Resume writing is a life skill, but it can be a difficult one to learn. Even experienced workers can struggle with crafting an effective resume, but knowing how to do so is empowering. Young people, particularly teenagers and those just starting to think about the job search, can find it especially hard to put together a resume, but it is certainly possible.
That said, in this post I will share the first of a series of tips on how to write your first resume.
- Start early. It is very stressful when you find a job opportunity or promising volunteer role, but you have no resume. Having to write it when under pressure can make it harder to do. It is best to start gathering the information for the resume long before it has to be submitted. The beginning of a new school year is an ideal time for teenagers to start this task.
Encourage your teenager to start keeping track of any courses they have taken, as well as clubs, special projects, or volunteer work they have participated in, and the relevant dates associated with each. These items make up the bones of a good resume, and if they are noted as they arise, it’s easier to recall the necessary details when it comes time to write the actual resume.
Your teenager can also keep a physical file of achievements, such as certificates, ribbons and school evaluations, all of which might be relevant when it comes to assembling an effective resume.
Stay tuned for more resume tips for the uninitiated in upcoming posts!