So your child says they’re ready to start looking for their first job (cries in proud parent).
And that means it’s time to write their first resume.
In case it’s been a while since you’ve written one of your own, resumes are a written summary of skills, qualifications and work-related experience.
They’re an important tool in your child’s job search efforts as they’re the first opportunity to impress a prospective employer and convince them that your child is the right person for the job.
But writing a resume can be daunting for the best of us, and your child might appreciate a helping hand drafting their first one.
With the help of Kids Help Line’s fantastic online resources for Gen Z jobseekers, we put together some helpful tips to help your child nail their first resume.
Starting with the basics
First off, you’ll need to include your child’s:
- Full name
- Contact details (phone number and email address)
- Education level and relevant training
- Any work history or work experience
- Skills, abilities and interested
- Work availability
- Licence or transport (if they have one)
… as well as two or three referees to provide character references.
Now, referees tend to spotlight a previous employer’s endorsement via a former supervisor or manager.
However, when it comes to a first resume, a teacher, sports coach or leader from a youth group, choir, band, or club will do just fine.
Just make sure your child checks with their prospective references for permission before listing them on their resume.
Formatting the resume
When helping your child format your resume, Kids Help Line recommends the following:
- Keep your format simple and easy to read
- Make sure your contact details are up-to-date
- Tailor your resume to suit the job you’re applying for (for example, desired skills for a sales assistant position vary from those required for a barista gig at a local cafe).
- Focus on the positives by highlighting your child’s strengths, abilities and achievements relevant to the job role
- Avoid exaggerating or making stuff up, providing an unprofessional email address, and using jargon, slang or negative language
And last, but certainly not least, proofread the resume – have your child check their spelling and grammar.
Finally, wish them luck and tell them to not give up.
