Why Use A Free Resume Builder For High School Students?

23 September 2024

Entering the job or internship market as a high school student can be intimidating. Plus, writing your first resume can feel overwhelming. Fear not, because free resume builders for high school students are here to help!

These platforms allow students to create professional-looking resumes with no prior experience needed.

Easy-to-use, ATS (Applicant Tracking System)- friendly layouts and modern designs make these the best resumes for showcasing academic accomplishments, extracurriculars, and volunteer work.

Below, I’ve outlined the best free resume builder tools specifically designed for high school students, along with some helpful tips and tricks.

Resume Builder For High School Students Free

Without any further ado, let’s get into the free tools that will help you in your future.

1. Canva: Drag-And-Drop Simplicity

Canva is one of the best design platforms offering many resume templates for high school students.

It is even easy to use with the drag-and-drop interface. In fact, you can also easily customize your resume to fit your style and taste.

You will need no design skills to work through the application features.
A large selection of free, professionally designed templates will appeal to many users.
Allows creative resumes with color and layout variations.

Resume Tips: Use templates that balance creativity and professionalism. The design should not overpower the content of your resume since the purpose is to present your conceptual skills and experiences clearly.

2. Zety: ATS-Friendly Templates

Among the free resume builders for high school students!

Zety provides templates that will get through the ATS, which is important if you apply to larger corporations.

ATS is an applicant tracking system that could get some of them to use this software to filter resumes. So, your resume needs to be ATS scannable.

Do not worry! With Zety, your resume comes out already ATS approved. They also provide real-time tips as you build your resume, so you do not doubt what’s expected.

Why It’s Great for High School Students:

Provides ATS-compliant templates.
Gives you comments for each part as you are writing it.
You get the resume free when finished.

Resume Tips: Avoid overly creative designs if you apply to corporations or internships with strict ATS systems. Stick to clean, simple formats that highlight key information.

3. Resume.com: The All-Rounder

If you’re looking for a free online resume builder for high school students without experience creating one, we’ve got you covered!

These templates are downloadable and easy to use, so you can spend more time doing what you love. The best part is that each download comes with expert advice on creating an effective high school resume.

It’s free, and there’s no charge at any time.
Simple interface, perfect for beginners.
Real-time previews as you type so you can see exactly what your resume will look like.

Resume Tips: The first section of your resume should introduce you to the reader positively and enthusiastically. If you are a high school student, this is usually not an issue, and you can move on to the next section.

4. Kickresume: Customization With Real-Time Tips

Kickresume is a resume builder that enables you to create, edit, and share your resume. All in one!

It also offers customization resources with pre-written real-time tips and samples. For people who have never created a resume, this application also has them covered.

Yes, you will get a quarter of a million resumes for inspiration.

Why It’s Great for High School Students:

Customizable templates with real-time suggestions.
Access to templates for various fields.
Free option but only with access to basic tools.

Resume Tips: List your extracurricular activities and volunteer experiences. These are valuable when you don’t have much job experience. Tailor them to reflect relevant skills like leadership or teamwork.

5. VisualCV: Portfolio And Resume Combo

Want to send a CV alongside the cover letter? This free resume builder for high school students is the one for you!

VisualCV allows students to build a resume/portfolio hybrid, which is great for creative fields like design or media. You can craft a PDF visual resume or build a portfolio from scratch.

Ideal for students with creative projects or personal websites.
A free version is available and has basic features.
Resume meets portfolio all in one place.

Resume Tips: If you’re applying to creative fields, use VisualCV to share your school projects or other work outside of class. You can even include a link to your website or portfolio.

6. Indeed Resume Builder: Built For Job Seekers

While primarily a job search engine, indeed also provides its users with a resume-builder tool. Plus, it is very helpful for high school and college students.

In fact, their resources are simple to use. Once you are done creating your resume, you can also apply for jobs with just a click of the mouse through the same application.

Why It’s Great for High School Students:
Quick and easy interface.

Resume Tips: Use the resume builder to make a resume with a foundation for jobs.

