Student Introduction to the Resume

A resume is a summary about you. It is an important tool for you to use in searching for jobs and getting interviews. It helps you and employers to identify your strengths, experience, skills and aptitudes. Although not always required, an employer is always impressed with a well-organized resume.

There are many different resume formats, however, they should all contain the following essential information: objective, qualifications, education, experience, and references. If you have the space, you should include information about your awards, honors, and/or activities. The format you choose will depend on the kind of job or position you seek. It is useful to have a resume that matches the skills and experience of the type of position for which you are applying. It is possible to have two or three different resumes written at the same time, highlighting the specific skills necessary for particular jobs. Your basic resume will be updated and revised many times during high school and throughout your life. Any time you would like a change or have completed further education or experience, it is wise to update your resume. As you revise your resume, you should also update your list of references and letters of recommendation or reference.

There are three sample resumes included in the following pages. Refer to your Brag Sheet and Work Experience Cards to match your experience with the sample resumes and fill in your appropriate information. A resume is the first impression that you give a supervisor of the quality of your work. It is crucial to use correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and information. It is also essential to be honest!

Be sure that resumes are typed neatly in a traditional, clear, size 12 or 14 font. Check with the people you plan to use as references before listing them on a resume. There are many books and software programs with resume templates; use them to get ideas. Remember to list your most recent jobs and education first. Follow up with the next most recent experience. Do not list more than your three most recent jobs that relate to the position for which you are applying. Most resumes should be limited to one page, so be as specific and concise as possible. As you update your resume, you will need to become more selective, and delete outdated information. A resume is a lifelong tool.