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Looking for a job can be challenging but with a little luck, and a lot of effort, you’ll land a great job. The first thing you’ll need is a professional resumé.
Your resumé is a document that shows off your professional skills and talents to potential employers. An employer should be able to look at a resumé and assess your potential as an employee. But how can you make a resumé that shows your potential as an employee if you’ve never had a job?
What to include:
We’ve created the following four step process to help you quickly create a great resumé. Follow these steps and you’ll be doing it in no time.
Step 1. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.
Where are you going to school? What year are you planning on earning your diploma/GED/certificate? Have you ever been on the honor roll or received any awards or recognition? Are you a member of an extracurricular group at school like the debate team, art club, marching band or athletics?
Have you worked anywhere else before this job? Have you ever done volunteer work? Perhaps you’re a member of GOALL?
Is there something you’re really good at? Maybe you have excellent communication skills, or you are great at building websites. What are you passionate about?
Step 2. Next, take all these and type them in one document. Write a description for each job. What was your responsibility? What challenges did you deal with on a daily basis?
Step 3. Use the template below to help you design a great looking resumé.
Step 4. Have someone look over your resumé. This can be anyone who is willing to help you: a teacher, a guidance counselor, a friend.
It is important to get feedback to help you write the best resumé possible. Make sure you thank them for their help.
Remember: this is just a start to help you. Talk to your school career counselor or make a free appointment with a Career Coach at your local library. Many public libraries offer this service. For example, the Richland County Library has a Job Center that offers assistance in resumé writing, career exploration, and lots more.
Preparing a resumé shows your dedication to an employer. Although there is no secret code to getting a job, a professional resumé and a positive attitude will go a long way towards helping you get your foot in the door.
For help with other life skills, ask your case manager or email the Independent Living Program staff at IndependentLiving@dss.sc.gov.