8. Novoresume: Professional Templates With Extras

Novoresum Professional Templates with Extras

Novoresume offers premium and free resume templates. However, you do not need to pay for the advanced features if you are new to resume-making.

Because whatever you need as a student, you don’t need to pay to get access to good-looking ATS-compliant templates.

Why It’s Great for High School Students:

ATS-optimized, modern templates.
Step-by-step instructions on what to include.
The free version contains all the important features.

Resume Tips: Be sure to add in any special skills you have, such as being good with software (i.e. Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite). High schoolers usually forget this section and it’ll make you different from others applying.

8. ResumeGenius: Step-by-Step Guide

ResumeGenius will walk you step-by-step through the resume creation process. Therefore, ensuring you do not miss anything when creating your first resume is particularly useful.

Because It’s Awesome for High Schoolers:

Simple step-by-step.
Pre-written bullet points you can customize.
ATS-friendly templates.

Resume Tips: If you’re having trouble writing your experience or skills section, ResumeGenius has many pre-written examples. This can help you tailor your resume. In fact, it’s particularly helpful if you don’t know what to write.

9. MyPerfectResume – Pre-Written Examples

For starters, MyPerfectResume, a free resume builder for high school students has one of the largest pools of pre-written examples on the internet.

If you don’t know how to put your skills or experience into words, it gives you ideas by sending lists of phrases everyone uses. However, do not overdo it because it will make your resume sound too cliche!

Why It’s Great for High School Students:

Offers examples you could use right away.
Possibility to easily alter the patterns.
Download resumes in several formats.

Resume Tips: Use their examples as a starting point, but always personalize them to reflect your ideas and experience. Even if you’re using a sample, ensure it’s for the same reason as your intended role.

Enhance Template – For All the Fancy Resume

If you are one of those who wants their resume to look close to perfect, then this is for you!

Enhanced templates are visually appealing without compromising professionalism.

You’ll get basic templates as a free user, but they are more than enough for a student entering the professional arena.

Why It’s Great for High School Students:

Free templates that have basic features.
Drag-and-drop sections.
Customizable layouts that are still professional.

Resume Tips: Choose a design that reflects your personality but doesn’t distract from your qualifications. Avoid overly complex designs that may be hard to read.

How To Make The Most Of Your Resume Builder Tools

Now that you know what the best free resume builder for high school students, here are a few additional resume tips to perfect it

Proofread Everything: Even if the tool says they do this, never use something without doing manual proofreading. You don’t want a typo in what could have been the perfect resume.

Tailor Your Resume: Make sure that every resume you send out has specific information relevant to the employer you’re targeting. Highlight skills and experiences most applicable to the position for which you’re applying.

Keep it Concise: Generally, employers and intern coordinators prefer a one-page resume. This is usually enough space to include all necessary information. Only include the most important things employers need to know about you, and don’t include “fluff” or irrelevant information.

Use Action Verbs: Try to begin each bullet point in your experience section with an action verb. Leading with passive language dilutes the impact of your achievement.

Emphasize Soft Skills: Soft skills, like leadership or problem-solving, can make a big difference in any role. Be sure to emphasize these as well.

Happy Job Hunting!

It might seem like a lot of work to create a resume, but with the right tools and helpful tips, it’s not as tough as you think.

If you’re applying for part-time jobs, internships, or scholarships, these great free resume-builder apps will guide you through creating an awesome resume!

In fact, high schoolers can do it all themselves — for free!

Just make sure to tweak each resume for each job or opportunity to make yourself stand out!

Read Also:

Deepanwita Dey

Deepanwita is a seasoned practitioner of ‘jumping the ship’. She started out her journey with literature and now holds a double graduation degree, one of which is in psychology. As a result, she is now using this skill to help confused job seekers to pick a direction. Given her academic background, her writing is laden with analytical analogies and deep research. As one of Content Rally’s most regular contributors, readers can find a sense of confidence in her writing.

