How to Build a Powerful Resume

Dec 10

Crafting a resume can feel intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out. You might think, “How do I make myself look good on paper when I’ve only worked a couple of part-time jobs or helped out with chores?” But guess what? Everyone starts somewhere, and even small experiences can make a big impact when presented the right way.

A powerful resume doesn’t come from flashy job titles; it comes from showing that you’re responsible, skilled, and ready to take on challenges. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

1. Start with the Basics: The Essentials

At the top of your resume, include:

Your Name (big and bold)
Contact Information (email, phone number, and maybe a LinkedIn or personal website if you have one)

Keep it clean and professional. Your email address should look like [yourname]@[emailservice].com—leave the “xx_legend_kid_34xx” email back in middle school.

2. Write a Strong Summary

Think of this as your “elevator pitch.” In 2-3 sentences, highlight your strengths, goals, and what makes you an awesome candidate.

Example:
"Hardworking and detail-oriented high school student with a strong passion for [field of interest]. Skilled in [specific skills, like organization or problem-solving] with experience in [relevant experience, like tutoring, retail, or volunteering]. Eager to contribute and grow in [type of opportunity, like a part-time job or internship]."

3. Highlight Your Skills

Even if you don’t have a ton of work experience, you still have skills that employers value. Think about:

Communication (Are you good at explaining things or writing?)
Time management (Do you balance school, sports, and hobbies?)
Problem-solving (Have you ever fixed a computer, organized an event, or resolved a conflict?)

Create a “Skills” section and list 4-6 relevant abilities. Use action-oriented words like “organized,” “managed,” “created,” or “collaborated.”

4. Showcase Your Experience

This is where most people freak out, but don’t overthink it. If you’ve done anything that shows responsibility or skills, include it here. For each experience, list:

The job or activity (babysitter, school club leader, volunteer, etc.)
The organization (if applicable)
Dates you worked (even if it was just summers or weekends)
A couple of bullet points about what you did

Example:
Babysitter
Local families | June 2022 – Present

Ensured the safety and entertainment of 3+ children during evenings and weekends
Created engaging activities to keep children occupied, improving their creativity
Managed bedtime routines and communicated effectively with parents

Pro tip: If you don’t have traditional job experience, focus on unpaid work like helping your family, organizing a fundraiser, or assisting a teacher. It all counts!

5. Add Education and Extracurriculars

Employers love seeing that you’re involved and motivated. List:

Your school’s name and expected graduation year
Any honors, awards, or high GPAs
Clubs, sports, or leadership roles

Example:
Education
Riverdale High School | Expected Graduation: June 2025

Honor Roll Student (2023, 2024)
Varsity Basketball Captain (2024)

6. Include Volunteer Work or Projects

If you’ve ever helped out in your community, done a school project, or started a small hustle, add a “Volunteer Work” or “Projects” section.

Example:
Volunteer Work
Food Bank Volunteer | November 2023

Packed and distributed meals to over 200 families in need
Organized food drives to collect non-perishable items

7. Keep It Clean and Professional

Your resume should be easy to read and only one page. Use a clean font like Arial or Times New Roman, and leave some white space. Avoid using too many colors or fancy graphics—save that for your Instagram posts.

8. Tailor It to the Job or Opportunity

Don’t send the same resume to every job. If you’re applying for a retail position, highlight your customer service and communication skills. If it’s an internship, focus on your problem-solving abilities and eagerness to learn.

9. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Nothing kills a good resume like typos. Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes. Better yet, ask a teacher, friend, or parent to look it over for you.

10. Be Confident

Your resume is more than just a list of stuff you’ve done—it’s a snapshot of your potential. Everyone starts somewhere, and every small step you take now is building your future.

Next Steps
Now that you’ve got a killer resume, it’s time to put it to work. Whether you’re applying for your first job, an internship, or a leadership role at school, your resume is the key to opening those doors.

Need help finding your first opportunity? Check out my blog, “How to Get Money When You Have None,” for ideas on how to hustle your way to success.

Remember: Every expert was once a beginner. Start now, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Looking good on paper,

Arjun Lakireddy