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High School Resume – How-To Guide for 2020 (Blog from Novoresume)

Make an Outline:

Make a quick list or outline of all possible experiences, paid and unpaid, to include in your resume before you try to find the right language to describe them. Think of this as a brainstorming step and try to jot down as much down as you can.

Use Action Words :

Use active language when describing your experiences, so you are portrayed in a dynamic way. Start the phrases in your descriptions with action words like organized, led, calculated, taught, served, trained, tutored, wrote, researched, inventoried, created, designed, drafted, and edited.

Keep It Short (But Include All Necessary Information):

Your resume doesn’t need to be any longer than a page. Some sections of the resume—such as contact information and experience—are required. But others, such as an objective or career summary, are optional. You can create a basic resume, then tailor it for each specific use. For example, on college applications, put more emphasis on academics, extracurriculars and community service. For internship and job applications, highlight your experience, community service and include references, pertinent skills and possibly your job objective. That might be, for example, to get experience working with animals or to learn business skills.

Include Resume Skills:

It’s always a good idea to include skills related to the jobs for which you are applying. You probably have many skills that you can include that you acquired in school, sports, youth groups, extra-curricular activities, or volunteering. Remember that a winning high school resume needs to paint a picture of who you are. It should include the following:

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• Your basic information: name, address, phone and email.

• Education: high school name and address, graduation date, class rank, GPA, specific courses.

• Activities: extracurricular in and out of school

• Community service: in and out of school. Make sure you list any leadership roles.

• Work experience: any summer or school-year jobs.

• Accolades: academic and nonacademic awards and honors

Tell a Story:

Connect your experience and skills with the qualifications for the role. For example, if you’re applying for a cashier position, but haven’t yet held a job with that exact title, emphasize your customer service skills, facility with mathematics, work ethic, and ability to work as a team. Read the job description and match your experience with their requirements.

Proofread Your Draft and Print Copies:

Review your draft very carefully before finalizing your document and make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Ask your counselor, parents, or a favorite teacher to critique your resume.

​Resume Building Resources

Writing a Resume

High School Resume Step by Step

High School Resume Examples

Overview of High School Resumes

AVID: Art of the Resume

Sample HS Resume + Action Verbs

Resume Action Verbs

​Job Interview Tips

Be on Time!

• Don’t get there late. 

• Get to your interview about 15 minutes ahead of your appointment to allow time to freshen up

• Check-in between 5-10 minutes ahead of your interview. 

Prior to Your Interview

• Research the company, you want to get a feel for the company culture, mission statement, and the more information about the position you are interviewing for

Appearance

• Be dressed professionally and appropriately for the company you are interviewing with

• Avoid excessive cologne or perfume

Technology

• Turn off your cell phone before you enter the interview or leave it in your car

• Remove Bluetooth phones or earbuds

Always Bring

• A notebook, and pen, use them to take notes and write down the name of your interviewer

• Extra copies of your resume

• A list of potential questions to ask at the end of the interview

During the Interview

• Be prepared to answer basic questions about your qualifications and goals.

• Be prepared to discuss compensation and benefits, but don’t bring it up too soon or dwell on it. 

• Be prepared to discuss how your skills are a match to the position and the company

• Do your best to come across as confident and determined vs desperate, or a know it all. 

• Remember to ask for the job, or tell the interviewer why you want the job.

Behavior

• Make good eye contact without staring and shake hands firmly but do not crush the interviewer’s hand

• Never smoke or chew gum during an interview

• Don’t ask to use the restroom during an interview unless it’s an emergency

• Don’t lie or distort prior work experience and never bad mouth a prior employer or company

• Act mature and professional, sit with good posture, no yawning, nervous laughter, giggling, finger tapping, humming, etc. 

• Don’t use slang terms such as “you know” or “whatever”

Follow Up

• Send a follow-up note/email one or two days after the interview to thank the interviewer for his/her time and reiterate your interest in the job