Resume Writing

Don't get too fancy. 

Do a search on "High School Student Resume Examples" to find a format that fits you. You are not writing for graduate school admission. Target your audience by asking yourself who you are writing this for. Are you trying to get a job in the fast food business or are you writing for a scholarship committee? 

Secondly, what are your strengths? Do you have work experience? Do you have interests that give you transferable skills that could apply somewhere else? Do you have leadership experience or do you belong to any organizations in or out of school? The answers to these questions help you focus on the type of resume that would work best for you.

Finally, what is your goal, your objective, where are you going and how does the resume or position you are applying for carry you in this direction?

Remember: the resume will probably start and guide the interview you are hoping to get. Keep that in mind by including information about the topics you would like to talk about in the interview.

Leadership and teamwork. People want to know how you work with others. Have you ever lead a group project? Have you solved group interaction issues? What do you bring to a team dynamic that makes the team more productive?
Technology is BIG.


Technology is exploding and pervasive in the work world. 


Keyboarding, and knowledge of the basic office programs is foundational. You want to distinguish yourself by including  your more advanced technical skill set. The next level might be video editing, Publisher programs, presentation software, photo editing programs, cad software or scheduling software. Collaborating with Google Docs is a plus.


What can you do that integrates technology?  Can you integrate different assets: graphics, pictures, text to create a presentation people want to view?  Can you create a poster, a podcast, or a video? Can you edit photos and video in your phone? 


Increasingly productivity is about combining technical skills to get things done. Highlight technical coursework you have taken. Look for the technology component in work and volunteer positions. And don't overlook your experience with apps of all kinds.
Top 10 Resume Mistakes (taken from Boston.com)

First, Make it about them....not about you. Research their needs and connect your skills to meeting their needs. 
Second, don't waste their time. Your resume should (in 20 seconds or less) show how you'll make or save money, generate new business, resurrect and retain existing clients or customers, expand and build relationships, and just make their world a safer and more pleasant place.
Third, your writing needs focus and direction.
Fourth, You have to answer the fundamental employer question,"What can you do for me?" Fail to do that and you fail the process.
Fifth, Your story has to be coherent. A disjointed work history that lacks progression in job role or responsibility, or one that exhibits a lack of emotional stability or adaptability, will unravel your chances of capturing an employer's interest.
Sixth, You need content. It's not about what you've done. It's about what you've achieved.
Seventh, Make it readable.  Simplify industry jargon and acronyms so that anyone can understand your resume. Isolate accomplishments from job duties and focus on transferable skills that are universal to any industry.
Eighth, be current with content and format.  Build instant credibility with a web portfolio that loads fast, is visually professional, and contains well-written sections showcasing your accomplishments, mission statement, core values, career progression, and leadership aptitude.
Ninth, Don't Lie.  There's never a good reason to lie on your resume; not a full lie, a white lie, misrepresentation of information, or padding to enhance marketing spin.
Ten, adapt your resume to fit your audience. Prove you're in step with reality by ditching the old-school, one-size-fits-all resume. Match the medium or venue with the target audience. Make your resume a marketing piece that sells your long-term value.