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Top Interview Skills You Need to Ace The Job Interview

Got called for an interview for that dream job you have wanted for a long time? Well, congratulations for starters! Secondly, are you ready with the top interview skills? Ensuring that you are putting your best foot forward! Do not worry, this doesn’t automatically mean you are underprepared. Your confidence to ace the interview will get half of the job done! However, to improve your interview game, you should know what the experts say about a guaranteed interview win. Especially the skills that can help you achieve that goal! Top Interview Skills – Preparing For A Win A good interview is more than just an opportunity to show off your resume or learn about a new company. It’s about having key interview skills to help you shine above the competition. From communication skills to problem-solving abilities, here are the skills you need to start polishing. Got an interview for your dream job? Great! The tricky part is getting the job. But don’t worry, I’m here to help with your interview prep. Let's begin with the following: The 5 Cs Of A Job Interview Here’s a job interview preparation framework: the 5Cs. Five qualities you should try to convey at your interview to be successful. 1. Confidence Is The Key! Confidence is indeed the key. Employers want to hire people who can perform well under pressure and believe in their abilities. You can come with many skills, but how would they know if you cannot showcase them? However, keep in mind that confidence doesn't have to be loud and on someone's face. There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Be assertive but also respectful and open to learning. How do you express confidence? Start with eye contact, a firm handshake, and positive body language. Know your strengths, but also be ready to discuss your weaknesses and how you’ve worked to improve them. 2. Can You Provide Clarity? Be clear and concise with your words. Stuttering, pausing, or slipping in thoughts will make you appear unconfident. This doesn't mean you cannot pause between your answers. Whenever you feel like you need to take a break, always do so with confidence. It will also give the impression that you didn't memorize the answers but rather know how to have a proper conversation. Take it slow, and do not chew on your words. It makes the interviewer aware of nervousness! Plus, learn how to answer basic interview questions using clear & succinct lines. Don't be absolutely clueless there and take your time thinking. The more focused your answers are, the better you can convey what you think. 3. Curiosity Won’t Kill The Cat Here Be curious about everything and always be ready to learn. Curiosity keeps the mind engaged and open to new ideas and possibilities, making you a better problem-solver and decision-maker. Plus, your curious questions can also hold the conversation better. Show genuine interest in the role and company. It is not a surprise that employers love a candidate who is inquisitive and shows they are keen to learn/grow. Ask questions about the company culture, future goals, challenges, etc. Here are some of the unique interview questions to ask employers. 4. Try To Be Calm! Staying calm is most important in any kind of interview situation. Being mindful, calm, and present are some of the top interview skills out there! I know it is not easy, and you are totally panicking if it is a dream job, and you do not want to mess up! But trust me, thinking and losing your sleep over it will not bring you any positive results. The employer wants to see if the person can think clearly and answer thoughtfully, even if you are nervous. So, take a deep breath, smile, and if you need a few seconds before answering, that’s alright! 5. Are You Competent For The Job Again, it could be a dream job, but do not apply for a role (especially in a higher position) if you are not sure! This is one of the reasons why understanding your competency for the job is crucial. It is not about putting yourself down but knowing your strengths & weaknesses well. If needed, you can also ask the recruiter beforehand to explain the job role in detail. Your experience will show your Competence, skills, and how much you know about the job you are being interviewed for. Read the job description properly and respond in a targeted way, describing how your experience fits the role. Dos & Don’ts Of An Interview Knowing what to do and not do in an interview can make all the difference. Here are some important dos and don'ts to help you present yourself as a true professional. Here is what you should do during your job interview: Do Some Company Research Before you even get to the interview, make sure you know what you’re getting into. You’ll be able to answer and ask questions more effectively if you’ve taken the time to learn about the company’s history, culture, and goals. Do Dress Appropriately First impressions are everything. Dressing appropriately will show that you take the interview