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The California Career Center. Dream Big, Set Goals, Take Action!

Resume Writing Tips

A resume is a one-page summary of your skills, experiences, and education. It’s designed to grab an employer’s interest and get you an interview.

Think of your resume as introducing yourself and explaining why you’re qualified for the opportunity or job opening.

Tips to get you started:

Promote yourself! Show your best qualities and skills so they’ll want to meet you.

Highlight your qualifications: Describe your skills and abilities with words used in the job description (also called a job duty statement).

Keep it relevant: Talk about experiences and education that are related to the job you’re applying for. 

Be honest: Never exaggerate or lie. 

Get feedback: Ask someone like a school counselor, career center staff, or teacher to read your draft and give you suggestions.

Make sure your resume is error free: check for correct spelling and grammar. Have someone else proofread it.

Always submit: a well-organized, easy-to-read printed resume (hand-written resumes are rarely accepted).

Ask your teacher, school counselor, club advisor, or coach to be a reference for you.

Use the Resume Builder to write your resume and cover letter. What’s a cover letter? Find out at Job Search Letters.

Resume Example (PDF)
Cover Letter Example (PDF)