how to write resume for high school graduate

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

High School Graduate Resume Example

Whether you’re a current college student or a full-time member of the workforce, writing a resume as a recent high school graduate can be a challenge.

But even without a lot of work experience or a college degree to bolster your candidacy, you can highlight your skills and qualifications to differentiate yourself from the competition and impress the hiring manager.

What to Include in Your Resume

Your goal is to recognize and highlight the experience that you do have and tie it to the requirements as listed in the job description . For example, you might not have held a formal position as a manager, but perhaps you’ve trained new workers at your after-school job and helped your supervisor balance schedules and make deposits. Demonstrating responsibility and leadership qualities may help make up for the lack of an official title.

On the other hand, maybe you have little in the way of paid job experience but a lot of volunteer work on your resume. Don’t just match apples to apples.

Dig into your experience and abilities and focus on what you can do for a prospective employer.

Here are some of the experiences and activities that can be included on your resume:

• Academic projects
• Community activities
• Extracurricular activities
• Formal work experience
• Informal work experience (babysitting, lawn mowing, etc.)
• Internships
• School activities
• Volunteering

How to Apply to Jobs as a High School Graduate

Don’t assume that you’re not qualified for the job, just because you lack some of the ideal requirements listed in the job description. Hiring managers tend to list the skills, experience, and qualifications that they’d hope to find in the perfect candidate.

But, the reality is that this person might not exist. Further, the best person for the job might be someone who doesn’t have all of the requirements but has other things to recommend them, such as a positive attitude, the ability to learn, and excellent communication and people skills .

Unless you lack the essential skills for the job, it’s usually worth it to apply.

The only thing you have to lose is your time. Plus, the more you apply to jobs, the better you’ll get at writing resumes and cover letters , participating in job interviews , and networking your way into new opportunities.

If you’re a high school graduate who’s currently working on a resume , the following example, which includes both volunteer and work experience, will help you get started. Remember to customize your resume for your experience and for each job application.

This is an example of a resume for a high school graduate. Download the high school graduate resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

High School Graduate Resume Example (Text Version)

Keith Jones 999 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 10003 Home: 555-555-6543 Cell: 456-555-7654 kjones.applicant@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Soon-to-graduate honors English major, with a solid history of work, academic, and extracurricular experience seeks entry-level management position with a top firm.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

• Member of a number of academic honors societies.
• Held leadership roles in several athletic, academic, and school-related organizations.
• Received several honors and a promotion at a part-time job.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

JOE’S CAFE, Southampton, PA Barista, Fall 2020-Present Was selected employee of the month twice for efficient, friendly service.

• Promoted to barista September 2020.

BERKSHIRE COUNTY PLAYHOUSE, Berkshire, PA Assistant , Summer 2020 Coordinated rehearsal and performance schedules for the cast and crew of three one-week productions over one season.

• Created and managed social media accounts for the playhouse to market shows and activities.

STUDENT TUTORS AT WASHINGTON, Southampton, PA Tutor , September 2019-May 2020 Instructed elementary school students on how to apply mathematic and scientific concepts to their homework assignments.

• Coordinated a weekend trip to the Philadelphia Zoo and designed a packet of math and science questions related to the animals and exhibits children encountered there.

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in English (May 2021: Projected Graduation Date); GPA 3.9 XYY University, Pittsburgh, PA Dean’s List Every Quarter; Fulbright Scholar (Oxford University); Lead Roll “The Music Man,” Spring 2020

George Washington High School (June 2017); GPA 4.0

• French Honors Society, National Honors Society, National Merit Scholar; Varsity Soccer Team Captain

• High School Graduate Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on High School Graduate Resumes:

• Assisting with filing and organization of documents to ensure efficient office management.
• Performing data entry tasks to input information into databases or spreadsheets accurately.
• Handling customer service inquiries via phone or email, providing information and resolving issues.
• Supporting event planning and execution, including setup and breakdown for school or community events.
• Maintaining inventory of supplies and placing orders when necessary to ensure availability of necessary materials.
• Assisting with the creation of presentations or reports using software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Word.
• Conducting basic research or gathering data to support staff members on various projects or initiatives.
• Operating office equipment such as printers, copiers, and scanners to manage and distribute documents.
• Participating in team meetings, taking notes, and distributing meeting minutes to ensure effective communication.
• Managing social media accounts or updating website content under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Providing support to finance department by helping with basic bookkeeping or processing invoices.
• Assisting with the coordination of volunteer activities or outreach programs organized by the school or affiliated organizations.

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

High School Graduate Resume Example:

• Streamlined data entry processes for a local non-profit, enhancing data accuracy by 15% and reducing time spent on data input by 20% through the creation of a custom spreadsheet template.
• Coordinated a community event that attracted over 300 attendees, managing logistics and volunteers, which resulted in a 50% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year.
• Developed and delivered a presentation on community engagement strategies that was adopted by the school's leadership team, leading to a 25% increase in student participation in extracurricular activities.
• Revamped the filing system at a small business office, increasing document retrieval efficiency by 30% and reducing misfiled documents by 90% within the first three months.
• Handled customer service inquiries with a 95% satisfaction rate, resolving issues promptly and improving the company's reputation for excellent customer support.
• Assisted in managing the company's social media accounts, growing the follower count by 40% and enhancing online engagement by creating content that resonated with the target audience.
• Data Entry and Spreadsheet Management
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Presentation Development and Delivery
• Organizational Systems Improvement
• Customer Service Excellence
• Social Media Management and Content Creation
• Bookkeeping and Financial Processing
• Volunteer Management and Retention
• Digital Tools Proficiency for Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Efficiency Optimization
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Leadership and Team Building
• Effective Communication
• Project Management

Top Skills & Keywords for High School Graduate Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Computer Literacy
• Organization
• Customer Service
• Basic Math Skills
• Research Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Attention to Detail

Soft Skills

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Time Management and Organization
• Leadership and Initiative
• Resilience and Perseverance
• Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
• Creativity and Innovation
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Decision Making and Judgement
• Networking and Relationship Building

Resume Action Verbs for High School Graduates:

• Collaborated
• Participated
• Contributed
• Volunteered
• Implemented
• Facilitated
• Demonstrated
• Coordinated

A Better Way to Build Your Resume

Resume FAQs for High School Graduates:

How long should i make my high school graduate resume, what is the best way to format a high school graduate resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a high school graduate resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a high school graduate, compare your high school graduate resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the High School Graduate job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for High School Graduates:

High school student first job, high school student with no experience, beginner teacher assistant, graduate teacher assistant, substitute teacher with no experience, entry level substitute teacher, first year teacher.

• Create Resume
• Resume templates
• CV templates
• Resume Writing Service
• High School Resume Template, Example & How to Write Guide 2024
• Resume writing /

Whether you’re applying for that first job, an internship, or preparing to head to college, creating a high school resume is often the first professional task a young person will undertake. Writing a resume can be challenging for anyone – even a seasoned professional with years of job experience. However, when you follow a proven method, give yourself plenty of time, and focus on the details, this vital task can be completed right the first time.

If you’re in search of a high school resume template, or high school resume examples, you’ve landed on the right page. In the information below, we’ll outline some of the proven methods that help anyone develop an eye-popping and engaging resume – regardless of their skills and experience.

