Writing your first resume can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. A resume is simply a snapshot of who you are, what you have learned, and what you are ready to do next.
1. Choose a template
Before you begin writing, it can be helpful to choose a simple resume template. A template gives your resume a clean structure and ensures the information is organized in a professional way.
Pick one that is easy to read, not too crowded, and uses a clear font. You can find templates online or through Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Your resume should look polished and simple enough for an employer to quickly understand your skills and experience.
2. Cover the basics
Contact information: At the top of the page, start with your basic contact information, such as name, phone number, professional email address, and your city and state.
Short summary: Add two or three sentences describing who you are and what you’re looking for. For example: “Motivated high school senior with experience in customer service and team leadership, seeking an entry-level retail position.”
Education: List your school, major, program of study, and graduation date. You may want to list any relevant coursework, certifications, or academic achievements. Your education can help show your interests and strengths.
3. Highlight your experience and skills
Work and leadership experience: Everyone has experience. Highlight any part-time work such as babysitting, retail jobs, or lawn care to show responsibility and work ethic. Your experiences might also include volunteer work, leadership roles, athletics, or other extracurricular activities. All experiences are important because they show your skills and ability to learn.
Focus on results, not just duties: Under each work experience, explain your role and list duties and accomplishments you had while using action words such as “administered” or “implemented.” For example, instead of “helped with fundraiser,” try “raised $300 for the school fundraiser by organizing a bake sale.” Instead of “worked at store,” try “assisted 20+ customers daily and restocked inventory to keep shelves ready.”
Relevant skills: Add a skills section to round out your resume and highlight the strengths that make you a good fit. This can include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, or any technical skills related to the position.
4. Tips for success
Proofread: Your first resume should be clear, simple, and easy to read. Try to keep it to one page, especially when you are just getting started. Before sharing your resume, proofread it carefully for clarity, grammar, and spelling.
Keep it current: As you gain new experiences, skills, certifications, or achievements, remember to update it often so it stays current. It is also a good idea to save a copy, so you have it ready whenever a job, internship, scholarship, or other opportunity comes up.
Tailor it to each role: Read the job posting and match your resume to it. If a posting mentions “customer service” or “attention to detail,” use that same language where it’s true for you.
5. Can’t I just use AI?
Artificial intelligence may be helpful in interpreting the job, its duties, and qualifications based on the posting and the company. It may even be helpful in brainstorming words or ideas to match your experience to the position or in proofreading your final draft. But AI does not know you as well as you do and cannot recall all your professional skills and highlights. If you choose to use AI, remember the following:
● Own every word. Don’t get caught having to explain something on your resume that misrepresents your experience.
● Don’t sound like a robot. Put it in your own voice with vocabulary that you feel comfortable using.
● Don’t look like a robot. If every applicant uses AI, chances are they’ll start looking the same to employers, or application screeners. You don’t have to go wild and crazy with the design, unless that level of creativity is required for the job, but personal touches in how it looks or what it says can help your resume stand out.
Remember, your first resume does not have to be perfect. It simply needs to tell your story, skills, and experiences.