Teenage Resumes

If you are writing a resume for the first time and are freaking out because you don’t know what to put down let alone what format to use, don’t despair. Research shows that resume get about 20 seconds to make the cut. So format is very important, use one that is easy to read and the most relevant information is the most visible. I mostly use a combination of the chronological and functional formats. Show off some of your computer skills and create your own format as opposed to a generic one found on your computer, that everyone else will have. You can use bullets to increase the readability to highlight relevant skills. Make sure and use a font that is easy to read.  

Start off with your contact information, name, address, phone number and e-mail. You may want to create a free account with a professional sounding address, especially if yours is too cute or inappropriate for a work setting. Stud69 will not impress your new boss and may disqualify you before they ever read the rest of your teenage resume. Next I put a Summary of Qualifications, highlight your most relevant skills here. You will know what is relevant if you spend a bit of time researching similar job posting and take note of the skills they are wanting. I also suggest spending time researching each company you apply for and find there mission statement, sales, goals, check out business journals, and local news paper archives. If they identify team work as a core value document your team skills. If they are opening into a new market document relevant skills that would add value to their goal. That is the key right there, show how you will add value or contribute something they need and you will get an interview. Here are some items to include:

Positive personal characteristics

Technical and computer skills

Coursework relevant to your desired profession

Educational accomplishments (include your GPA if it’s over 3.0)

Skills and experience gained during internships or summer jobs

Other related accomplishments (design awards, recognition, winning competitions etc.)

Work History (include unpaid work if it relates to your target positions)The key is to emphasize those things that demonstrate your value and to leave out those things that don’t. For example, if you are looking to work in Information Systems, your ability to program in C++ will be important – but the fact that you have won awards for water skiing won’t! Don’t include hobbies unless they directly relate to your goal.

Spend some time either at the library or on-line looking at examples and formats and you will soon get an idea of the basic structure. Your school career counselor can help you too, I strongly suggest you have at least 2 professionals proof-read it before you drop it off. Teachers and parents will work.

Don’t forget a cover letter, check out this blog for How to Write An Effective Cover Letter. If you follow these guidelines you will be leaps and bounds ahead of your peers and you will pass the 20 second test.