific to the employer, such as Smith_resumeTesla18. Make sure it looks as good in print as it did on the screen.

The appearance of your resume will create a strong first impression – you want to make sure it’s a good one. Here’s how:

CUSTOMIZE IT

Education

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

Start with the basics. Your resume should begin with your name, address, telephone number and email address.

RESUME BASICS (cont.)

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

2. Include the degree that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it. Current high school students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2022” (or whatever your month and year of graduation will be).

Jane.Smith@memorialHS.edu89FifthAvenueNatick,MA01760(508)5550001

HERE’S HOW YOURMIGHTHEADERLOOK

1. List your schools in reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school in the last three years, write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer than that, then one school is plenty to list.

Even when there isn’t software involved, tailoring your resume to each application is a good idea. Hiring managers will be pleased to see your experience line up so nicely with their desired qualifications.

question. First, there’s the software. Many businesses – especially larger companies – receive so many applications for each job and internship that they sort through resumes using algorithms that scan for certain keywords they consider essential. The best way to make it through this sorting is to include important words from the job listing in your resume (and cover letter). These keywords will change from position to position.

THE HEADER

If a job listing mentions customer service, emphasize how you interacted with customers when you describe your previous experience. If you have the requested language or computer skills, consider putting your Skills section higher up on the page.

Make sure your email address is professional. An email address like “wildboy99@gmail.com” or “rihannasBFF@me.com” suggests you don’t know what is appropriate in the workplace and will not endear you to potential employers. A straightforward email address that includes your name is best. You can also use your school email address.

EDUCATION

3. Include an Activities subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school beyond the classroom. Sports, clubs and

GETTING STARTED

ExcellentWhy?

HOW

Jane Smith

Brookline, MA High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0 Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

2. Include the degree that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it. Current high school students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or whatever your month and year of graduation will be).

Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

2. Include the degree that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it Current high school students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or whatever your month and year of graduation will be).

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

Jane.Smith@memorialHS.edu89FifthAvenueNatick,MA01760(508)555-0001

4. Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade point average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale – anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example.

of employment.

Brookline, MA

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

Experience

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

4. Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

GETTING STARTED (cont.) 4

3. Include an Activities subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school beyond the classroom. Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

EXPERIENCELOOK

Use the present tense when describing your

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

Current high school students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or whatever your month and year of graduation will be).

Brookline, MA

What if I have no paid job experience?

Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

What if I have no paid job experience?

The basic format goes like this:

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

What if I have no paid job experience?

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

This needn't be a dealbreaker. If you have never had a formal job, you can still use your other experiences to paint a picture of your abilities and qualifications. List volunteer work, roles in student government, extracurricular projects, or leadership positions in clubs and on sports teams. Start with the name of the group you were involved in, the dates of your activities, and the location. Then include bullet points describing your role and the skills you learned or Takeused.time to think about what you want to say. It’s worth doing right.

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

than that, then one school is plenty to list.

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

4 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

Here’s how the complete section might look:

Education

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

EXPERIENCELOOK

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT EXPERIENCELOOK

4. Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade point average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale anything other than a 4.0 list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example.

High School Diploma

Here’s how the complete section might look:

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked even if it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

Here’s how the complete section might look:

In your previous job as a camp counselor you “managed the daily routines of campers.”

The basic format goes like this:

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Education

Experience

Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

Here’s how the complete section might look:

Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

EXPERIENCELOOK

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

Experience

June 2022

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.” In your previous job as a camp counselor you “managed the daily routines of campers.”

Experience

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

Education

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

BrooEDUCATIONklineHighSchool

The basic format goes like this:

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

Experience

4 Jane Smith Jane.Smith@memorialHS.edu89FifthAvenueNatick,MA01760(508)555-0001

The basic format goes like this:

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

GETTING STARTED (cont.) 4

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

2. Include the degree that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it.

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

What if I have no paid job experience?

Jane Smith

EXPERIENCELOOK

Education

(508) 555-0001

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

Brookline, MA High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

Here’s how the complete section might look:

What if I have no paid job experience?

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

The basic format goes like this:

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

5. A great example of bragging a little without lying. And referring to customer surveys confirms that other people share your self-assessment.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

1. Adding the size of the team shows that you were given a wide range of responsibility and makes the position seem somewhat selective.

subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade point average, academic selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale – anything other than a that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.abilitiesevenisnever in learnedsay. The basic format goes like this:

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT EXPERIENCELOOK

ANATOMY OF A JOB DESCRIPTION

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

The Skills section lets you identify the special abilities you can offer, helping potential employers to quickly see if you have the knowledge they are seeking. The Skills section could include:

The basic format goes like this:

selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale – anything other than a that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example.

SANTA’S TREE FARM Laborer Kent, NovemberCT 2020 - Present

1. Adding the size of the team shows that you were given a wide range of responsibility and makes the position seem somewhat selective.

oversee working at the after-school program? How many customers did you help working at the concession stand? How much clothing did you sell working at the boutique?

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

What if I have no paid job experience? This needn't be a dealbreaker. If you have never had a formal job, you can still use your other experiences to paint a picture of your abilities and qualifications. List volunteer work, roles in student government, extracurricular projects, or leadership positions in clubs and on sports teams. Start with the name of the group you were involved in, the dates of your activities, and the location. Then include bullet points describing your role and the skills you learned or Takeused.time to think about what you want to say. It’s worth doing right.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME 4

ɚ Use numbers to quantify your achievements. How many students did you

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

3. The phrases “provide an adequate supply” and “ensure all trees have” call attention to the outcomes of your work, demonstrating that you can be accountable for achieving results.

● Consistently receive positive feedback 5 on customer satisfaction surveys.

Experience

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

● Cut down approximately 200 trees4 per year for customers, accepting payments and safely tying trees to cars.

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME 4

School Brookline, MA June 2019

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Tips and instructions are all well and good, but what does this all look like in practice? The sample Experience section below is annotated to show you how:

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

5. A great example of bragging a little without lying. And referring to customer surveys confirms that other people share your self assessment.

Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

Here’s how the complete section might look: BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

5 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

4. The number “200” quantifies the work you completed.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example 4

Experience

OK, now let’s look at how to make your experience section stand out from the crowd:

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

ɚ Describe your job responsibilities, starting sentences with strong verbs. “Managed,” “developed,” and “executed” are far more compelling statements than “did,” “was” or “had.”

● Languages you can read, write or speak

Brookline, MA

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

Skills

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

In your previous job as a camp counselor you “managed the daily routines of campers.”

4 and year of graduation will be).

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

EXPERIENCELOOK

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

ɚ Brag a little, but don’t lie. This is not the time for modesty. Your competitors will be talking themselves up, so you need to sell yourself as much as possible without veering away from the truth.

recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

● Mow property regularly to ensure all trees have sufficient exposure to sunlight and room to grow.

3. The phrases “provide an adequate supply” and “ensure all trees have” call attention to the outcomes of your work, demonstrating that you can be accountable for achieving results.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

abilitiesevenisnever in learnedsay. The basic format goes like this:

High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

to note any leadership positions in these activities.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

● Work as part of three person team 1 for small family owned business2, plant over 300 trees annually and help to care for them to provide an adequate supply3 of trees each holiday season.

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

ɚ Include accomplishments as well as your job responsibilities. If you were named Employee of the Month or regularly received positive ratings on customer surveys, put that in there.

2. By describing the kind of business, you add context to the entry and help the hiring manager better understand the kind of job you did.

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

2. By describing the kind of business, you add context to the entry and help the hiring manager better understand the kind of job you did.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

ɚ Highlight your soft skills. What are those? They are qualities that employers like to see, but which aren’t concrete tasks. Think communication skills, attention to detail and teamwork.

This most important section of your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even it’s babysitting or dog walking or mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

Here is a sample Interests and Activities section:

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it. students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

ɚ Specific software you know, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programs, photo editing, content management systems, databases and even social media, particularly if you’ve used it for professional or promotional purposes

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

● If you’ve taken a leadership role in an activity captaining volunteers be sure to mention it here.

● Be specific. If you are training for a half marathon, don’t organized a clothing drive for a homeless shelter last year, in community service

This section can also be a tricky one to get just right. Done correctly, picture of you as a well rounded person, and suggest qualities like management, resourcefulness and organization, which might appea however, not to let this section just become a list of things you do out at Here’shome.howto do it right:

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

For each item you include (except licenses and certifications – we’ll get to those in a moment), list the skill itself and your level of ability. For languages, use terms like “native speaker,” “fluent,” or “good command.” To describe computer skills, try “proficient with” or “familiar with.” For licenses and certifications, list the proper name of your qualification and the date you achieved it.

