
Definition
A resume is a tool that helps someone convey a snapshot of his or her qualifications.
Resumes are not a laundry list of tasks your student has completed. A resume is not a vehicle for explaining the experiences your student wants to gain.
Purpose #1
It’s a slight nuance but an important one: resumes get interviews. Interviews get jobs (or, in your student’s case, scholarships or other opportunities). In other words, a candidate writes a resume with a screening committee in mind.
Purpose #2
The secondary purpose of a resume, but I would argue much more critical at this stage in their lives, is to help students develop a glimpse of how others see them.

Consistently, one of the most impactful assignments I give students in a class or counseling scenario is to bring me their resume for critique. They consistently rank this as their favorite part of a class or conversation because it is probably the most detailed way to “take stock” of where they are. Here are some ways developing or updating a high school resume can pay off:
1. Excellent source of motivation!
Students quickly become aware of the deficiencies and shortcomings they have in relation to their goals and can start developing more tangible plans.
2. Reality Check
Many students hold unrealistic expectations regarding their ability to contribute to an organization or field at a certain level or the timeframe for achieving a promotion or title. Comparing their resumes with those of professionals with actual experience helps provide a realistic perspective.
3. Comparative Analysis Tool
Students who apply for a job, academic program, leadership position, or scholarship will be evaluated against other candidates. Daily, we don't naturally think like hiring or selection committees. Reflecting on their current resume helps students adopt this evaluative mindset.
Our Guide
When crafting a standout resume as a high school student, you deserve guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals. With so much outdated and generic advice, seeking resources that truly understand your situation is crucial.
Choosing the right tools and information designed specifically for high school students can set yourself apart and make a strong impression on potential employers or college admissions officers. Don't settle for one-size-fits-all tips – invest in resources that will help you shine!
Helpful Tips
1. Inform your students that resumes should be regularly updated and revised a few times each year throughout their careers.
2. Resumes will be essential for job applications, securing funding for business ventures, and annual performance evaluations in the future.
3. Stress to your students that crafting a resume is not a task to be rushed. They should initiate and refine the process over a few weeks to create the optimal version.
4. Set an example by sharing your resume with them! Many students reach the stage of applying for full-time positions without seeing resumes from influential individuals.
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