How to Write A Resume - with no work experience! | Teen Edition

Summary

In this video, Bri from Big Sis Talk guides teens and tweens on how to create a resume when they have no work experience. She covers key resume components, including contact information, an objective statement, education, volunteer experience, and skills. Bri emphasizes the importance of a professional email, showcasing leadership in school clubs, and listing transferable skills like computer proficiency and public speaking. The video offers practical tips for building a strong resume, even for those just starting out in the workforce.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure your resume starts with your **contact information**, including your full name, phone number, and a professional email address.
• 😀 Your **objective statement** should briefly summarize your skills, abilities, and the role you're applying for, making it the first thing the employer reads.
• 😀 In the **education section**, include your high school name, expected graduation year, GPA (if it's strong), and any relevant school clubs or leadership roles.
• 😀 If you don’t have work experience, focus on **volunteer experience** by listing your most recent roles, dates, and specific responsibilities.
• 😀 Start gaining **volunteer experience** if you haven’t yet—it’s a great way to show initiative and develop leadership skills.
• 😀 Highlight your **skills** section by mentioning abilities like typing speed, proficiency with computer software, public speaking, and customer service.
• 😀 If you know a **second language**, include it in your resume—it can set you apart and show your cultural versatility.
• 😀 Focus on your **soft skills** like communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork to show you’re a well-rounded candidate.
• 😀 Keep your resume **simple, clean, and professional**, using easy-to-read fonts and clear headings. Keep it to one page.
• 😀 Always **proofread your resume** to ensure it's free of any spelling or grammar errors before submitting it to potential employers.

Q & A

What should be included at the top of your resume?

The top of your resume should include your contact information: your name, phone number, and a professional email address. Make sure your email is simple and professional, such as your first and last name at gmail.com.

Why is it important to have a professional email address on your resume?

A professional email address makes you appear more serious and credible to potential employers. Avoid using casual or funny email addresses like '[email protected]' and instead use something with your full name.

What is the objective statement, and what should it include?

The objective statement is a brief section that comes after your contact information. It should include your major qualities, skills, abilities, and the type of job you're applying for. This statement helps employers quickly understand who you are and why you are a good fit for the role.

How should I present my educational experience on my resume?

Under educational experience, list your GPA, the name of your high school, and your expected graduation year. Also, include any clubs, organizations, or leadership roles you've been involved in to showcase your involvement and accomplishments.

What if I don’t have any work experience? What should I include instead?

If you don’t have work experience, you can include volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and skills. Even without a job, these experiences show your initiative, teamwork, and leadership potential.

What should I do if I don’t have any volunteer experience yet?

If you don't have volunteer experience, start looking for local opportunities. Volunteering is a great way to build your resume, gain experience, and show that you're willing to contribute to your community.

How should I list my volunteer experience on my resume?

List your volunteer experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each experience, include the dates you volunteered and describe your contributions. Highlight any leadership roles or specific projects you managed.

Why is it important to include skills on your resume?

Including skills helps demonstrate your qualifications for the job, especially if you don’t have formal work or volunteer experience. It shows that you can contribute to the company in other valuable ways, such as through computer proficiency, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What kind of skills should I include on my resume if I’m a high school student?

Skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for include typing speed, computer proficiency (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, Word), public speaking, customer service experience, and any languages you speak. These skills can make you stand out to employers.

What should I do if I speak a second language but didn’t apply it much in high school?

If you speak a second language, definitely include it on your resume, even if you didn’t use it much in high school. Being bilingual is a valuable skill that many employers appreciate, especially in customer-facing or international roles.