resumes

Resumes are commonly requested for scholarship applications as opposed to college applications. Even as a high school student, building a resume is a really smart idea. 

Tips for Resume Writing:

• Start with a template: Don't stare at a blank page. (List) (Resume)

• Keep it to one page: For high school students, a one-page resume is sufficient.

• Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties: Instead of "Worked at the library," try "Organized over 200 books weekly, improving library efficiency."

• Include relevant sections: 

  • • Education (High School, Advanced courses, 100 Point Weighted GPA)

    • Work experience (Including babysitting or yard work)

    •  Volunteer experience (Must be unpaid, service-focused activities; Teaching VBS counts, but attending worship does not)

    • Extracurricular activities, clubs, sports (Where do you spend your time outside of school?)

    • Honors and Awards (National Honor Society, Service Learning Medal, Eagle Scout)

    • Skills (Computer skills, certifications, languages spoken fluently, leadership, teamwork, communication)

• Proofread! Always check for typos and grammatical errors. Ask a parent, teacher, or friend to review it.

• Save as a PDF: This ensures your resume looks the same on any computer and is generally the preferred format for applications.

RISD has provided many resources on resumes on the Paths to Post-Secondary Hub under Resumes