Writing a Resume

Worksheet

What is a resume?

The resume is a selling tool that outlines your skills and experiences so an employer can see, at a glance, how you can contribute to the employer’s workplace. You can see a sample of a completed resume by clicking on “Sample Resume”.

In other words a resume tells an employer…

”what you have to offer the company!”

Getting the employer to instantly (in less than 30 seconds) come to the conclusion …

“that you have what it takes!”

A resume should be focused on a specific job title and what the job requires so the employer is aware…

“that you know about the duties and skills of the job!”

What information goes in a resume?

1. Objective

In one or two sentences, state the job type and organization type (or industry) you’re aiming for. Make it simple.

Example: To obtain an entry-level position in data entry for a large computer company

Write your own objective: __________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. Experience

Starting with you most recent job, list your previous work experiences. These can be babysitting, working for a member of your family, or volunteer work.

Example: Childcare

Babysat for neighborhood children - infants to 8 year olds. Summer 99 to present

Camp YMCA, Richardson, TX.

Supervised 20 campers age 6-8 during day camp. Taught crafts, sports and cooking. Summer

1999 and 2000.

Write out your work experience:

1). Where did you get the experience? ___________________________________________________

When was the time frame of the experience? _______________________________________________

What did you do? ____________________________________________________________________

2) Where did you get the experience? ____________________________________________________

When was the time frame of the experience? _______________________________________________

What did you do? ____________________________________________________________________

3) Where did you get the experience? ____________________________________________________

When was the time frame of the experience? _______________________________________________

What did you do? ____________________________________________________________________

3. Skills

Since you are still in high school and haven’t had too much time for “real world” experience, the “skills” section of your resume is a place where you can show your strengths and individuality. Start by stating each skill. Then back it up with a 2-3 line explanation of how you learned that skill or why you believe you have it. Make these entries short, clear, and to the point.

Example: Team Player: Two years on the Richardson Basketball team have taught me the importance of being a quality team member – working cooperatively, watching out for my teammates, offering a helping hand when needed.

Hard Worker: Involvement in my class work, extracurricular activities and being on the football team have taught me the importance of setting priorities in my work, leisure, and studies so I can maintain quality performance in all areas.

List your skills and how you got those skills: _____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

2) ____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. Activities

List activities in which you have participated and include what your specific role was in each

Example: Track Team: Distance Runner, Hurdles. Sophomore and Junior year. Fall 1999- Spring 2000

Drama Club: Okayed Lank in Crazy for You. Fall 1999.

What activities have you been involved in? ______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

5. Education

List the high school you attend plus any other formal training or education you’ve received. Make sure to list the official names of these schools, the city and state in which they are located, and the complete dates you attended.

Example: Richardson High School, Richardson, TX. Anticipated graduation: June 2000

Richland College, Dallas, TX. Computer Summer Camp. Summer 1999.

List the school you attend along with any other high school or summer schools you have attended. ______

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

6. Awards

List any awards you have received and when. But don’t worry if you’ve not received any awards yet. Simply skip this section.

Example: Richardson ISD Essay Contest, Honorable Mention, May 1998.

Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout, May 2000.

List any awards you have received. _____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

7. Interests

Here’s the place to let your personality shine. List your interests and hobbies, choosing your top four or five. Don’t list too many or your may seem unfocused or insincere.

Example: Ceramics, camping, basketball

List your interests. _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________