Last time, we discussed the top four reasons for professionals to regularly update their resumes.

This time, we look at the top reasons why all high school students should create a resume. So, when should high school students do this, you may ask? I believe that either during–or right after–a student’s freshman year may be the best time for a student to create a resume. But don’t stress or worry, though, because it is technically never too late to do this important task during the course of a student’s high school career.

Without further delay, let’s look at seven top reasons students why should create a resume while in high school.

1. Many People Have to Create a Resume After Graduating From High School, Anyway:

While it may seem rather peculiar to start our list with such a common knowledge fact and reality, maybe that is actually the perfect reason to create a resume while you are still in high school: It’s something that most of us will have to do once we finish high school, anyway. Some teachers may even have students create their own resume as part of a classroom assignment or project, further incentivizing the creation of this important personal document for students. What is more, teachers; counselors; coaches; caregivers; and others in a school setting can be invaluable trained sets of eyes for proofreading or offering suggestions for student created-resumes, making high school a great time for students to create a document that can stay with them for the rest of their academic and working lives, all the while, additionally, receiving some great tips; suggestions; pointers; and general feedback from professional, trusted adults that know students well.

2. Stand-Out From Peers:

Similarly, because resumes are not always something required of students while in high school (outside of an individual class assignment or project; applying for some jobs while in high school; or perhaps as a task some high school Seniors may have to do as a graduation requirement), not all high school students will have a completed resume that they can access on-demand. Particularly, younger high school students can really stand-out from their peers by having a workable resume during the first year or two of high school. More to that point, because of a current labor shortage in the United States, more businesses are hiring younger workers (this is something I have certainly noticed increasing as the pandemic has continued to linger: More and more students in the first half of their high school career are asking about work permits and expressing interest in having a part-time job). Younger students with a resume in tow can take advantage of applying for summer jobs sooner; Internships earlier; and any other application-based opportunity that they may want to pivot-on in relatively quick order. Plus, having a ready-made resume gives off the impression that you are a responsible; mature; organized; and ambitious student–something all employers and colleges always like to see.

3. Use for Multiple Purposes:

It might be worth mentioning again that having a resume ready to go just makes a lot of sense for many reasons. For students applying for certain jobs; summer camps and college-based programs; or numerous volunteer opportunities, a resume might not be required, but that does not mean that a student cannot still submit one, nonetheless. This is a potential low/no-risk “power-play”, if you will. Say that you are applying for one of these aforementioned opportunities (or others not listed), and you have provided a resume to an adult in charge, you might suddenly be moved to the front of the line–like a Cedar Point Fast Lane Pass!–when it comes to consideration for that job or program that may fit you perfectly. What is more, having a polished, professional-looking resume may even mean that your supervisor or adult in charge might consider you for even higher level positioning or opportunities simply because you went above and beyond. It may be that your resume reviewer(s) may see something that really stands-out about your application–via your resume–and then decide that you are capable, or ready, for greater opportunities.

Bonus Pro-tip: Print off twelve to fifteen paper copies of your resume, place them in a labeled folder, and keep them in an easy-to-get-to location at home. This way, you will save time on multiple trips to the printer, and you will be able to pivot quickly on any opportunities that may present themselves to you (and that you may want to apply for).

4. Practice Writing Skills:

While definitely a different style of writing from what you might typically be accustomed to for many papers you have to write–or other writing-based assignments in school–resume-writing, nonetheless, is a great way to practice this crucial 21^st Century education and work-based skill. Resume-writing may also help you hone and focus your overall writing skills by being extra intentional with things like brevity; clarity; and detail–all much-needed skills inside and outside of school, when it comes to developing most forms of writing. While resumes may be more of a form of shorter-hand, technical-styled writing, the same writing-based skills learned in Language Arts classes–and across many other Subject Areas–often translate well to resume-writing–and vice versa.

5. Save Time On College Applications:

Even if you are a student who is not–or may not be–using or needing a resume for applying for jobs or application-based programs anytime soon, chances are, you may be strongly considering going to college. This is where a resume can save you a lot of time when it comes to the college application season that often starts in partial or full-earnest in the second half of a student’s Junior year of high school, continuing over the summer, and fully taking shape over the course of a student’s Senior year. Having a resume (electronic, or print, or both) can allow you to copy-and-paste parts of your resume into your college applications, or, at the very least, allow you to more easily remember and reflect upon any jobs you have gained experience from; awards or honors bestowed upon you; skills or proficiencies honed; leadership roles assumed or volunteer experiences developed–or even special talents and hobbies that make you, well, uniquely you! Have either a paper copy of your resume at your side or an electronic copy of your resume opened on your computer as you complete your college applications. Not only will you save time, but you will likely also feel a bit less anxious and nervous–and more confident–knowing that you are less likely to forget key things that you may want to include on your college applications (because much of what you need may already be right there on your resume).

6. Be Artistic and Creative and Show-Off Your Technological Skills:

I have certainly seen some strong student resumes in my career as a school counselor. Many student resumes look clean; polished; and professional, but resumes can also be a reflection of your personality, too. Are you artistic and creative? If so, you can put a little bit of flair into your resume–some color, some vibrancy–something a bit quirky, fun, or upbeat that might really stand-out or reflect your personality! Maybe you don’t consider yourself the artistic type, but maybe you are very technologically-savvy. You can embed hyperlinks or QR codes into your resume that show digital art portfolios; DIY projects you have completed and are proud of; carefully-constructed and edited professional-looking videos; an audio recording or video of a boss; supervisor; teacher; school counselor; coach; community leader; religious leader; or other trusted adult describing your skills, maturity, character, dedication, work-ethic, and responsibility; samples of musical projects or concerts; athletic profiles and highlight-reel footage; portions of acting or other performance arts-related content–the possibilities are nearly limitless. The point here is to embolden; encourage; and empower you to stand apart from others and to proudly exhibit the great work you have done inside–but just as much, outside–the classroom, too.

7. Supplement With Business Cards; Tri-fold Brochures; Or a Curriculum Vitae, Etc.:

Just like in our previous point above, being a little different and going a bit above-and-beyond can sometimes really pay-off for getting that job you have always wanted; or getting accepted into that selective, distinguished summer program you had your heart set on; or also when it comes to applying for a great Internship or volunteer-based hands-on experience that fits you perfectly. Providing a paper or electronic copy of your resume to important others, we now know is prudent and savvy, but so is being able to provide a professional-looking business card with your contact information (phone and email is great to start); a tri-fold brochure also with your contact information, a summary of your resume, and any pictures or images you may want to include; a carefully-polished one-page cover letter; or a curriculum vitae (which is a bit like a resume, but often goes into greater detail with things like your academic history, development, and credentials). While these might be but just several things you could use to supplement a provided copy of your resume, perhaps you have additional ideas that can make you stand-out. Chances are that if it reflects well for you, it may be worth including with your resume.

–The Blue-Collar Counselor