We will provide some valuable information that should be included on all resumes for high school students. We will also provide you with a professionally written sample high school resume – posted below. This will give you a practical example of what is possible when you follow some of the methods and tips listed below.

Create your professional resume now

High School Resume Sample

In the high school graduate resume posted below, you can see that it’s clean, neat, and straight to the point. This is the formatting and structure that college admissions and hiring managers seek in the candidates they select.

The high schooler resume below is well-written, creative, and highlights Tommy’s accomplishments, skills, and the limited work history he’s accomplished in a few years. Mainly, the resume is a working document, that allows him to add work experience and accomplishments. It tells his story in an easy-to-follow format.

Resume example - High School Resume

Download this resume example - High School Resume

High School Resume Guide: How to Write a Successful Resume

Every good document starts and ends with the organization. But when you don’t have a lot of work or education experience – it’s also crucial to infuse some creativity. So – let’s get started.

Most professional resumes include the candidate's personal contact information, a resume objective statement, work history that applies to the job they are applying for, relevant education, achievements, and certifications or licensing. A high school student's resume with no work experience or limited history needs to be outlined differently.

The best resumes begin with an outline or what we call a master resume. This is a word document or other editable electronic file that permits you the ability to document all relevant information that was posted in the job description.

To create your master resume for a high school student, begin by setting up a few major sections:

• Contact Information
• Your Resume Objective
• Extracurricular Activities & Achievements
• Work Experience (if any)
• Skills and Abilities

Now that you have the basic structure, here is how you pick what type of content to use, and how to write it to stand out among your competition.

1. List Your Personal Information

Let’s take a closer look at Tommy’s resume examples for high school students. His contact information is the first thing displayed – and includes his name, address, phone number, and email. However, the important detail to consider is how he selected the contact information.

Tommy has a phone at his house but listed his cell phone number as his point of contact. The reason for this is that his landline phone number is not capable of receiving SMS text messages. Many hiring managers or companies will send a text message to a candidate if they wish to schedule an interview. So, make sure you list your cell phone on your resume.

The email address is just as crucial. For privacy reasons, we inserted our email address – but for your high school job resume, you’ll want to use one that is hosted on a major server – such as Gmail. This will provide some much-needed credibility and reduce the potential of email bounce back or spam folder landing.

How to Format Personal Information Section

Keep it simple, clean, and accurate. A high school student that showcases the ability to be organized and detailed is going to stand out among the competition. If you can use a good high school resume template, this will help with the structure.

2. Creating Your Resume Objective

The  resume objective  is one of the most misunderstood sections of a resume. Many professionals believe that this statement can be used for every position you’re applying for. That’s just not accurate. The resume objective should always be written specifically to the intended audience.

In the resume sample, you can see that Tommy is applying for a summer part-time job at a movie theater. He has written a five-sentence paragraph that explains what he is applying for, his hard and soft skills and abilities that would make him a great movie theater employee, and leadership skills he has used in personal activities.

The important message to remember here is that every resume objective should be unique for the job you’re applying for. If you are applying for an internship, write the objective for that position. Same thing with a college resume . Make it specific for the exact school you are contacting. This type of attention to detail is what separates exceptional candidates from others.

What are Hard Skills?

Hard skills are those you possess that help you complete a specific task. These are generally abilities – such as being able to use tools, hardware, or software programs. Some examples of hard skills a high school student would possess include using Microsoft or Apple technology suites (like Photoshop, Adobe, Illustrator, and such), creating websites (WordPress or other solutions), and communications tools.

What are the Soft Skills?

Consider a soft skill to be the interpersonal abilities you possess that helps you accomplish tasks, lead others, or be a good employee/student. This would include attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities.

How to Create the Resume Format for the Objective or Opening Statement Section

When you’re listing all your hard and soft skills  on the master resume, make sure to include those that are practical to the job you are applying for. In Tommy’s resume, you’ll notice he stated he was a proven leader (supported by his awards as a Captain of his High School Baseball team), ability to multitask, and being a good communicator. These are all skills a movie theater employee should have to be valuable to the company.

Your opening statement must be short, sweet, and to the point – yet written in a professional – yet conversational tone. Using a resume builder after you’ve fine-tuned and edited content, will ensure it includes those action verbs. Also, make sure it reads clean, neat, and straight on the final resume.

Specifically, here are four tips:

• Showcase your personality. Your writing tone should be professional, yet relaxed.
• Make sure to include the skills that are relative to the position you’re applying for.
• Read it aloud. When you’re finished editing the content, read it aloud. If it sounds like you’re speaking to someone vs a computer being too stuffy, that’s a good sign.
• Edit the document through an online platform called Grammarly.com. This will ensure your spelling, punctuation, and tone are on par with grammatical best practices.

3. Education Section

This will be the easiest part of your high school resume. Don’t bother listing your elementary or middle school. Keep it simple and list your high school. If you’ve recently graduated – or are going to graduate within a few months, document the graduation date on the resume.

You should list your GPA and date of graduation and some of your top academic accomplishments. Don’t worry about getting too technical about specific coursework, classes you’ve taken, as you can list this in your achievements section if it’s applicable to your position.

4. Extracurricular & Achievements

In the sample resume, you’ll see that Tommy mentioned his GPA in high school, his SAT score, and his student leadership positions in the opening statement. He also mentioned his leadership on the baseball team, his participation in the high school band, and honor roll.

The Extracurricular section allows him to expand on this information. He mentions his marching band participation, volunteer at the YMCA, and winning a student of the month for English his Junior year.

How to Format the Achievements Section

This will be a paragraph section, where you can highlight some of your achievements and Extracurricular activities. You’ll want to maintain the same written tone you used in the resume objective – again to maintain consistency and show attention to detail.

5. Work History

This is the section many high school students struggle to document. However, it’s important to remember that you can – and should, document any previous jobs that can be verified through a reference. If you’ve never had a ‘real job’ – simply write – “no previous work history”. You want to be 100% honest in a resume – so it’s better to be transparent vs trying to fake it.

For those with work history, list them in chronological order – starting with your most recent position and working backward.

How to Format the Work History Section

It’s important to list the name and location of the previous jobs you’ve held. In the sections below, describe what tasks you accomplished. You want to highlight tasks that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. If the job search position you're applying for involves working with children, listing previous babysitting experience would be an example of practical experience.

In Tommy’s resume for a high school student – you can see he has only had one previous job, working at a grocery store. He lists the job duties that he assumes are important as a movie theater. This included cleaning, handling cash, using a register, greeting customers, solving problems, and communicating with customers. Start with a brief job description, then list your tasks in bullet points.

6. References for High School Student Resumes

Any reference listed on a resume must be one that you have a strong connection with currently. You’ll want to ensure they can support the information you documented on the resume with practical examples.

For a high school student's resume, it’s recommended to select three references . One should be a family friend, one should be a teacher, and if you’ve had a job – the previous employer or supervisor is a great addition. This is especially important for writing a resume for a college application. You should also mention you have references available on your cover letter.

Make sure you have their permission to be used as a reference and ensure you have their accurate contact information. You don’t want to list their private information on a resume, but make sure you have it available if they ask. Simply write – references available upon request.

Final Points on Writing a High School Resume and Cover Letter

Most high school resumes are written poorly, without structure, and quite frankly – sound the same. The key to standing out among your competition is showcasing your ability to focus on details, being a clear communicator, and being reliable. Most resumes are also turned in without a cover letter.

The information above is a guide – but if you follow the tips we mentioned and customize them for the specific position you are applying for, you’ll have a better shot at gaining that important interview.

Here are some specific tips to consider.

• Follow the template structure as listed above – including spacing, using a black font on a clean white background document. Take advantage of the master resume.
• Take time with your opening statement. Remember, you get one shot to make a great impression, and that resume objective is a prime opportunity.
• Showcase your examples of being responsible. If you’ve got a great attendance record in school or a previous job, make sure to highlight that in your resume.
• List at least 2 professional and 1 personal reference. Make sure their contact information is accurate, and always gain their approval before listing them as a point of contact. A letter of recommendation from them will significantly help.
• When you’ve listed everything as mentioned above, copy, and paste the content and place it in a Word doc or run it through a spelling/grammar checking website like Grammerly.com. This will proofread the content, help you save time and ensure all content is clean, neat, and ready for your professional resume.
• Ask a teacher you respect to review your resume. It never hurts to have a second set of eyes review your resume. A parent, guardian, or family friend who hires people would also be a great resource.

The best piece of advice we can offer is to take your time, take advantage of a free resume template – where you simply create the sections, paste your edited content, and pick the best template that fits you best, that’s a recipe for success.

By infusing the free tips mentioned above, you’ll have a better chance of landing an interview – so you can dazzle them in person.

FAQs Related to High Schooler Resume

How to write a resume for a high school student with no work experience?

Focus on your achievements and responsibility. Many employers are hesitant to hire students mainly due to a lack of focus or ability to show up to work as scheduled. If you can clearly articulate why and how you eclipse those objectives, you are likely to stand above other candidates.

Does a 15-year-old need a resume?

Anyone applying for any position should create a resume. This is a professional outline that makes it easier for people to review your skills, abilities, and what makes you unique. Even a 15-year old student who is looking for their first summer job or part-time opportunity should take advantage of creating a resume. If you’re 15, don’t stress too hard on being too technical – just list your details, keep it simple, but make it sound professional.

How long should a high school student's resume be?

It depends on your objective. If you’re applying for a first job, and don’t have a lot of experience, keeping it simple is best. The main item you want to document on a resume are your skills, abilities, and why you’re a responsible candidate for the position. Being on time to school, or being a leader in extracurricular activities can outweigh previous work history in many cases.

How do I make my high school student's resume stand out?

It is always best to personalize the high school student’s resume to match the job or position they are applying for. If they are sending a resume for an internship, make sure to document the skills needed to succeed as an intern for that industry. If it’s for a fast-food restaurant, making sure to explain why the student can thrive in high-pressure situations, follows direction, and is accountable.

Related articles

Aviation resume example, template, skills, objective & writing guide for 2024.

For job seekers aspiring to secure a position within the dynamic field of aviation, crafting a...

Uber Driver Resume Example, Description, Skills & How to Write Tips for 2024

Crafting a standout resume is crucial for job seekers looking to drive for platforms like Uber and...

Lifeguard Resume Example, Description, Skills & How to Write Tips for 2024

Crafting a compelling lifeguard resume is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to safeguard the lives...

More than 112.872 users have already made their resume

With CV maker, you can quickly and easily create a distinctive and professional resume within 15 minutes.

Complete Guide To Writing A Captivating High School Graduate Resume

A well-written high school graduate resume can help you achieve your objectives when you want to start a job or seek other chances. A good resume showcases your abilities, accomplishments, and potential.

All resume examples in this guide

Tips on Writing A Captivating High School Graduate Resume

Harry Monroe 478-965-8526 [email protected] www.linkedin,com/HarryMonroe

‍ Resume Objective

‍ Dedicated high school grad with good communication and planning skills. Have an excellent understanding of customer behavior. Adept at planning events and composting material. Eager to join your organization as a sales associate and utilize my communication, relationship-building, and management skills.

‍ Education

‍ Larson High School New York City, NY Graduated – May 2020 GPA: 3.8

‍ Relevant Coursework :

Consumer Behavior, Sociology of Culture, Social Media

‍ Achievements:

• Excelled in Business Coursework
• Captain of Debate Team 2 Years
• Fluent in English
• Learning Spanish
• Marketing Skills
• Analytical skills
• Creative thinking
• Oral and written communication
• Organizational skills
• Presentation skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving

Hobbies and Interests

‍ Basketball

A strong high school graduate resume can lead to possibilities for higher study, internships, and entry-level employment.

Our comprehensive guide will help you to write a captivating resume for a high school graduate. It provides you with layout tips, how to customize your resume for specific jobs, and how to highlight your accomplishments to impress hiring managers.

• Your summary should be a brief section that outlines your qualifications, successes, and objectives. The resume summary should be catchy and make hiring managers curious to learn more about your skills and abilities.
• List your high school, the year you graduated, your GPA, and any honors or coursework that is relevant. Any necessary licenses or certifications can also be included.
• Include any skills you possess relevant to the position or industry you're interested in. This could include knowledge of computers, language skills, or particular technical abilities.
• Include any applicable work history you may have in your resume. It can be anything from your volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs.
• Make sure to tailor your resume if you're applying for a specific job or internship to emphasize the abilities and experiences most pertinent to that position.

If you don't want to create a resume from scratch, then you can use our resume builder by clicking the button below:

Let's have a look at the best high school graduate resume example crafted by our certified professional resume writer.

Best High School Graduate Resume Sample with No Experience

Ats-friendly high school grad resume format.

A resume that is ATS-friendly is written in a way that makes it simple for the applicant tracking system to process the application.

As a recent high school graduate, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to improve your chances of being seen by prospective employers while formatting an ATS-friendly resume. Here are a few pieces of advice:

• Several companies run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that look for specific words related to the job posting. Use keywords associated with the position you are applying for to improve your chances of passing this initial screening.
• Use a straightforward, clear format that the ATS can easily read. Use simple formatting; do not use complex graphics or pictures that might confuse the algorithm.
• Always write a resume at the top of your resume after the contact information. The summary must highlight your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments.
• Display your specialization in education like a high school diploma along with honors or awards won. For a fresh graduate, this is a major factor to impress the recruiters
• Focus on any roles you have held that are pertinent to the job you are looking for if you have work experience. Include details about your job title, the business you worked for, your responsibilities and duties, and any accomplishments or successes.
• To make your resume dynamic and interesting showcase your experience and accomplishments by using action verbs.
• Ensure that your resume is reviewed before submitting the job application. Spelling mistakes or typing errors will give a bad impression to potential employers.

Jin Kuzuki High School Senior 513-365-6607 [email protected] linkedin.com/jin_kuzuki

Deccan Heights High School Garfield Heights, OH 2016–present Expected graduation: 2020 GPA: 3.75

• Gather and take dogs for walks regularly.
• Followed pet owners' instructions on exercise and stimulation without fail.
• Communicated with owners through text, email, and in person.
• Keep detailed records of the hours worked.
• Increased the number of clients by 50% in the first three months using flyers and a social media page.
• Communication
• Strong Work Ethic
• Social Media Skills
• Volunteer Cashier
• Debate Club
• Spanish Club

5 Professional High School Graduate Resume Templates

How to put contact information on a resume for a high school graduate.

Contact information must be set at the top of your resume so that recruiters can easily contact you for an interview call or additional questions.

The contact details on your resume should be as follows:

• Contact Number
• Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile URL

How to Write a Professional Resume Summary for a High School Graduate?

Being a fresh graduate, even if you don’t have much job experience, you can still make a compelling resume summary that highlights your skills and potential.

Here are a few tips for creating a resume summary for professionals:

• Start your summary with a sentence that emphasizes your goals and strong points.
• Emphasize relevant skills on your resume to make you a strong applicant for the job position.
• Highlight any work experience you have, even if it's just volunteer or part-time, in your summary.
• Your academic accomplishments might help you stand out from other applicants. This could be any honors, awards, or GPA scores.

How To Add a High School Graduate Resume Objective?

Include a few attention-getting details to catch the manager's attention. Your resume objective must include a clear statement of your career objective.

Moreover, you must highlight any relevant skills to stand out from your competitors. Lastly, if you have a passion or interest that matches the job, then highlight that.

How To Highlight Your High School Education?

The following tips can help you emphasize your education on your high school resume:

• Include your high school's name and the dates you attended.
• Mention your GPA on your resume as it can be a reliable measure of your intellectual ability.
• Include any courses you completed that apply to the position you're looking for on your resume.
• You must include all the extracurricular activities on your resume that match the job description.

Skills to Highlight on Your Resume

You can improve your chances of landing the job or acceptance letter you want by emphasizing the relevant skills in the skills section.

The abilities and experiences that make you stand out to potential employers should be highlighted on your high school resume.

Here are the top skills to emphasize:

Hard Skills

• Customer service
• Microsoft Office
• Graphic design
• Social media
• Linguistics
• Office Suite

Soft Skills

• Leadership Skills
• Management Skills
• Resolving Conflict
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility

Most Common Skills for High School Graduate Resumes

Here are some common skills essential for a high school graduate resume:

It's important to be able to manage various obligations, and companies value this quality highly. Highlight any instances where you managed your time well, for as when you managed to balance work and education.

People who can effectively communicate verbally and in writing are valued by both employers and colleges. A presentation in front of a group or writing for the school newspaper are two examples of events that show off your communication skills.

Most employers pay close attention to candidates that have good leadership responsibilities. Include any instances where you have demonstrated leadership.

The ability to work together well with others is essential. Highlight any prior teamwork experiences you may have had, such as taking part in a group project or playing on a team in sports.

Employers seek out candidates that can think critically and come up with original solutions to issues. In particular, emphasize any instances where you overcame obstacles or organized fundraising to show that you can solve problems.

Many professions demand a certain level of technical competence. Include any technical skills, such as knowledge of Microsoft Office or familiarity with graphic design tools.

Strong interpersonal abilities are important. The activities you've had that show off your interpersonal abilities, such as working as a customer service agent or volunteering for a local cause, should be highlighted.

Additional Sections To Include on Your High School Graduate Resume

Going the extra mile always helps while crafting your resume. So, it is necessary to include additional sections on your resume that specifically highlight your skills and distinguish you from other applicants.

Additional sections on your resume give a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experiences.

Here are some additional sections to consider including:

• Education Section : Include the year you graduated from high school in this section. You can also list your GPA and any honors or distinctions you have achieved in school.
• Professional Experience : Be sure to list any temporary or part-time jobs you've held on your resume. Emphasize any abilities or successes gained from these encounters.
• Extracurricular Activities : List any club memberships, sports teams, or other organizations you were a part of during high school in this section under "extracurricular activities." Highlight any leadership roles you've held or noteworthy contributions you've made to the company.
• Volunteering Experience : Include any volunteer work you've done, such as community service initiatives or work with organizations, in this area.
• Certification : In addition to showcasing your abilities in the skills area, you might wish to list any important licenses or certificates you have obtained, such as a CPR certification.
• References : A list of references should be included on your resume. Make sure to pick individuals who can attest to your abilities and work ethic, such as instructors, coaches, or managers from prior positions.

Summarization

Keep in mind these essential tips to write the greatest high school graduate resume that gets you the job quickly:

• Your high school resume will include resume objectives that will emphasize your best qualities and explain why you're the ideal candidate for the position.
• You can connect your experience(if you have any) and education to the job offer using the proper bullet points.
• Choose the best resume formats like chronological, functional, or mixed formats.
• Include distinct "other" sections to show that you're more than just a resume for high school graduates. Describe your high school achievements, passions, and other goodies.
• Create a compelling cover letter. You'll score some significant additional points because most people don't!
• A clear explanation of your educational background can persuade the company to hire you.
• Emphasizing your expertise can help you catch the recruiter's eye more quickly.
• Your high school resume will stand out from the competition if it has an additional element.

How To Write a Cover Letter For A High School Graduate Resume?

High school graduates or college graduates should emphasize their skills, experiences, and excitement for the position or educational opportunity they are applying for in their cover letters.

Your chance to create a good first impression and differentiate yourself from other applicants lies in your cover letter. You can convince the hiring manager or admissions officer that you are the ideal applicant for the position or educational opportunity by emphasizing your skills, experiences, and passion.

Follow these guidelines to write a professional cover letter for a resume for a high school graduate:

• Try to identify and address the name of the reader of your cover letter.
• Explain your interest in the position or educational opportunity in the opening sentence, along with what makes you a strong applicant.
• Use concrete examples from your resume to demonstrate how your qualifications meet the needs of the position or program.
• Express your enthusiasm for the chance and your desire to absorb knowledge and make a contribution.
• Ask for an interview or meeting to discuss your qualifications and end the letter by expressing your want to talk further about the opportunity.
• Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for grammatical and spelling errors before sending it. Additionally, check that the formatting matches that on your resume.

How to apply for jobs as a high school graduate?

Follow these steps before applying for a job as a high school graduate:

• Search for companies or brands that match your interests and skills.
• Prepare a convincing cover letter along with your resume while applying for any job.
• You must do some research on the firm and practice responding to typical interview questions.
• Speak with your loved ones, friends, coworkers, and other professionals; they may be aware of employment opportunities or able to suggest you to someone who is.
• You could find employment possibilities on a variety of Internet job search platforms including Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Create your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

10 High School Student Resume Objective Examples

As a high school student embarking on your professional life, you should not overstate the importance of a well-written resume.

As the first section of your resume, the objective statement serves as a brief introduction and a powerful encapsulation of your energetic potential and passion.

Below are 10 excellent objective examples you can use on your resume as a high school student.

Each is crafted to assist you in leveraging your strengths and goals to create a lasting impression in a competitive job marketplace.

Through these carefully constructed examples, you can learn how to effectively combine your ambitions with a professional demeanor, ensuring that your resume stands out as a dynamic invitation for potential employers.

