Career Advice - Teen Resume Tips

Tips for Writing the First Time Resume for Teens

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I'm applying for my very first job ever! The only problem is, I need a resume and I've never had to have on before. I don't even know where to start in creating my resume. Do you have any advice for first time resume writers?

Sincerely,

Hire Me Please

April Masini's advice:

Dear Hire Me Please,

It's great to already be thinking of your resume as a teen. It shouldn't be too difficult to get your resume started, and having one will make it easier to add to later when you start getting more work experience. I have some advice to make sure you have the best first time resume possible.

Teen Resume Tips:

*Remember the reason for your resume. It's to communicate who you are to a specific person who may want to hire you for a specific job. Pretend you're meeting someone for the first time, and imagine what you'd like them to know about you. This is what your resume should convey.

*While it's great to have one resume for everyone, the reality is that "one size does not fit all." You should have a "boilerplate" resume and then tweak it for whatever job you're applying for. For instance, if you're applying for a job as a Summer lifeguard, you may want to include your other sports activities or sports job first, and your school career and GPA second. If you're applying for an internship at an office building, you may want to include your academic activity first and your after school jobs second.

*Don't lie. If you don't have a lot on your resume, don't worry. It's much better to tell the truth and let the employer know who they're dealing with than to lie and have the employer hire you and then be disappointed.

*Include a couple of personal references with phone numbers. For instance, if you've babysat for a family for three years, include that family member who employed you as a babysitter. If you have a neighbor who knows you and can vouch for your character and responsibility, include that person.