By: Hong-An Phan
A guide to building a resume, gaining experience, and cover letters.
Summer is a season that can be simultaneously thought of as the ‘end’ or the ‘beginning’. It is during this period of time that childhood chapters close, school years end, and classroom doors close. However, it is also during these warm months that individuals embark on their personal journeys and explore new interests.
Some may be starting their college applications- opening the door to university and college life. On the other hand, students may be graduating and looking back on their years in school. Yet every summer, a particular group stands out in their ‘beginning’, those being individuals new to the workforce.
Many students may be eager to become contributing members of society. But how does one acquire their first job? And how is this experience a stepping stone for the careers that they might build in the future?
To start, almost every hiring manager of a company will review the applicant’s resume. This resume should include the individual’s basic information, relevant experience, and particular skill set. For college students, this could be internships or research experience. High schoolers without field-oriented experience should list out their extracurriculars such as clubs, honors societies, or sports teams.
Because high schoolers have a slight disadvantage in their search for their first job, it is recommended that they emphasize their leadership skills and intelligence. Academic information such as GPA, honor roll, and AP classes can be added as needed. Students who are particularly concerned about their lack of experience can look into shadowing opportunities rather than internships. These roles are more easily granted and can grant them exposure to a particular industry, showing both dedication and interest in a specific field.
It is also important to keep a concise and minimal layout that does not exceed two pages. Applicants may find that a resume composed of classic fonts and no added designs is more likely to land them a job than one cluttered with clashing colors and images.
At the end of the resume, applicants may wish to add a cover letter. This should be a one-page introduction to the hiring manager in which the individual discusses their specific fit for the role. Students should research the particular company’s ideals or mission statement and prove that their philosophies align with the establishment’s.
Resumes are the entry ticket to the vast world of professional occupations. With these documents, students can network, be hired, and use the experiences they have acquired from past positions as stepping stones to the roles they wish to have in the future. Clothing store cashiers can become social media managers and elevate to marketing directors. The growth potential is endless- and it all begins with a resume.
Image by Gabrielle Henderson, Shutterstock.
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