10 Exemplary Resume Objectives for High School Students

Crafting an Outstanding Objective for a High School Student Resume

Writing an impressive resume objective for a high school student can set the foundation for a favorable impression among potential employers. Here’s a concise guide to crafting an exceptional resume objective:

1. Clarity and Brevity:

• Keep your objective compact, using a sentence or two to underline the primary skills and aspirations you bring to the table.

2. Personalization is Key:

• Construct your resume objective with the specific role or internship in mind, ensuring alignment with the prospective organization’s requirements and culture.

3. Your strengths in the Spotlight:

• Emphasize the personal abilities and knowledge pertinent to the job, from scholastic success to relevant extracurricular activities.

4. Use Action-Oriented Language:

• Initiate your objective with powerful verbs that command attention, presenting yourself as a candidate of action and determination.

5. Show Enthusiasm:

• Let your genuine excitement for the industry or field shine through, showing potential employers your zeal and readiness to engage and learn.

To enhance your objective, ensure it reflects your unique experiences and goals. Remember to revise your objective for each job application, targeting it to the specific role and company.

Reader Reviews and Comments

“These examples are incredibly helpful! I’m updating my resume for a summer job, and these objectives align perfectly with my experiences and aspirations.”

“Thank you for this post! I was struggling to express my goals in my resume, and these examples gave me the direction I needed.”

“The clarity and brevity tips were game-changers for me. My resume objective had been a bit too long, and now it feels much more concise and impactful.”

Michael R.:

“Fantastic resource for any high school student starting out in the job market. The action-oriented language suggestions made my objective pop!”

“I appreciate the emphasis on personalizing the resume objective. It really helped me tailor my resume to the specific job I’m applying for.”

“Great post! The examples and tips provided are practical and easy to adopt. I feel much more confident about my resume now.”

“Loved this! The step-by-step guide on crafting a high school student resume objective was exactly what I needed. Thanks for the clear advice!”

• 21 High School Teacher Resume Objective Examples
• 10 High School Student No Experience Resume Summary Examples
• 8 High School Science Teacher Resume Objective Examples
• 15 School Coordinator Resume Objective Examples

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

Top 10 High School Graduate Resume Objective Examples You Can Use

If you are a high school graduate searching for job, you will be able to increase your chances of getting one if the objective statement of your resume or CV is compelling enough to get the recruiter to read your resume.

When you are able to get an employer to read your resume, then you are sure that they would get what you are offering; and if your offering is good enough you will get a favorable response from the employer.

To stand a good chance of your high school graduate resume succeeding in getting you an interview, It is important that you work on the objective statement since it is the first thing the recruiter sees.

This post will help you to learn how to create an effective resume objective when you need to make a resume for a high school graduate position.

To make a great resume that gets you an interview with an employer/recruiter, it is important to learn about various resume statistics before writing your resume. According to novoresume, these resume statistics will give you helpful insight into the prevailing HR trends, guide you in making the right decision about your job hunting, and in creating an effective resume.

The Secret of Making a Compelling Objective for a High School Graduate Resume

If you want your objective statement to quickly catch the attention of the employer, you must make sure it contains what the hirer wants to see.

And what does the employer want to see?

Employers usually have a list of requirements they would want applicants for the job they are advertising, including jobs for high school graduates, to have before they are considered for an interview.

This list of requirements is commonly published with the job description that informs applicants on what the role is about.

Therefore, to make a career objective statement that immediately makes a great impression on the prospective employer when they start reading your resume, you will need to study the list of requirements for the position; to first be sure that you meet the requirements.

If you do have what is required for the job, you can then craft your objective to communicate the fact that you have what is needed to succeed on the job.

You can do this by highlighting a few of the most important parts of the requirements in your objective. This will significantly improve the impact it will have on the employer.

Now, let’s see some examples of high school graduate resume objective statements that you can study or copy in writing your own:

10 Sample Objective Statements for a High School Graduate Resume

1. A hard-working high school graduate seeks the job of Maintenance Assistance at Burger King. Bringing strong physical fitness to remain standing for long hours at a time, carry and lift up to 45 pounds of items, and to bend, stoop, kneel and reach frequently; strong ability to apply basic tools and read and communicate effectively in carrying out the function of keeping both the inside and outside of the store clean.

2. A talented high school graduate with exceptional ability to crawl into tight confined spaces through 11” X 15” openings, climb several stories of stairs and vertical ladders, and to perform stretching, twisting motions, and bending desires to work as a Loss Control Inspector at XYZ Insurance Company, to help in carrying out risk assessment and regulatory inspections on equipment that have been insured.

3. A self-motivated high school graduate with five months experience in data entry seeks the job of Data Entry Clerk at XYZ Inc. Coming with experience working with PC and common software, including MS Word, Outlook, and Excel; exceptional attention to detail and ability to key data into various warehouses, to ensure complete, accurate, and accomplished entries in a timely manner.

4. A high school graduate and Certified Nursing Assistant with previous experience working as a nursing assistant seeks to be hired as a Patient Care Technician at XYZ Medical Center to contribute in providing top quality direct patient care. Possess strong positive attitude towards people and ability to apply basic math skills in reading, writing and recording data; profound ability to prioritize tasks and strong attention to detail.

5. A gifted high school graduate with previous working experience with children in a psychiatric-mental health setting seeks to join the team at XYZ Health Center where strong communication skills and ability to successfully complete crisis intervention and CPR trainings within 3 months of employment with be maximally utilized in assisting nurses to effectively monitor and observe both physical condition and behavior of patients.

6. A detail-oriented and organized high school graduate looking for the job of Shipping Clerk Team Lead at XYZ Inc. Bringing strong PC skills, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, as well as handle multiple tasks effectively simultaneously to providing quality assistance in coordinating workflow, equipment, and resources to enhance order fulfilment functions.

7. Desires the role of Phlebotomist at XYZ Healthcare Center to provide outstanding service to both inpatients and outpatients: drawing arterial, micro, and venous blood specimens and transporting test requests and specimens to the laboratory and retrieving completed test results to patient locations. Bringing exceptional skills in performing arterial punctures and venipuncture, ability to carry out basic arithmetic calculations and to read and follow written instructions.

8. A talented high school graduate with good computer experience seeks to work as Admitting Clerk-Rehab at XYZ Medical Center; to apply strong customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of personalities in providing top notch guest and public relations service, and in scheduling patients to the rehab location.

9. A self-motivated high school graduate with two years customer service and healthcare experience desires the job of Info Desk-Customer Relations at XYZ Inc. Coming with strong knowledge of computers, ability to work effectively independently and with other personnel; and exceptional memorization skills, to proving outstanding assistance to both internal and external customers.

10. A high school graduate with two years kitchen experience desires to work as BOH Supervisor at XYZ Catering Services to provide knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly service that surpasses customers’ expectation. Possess strong ability to work under minimal supervision, communicate satisfactorily in verbal and written forms, perform basic mathematical calculations, and maintain total knowledge of all prices, special items, quality standards, and menus.

You can improve your chances of getting your desired job as a high school graduate by starting your resume or CV with a well crafted and compelling objective statement.

You can learn to write such resume objectives by studying the examples provided in this post. You are also free to use any of the given samples in your resume (with necessary modification) that very well describe your skills, abilities, knowledge, and/or experience.

Related Posts

This Site Uses Cookies

Privacy overview.

