http://www.ck12.org Chapter 8. Business Documents
Experience
The term “experience” does not mean the same thing as “employment.” “Experience” refers to the accomplishments
that make you a good candidate. As a high school student, you may feel you don’t have much experience. However,
there are things you can list that will indicate your skills and positive characteristics to your reader.
Have you played on a sports team? Have you tutored at an elementary school? Did you participate in a fundraiser?
Did you help organize a school event? Do you volunteer for a non-profit organization? These accomplishments
indicate that you have leadership skills, work well with others, and are interested in things other than yourself. All
of these characteristics would be appealing to a prospective employer.
Next to each item you list, include the date(s) you were involved with that activity.
TIP: If you cannot think of anything to list under “Experience,” check with a teacher, friend, or adult who
knows you well. You can brainstorm with them to think of things you have accomplished. After talking with
someone, if you truly have nothing to list under “Experience,” now is the time for you to get out there and do
something!
Additional information
You want your résumé to fill one page. After you have completed the four sections listed above, if you still have
space, here are some other items you may wish to include. Next to each activity or accomplishment, list the date(s)
of any awards received or when you were affiliated with the organization.
- Awards, honors, scholarships
- Affiliations (clubs, professional or student organizations, sports teams, philanthropic organizations). What
was your position in this organization? If you were an officer or team leader, indicate your title and the dates
you held that position. - Special accomplishments (projects, publications, certifications)
- Special skills (foreign language(s), photography, computer expertise, etc.)
- Hobbies
TIP: If you volunteer for an organization, instead of saying “Volunteer,” use a job title that describes for your
reader what you did for the group. Following the job title, use specific terms so that your reader will be able
to understand exactly what your responsibilities include. Because you use the term “Experience” rather than
“Employment” you can list volunteer work as experience.
Sample Résumé A
Joanne S. Smith
123 South Arlington Avenue
Anytown, Florida, 93331
(555) 222-5555
Objective: Admission to the Lapkin School for the Arts Summer Internship Program.
Education: