For first-time job hunters, writing a resume can be a very daunting task. However, following these tips can lead to a well-crafted resume that will generate multiple interviews.
Choosing Resume Paper
This may seem obvious, but the paper on which a resume is printed can affect how thoroughly a potential employer will read it. Plain white 20lb paper is the safest bet, but it is also the most common. While pastel papers can look childish, and fluorescent papers likely won’t even be read, most stationery stores sell a lightly coloured resume paper that can help an otherwise plain resume stand out from the crowd while still looking professional. Job hunters who would prefer to stick to white paper could also consider spending a few extra dollars on a cotton or linen paper.
Whether or Not to Use a Template
For those who have never made a resume before, a template is a good jumping off point. However, most other teen job hunters will have used a template as well, so employers end up with a sea of similar applications. Therefore, it is a good idea to be as creative as possible – most public libraries will have at least one or two books that can be used for ideas for layouts.
Whether or not a template is used, it is important to stick to a 12-point font for the main body of a resume, while names and headings should be one, or at most two, sizes larger. It is also important to ensure that the font is easy to read – never use a cursive – while at the same time ensuring that it looks professional. Finally, if more than one font is used, do not use one serif font and one sans serif font - stick to one or the other.
Focus the Resume
It is important for applicants to tailor their resume to the job to which they are applying. For example, someone applying to a job in the fast food industry should include information like:
- received top marks in grade 11 foods class
- understand the importance of safe-food handling,
while someone applying to a job in retail could say:
- experience handling cash
- knowledge of selling techniques.
Unless they directly relate to the job, no recruiter is interested in reading about an applicant's hobbies. Therefore, an employer at a clothing store does not need to know that an applicant likes to play hockey, but an employer at a music store may be interested to hear that an applicant plays an instrument in the school band.
Many people include an objective, and while this can be useful, it is a good idea for job hunters to use the opportunity to tell the employer what they can do for the company rather than what the company can do for them. For example, a job hunter should not say that they "want to gain part-time employment to save money for college". Instead, that person should have said that they "would like to work part-time at Business X to put their skills to use and provide the customers with a high level of service."
Keep Resumes Short
Until someone has been in the workforce for many years, there is no reason for a resume to be longer than one page. Job seekers should include only their education, and work and volunteer experience. If much of this is similar, it can be helpful to include a Summary of Relevant Skills rather than describing the duties of each individual job and being repetitive.
References should always be mentioned on a resume, but it is important to check with them first. Some may not mind, but others may not want their contact information to be distributed with every resume handed out. If this is the case, “References Available Upon Request” can be included instead. Though many teens find it tempting, family members should not be used as references, but teachers and principals are good ideas.
Make the Most of Limited Experience
It is important for those who have no work experience to capitalize on the experience they do have. Volunteering looks great on a resume, so these duties should be described. Babysittng a sibling shows responsibility, so it can be included. Even things done at school can be used – being a member of student council, helping out with a bake sale, and achieving perfect attendance are a few examples of things that show an employer that the teen is reliable, so can be included until more work experience is gained.
While there are a lot of things to remember, first-time job hunters should not feel overwhelmed by the task ahead of them. By simply choosing the right paper, formatting and focusing the resume properly, and making the most of the experience they have, teen job hunters should have no problem creating a unique, professional resume that will help land an interview.
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