It’s never too early to start building your resume. A resume can be used for college applications, internships, and volunteer work. Creating a resume may sound intimidating, but it only takes a few simple steps. Start with the basics, and add to the resume as you gain more school and job experience. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Find a resume template.
Websites like Canva.com or even the template gallery on Google Docs have lots of free resume templates and ideas.
Add the basics.
Start with your name, contact information, and education.
Create an “About Me” section.
Write a few sentences that highlight your goals and why you’re applying.
Add work experience.
If you’ve already had a formal job, add your job title, dates of employment, and a short description of what you did. Add informal jobs too! Jobs like babysitting, yard work, cleaning, or painting show you’re committed, responsible, and a hard worker.
List your extracurricular activities.
Make a list of your activities and community involvement. Also include any clubs you joined, especially if you are in a leadership position. Highlight experiences where you show discipline, time management, and commitment.
Customize each resume.
Start by creating a generic resume. Depending on where you’re applying, review the job/internship posting. Customize your resume by first making a list of keywords from the posting. Include those words within each section of your resume.
Keep the resume to one page.
Resumes should be simple, clear, and concise. Since this is your first resume, it shouldn’t exceed one page. If you have extra space, consider adding references to the bottom. Include the person’s name, phone number, or email, and a short sentence about how they know you. References should be adults who know you well and can talk about your strengths and character. A reference shouldn’t be related to you.
Resumes will grow and evolve over time. As you gain more experience, add it to your resume. It won’t be long before you have a solid list of experiences and accomplishments! Good luck!