• Completion of at least two consecutive CTE courses within the same program
• Ability to complete 120-240 hours throughout senior year
• Commitment to develop a professional resume
• Plan for reliable transportation
• On track to graduate
• In good standing with attendance, discipline, and academics

Resume Tips and Tricks for High School Students

1. Start with a Strong Format – Choose a clean, professional layout and list experiences in reverse chronological order. Use headings, bullet points, and consistent fonts to enhance readability. Use black font only and pick an easy font like (Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica). Consider utilizing templates available through platforms like Canva or Google Docs.
2. Tailor Your Content – Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to improve your chances of passing through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
3. Highlight Education and Skills – As a student, your education is key. List your school’s name, diploma, expected graduation date, and GPA. List any awards or scholarships you have received, and relevant coursework or projects related to the job.  Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills, better known as people skills (e.g., communication and teamwork).
4. Showcase Experience – Include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and relevant projects. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 30%”).
5. Incorporate Extracurricular Activities – Highlight leadership roles, clubs, sports or organizations that demonstrate your skills and interests. This shows initiative and a well-rounded character. Focus on experiences that illustrate teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
6. Keep It Concise – Ideally, your resume should be one page. Be selective about what to include and avoid unnecessary details. Use concise language and eliminate fluff—focus on what truly matters. Save it as a PDF, and it’s easy to email or upload to apply for jobs.
7. Proofread and Edit – Spelling and grammar mistakes can create a poor impression. Always proofread your resume multiple times. Consider asking a friend, mentor, or career services for feedback.
8. Add a Professional Summary (Optional) – A brief professional summary at the top can provide context about your aspirations and key qualifications. Tailor this to reflect your career goals and highlight your most relevant experience. This section is written in third person and should have a personal tone.
9. Update Regularly – Make it a habit to update your resume regularly, especially after completing projects, gaining new skills, or taking on new roles. This ensures you don’t forget important details.
10. Leverage Online Resources – Utilize online tools and resources, such as LinkedIn, to research industry standards and see how peers present their experiences.