Did you know most recruiters like a one-page resume for college students? This short but strong document is your key to the future. It highlights your special skills, experiences, and potential. Having a standout student resume is crucial in today's job market.

In this guide, we'll show you how to make a resume that makes you stand out. It will help you get into college, scholarships, internships, or full-time jobs.

Key Takeaways

Maintain a professional image by using a professional-looking email address and contact details
Highlight relevant work experience, including internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer positions
Utilize action-oriented verbs to effectively demonstrate your accomplishments
Experiment with font options and sizes to ensure a visually appealing and easy-to-read resume
Organize your resume with clear sections and a separate "Skills" section to showcase your capabilities
Proofread carefully and seek a second opinion to ensure accuracy and professionalism

Heading and Contact Details

Begin your resume with clear, professional contact information. This shows you're credible. Include your full name, phone number, and a polished email address. It should show you're mature and responsible.

Adding links to your professional online profiles is a good idea. This could be your LinkedIn page or an online portfolio. It gives a fuller view of your background.

Name, Phone Number, and Email Address

Don't use casual or funny email addresses. They can make a bad impression. Make sure your voicemail sounds professional too. It should make a good first impression.

Professional Online Profiles

Having a strong professional online presence boosts your resume format and contact information. It shows you're adaptable and serious about your career.

"Approximately 2-3 referees are recommended to be listed on the resume for Australian job applications."

By adding your professional online presence to your resume, you give employers a better view of your skills and experiences. This can help you stand out.

Summary or Objective Statement

As a high school student, your resume summary or objective statement is key. It's a short, 3-4 line section at the top. It grabs the attention of hiring managers or admissions officers by showing your career goals and most relevant skills.

Tailored Career Goals and Relevant Skills

When writing your summary or objective, make it specific to each application. It should match the employer's or institution's needs. Include keywords from the job description or program requirements. Also, highlight the skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit.

Resume objectives mainly show your skills and readiness for the job. They're great for job seekers changing careers, students, recent graduates, or those looking for a different role.
Resume summaries are better for candidates moving to a similar role in a different company. They focus on relevant work experience that meets the job requirements.

Choose the right approach for your situation. Keep your statement short, engaging, and tailored to the opportunity. By focusing on your resume summary, resume objective, and highlighting skills, you'll make a strong first impression. You'll show you're a great fit for the role or program.

Education Section

In the education section of your resume, show off your academic wins and relevant classes. This part lets you share your hard work, success, and skills gained from school.

Academic Achievements and Courses

Start by listing your high school, when you'll graduate, and your GPA if it's over 3.0. This sets a solid base for your education. Also, highlight any special awards or honors that show your drive for excellence.

Don't forget to mention advanced classes like AP or dual enrollment. These are key if they match your future career, showing your brain power and eagerness to learn.

Currently attending Park Hill Secondary College in Year 11
Subjects include Maths, English, Business Management, and VET studies in Sport and Recreation
Expected graduation date: December 2023
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Recipient of the Academic Excellence Award (2021)
Completed AP Calculus and AP Computer Science Principles

By focusing on your academic wins and classes, you show employers or schools you're ready to succeed in your field.

Experience and Extracurricular Activities

As a high school student, you might not have a lot of work experience. But, you can still make your resume shine. By talking about your extracurricular activities and volunteer work, you show off many skills and experiences. This can help you stand out to employers or college admissions.

Being part of clubs or teams shows you're good at teamwork, leadership, and time management. For instance, being on the student council teaches you how to organize and plan events. Playing on a sports team shows you can work well with others and manage your time.

Student council experiences can help develop teamwork skills, leadership skills, organizational ability, event managing skills, and time management.
Joining clubs or societies can improve teamwork skills, time management, communication skills, self-improvement, and creative thinking.
Multicultural organizations can provide interpersonal communication skills, foreign language ability, cultural awareness, solidarity, and organizational skills.

Volunteer work shows you care about making a difference in your community. It also shows you can take the lead and work alone. Whether you've tutored, helped at a food bank, or organized a clean-up, these are great for your resume.

When you list your extracurricular activities and volunteer work on your resume, focus on the skills you've gained. Don't just list the activities. This way, employers and admissions officers will see the value you bring.

Optional Sections for Skills and Interests

When you make your student resume, you can show off your relevant skills, special skills, and hobbies and interests. These parts can give a peek into your diverse talents and what you can offer to a team.

