Resume

Writing An Academic Resume
 

As you apply for jobs, college, scholarships, internships etc., you are often asked to submit a resume. At Brookfield High School, we require all seniors to submit a resume to their guidance counselor. The objective of this resume is to give both admissions representatives and faculty writing your recommendations a quick overview of your abilities, interests and experiences. A resume is usually a one-page document that highlights the best things about you. There are many styles of resumes (chronological, functional, electronic). As high school students, we ask that you prepare an academic resume.

An academic resume is a summary of your educational experience and should highlight your scholastic honors, grade point average, standardized test scores, leadership positions and personal achievements, as well as any extra-curricular activities, community service and work experience. Resumes must be neat, typed, and have no errors. You must keep it specific and relevant. Ask yourself, “Could my resume tell the same story if it were shorter?” It is a marketing tool not an autobiography. Never put anything in a resume that is not true.

Almost ALL forms of resumes for high school students should include the elements listed below:

Name/Contact Information: Your address, city, state, zip code, and email address (you may want to create a new email for professional use)

Education: This is your full time job while you are in high school. You should include the year you expect to graduate, your SAT or ACT scores and GPA if they are competitive.

Relevant skills: Any special skills you have (computer skills, communication or organizational skills, CPR training, etc).

Special Awards/Honors: Highlight awards that you have earned while in high school.

Extra-Curricular Activities: We highly recommend that you get involved with some activities in or outside of school, such as athletics, band or a club.

Volunteer Activities/Community Service: Every student needs to have a minimum of one or two volunteer experiences. Both colleges and employers look favorably on people who have “given back” to society. It shows that you do not think and do things that only benefit you.

Work Experience: You may or may not have anything in this area as a high school student.

Students should begin documenting the information listed above, even when they are a freshman. Please visit our School to Career Center located in our Guidance Department for a worksheet that will help you track those elements and create a resume that is appropriate for high school students. We will help proofread a draft of your resume and make suggestions for changes.

For more information and tips about resumes try these links:

Most resumes do not always use complete sentences and the lines often begin with verbs (see the web site for some action verbs:

http://www1.ctdol.state.ct.us/jcc/viewarticle.asp?intArticle=30.

Sample Resume:
 

Sally Jane Doe

123 Main Street, Brookfield, CT 06804

Home Phone:  (203) 775-1111  -  Cell Phone:  (203) 555-7744

BHSStudent@aol.com

Education

HS Diploma: Will graduate in June 2004 from Brookfield High School, Brookfield, CT

GPA: 3.4 SAT: 1200 Verbal -620 Math-580

Additional Training: Currently taking a three-credit college course, “Introduction to Photography” at Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, CT

Skills

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and use of the Internet

Retail Skills: Operating a cash register, processing checks and credit cards, customer service

Honors And Awards

  • Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Scientific Scholar (2003)
  • Rotary Youth Leadership Award (2002)
  • National Honor Society (2001)

Extra-Curricular Activities

  • Varsity Swim Team (2000-2004)
  • Photography Club (2001-2003)
  • Student Council (2001-2003, Vice President 2002)
  • Girl Scouts (1995-2002, received Silver Award)

Volunteer Activities

  • Member, Students of Services (SOS), Brookfield High School (2001-Present)
  • Volunteer services for: Bread and Roses, Hispanic Center and Habitat for Humanity
  • Volunteer Teachers Assistant, St. Joseph’s Church, Brookfield, CT (2002-Present)
  • Assisted teacher in fifth grade religious education class

Employment

  • Customer Service, Kohl's, Brookfield, CT (August 2001-Present)
  • Lifeguard/Swim Instructor, Brookfield Parks & Recreation, Brookfield, CT (2001-2003)
  • Taught Red Cross Swim lesson to fifth graders.

References will be furnished upon request