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

abilitiesevenisnever in learnedsay.

● CPR certifications, April 2022

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it

In your previous job as a camp counselor you “managed the daily routines of campers.”

HERE IS WHAT YOUR MIGHTSECTIONSKILLSLOOK

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

Education

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

ɚ Advanced coursework or lab experience in math or science

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

● Proficient with Microsoft Word,

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

Jane Smith

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

The basic format goes like this:

● Excel, and PowerPoint

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

● Conversational in Spanish

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

89 Natick, MA 01760 (508) 555-0001

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

● Unless you are applying for a job in a bookstore, don’t bother adult dystopian novels. As a general rule, skip casual hobbies, or watching sports, unless they are very directly and specifically seeking.

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

ɚ Training in a specialized field like graphic design or accounting

ɚ Public speaking or performance skills

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

ɚ List interests and activities that will tell employers something relevant about your ability to do the job you are applying for.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

6 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

Interests and Activities

As always, sell yourself, but don’t venture into Whereuntruth.to

The basic format goes like this:

In your previous job as a camp counselor you average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

ction, if applicable. An impressive grade point average, academic

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

The basic format goes like this:

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

(cont.) 4

SKILLS

GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale – anything other than a that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example.

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

Volunteer work, involvement in community organizations, independent studies of topics

What if I have no paid job experience? This needn't be a dealbreaker. If you have never had a formal job, you can still use your other

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.abilitiesevenisnever in The basic format goes like this:

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

Jane.Smith@memorialHS.edu89FifthAvenueNatick,MA01760(508)555-0001

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

This section can also be a tricky one to get just right. Done correctly, this section can provide a picture of you as a well-rounded person, and suggest qualities like leadership, initiative, time management, resourcefulness and organization, which might appeal to an employer. It’s important, however, not to let this section just become a list of things you do with your free time when hanging out at home.

abilitiesevenisnever in

● American Red Cross First Aid and

SKILLS

place the Skills section is a bit of a judgment call. If your skills are less impressive or not particularly relevant to the position, put them below your Experience section. If your skills are very strong, or they are more impressive than your experience, you could list them between your Education and Experience sections.

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

ɚ Coding languages and experience, including HTML, Java, Python and app development

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

(cont.) 4

ɚ Languages you can read, write or speak

The Skills section lets you identify the special abilities you can offer, helping potential employers to quickly see if you have the knowledge they are seeking. The Skills section could include:

The basic format goes like this:

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

Here’s how to do it right:

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

Here’s how the complete section might look:

The basic format goes like this:

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT EXPERIENCELOOK

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0,

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it. students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

Experience

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

(cont.) 4

● List interests and activities that will tell employers something do the job you are applying for. Volunteer work, involvement independent studies of topics that interest you, and individual items to include.

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

● Familiar with HTML and JavaScript

reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

(cont.) 4

INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.abilitiesevenisnever in learned

ɚ Licenses and certifications, such as First Aid, CPR and ServSafe

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

for example 4

INTERESTS and ACTIVITIES

usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

● Approach controversial topics with care. If you volunteer for an activist website, employers who disagree with your hiring you, so weigh the benefits and risks of listing such Does volunteer work go here or in the Experience section?

Basically, it depends. If your volunteer experience has been regular shifts at the hospital, tutoring three afternoons a week then it makes Experience. If your volunteer work has been more about pitching dinner at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving, one weekend of building then it likely belongs under Activities

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.abilitiesevenisnever in learnedsay.

usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

Brookline, MA High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Fifth Avenue

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale

reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example 4 students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

● Be specific. If you are training for a half marathon, don’t just say you like running. If you organized a clothing drive for a homeless shelter last year, don’t merely mention an interest in community service

The basic format goes like this:

(cont.) 4

ɚ Be specific. If you are training for a halfmarathon, don’t just say you like running. If you organized a clothing drive for a homeless shelter last year, don’t merely mention an interest in community service.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

that interest you, and individual athletic pursuits are all good items to include.

Brookline, MA

High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

In your previous job as a camp counselor you “managed the daily routines of campers.”

● Volunteer work, including Habitat for Humanity build, Sept. 2021, and handing out Christmas gifts at Memorial Hospital, Dec. 2020

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

abilitiesevenisnever in

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example 4

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

Does volunteer work go here or in the Experience section?