Relevant Skills and Attributes

Point out any technical skills, language skills, or creative talents that fit the job you want. This might be things like coding, data analysis, public speaking, or speaking multiple languages. Showing off your relevant skills shows you're flexible and can add value to the role.

Proficient in Python, SQL, and Tableau for data analysis and visualization
Fluent in English and Spanish, with basic knowledge of Mandarin
Experienced in Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design and content creation

Hobbies and Extracurricular Pursuits

It's okay to list your hobbies and interests. They can show you're well-rounded and ready to fit into a diverse setting. You might include things like joining clubs, volunteering, sports, or creative hobbies. These extracurricular pursuits can highlight your leadership, teamwork, and time management skills, as well as your passions.

Captain of the university's debate team, leading the team to multiple regional competitions
Volunteer tutor at a local elementary school, providing after-school academic support
Avid photographer, with experience in portrait, landscape, and event photography

By focusing on your relevant skills, special skills, hobbies and interests, you can make a standout student resume. It will show off your unique strengths and potential. This can help you stand out in a competitive job market and boost your chances of getting the job you want.

Building a Student Resume

Making a great student resume is key to getting internships, part-time jobs, or your dream job. Start early and plan your resume carefully. List your school wins, clubs, and any work or volunteer jobs you've had.

For a good resume, use a clean layout and bullet points. Make your resume fit each job you apply for by focusing on what matters most. Get help from career advisors or mentors to make sure your resume is perfect before you send it out.

One smart resume tip is to show off your skills, even without a lot of work experience. Talk about your school projects, volunteer work, or leadership roles in clubs. This shows you're ready and capable.

The main goal is to make a resume that shows off your skills and potential. By using resume building tips and resume writing best practices, you can make a standout resume. This will help you stand out and open doors to new opportunities.

References and Recommendations

References are key, even if they're not on your resume. They come from teachers, coaches, and mentors. These endorsements can really help make your application stand out.

In today's job market, it's common not to list references on your resume. Employers can easily find them. Plus, privacy and digital resumes have made it less common to list them upfront.

It's better to have a separate document with your references' info. This keeps your resume short and focused. It also lets you show off the great insights your references can offer.

Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. It shows respect and makes sure they're okay with it. Choose references who can talk about your skills and character. This gives a full picture of what you can do.

By carefully managing your references, you can make your application stronger. It shows you're qualified and professional.

Conclusion

Making a great student resume is a key step to open many doors. It helps you get internships, get into your dream college, or land your first job. A good resume shows off your skills and what you can do.

Resumes are very important. They help you stand out. Over 50% of college students are unsure about making a strong resume. But, those with internships are more likely to get a job after they graduate.

Starting to work on your resume in high school can really help. It can make you more likely to get into your top college choice. It also helps when applying for scholarships.

Spending time on a professional-looking resume is a wise choice. It can lead to many opportunities. By showing your achievements and skills, you become a top candidate. Start making a strong resume today and shape your future.

FAQ

What are the key components of a well-written student resume?

A student resume should have clear contact info and a professional summary. It should also list your education, experience, and any special skills or interests. This makes your resume stand out.

How can I make my contact information stand out?

Use a professional email address and make sure your voicemail sounds good. Adding links to your LinkedIn or online portfolios can also help show your background.

What should I include in my resume summary or objective statement?

As a high school student, this section can outline your career goals. Show the skills most relevant to the job you're applying for. Tailor it for each application to match the employer's needs.

How can I highlight my academic achievements on my resume?

Make sure to list your high school, expected graduation date, and GPA (if it's above 3.0). Include any awards, honors, or advanced courses that show your dedication and success.

What if I have limited traditional work experience?

Include any part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. These show your skills, time management, and commitment to growth.

How can I use optional sections to make my resume more compelling?

Optional sections can highlight unique skills, interests, or attributes. This could be technical skills, language abilities, creative talents, hobbies, or extracurricular activities.

What are some best practices for building an effective student resume?

Start early and keep your resume clean and easy to read. Use action verbs and bullet points. Tailor your resume for each job and get feedback to make it polished and error-free.

How can references and recommendations strengthen my application?

References are not usually on the resume but be ready to provide them. Teachers, coaches, mentors, or other adults can speak to your character, skills, and potential.

Stand Out: Build an Impressive Student Resume