Best Resume Format for 2023: A High School Student’s Guide to Success
When you’re about to finish high school, you might be thinking about applying for part-time jobs, internships, or even college. One of the first things you’ll need is a **professional resume** that shows who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’re a great candidate. But with so much advice out there, how do you know which is the **best resume format** for you?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down the best resume formats for a high school student like you, how to structure your resume, and the most important things to include to stand out from the crowd.
Why Choosing the Right Resume Format Matters
The format of your resume is more than just how it looks. It affects how hiring managers read and understand your qualifications. A well-organized resume makes it easier for potential employers to see your skills and achievements at a glance. If your resume is hard to follow or poorly organized, it may not even get a second look.
What Is a Resume Format?
A resume format refers to the layout and structure of your resume. It dictates how information is arranged on the page, including where to place your contact information, education, work experience, and skills. The right format helps highlight your strengths, even if you don’t have much work experience yet.
Best Resume Formats for High School Students
There are three main types of resume formats: **chronological**, **functional**, and **combination**. Each one has its unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your experience level and goals.
1. Chronological Resume Format
The chronological resume format is the most common and is often preferred by employers. This format organizes your work experience in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent job or activity comes first. It’s ideal if you have some relevant work experience, even if it’s part-time or volunteer work.
Key Features:
– Focuses on work history
– Lists jobs or activities starting with the most recent
– Easy for employers to scan
Ideal For:
– Students with part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer experience
– Those applying for jobs that require specific work experience
Example Layout:
– Contact Information
– Objective or Summary (optional)
– Education
– Work Experience (listed from most recent to least)
– Skills
– Extracurricular Activities
When to Use It:
If you’ve held a few jobs, even if they were summer gigs or internships, this format will help you showcase your experience. On the other hand, if you don’t have much work experience yet, you might want to consider a different format.
2. Functional Resume Format
The functional resume format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. This format is perfect if you don’t have much paid work experience but have developed skills through school, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. It helps you highlight what you can do rather than where you’ve worked.
Key Features:
– Emphasizes skills over work history
– Work experience section is minimized or placed toward the end
– Great for students with limited job experience
Ideal For:
– Students with little to no formal work experience
– Those who want to highlight specific skills, such as teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving
Example Layout:
– Contact Information
– Objective or Summary
– Skills (divided into categories like “Communication Skills” or “Technical Skills”)
– Education
– Extracurricular Activities
– Work Experience (if applicable)
When to Use It:
If you’re applying for your first job or internship and don’t have a long work history, the functional resume format lets you focus on the skills you’ve gained through school projects, volunteer work, or hobbies.
3. Combination Resume Format
The combination resume format combines the best of both worlds—it highlights your skills while also including a detailed work history. This format is useful if you have some experience but want to prioritize your skills.
Key Features:
– Balances skills and work experience
– Skills section comes before work experience
– Allows more flexibility in how you present information
Ideal For:
– Students with a mix of relevant skills and some work experience
– Those applying for jobs requiring both skills and experience
Example Layout:
– Contact Information
– Objective or Summary
– Skills
– Education
– Work Experience
– Extracurricular Activities
When to Use It:
If you have a solid mix of skills and experience, the combination format allows you to present both in an organized and balanced way. This is a good choice if you’re applying for internships or part-time jobs that require both specific skills and experience.
Key Sections to Include in Your Resume
No matter which format you choose, certain sections should always be included in your resume. These sections help employers quickly find the most important information about you.
1. Contact Information
This should be at the very top of your resume. Make sure to include:
– Your full name
– Phone number
– Email address
– Optional: LinkedIn profile or portfolio link (if relevant)
2. Objective or Summary (Optional)
An objective or summary statement is a brief 1-2 sentence pitch about who you are and what you’re looking for. This is optional, but it can help if you’re applying for a specific job or internship.
Example Objective:
“Motivated high school student seeking a part-time position in retail to gain customer service experience and develop communication skills.”
3. Education
As a high school student, your education is one of the most important sections of your resume. Be sure to include:
– The name of your high school
– Your expected graduation date
– Relevant courses or honors (such as AP classes or merit awards)
4. Skills
This section highlights your abilities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. These can be both hard skills (like computer proficiency) and soft skills (like teamwork and communication).
Examples of Skills:
– Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
– Teamwork and collaboration
– Time management
– Research and writing
5. Work Experience (If Applicable)
Even if you don’t have much formal work experience, you can list part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. Be sure to include:
– Job title
– Company name
– Dates of employment
– A few bullet points summarizing your responsibilities and achievements
Example:
Cashier – Local Grocery Store
June 2022 – August 2022
– Provided excellent customer service to over 100 customers daily
– Managed cash register and processed transactions accurately
6. Extracurricular Activities
If you’ve been involved in sports, clubs, or other activities, be sure to include them! Employers love to see well-rounded candidates who are involved in their communities and have leadership experience.
Example:
Captain – Varsity Soccer Team
August 2021 – Present
– Led team to regional finals and organized practice schedules
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Resume
Even the best resume format won’t help if you make common mistakes. Here are a few things to watch out for when preparing your resume:
1. Typos and Grammatical Errors
Always proofread your resume. A single typo can make you look unprofessional.
2. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Stick to a simple email format, like your name. Avoid using nicknames or funny phrases in your email address.
3. Including Irrelevant Information
Focus on the qualifications that matter most to the job you’re applying for. Don’t include hobbies or personal information that doesn’t add to your qualifications.
4. Too Much or Too Little Detail
Make sure your resume is concise but thorough. Avoid going over one page, but don’t leave out important details, either.
Take the First Step Toward Success
Now that you know the best resume formats and key sections to include, you’re ready to start building a resume that makes you stand out. Remember to choose the format that best fits your experience and the job or internship you’re applying for.
If you’re still unsure, check out our [comprehensive guide on resume writing](#) or explore our [tips for landing your first job](#) to give yourself the best shot at success.
A well-crafted resume is your first step toward achieving your career goals, so take the time to make it great. Good luck!