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

Didn’t Graduate High School Resume Example

Kick-start your career & learn creative tricks to use in your resume with our free, highly instructive Didn’t Graduate High School resume example. Use this resume example for free or alter it with ease in our powerful resume maker.

Related resume guides and samples

Write the ideal account manager resume with this quick guide

Craft the ideal business development resume

How to build a professional consulting resume

How to write a fantastic entrepreneur resume

Write the ideal investor resume with this simple guide

How to write a job-winning procurement resume

How to craft the perfect startup resume (+resume samples)

Didn’t Graduate High School Resume Example (Full Text Version)

Nils clasen.

Results-oriented and committed business leader with a demonstrated history of accomplishments in driving the growth of a thriving technology startup. Proficient in overseeing all facets of business operations. Exhibits a keen eye for detail and precision, along with outstanding analytical and critical-thinking abilities. Adept at thriving in high-pressure and fast-paced settings.

Work experience

• Founded a company specializing in developing software applications utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate processes for various organizations.
• Managed and coordinated all aspects of business operations including marketing, finance, and strategy development.
• Created annual business plans, recruited and trained new staff, and represented the company at industry events and conferences.
• Identified and communicated with potential clients and business partners, and performed necessary duties.
• Worked with clients such as Netflix, IBM, Samsung, BMW, Audi, and more.
• Opted to leave high school to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities
• Engaged in extracurricular activities such as Business Club, Debate Society, and Fitness Club

Volunteering

Certificates.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

Edit this sample using our resume builder.

Let your resume write itself — with ai..

Similar job positions

High School Student Consulting Entrepreneur / Business Owner Special Education Teacher University Student Social Sciences Student Humanities Student Professions And Applied Sciences Student Student Internship Account Manager Business Development Formal Sciences Student

Related business resume samples

Related student cover letter samples

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

20 good skills to put on resume for new grads

Looking for the top skills to include on your resume as a new grad? This guide highlights 20 essential skills to showcase your value to employers.

As a new graduate, it can be challenging to know which skills to highlight on your resume. Employers are looking for candidates who can bring a diverse set of skills to the table, and it's essential to show that you have the skills that are in demand in today's job market. Here are the top 20 skills that new grads should consider including on their resumes:

1. Critical thinking

Employers expect candidates to have strong critical thinking skills to solve problems and make informed decisions. Demonstrate your ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate different perspectives, and develop creative solutions that meet business goals. Provide examples of how you have used critical thinking to improve processes, increase efficiency, or solve complex problems.

2. Creativity

Employers appreciate candidates who can bring fresh ideas to the table and find innovative solutions. Highlight your creativity by sharing examples of how you have solved problems in unconventional ways or how you have introduced new processes that have led to positive results. Provide specific examples of how your creative approach has positively impacted your previous roles or projects.

3. Leadership

Leadership skills are highly sought-after by employers as they demonstrate the ability to motivate and manage others effectively. Highlight your experience in leading teams or projects, and provide examples of how you have inspired team members to achieve common goals. Share specific examples of how you have created a positive work environment, delegated tasks, and provided constructive feedback to team members.

4. Teamwork

Employers value team players who can collaborate, communicate effectively, and support their colleagues. Highlight your ability to work in a team by sharing examples of how you have contributed to a team's success and how you have handled conflicts or disagreements. Demonstrate how you have actively participated in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects.

5. Time management

Effective time management is crucial in the workplace, and employers look for candidates who can manage their workload efficiently. Demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Share specific examples of how you have managed your time effectively to complete projects on time and handle unexpected challenges.

6. Organization

Employers seek candidates who are organized and can manage multiple tasks and projects effectively. Highlight your organizational skills by providing examples of how you have kept track of details, managed projects, and met deadlines consistently. Share specific examples of how you have organized your workday, kept track of project timelines, and prioritized tasks to meet deadlines.

7. Attention to detail

Employers look for candidates who pay attention to detail, especially in industries such as healthcare, finance, and law. Showcase your ability to catch errors, maintain accuracy, and deliver high-quality work. Highlight specific instances where your attention to detail has resulted in positive outcomes, such as catching errors before they become costly mistakes, ensuring compliance with regulations, or improving the quality of deliverables.

8. Adaptability

The job market is constantly evolving, and employers want candidates who can adapt to new situations and challenges. Highlight your flexibility by sharing examples of how you have adjusted to changes in your previous roles or how you have learned new skills quickly. Demonstrate your ability to be open to new ideas, take on new responsibilities, and adjust your approach to achieve results in a changing environment.

9. Customer service

Employers want candidates who can provide exceptional customer service to build strong relationships with clients. Highlight your experience in providing customer service and showcase how you have handled challenging situations to ensure customer satisfaction. Share specific examples of how you have handled difficult customers, resolved complaints, and exceeded customer expectations.

10. Communication

As a new graduate, it's essential to showcase your communication skills through your resume and interview. Employers seek candidates who can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey ideas, collaborate with team members, and interact with clients. Highlight your ability to tailor your communication style to different audiences, use active listening skills, and convey complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. Share specific examples of how you have effectively communicated in your previous roles or projects.

11. Data analysis

Data analysis is becoming increasingly important in many industries. Highlight your ability to collect and analyze data by showcasing your experience in data analysis tools and techniques. Share specific examples of how you have used data analysis to inform decision-making, identify trends, and solve complex problems.

12. Technical skills

Depending on your field, you may need to have technical skills, such as coding or proficiency in specific software programs. Highlight your technical skills by providing examples of how you have used them in previous roles or projects. Showcase your ability to learn new technical skills quickly and adapt to changes in technology.

13. Project management

If you've managed projects in the past, be sure to highlight your experience. Employers want candidates who can manage projects from start to finish. Showcase your project management skills by sharing specific examples of how you have planned, executed, and monitored projects, managed resources, and delivered successful outcomes. Highlight your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and communicate project progress effectively.

If you've worked in sales, highlight your experience. Sales skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your sales skills by providing examples of how you have achieved sales targets, built relationships with customers, and closed deals. Highlight your ability to prospect, negotiate, and communicate effectively with clients.

15. Marketing

If you've worked in marketing, highlight your experience. Marketing skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your marketing skills by providing examples of how you have developed and executed marketing campaigns, managed social media platforms, and analyzed market trends. Highlight your ability to create compelling content, work with cross-functional teams, and measure the success of marketing initiatives.

16. Public speaking

Public speaking is a valuable skill that requires confidence, preparation, and effective communication. Showcase your ability to speak in front of an audience by highlighting your experience in delivering presentations, leading discussions, or participating in public speaking events. Emphasize your ability to connect with the audience, deliver messages with impact, and handle questions and feedback.

17. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are essential in the workplace and involve communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders by providing examples of how you have worked with diverse teams, managed conflicts, and demonstrated empathy and respect. Emphasize your ability to listen actively, provide feedback constructively, and communicate effectively in different settings.

18. Research

Research skills are valuable in many industries and involve gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform decisions and solve problems. Highlight your ability to conduct research by showcasing your experience in designing and implementing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and synthesizing information. Emphasize your ability to use various research methods, tools, and technologies, and to present findings in a clear and compelling way.