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.abilitiesevenisnever in learnedsay.

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it. students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

Basically, it depends. If your volunteer experience has been regular and ongoing – twice monthly shifts at the hospital, tutoring three afternoons a week – then it makes sense to include it under Experience. If your volunteer work has been more about pitching in at one time events – serving dinner at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving, one weekend of building a Habitat for Humanity house then it likely belongs under Activities.

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

In your previous job as a camp counselor you “managed the daily routines of campers.”

reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

● Unless you are applying for a job in a bookstore, don’t bother mentioning your love of young adult dystopian novels. As a general rule, skip casual hobbies, video games, pets, shopping, or watching sports, unless they are very directly and specifically related to the job you are seeking.

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

4. Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

Here’s how the complete section might look:

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

EXPERIENCELOOK

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

● Training for 10K race, July 2022

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

Basically, it depends. If your volunteer experience has been regular and ongoing –twice-monthly shifts at the hospital, tutoring three afternoons a week – then it makes sense to include it under Experience. If your volunteer work has been more about pitching in at onetime events – serving dinner at a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving, one weekend of building a Habitat for Humanity house –then it likely belongs under Activities.

(cont.)

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

● If you’ve taken a leadership role in an activity – captaining your dance team, managing other volunteers – be sure to mention it here.

ɚ Unless you are applying for a job in a bookstore, don’t bother mentioning your love of young adult dystopian novels. As a general rule, skip casual hobbies, video games, pets, shopping or watching sports, unless they are very directly and specifically related to the job you are seeking.

Here is a sample Interests and Activities section:

This section can also be a tricky one to get just right. Done correctly, this section can provide a picture of you as a well rounded person, and suggest qualities like leadership, initiative, time management, resourcefulness and organization, which might appeal to an employer. It’s important, however, not to let this section just become a list of things you do with your free time when hanging out at Here’shome.howto do it right:

The basic format goes like this:

ɚ Approach controversial topics with care. If you volunteer for a political organization or blog for an activist website, employers who disagree with your point of view may shy away from hiring you, so weigh the benefits and risks of listing such activities carefully.

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

● List interests and activities that will tell employers something relevant about your ability to do the job you are applying for. Volunteer work, involvement in community organizations, independent studies of topics that interest you, and individual athletic pursuits are all good items to include

● Member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church Youth Group

● Studying artificial intelligence through online courses

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

WRITE

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Experience

Does volunteer work go here or in the Experience section?

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

● Approach controversial topics with care. If you volunteer for a political organization or blog for an activist website, employers who disagree with your point of view may shy away from hiring you, so weigh the benefits and risks of listing such activities carefully.

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

abilitiesevenisnever in learnedsay.

The basic format goes like this:

reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

INTERESTS and ACTIVITIES

ɚ If you’ve taken a leadership role in an activity – captaining your dance team, managing other volunteers – be sure to mention it here.

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.” your

previous job as a camp counselor you

HERE IS A ACTIVITIESINTERESTSSAMPLEANDSECTION

7 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

RESUME

The basic format goes like this:

HOW TO YOUR

of a good reference page is included at the end, following two sample resumes.

reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

Here’s how the complete section might look:

HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

Here’s how the complete section might look:

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

ɚ Skip the pronouns. Say “Prepared meals for customers” instead of “I prepared meals for customers.” That’s just how resumes are done.

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Experience

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

Jane.Smith@memorialHS.edu89FifthAvenueNatick,MA01760(508)555-0001

Education

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT EXPERIENCELOOK

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment

ɚ At least one professional or work reference: If you’ve previously had a paying job, this should be a direct supervisor who can speak to your professionalism and abilities. That could even include the neighbor who paid you to walk his dog everyday. Otherwise, look for people who oversaw you in volunteer work or a leadership position.

evenisnever in

REFERENCES

These points have come up already, but they are so essential they are worth mentioning more than once:

ɚ One character reference: A coach, religious leader or family friend who has known you for many years.

NOTE: Many job-hunting gurus suggest including the phrase “References available upon request” at the bottom of your resume. Don’t. It takes up room and is unnecessary: Hiring managers already assume you will provide references when asked. At best, it is an overused phrase. At worst, it sounds like you’re being a little patronizing to people you want to impress.

usuallyJane.Smith@memorialHS.edu89FifthAvenueNatick,MA01760(508)555-0001listtheEducationsectionfirst.

