Build a Resume That Stands Out

Welcome back to MyFirstJob Weekly! This week, we’re tackling a big milestone in every job seeker’s journey: creating a resume that stands out.

A great resume isn’t just a list of experiences—it’s your story on paper.

For students, it’s a chance to highlight your unique potential.

For parents, it’s an opportunity to guide your teen toward success.

For employers, it’s a way to identify the next generation of talent.

Let’s dive into why resumes matter and how to make them shine.

For Students: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Standout Resume

Building your first resume may seem challenging, but every section plays a role in showcasing who you are.

Here’s how to create a resume that reflects your strengths using the MyFirstJob app’s step-by-step builder:

1. Personal Summary
This is your introduction—a brief snapshot of who you are and what you’re aiming for.
Why It’s Important: Employers want to see your goals and get a sense of your personality. A strong summary grabs their attention right away.

2. Job Preferences
Include the types of roles, industries, or work environments you’re interested in.
Why It’s Important: It helps employers understand if your aspirations align with their opportunities. It also shows you’ve thought about your career direction.

3. Work Experience
Even if you don’t have formal work experience, list part-time jobs, internships, or freelance gigs.
Why It’s Important: Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and transferable skills like time management or customer service.

4. Education
Include your school name, expected graduation year, and any relevant coursework.
Why It’s Important: Highlights your academic foundation and shows employers your dedication to learning.

5. Awards and Achievements
Add recognitions like academic honors, sports awards, or leadership accolades.
Why It’s Important: It proves your ability to excel and shows that you go above and beyond.

6. Certifications and Training
Include any technical or professional training, such as coding boot camps or CPR certification.
Why It’s Important: Adds credibility to your skills and shows you’re proactive about personal development.

7. Extracurricular Activities
List clubs, sports, or other school-based activities you’re involved in.
Why It’s Important: Demonstrates teamwork, leadership, and commitment to growth outside the classroom.

8. Volunteer Experience
Include any unpaid work for charities, schools, or local organizations.
Why It’s Important: Reflects your dedication to helping others and developing real-world skills.

9. Hobbies and Interests
Share personal passions like photography, gaming, or cooking.
Why It’s Important: It gives employers insight into your personality and helps them connect with you on a human level.

10. References
Provide contacts who can vouch for your character and work ethic.
Why It’s Important: It shows you’ve built relationships based on trust and reliability.

11. Personality Assessment
Complete a short assessment to highlight your strengths and preferred work style.
Why It’s Important: It helps employers see how you might fit within their team and culture.

12. Skills
Highlight both soft skills (like communication and adaptability) and technical skills (like proficiency in Microsoft Office or Canva).
Why It’s Important: Skills demonstrate your ability to contribute to an employer’s needs and goals.

Pro Tip: The MyFirstJob app guides you through each step, making sure you include every detail that makes you stand out. A thoughtfully completed resume is your first step toward a great job.

For Parents: Helping Your Teen Highlight Their Strengths

Your teen’s first resume is more than just a piece of paper—it’s their entry into the professional world. With your guidance, they can craft something that truly reflects their potential. Here’s how to help:

1. Encourage Brainstorming
Sit down with your teen and list everything they’ve done—school projects, extracurriculars, volunteer work, hobbies, and even small tasks like babysitting.
Why It’s Important: Teens often underestimate their own experiences. Your perspective can help them see their strengths.

2. Frame Their Accomplishments
Teach them to describe experiences in ways that resonate with employers. For example, “Babysitting younger siblings” could become “Managed and organized daily schedules for two children, ensuring safety and engagement.”

3. Emphasize Professionalism
Talk about the importance of professionalism, like using a proper email address and avoiding casual language or typos.
Why It’s Important: First impressions matter, even on paper. A clean, polished resume makes a big difference.

4. Use Real-World Examples
Show them your own resume or another professional’s to help them understand formatting, structure, and language.
Why It’s Important: Concrete examples make abstract concepts easier to grasp.

5. Review Together
Once your teen drafts their resume, go over it with them to check for typos, consistency, and clarity.
Why It’s Important: A second set of eyes ensures nothing is missed and helps them learn how to refine their work.

Pro Tip: 

Use the MyFirstJob app to make the process easier.

It guides your teen through every section and even suggests ways to frame their experiences.

For Employers: What to Look for in a Young Job Seeker’s Resume

Hiring young talent is about identifying potential. While they may not have extensive work histories, their resumes can reveal valuable traits. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Soft Skills in Action
Look for examples of teamwork, adaptability, and communication, often highlighted through school projects, extracurriculars, or volunteer work.

2. Initiative and Drive
Pay attention to leadership roles or independent projects that demonstrate ambition and a willingness to take responsibility.

3. Relevant Skills
Even entry-level jobs require specific skills. Look for mentions of job-relevant abilities, whether technical (like proficiency in software) or interpersonal (like conflict resolution).

4. Customization
A resume tailored to your job posting shows the applicant has taken time to align their skills with your needs.

5. Attention to Detail
A clean, well-formatted resume without typos reflects professionalism and effort.

Pro Tip: 

During interviews, ask about specific experiences listed on the resume to gauge problem-solving abilities and enthusiasm.

Why This Matters

A resume is more than just a list—it’s a chance to tell a story. For students, it’s a way to reflect on their achievements and build confidence. For parents, it’s an opportunity to support their child’s growth. For employers, it’s the first step in discovering untapped potential.

Interactive Elements:

• For Students: Understanding Teen Labor Laws: What Teens and Parents Need to Know

• For Parents: How Parents Can Help Teens Leverage Their Interests and Hobbies for Job Success

• For Employers: How Young Professionals Transform Business Culture

Crafting a resume is an essential step in shaping a brighter future. Whether you’re a student writing your first one, a parent guiding the process, or an employer reviewing applications, every resume is a gateway to opportunity.

Have questions or feedback? Reply to this email—we’d love to hear from you!

See you next week,
The MyFirstJob Team

P.S.: Don’t miss next week’s newsletter that discusses how to find a job that is a good fit!