seriously and understand the company’s culture. When in doubt, dress business casual unless the culture of the company says otherwise. Do Listen Attentively An interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Listen to what your interviewer is saying and respond accordingly. Being a good listener is also one of the crucial interview skills. This will demonstrate that you can work well with others in the workplace. Now, here is what you shouldn’t do. Don’t Over-talk Or Interrupt While it’s important to provide thorough answers, you don’t want to monopolize the conversation. Answer the question and then stop talking. Let the interviewer guide the discussion, and don’t talk over them. Don’t Say Anything Bad About A Former Employer Don’t badmouth your former employer Even if you didn’t have a great experience at your last job. Potential employers are looking for candidates who can remain professional and positive in difficult situations. Which Skills Do I Need In An Interview? Interviewing is all about presenting your best self, and that starts with showcasing your skills. You don’t just want to show that you’re qualified on paper. Yes, you also want to demonstrate that you can effectively and comfortably communicate your qualifications in person. So, here are the top six skills employers look for when they interview candidates! 1. Clear Communication Clear and effective communication is key for any successful interview. You need to articulate your thoughts, respond to questions, and share your views in an easy-to-understand manner. Practice speaking clearly and using professional language without unnecessary jargon. 2. Critical Thinking You may be a natural problem solver and excel in critical thinking or need to work on it. If the latter is the case, it is time for you to polish your critical and quick-thinking skills. A good way to do so is by joining a workshop on interview skills. Many employers will want to know how you have dealt with difficult situations in the past. Here is your opportunity to let them see your problem-solving skills. Think of examples when you devised creative solutions to hard problems. 3. Adaptability In today’s ever-changing job market, flexibility is the name of the game. You cannot be afraid of change and think you will fixate on the same skills and the same means for years on end. The whole corporate scene is getting dynamic, which means there is a new change at every corner. Therefore, demonstrate that you can adapt to change and be open to new ideas and challenges. You can also give examples of when you were forced to be fluid and how you thrived in a new environment. 4. The Ability To Lead Leadership skills are essential Even if you’re not applying for a management position. After all, you would want to give the impression that one day you will be capable enough to lead a team. Especially if someone asks you about your five-year plan, this shows that you can take initiative, guide others, and make decisions when needed. Share examples where you demonstrated leadership qualities, even in small tasks or team collaborations. 5. Technical Skills The digital trends are growing at an unsteady pace, and you will need to adapt quickly! For many positions, you’ll also need specific technical skills, whether it’s the ability to use certain software, machines, or tools or expertise in a particular methodology. Familiarize yourself with the technical skills needed for the position and mention them in your response. What's The Best Answer To "Tell Me About Yourself"? Ah, the dreaded “Tell me about yourself” interview question! No amount of interview skills can prepare you for that! This one is tough because it’s so open-ended. Yes, you don’t want to give too much away and tell your life story, but you also need to give a well-rounded answer. Here’s how to nail it. First, give a quick background of your career thus far, including only things that are pertinent to this job application. Briefly mention a few big achievements that might pique their interest (make them want to keep reading!). Then, please talk about your skills and how they relate specifically to this role. Finish your statement by explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you’ll help the company as a result. Here Is A Good Example Of This Question: “I’ve spent the past five years working as a digital marketing specialist, where I helped companies grow their online presence and customer engagement. I got to work on some cool campaigns, like a social media campaign that increased our client’s online sales by 30%. Not only did I learn the ins and outs of SEO, content strategy, and data analytics in my role, but this is also what you’re looking for! I’m super excited to bring my skills to your team and help drive your digital marketing efforts!” You should also read 10 interview questions, for better preparation! Read Also: 5 Tips To Get Started In Your Teaching Career Corporate Hackathon: Benefits To The Employees How Many Jobs Are Available In Industrial Machinery/Components?