The basic format goes like this:

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

The basic format goes like this:

ɚ At least one school reference: Teachers or administrators who can describe your work ethic, relations with others, and ability to learn new skills.

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

ɚ Don’t lie.

Use the present tense when describing your volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

References are an essential part of the hiring process. Your references can give your potential employer a more complete picture of you and confirm your assessment of your strengths and skills.

You should always take a few copies of your reference page to an interview, so you can give one to the interviewer, if asked. A sample

4. Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

The basic format goes like this:

GETTING STARTED (cont.) Smith

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.evenisnever in learnedsay.

“managed the daily routines of campers.”

Follow these guidelines: reverse chronological order. If you’ve attended more than one school write the current one first. If you’ve attended one school for longer school is plenty to list.

EXPERIENCELOOK

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

Experience

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

and year of graduation be).

Here’s how the complete section might look:

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

Experience

Brookline, MA

EXPERIENCELOOK

Proofread, proofread, proofread. Then have someone else proofread. Then another person. Avoid stupid mistakes of spelling, grammar and fact at all cost. Running spellcheck is not enough! Start early and take your time. There is no exact formula for a perfect resume, but these suggestions are based on experience, employer recommendations and research. Learn to craft a compelling resume now, and you will find this skill helpful throughout your life.

Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

your resume is the place to list where you have worked – even if it’s mowing grass – and to list your accomplishments and achievements.evenisnever in learned

Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

Brookline, MA

Always contact your references first to ask their permission to be used as a reference. It’s polite and lets your contact prepare something to say.

The basic format goes like this:

Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

counselor

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

(cont.) 4

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

4. Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

4 Jane

PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

The basic format goes like this:

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

ɚ Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

4 Jane Smith Jane.Smith@memorialHS.edu89FifthAvenueNatick,MA01760(508)555-0001

EXPERIENCELOOK

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

8 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs. In your current job at Starbucks you “fulfill more than 100 customer orders each shift.”

Honors: National Honor Society Activities: Orchestra, Student Government Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Soccer (co captain), Junior Prom Committee

The basic format goes like this:

usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

In your previous job as a camp counselor you “managed the daily routines of campers.” volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

4. Include an Honors subsection, if applicable. An impressive grade-point

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example

Brookline, MA

As part of the resume process, create a reference page using the same heading as on your resume. List at least three references (ideally, you’ll have around five), including the name, title, company or organization, address, telephone number and email. Your references should include:

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

(cont.)

If you are still a student, you usually list the Education section first. Follow these guidelines:

ɚ For each position, include the company or organization’s name, the city and state it is located in, your job title and dates of employment.

The basic format goes like this:

Jobs/experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position and moving backwards.

section might look: School Brookline, MA June 2019

that you eventually will get as well as when you expect to get it. students can simply write “High school diploma” and “June 2019” (or and year of graduation will be).

Experience

GETTING STARTED (cont.)

average, academic prizes, participation in selective classes or competitions, or other recognition should be mentioned here. If your GPA is calculated on an unconventional scale –anything other than a 4.0 – list it in a way that reflects your school’s grading system: 5.2/6.0, for example 4

Honor3.6/4.0SocietyStudentGovernment Association (Class Vice President), Junior Varsity Junior Prom Committee

BrooklineEDUCATIONHighSchool

ɚ Each entry should include a list or short paragraph describing your duties and activities in the position.

High School Diploma June 2019 Grade Point Average: 3.6/4.0

ɚ Use the present tense when describing your current job and past tense for all other jobs.

Here’s how the complete section might look:

subsection. Employers will be interested in what you do at school Sports, clubs and volunteer activities say a great deal about your Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Education

HERE’S HOW THE COMPLETE SECTION MIGHT

volunteer activities say a great deal about your character and interests. Make sure to note any leadership positions in these activities.

Education

The electronic file is a PDF and maintains the formatting you want.

RESUME CHECKLIST

The resume includes all the major components.

Your resume is one page in length.

The format is easily readable.

There are no personal pronouns (I/me).

Job titles are listed for each job description.

Telephone number(s) and email addresses are correct.

The format is neat and attractive to the eye.

9 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

Dates and locations are included for each work/volunteer experience, and they are written in the same format each time.

In job descriptions, use strong verbs like "managed" or "created" instead of "responsibilities included" or "duties consisted of."

Verbs are action verbs – handled, earned, mastered, managed, served – rather than weak ones – did, got, was, had.

Your resume has been carefully checked for spelling and punctuation errors.

Job descriptions are grammatically correct.

Freshman Class President

● Contribute to social media promotions by taking photographs of new garments and accessories for posting on Instagram and Facebook.

● Listened to student needs and issues; presented appropriate requests in a schoolwide forum.

Tutor

● Receive extensive yearly literacy education training.

High School Diploma

Cool Threads Boutique Sales Associate Cambridge, MA June 2020-Present

● Work one on one with first grade students to improve reading and retention.

● Elected from field of five competitors to represent 345 freshmen during student government meetings and activities.

SAMPLE RESUMES

Computer:SKILLS

● Assisted Lead Counselor with curriculum development and monitoring safety.

SomervilleEDUCATIONHighSchool

Jessica Smith

Somerville High School

Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; familiar with social media analytics.

Competitive ballet, teaching, working with children.

Camp Sunshine Camp Counselor Cambridge, MA July 2020 and August 2020

Somerville, MA 2018-19

● Organize clothing inventory by folding garments, hanging items and maintaining all visual displays according to company codes.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Somerville Elementary School

10 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME

VOLUNTEER & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Languages: Fluent in both oral and written Spanish.

INTERESTS

Somerville, MA Sept. 2020 - Present

Somerville, MA June 2022 Activities: Intramural basketball, Glee Club, yearbook committee

● Serve as fitting room attendant showing clients to rooms, finding appropriate sizes and styles for customers, and monitoring item count to reduce theft.

123 Street Somerville, MA 01234 617 555 jessica@student.com4567

● Supervised 20 elementary school students during sports, arts and educational activities.

11 HOW TO WRITE YOUR RESUME13

EDUCATIONBostonLatinAcademy

Conversational French American Red Cross First Aid and CPR, November 2020; PADI Scuba Diving, July 2020

Certifications:Languages:Computer:

Activities: Yearbook committee (editor), varsity baseball, varsity soccer, debate club, Amnesty International Club

June 2022

Boston, MA

● Member of community photography club

Honors: National Honor Society; Most Valuable Player, varsity baseball, 2017; Most-Improved soccer player, 2017

INTERESTS and ACTIVITIES

John Adeyemi

High School Diploma

● Annual wilderness backpacking trips

SKILLS

SAMPLE RESUMES

COMMUNITY SERVICE

123 Washington Street Boston, MA johnadeyemi@student.com01234617-555-0000

● Home cooking and recipe development

Microsoft Word (proficient), Microsoft PowerPoint (proficient), Adobe Photoshop (familiar), Adobe Acrobat (familiar), and HTML (familiar)

Nigerian Youth Organization Dorchester, MA Volunteer Sept. 2019-Present Organize annual cookouts that serve as member celebration and recruitment events as well as an organization fundraiser. Facilitate meetings and workshops to educate public about Nigerian culture.

Boys & Girls Club Boston, MA Keystone Leader May 2020-Present Work with youth ages 8 to 12 to develop self-confidence and awareness through organized projects and simple conversation. Serve as a mentor to demonstrate healthy and safe decisionmaking. Participate in extensive leadership training.

Email: okakinwumi@nyoboston.org

E mail: Olawunmisusanbacherly@bls.orgK.Akinwumi(Youth

78 Avenue Louis Pasteur Boston, MA 02115

REFERENCES

Nigerian Youth Organization of Boston, Inc. P.O. Box 191039 Boston, MA 02119

Phone: 617 555 8895

Phone: 617 555 1200 Email: mjgrusemeyer@gmail.com

Joseph Groverman (Former teacher at Boston Latin School) Boston Latin School

Director of Nigerian Youth Organization, MA)

Phone: 617 555 2603

Susan Basherly (Current teacher at Boston Latin School) Boston Latin School

Mary Jane Grusemeyer (Current supervisor at Boys & Girls Club) 111 East Miller Street Boston, MA 00111

BY SCOTT BOYNTON AND SARAH SHEMKUS

123 Washington Street Boston, MA johnadeyemi@student.com012346175660000

78 Avenue Louis Pasteur Boston, MA 02115

Phone: 617 555 8895

John Adeyemi

References

E mail: jagroverman@bls.org