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Include action verbs in your high school resume
Rather than just claiming you have a skill, feature examples of how you’ve used that skill, using action verbs to describe specific experiences where you used or acquired it. The result? A more effective resume.
You’ll mostly use action verbs in your “Summary of Qualifications,” “Professional Skills” and “Work History” sections. For example, note this high school resume example. The highlighted words are action verbs that mark you as a proactive, energetic job applicant and strengthen each statement. As you can see, first-person pronouns (like “I,” “me” or “my”) are omitted.
Action verbs for a high school resume template
- COMMUNICATING
- Addressed
- Arranged
- Corresponded
- Developed
- Directed
- Drafted
- Edited
- Enlisted
- Influenced
- Interpreted
- Participated
- Persuaded
- Presented
- Promoted
- Proposed
- Related
- Sold
- Spoke
- Translated
- Wrote
- CREATING
- Acted
- Conceived
- Conceptualized
- Created
- Customized
- Designed
- Developed
- Established
- Fashioned
- Illustrated
- Improved
- Initiated
- Originated
- Performed
- Planned
- Redesigned
- Reshaped
- Revitalized
- HELPING
- Assisted
- Clarified
- Coached
- Counseled
- Demonstrated
- Educated
- Guided
- Motivated
- Referred
- Supported
- Tutored
- MANAGING
- Accomplished
- Analyzed
- Attained
- Conducted
- Consolidated
- Contacted
- Coordinated
- Developed
- Directed
- Established
- Evaluated
- Exceeded
- Improved
- Initiated
- Organized
- Oversaw
- Planned
- Produced
- Scheduled
- RESEARCHING
- Collected
- Consulted
- Evaluated
- Examined
- Experimented
- Identified
- Inspected
- Investigated
- Obtained
- Reviewed
- Searched
- Summarized
- Surveyed
- TECHNICAL
- Assembled
- Built
- Calculated
- Computed
- Configured
- Determined
- Edited
- Enhanced
- Installed
- Maintained
- Operated
- Programmed
- Remodeled
- Solved
- Trained
- Upgraded
7 tips to perfect your high school resume
The job posting is your outline.
Employers will spell out what they’re looking for in a candidate and the requirements needed to get hired in the job description. Read it well and you’ll find exactly what you need to include in your high school resume, such as the top skills they want the candidate to have.
Make a list of your skills and abilities.
Before writing your high school resume, list all the skills you possess and divide them into three categories: hard skills, soft skills and technical skills.
- A hard skill is a tangible ability you learn through formal education and training or on the job and is job-specific. For example: sales, design, writing, social media marketing, language, presentation or project management.
- A soft skill is an intangible ability and personal attribute that shows how you approach a task. For example: attention to detail, problem-solving, self-motivation, time management and communication.
- A technical skill is an ability or knowledge needed to perform a job. For example: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom), Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, Java or HTML5.
For more skill suggestions and tips, check out our Top Resume Skills for 2023.
Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for.
No two jobs are the same. Adjust your resume for each job application and employer by using the right keywords in your high school student resume template, based on specific phrases in the job description that highlight important skills and requirements.
Find resume examples to use as inspiration.
A resume example is a great tool to understand the tone, language, and formatting you should use. Look for professional examples similar to your situation, address the same job or belong to the same industry.
Only include relevant information.
Hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds reviewing resumes. Be sure only to highlight information relevant to the job posting.
Review and edit your resume with someone you trust.
Talk to your parents, guardian, teacher or guidance counselor and sit down with them to look over your high school resume. Get their feedback and edit accordingly.
Make sure you have the permissions necessary to work.
Specific laws vary by state, but generally, minors need permission from their parents or legal guardian to work a part-time job, and they must notify their school. Companies may also require the parent or guardian to sign a waiver, even if it’s a summer job.
Additional resources for your high school resume template
Choosing a resume template for high school students is only the first step. Here are some expert resources to write a perfect resume and cover letter:
- How to Write a Resume: Learn how to write each section of your resume with step-by-step instructions and examples.
- 100+ Resume Summary Examples: What’s the difference between a resume summary and an objective statement? Read to find out.
- 280+ Action Verbs for Resume Writing: You know it’s important to include action verbs in your high school resume. Here are over 280 of them.
- Best Resume Format for 2023: Choosing the right resume format is just as important as selecting the best high school resume template. Learn more about the chronological, functional and combination resume formats.
- How to Write a Cover Letter: A cover letter is especially useful when you don’t have a lot of work experience. Introduce yourself and convince the employer to hire you.
- Cover Letter Templates: Find the perfect match for your high school student resume template.
- Cover Letter Examples: Need inspiration to write a cover letter? We have over 500 cover letter examples for different jobs and industries.
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