Résumé Help: Recent High School Graduate

Resume Help

Jul 15

Today we take another look at the résumé of a recent high school graduate, Henry. Henry has never had a “real” job. He’s done odd jobs and chores for family and friends. One summer he painted houses for neighbors and family members. He is interested in a career in technology sales, specifically an entry-level position at a local mobile phone retail outlet. The challenge is to create a professional experience or work history section of a résumé for someone who says that he has zero work experience.

Take a look at Henry’s first attempt at a résumé. He sells himself short. Would you hire someone who put this minimal amount of effort in a résumé? I would not. Welcome to the working world, Henry! Lack of work history is not an excuse for lack of effort. We’ll give Henry a pass this time because this is his first time to write a résumé.

Whether you are at the very start of your career or an accomplished executive, one rule remains the same. You must show the scope of your responsibility and accomplishments with measured results. I asked Henry questions to gather details of his past experience. Even though these were “odd jobs” and his painting job was only during one summer, there are golden nuggets that would impress an employer. For example, we discovered that Henry independently created flyers, walked door-to-door, and convinced six people in his neighborhood to hire him to paint a room in their homes. That takes moxie. That’s just one example of an accomplishment uncovered through the brainstorming process. We also found that while the Relay For Life event was just one day, Henry raised $3,715 over the course of nine months. He did this by reaching out to all of his Facebook friends. I think any sales manager would be delighted to have Henry on board.