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6 Essential Things Every High School Student Should Have on Their Resume

Lesson Details

Grade Level
9-12
Summary
This video, presented by career coach Vance Anderson, walks through the six sections every high school student's resume should include: contact info, education, work/experience, activities, accomplishments, and references. It moves through the resume top to bottom, with practical tips like including GPA above 3.0, noting leadership roles in activities, and always asking permission before listing someone as a reference.

Student Worksheet: Building Your First Resume

Teacher Note: Students can watch the video lesson above and answer the questions. Click the “Teacher Answer Key” dropdown below when you are ready to review the solutions!

Key Concepts:

• Resume Order Matters: A resume is organized top to bottom — contact info first, then education, experience, activities, accomplishments, and references last.

• References Need Permission: Always ask someone before listing them as a reference, so they aren’t caught off guard when contacted.

• Details Strengthen a Resume: Specific numbers and roles — like GPA, class rank, or leadership positions — make a resume stand out more than vague descriptions.

Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answer in the space provided.

  1. Question 1: What four pieces of contact information should appear at the top of a resume, according to the video?
  2. Question 2: According to the video, what GPA should you consider including on your resume?
  3. Question 3: Why does the video call the References section the “most important” part, and what must you do before listing someone as a reference?
  4. Question 4: Give two examples of “Activities” mentioned in the video, and explain what detail about those activities the video says you should highlight.
  5. Question 5: Think of one activity, job, or accomplishment from your own life. Which resume section would it belong in?
  6. Question 6: Imagine you want to list a family member as a reference. Based on the video’s advice, what should you do first?
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key

1. Name, address, email, and phone number. [Explained @ 0:38]

2. A GPA above 3.0. [Explained @ 1:02]

3. It’s the section future employers or schools use to verify the student’s character and history, so students must ask permission first so references aren’t caught off guard. [Explained @ 2:37]

4. Examples include ASB, debate team, marching band, intramural basketball, football, or a youth group. The video emphasizes noting any leadership roles held within these activities. [Explained @ 1:42]

5. Answers will vary — accept any reasonable placement of a personal activity into one of the video’s resume sections.

6. Contact the family member beforehand to ask permission and let them know they may be contacted. [Explained @ 2:37]

Disclaimer: This worksheet was generated with AI assistance based on publicly available video content. It is intended for educational reference only. Teachers are encouraged to review and adjust questions to fit their curriculum standards before classroom use.

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