Benefits that Employees Actually Look For

As company culture is changing across US workplaces, potential employees are being more choosy about the things they’re looking for from an employer. Employees needs are different today, and so are the benefits people are looking for. To attract top talent, you’ll want to offer a strong benefits package with benefits employees are actually looking for. Recruiters are working harder to find top talent by helping companies create more attractive benefits offerings. Benefits Offerings Should Change With the Times In a recent survey by GlassDoor, approximately 60% of those asked said they strongly consider benefits and perks before accepting a job offer. A full 80% said they would prefer better benefits over a bump in pay and feel valued when employers offer good benefits. Job seekers are looking for a robust benefits package, that includes at least some of these. Benefits that Employees Actually Look For: Flexible Work Schedule: This might mean the ability to work from home or adjust your work schedule on occasion. The goal is for employees to achieve a better work-life balance, especially those with children. Companies like Netflix are leading the industry in employee flexibility, giving workers autonomy to create a schedule that works for them, while still being productive. It may mean that parents of young children come in earlier than their co-workers and leave earlier to pick their kids up. This flexibility also allows for self-care and a sense of independence and helps companies attract and retain top talent. Good Health Benefits: Employees are not interested in bare-bones, fall down and break something insurance policies or those with high deductibles. More businesses are listening and offering more benefit-rich insurance, with the option for Flexible Spending Accounts or a wider variety of plans to choose from. Employers can also opt to cover a portion of employee’s coverage as a benefit. Health insurance may be the most expensive perk that you can offer employees, but it is one of the most important. Better Vacation Time: Employees want to be able to take time off as needed. Americans are notoriously bad at using vacation days and leave $224 billion dollars in vacation time behind annually. More companies are beginning to adopt open, or unlimited, vacation policies. This can be a win-win for both employers and workers, saving an average of $1,898 per employee annually. Companies save time and money by no longer having to track employee vacation or having to pay out unused vacation days. Employees benefit by taking days as they need them, delivering more flexibility and autonomy. It sends a message to employees that the company trusts them to make their own decisions, so long as their work is not affected. Other Perks: Things like paying for parking, offering tuition assistance or a free gym membership also rank high on the list for employees. Small gestures like free snacks go a long way with employees, making them feel valued. If you aren’t working hard to create meaningful personal connections with your employees, you are making a mistake. Showing genuine interest in them, and their families if applicable, goes a long way. By offering meaningful benefits for your employees, you’ll boost morale, and retain a better workforce. Read Also: Is Your Company Offering Enough To Potential Employees? 5 Major Tips To Increase Employee Engagement In A Call Centre Industry

Most Important Steps To Take When You Think You Have Been Treated Unfairly

Finding a great job can be difficult. The better the job the more competition there is, meaning that you have to stand out from the crowd. However, what do you do when you have started your dream job and find that you are being treated unfairly. You may think that you simply have to put up with it, after all, what other options are there? But, the simple truth is that every person has the right to be treated fairly. You need to identify if you are being treated unfairly and do something about it. Identifying Unfair Treatment The first step is to look at how you are being treated in comparison to others in your workplace. There is a difference between unfair treatment when you are treated differently from others, and bad treatment when everyone is treated badly. It can help to speak to a reputable unfair dismissal lawyer, even if you haven’t been dismissed. They will help you to identify whether and how you are being unfairly treated. They can also be of assistance in resolving the matter. Step 1 – Bring It Up The first step in dealing with unfair treatment is to bring it up with the company and the specific individual. In many cases, this is your direct boss. Talk to them about the issue you are facing and see how they respond. This can be enough to end the issue. You must remain calm when talking and it is advisable to take a witness into any meeting. You should make notes regarding the entire process. Step 2 – Contact Superiors If this has no effect and the business has an HR department you can bring the issue up with them. They will have set procedures that need to be followed to assess your claim and deal with it properly. If your business doesn’t have a separate HR person that you can talk to then you will need to go to the boss or owner of the company. Of course, if this is the person unfairly treating you that won’t help! Step 3 – Involve The Professionals Should both the above steps have been unsuccessful then it is time to speak to your unfair dismissal lawyer again, even if you haven’t been dismissed. They will be able to contact your employer for you and remind them of the law regarding the treatment of employees. The fact that they are already in the loop means it will be easier for them to assist you if the employer reacts badly and dismisses you. Of course, you need to be aware that dealing head-on with unfair behavior at work means you may not feel welcome in the workplace anymore. If this is the case you can leave and file an unfair dismissal claim as you have been forced out. Again, it’s a good idea to speak to the unfair dismissal lawyer first to ensure you get the best advice and follow the right protocol. Read Also: 5 Ways You Could Have Been Sexually Harassed in the Workplace The Benefits of Drug Testing in the Workplace using Drug Test Cups

Why Use A Free Resume Builder For High School Students?