19. Writing

Writing skills are essential in many industries and involve communicating ideas, information, and messages through various media. Highlight your ability to write by showcasing your experience in writing different types of documents, such as reports, proposals, emails, or social media posts. Emphasize your ability to write clearly and concisely, adapt to different audiences and purposes, and use correct grammar, syntax, and punctuation.

20. Presentation skills

If you've given presentations in the past, highlight your experience in delivering effective and engaging presentations. Emphasize your ability to plan and prepare presentations, use visual aids and multimedia effectively, and deliver messages with clarity and impact. Provide examples of how you have adapted your presentation style to different audiences, managed time effectively, and received positive feedback.

Hard Skills vs soft skills

When crafting your resume or preparing for an interview, it's important to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills. Both types of skills are valuable, but they serve different purposes in the workplace. Here's a breakdown of hard skills vs. soft skills and how to showcase them effectively:

Hard Skills:

Hard skills are specific, technical skills that can be taught and measured. Examples of hard skills include programming, data analysis, or graphic design. These skills are typically learned through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Hard skills are often used to demonstrate proficiency in a particular area or to qualify for a specific job.

To showcase your hard skills, it's important to be specific and provide concrete examples of how you have used these skills in past roles or projects. Use relevant keywords and include any certifications or training programs you have completed to demonstrate your expertise in these areas. You can also highlight any technical tools or software programs you are proficient in.

Soft Skills:

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal attributes that are often harder to measure or quantify. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, and leadership. Soft skills are often considered to be just as important as hard skills because they can affect how well you work with others and adapt to new situations.

To showcase your soft skills, provide examples of how you have used them to achieve specific goals or overcome challenges. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, or lead a team. Soft skills can also be highlighted in your cover letter or personal statement, where you can discuss your personal values and work ethic.

Common Questions

What skills should i include on my resume.

It depends on the job you are applying for and the industry you want to work in. Generally, you should include skills that are relevant to the job and showcase your strengths and abilities.

How many skills should I include on my resume?

You should include the skills that are most relevant to the job, but try to keep it to around 10-15 skills. Including too many skills can make your resume look cluttered and unfocused.

Should I include soft skills on my resume?

Yes, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management are highly valued by employers. These skills can demonstrate your ability to work well with others and adapt to new situations.

How should I format my skills section on my resume?

You can format your skills section as a bullet list or a table. Use bullet points to list your skills and highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job. You can also group similar skills together and use subheadings to make the section more organized.

How can I showcase my skills on my resume?

You can showcase your skills by providing examples of how you have used them in past roles or projects. Use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and show how your skills can benefit the company.

Can I include skills that I don't have much experience in?

It's okay to include skills that you are still developing, but make sure to be honest about your level of experience. You can also highlight your willingness to learn and improve in these areas.

Should I customize my skills section for each job application?

Yes, you should customize your skills section for each job application to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to ensure that your resume passes the initial screening process.

Should I include certifications or training in my skills section?

Yes, you can include relevant certifications or training in your skills section to demonstrate your expertise in a particular area. This can also show that you are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

In conclusion, as a new graduate, it's essential to highlight the skills that are in demand in today's job market. By including the skills listed above on your resume, you'll be able to show employers that you have the skills and abilities they're looking for in a candidate. Good luck with your job search!

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

Related stories, most recent stories.

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on June 03, 2024

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start and that's where your resume summary comes in. Your summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your skills , experiences , and achievements , making it a key part of your job application.

In this article, you'll learn how to write the ultimate resume summary that will grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. You'll discover what makes a good summary and what to avoid, as well as how to sell yourself effectively to potential employers.

You may be wondering: what exactly is a resume summary and how do I write one? We'll answer these questions and provide examples of professional summaries for various industries.

By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create a standout resume summary that will help you to land your dream job.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where your resume summary comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline , so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

After your headline, you should include a brief opening statement that summarizes who you are. This statement should be concise and compelling, and it should clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure you get your summary spot on, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you to identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year on year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manages social media accounts."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume summary is tailored to the job you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description and identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk 

Business Analyst

Operations Manager 

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.     Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and calls out a measurable success.

2.     Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.     Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.     Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.     Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess, while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can take a software development project from design to implementation.

6.     Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.     Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.     Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.     Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.  Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.  Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.  Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.  Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate, while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.  Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.  High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience, while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.  Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.  Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.  IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.  Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.  Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.  SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.  Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast / video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write, but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures, while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues, but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.  Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives, based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Get the Reddit app

Get help with your resume! Checkout the wiki and/or sidebar for resources and info!

High school graduate with no experience whatsoever - what should I add, what should I change

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

Graduate Center

• Colleges & Degrees
• Academic Calendar
• International Education
• Graduate Studies
• Accreditation
• Tuition and Fees
• Parking & Maps
• Careers with CSULB
• Alumni Home
• Alumni Volunteering
• Alumni Giving

Campus Life

• Centers & Organizations
• Commencement
• Student Life
• Office of the President
• Office of the Provost
• Administration & Finance
• Student Affairs
• University Relations & Development
• Information Technology
• Beach Shops
• Campus Directory
• Enrollment Services
• Financial Aid
• Schedule of Classes
• Student Records
• 49er Foundation
• Research Foundation

1250 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90840 562.985.4111

Writing a CV or Résumé for Graduate School

Graduate School applications often require you to submit a CV or résumé. This page shares some general advice on how to create such documents. However, this general advice may not be applicable to every situation or discipline, so it's best to consult with trusted mentors in your field in addition to the advice here. 

What's the difference between a CV and a Résumé?

In our view, there are 3 types of document you should know about: traditional CVs, résumés, and grad school CVs. 

Traditional CVs: CV" stands for "curriculum vitae"(which is Latin for "course of one's life," roughly translated) and refers to an old-fashioned, long-form résumé used by established academics (i.e., instructors, professors, administrators) to apply for academic positions. CVs can be quite long. For example, some academic "rock stars" have CVs that are 20 pages or longer, listing their teaching appointments, publications, students they supervised, and many other achievements. Also, CVs generally have minimal formatting and lack bullet points or descriptive paragraphs for listing accomplishments. In most cases, you would not submit this kind of CV as part of a graduate school application. See t his blog post by the writing expert and trained anthropologist Dr. Karen Kelsky for more information on traditional academic CVs. 

Résumés: Résumés are generally used to apply to non-academic jobs. Good résumés list all the experiences that qualify you for the particular job you're applying to, and nothing else. In other words, don't think of a résumé as a summary of everything you've ever accomplished. Instead, think of it as a summary of your qualifications for a particular job. Résumés are usually 1-2 pages long and use bullet points or brief paragraphs to list key accomplishments for each work experience listed (these accomplishments should be relevant to the job you're applying to). See this article by the technical writer Jack Molisani for more information on job-search résumés.

Grad School CVs: Graduate school applications will sometimes use the terms "CV" or "résumé," but what they usually want you to submit is what Karen Kelsky calls a "CV-résumé hybrid" and what we'll call simply a "grad school CV." In other words, they usually want a shorter document (2-3 pages at most) with minimal formatting (no garish colors; no photographs or emojis) but with bullet points explaining details or accomplishments for each experience (e.g., work, laboratory, clinical, or volunteer position) listed. 

What should a grad school CV include?

