Students, Boost Your Resume

As a high school or college student just entering the workforce, you may not think you have much to put on a resume. You would be very wrong.

The problem is that most people think the only information they should put on a resume is work-related. Not true. A resume is a picture of what you are capable of. This goes way beyond typing speed or job history. You should include much more, such as:

Travel experience
Did you spend time in a foreign country? Did you learn a new language there? What was it? What else did you learn that relates to the work you want to do? This experience is also a good way to show an employer that you can work well in a diverse environment. With an increasingly diverse workforce, this is a good skill to have.

Organizations you belong to
Were you part of the honor society at your school? What about a field specific group like Future Business Leaders of America? Or Toastmasters? Did you hold office in any of these organizations? Even if you were captain of the cheerleading squad, that shows leadership ability, something employers value. Don't discount these experiences.

Volunteering
Do you do volunteer work? Maybe you worked with Habitat for Humanity during one summer. Or you helped with the children's summer reading program at your local public library. Your willingness to give of your time shows that you care about others. Additionally, these experiences probably gave you skills you didn't have before.

Community involvement
Have you spearheaded an effort to clean up your neighborhood? Or organized a block party to help your neighbors get to know each other? Have you worked with the local Chamber of Commerce or other community organization? Mine these experiences for the skills you gained and the impact you made.

As you compile your resume, think beyond jobs you've had or the basic skills you possess. Analyze each activity you participate in and figure out if it lends itself to being included on your resume because of:

• leadership experience
• new skills learned
• awards received
• or other relevant value.

Extracurricular activity is not just for fun. It is an education in itself. Make that education pay off.

Mary Klaebel is the owner of Career Tools HQ.

She uses her own experience to help others learn the skills they need to find work and excel in their jobs. In addition, she writes for other websites and is completing a technical writing degree.

She can be reached directly here.

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