As stated above, different disciplines and programs will have have different priorities. So, use your best judgment along with the advice of trusted mentors in your field. However, the following is a rough guide to the categories or headings that will be included in most grad school CVs: 

• Research Interests (if applicable)
• Publications (if you have them)
• Conference Presentations
• Research Experiences
• Teaching Experiences
• Skills/Trainings (e.g., languages, specialized software)
• Professional Organizations
• Honors & Awards

Obviously, if you don't have anything to put under one of the headings--for example, you don't have any research experience--or one of the headings is irrelevant to your field, you can omit it. 

Also, notice that the headings are listed in order of importance; since graduate school is an educational experience, the first heading is almost always "education," in which you list the previous degrees you have earned. Less important headings, like honors or awards, will be listed further down on the page. 

How do you know whether a heading is important? You should ask yourself: Is the information under this heading likely to play a big role in whether I'm admitted or not? If the answer is "yes," then the heading is important and should be listed closer to the beginning of the document; if the answer is "no," then the heading should be listed lower down. 

So, if you're applying to grad school in a field like clinical psychology, which usually requires applicants to have research or clinical experiences, then anything related to such experiences (e.g., volunteering at a clinic, working in a research lab, or presenting your research at a conference) should be listed higher on the page. On the other hand, relatively minor achievements, like being honored as a "student of the month" or placing on the Dean's list, are less likely to play a major role in admissions and can thus be placed lower on the page. As impressive as these achievements are, it's hard to imagine an admissions committee member thinking, "I wasn't considering this applicant, but now I know that they were on the Dean's list for two semesters, I'll have to reconsider."  

How should a grad school CV be formatted?

The Graduate Center has compiled several resources that can help you format your grad school CV:

First, you can download this Word doc template (direct download link) that uses tables to organize the CV into columns. 

Second, this video from Microsoft explains how to create such tables from scratch, as well as how to make the table gridlines invisible. 

Finally, the Graduate Writing Specialist's CV-résumé page has a wealth of resources related to CVs and résumés, including samples, handouts, and instructional videos. 

How can I get more help with my grad school CV?

The Graduate Center is available to provide feedback on your résumé/CV for graduate admission by appointment . You can also submit your materials using the "submit your draft for review" button at the top right of this page. 

Advertisement

Supported by

27 Facts About J.D. Vance, Trump’s Pick for V.P.

Mr. Vance spilled scores of details about his life in his coming-of-age memoir. We’ve collected the highlights.

• Share full article

By Shawn McCreesh

Follow the latest news from the Republican National Convention .

J.D. Vance, Donald J. Trump’s choice for vice president, has not lived an unexamined life. Here are 27 things to know about him, drawn from his best-selling 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” and the many other things he has said or written since.

1. His name was not always James David Vance. At birth, it was James Donald Bowman. It changed to James David Hamel after his mother remarried, and then it changed one more time.

2. He longed for a role model. His father left when he was 6. “It was the saddest I had ever felt,” he wrote in his memoir. “Of all the things I hated about my childhood,” he wrote, “nothing compared to the revolving door of father figures.”

3. He had a fraught relationship with his mother, who was married five times. One of the most harrowing scenes in the book occurs when he’s a young child, in a car with his mother, who often lapsed into cycles of abuse. She sped up to “what seemed like a hundred miles per hour and told me that she was going to crash the car and kill us both,” he writes. After she slowed down, so she could reach in the back of the car to beat him, he leaped out of the car and escaped to the house of a neighbor, who called the police.

4. He was raised by blue-dog Democrats. He spent much of his childhood with his grandfather and grandmother — papaw and mamaw, in his hillbilly patois. He described his mamaw’s “affinity for Bill Clinton” and wrote about how his papaw swayed from the Democrats only once, to vote for Ronald Reagan. “The people who raised me,” he said in one interview, “were classic blue-dog Democrats, union Democrats, right? They loved their country, they were socially conservative.”

5. As a teenager, he loved Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin. But then his biological father, who was deeply religious, re-entered his life. “When we first reconnected, he made it clear that he didn’t care for my taste in classic rock, especially Led Zeppelin,” he wrote. “He just advised that I listened to Christian rock instead.”

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

For security reasons, we do not recommend using the “Keep me logged in” option on public devices.

This posting is locked only for district employees, in order to apply, you need to provide a password and click "Submit".

Are you sure?

For security reasons, we do not recommend using the “Keep me logged in” option on public devices. Click Continue to move forward with stay logged in.

Reset your password

Is this your email @ ?

Enter email address to retrieve your username and/or reset your password.

Verify Your Email Address

Email verification link sent.

An Email Verification link was sent to the email address . The verification link will expire in 48 hours. Please click on the link in the email you received to continue and complete the verification process.

If you do not see the email in your inbox after approximately 10-15 minutes, check your SPAM/Junk email folder(s) , thank you.

District Safety Officer - (12 months) at Santa Ana Unified School District

Application Deadline

7/26/2024 4:30 PM Pacific

Date Posted

Number of openings, add'l salary info, length of work year, employment type, about the employer.

Founded in 1888, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) is the second largest school district in Orange County serving approximately 45,000 students and the 2nd largest employer in Santa Ana, providing job opportunities to approximately 5,000 employees. SAUSD is comprised of 32 Elementary, 8 Intermediate, 4 Alternative Educational Options, and 7 High Schools. SAUSD is committed to providing each of its students with a high-quality education, rigorous and advanced programs, and a nurturing, safe environment with state-of-the-art facilities, 21st century learning and technology, and a direct pathway to college upon graduation. Our district proudly boasts one of the highest graduation rates in the state of California.

Requirements / Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one year in law enforcement or related experience. THE DOCUMENTS SPECIFIED MUST BE ATTACHED IN ORDER FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT. Please attach documents listed below. Applications missing attachments will be considered incomplete and therefore will not be considered for an interview. •Copy of High School Diploma and •PC832 Certificate by the closing date and time. •Resume Applicant must also show satisfactory •Proof of completion of the PC 832 (Laws of Arrest) course and •Proof of completion of one of the following courses: PC 832.2 (School Police Reserve Officer Training) or PC 823.3 (Campus Law Enforcement) or School Security Training (per Senate Bill 1620 and Education Code 38001.5). THE DOCUMENTS (SUCH AS CERTIFICATES OR TRANSCRIPTS) VERIFYING THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS MUST ACCOMPANY THE APPLICATION.

This position requires a valid High School Diploma or valid equivalency established by an accredited institution/agency within the United States. Applications that do not include a valid High School Diploma/Degree will not be considered. If you would like to receive credit for a foreign degree, you may submit your foreign degree to an approved education evaluation service. Any cost of evaluation is the candidate’s responsibility. For your convenience, you may visit our website at www.sausd.us under the Human Resources link for a list of approved education evaluation services. The District provides this list only as information to prospective job candidates and makes no endorsement on any of the companies listed.

Links Related To This Job

• SAUSD Salary Schedules
• Non Discrimination Statement
• Sexual Harrasment
• View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem.

CalPERS Links

• CalPERS Retirement Benefits

Santa Ana Unified School District

Session Expiring Warning

For your safety and protection, your session is about to expire. If you wish to continue your session, please click OK .