As a high school student it can be hard to know how to step it up when it comes to writing a professional resume. You know the basics, but how can you really take things up a level to stand out from the crowd? From what to include to how to perfect your layout, these simple tips will help you to step up your resume game!

1. Stepping it up
How to take your résumé
from average to outstanding

2. In your final years of high school you hear
a lot about your future study and career
options. While there are many different paths
to choose from, they will all have one thing
in common.
Whether you dream of full-time work, a
volunteer position, an internship or a study
scholarship, you’ll need a résumé that helps
you stand out from the crowd.

3. The good news is, when it comes to lifting
your résumé game, just a little extra effort
will go a long way toward giving you a
polished and professional application.

4. First things first,
cover letter.

5. A cover letter is designed to give the reader an idea of
who you are, what skills you have and why you would
be suitable for the job. It provides an introduction to your
more detailed résumé and is a great opportunity to catch
the reader’s attention and stand out from the crowd.
Your cover letter should follow formal letter structure
and include your contact details, a brief summary of your
work experience and skills.
It’s a great idea to start by putting all of these basic
elements onto the page first and then adding to and
refining your cover letter from there.

6. To whom it may concern,
I'm really interested in becoming a teacher aide. I've
been baby sitting for just over a year now and I think I
have gained the skills needed to support a teacher in the
classroom.
I finished year 12 last year and have experience working
at McDonalds
Thanks,
Kathy :)0412 345 678
What NOT to do.

7. To whom it may concern,
I'm really interested in becoming a teacher aide. I've
been baby sitting for just over a year now and I think I
have gained the skills needed to support a teacher in the
classroom.
I finished year 12 last year and have experience working
at McDonalds
Thanks,
Kathy :)0412 345 678

8. While this example covers all the basics, it definitely needs
more work before it can be submitted to a potential
employer. Putting a little extra effort into your wording
and layout can really help you stand out from the very
first page.
The average job ad attracts over 118 applicants, so you’ll
need to step up your game if you want to stand out from
the crowd and be noticed.
Remember, a cover letter is your opportunity to make
a great first impression, so try to think outside the box.
Check out this example.

9. Dear Mr Black,
I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide
Advertiser on 2 September 2016.
Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive
results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am
particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working
with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter
for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the
guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.
Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In
this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team
member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs
and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.
Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé.
I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview.
I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.
Yours sincerely,
Kathy Porter
Kathy Porter – 0412 345 678
kathy.porter@hotmail.com
Professional
example.

10. Dear Mr Black,
I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide
Advertiser on 2 September 2016.
Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive
results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am
particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working
with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter
for children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the
guitar. I also have a portfolio of my art work.
Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In
this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team
member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs
and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.
Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé.
I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview.
I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.
Yours sincerely,
Kathy Porter
Kathy Porter – 0412 345 678
kathy.porter@hotmail.com

11. Kathy Porter – 0412
kathy.porter@hotm
Personally
addressing the
letter makes it
more professional
and less generic
Dear Mr Black,
I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide
Advertiser on 2 September 2016.
Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved posi
results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am
particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in wo
with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitte
children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the
I also have a portfolio of my art work.
Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In
this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good tea
member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their nee
and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

12. Mr Black,
to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide
iser on 2 September 2016.
ear, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive
in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am
ularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working
hildren and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for
n up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar.
have a portfolio of my art work.
eaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In
A custom
template makes
this application
both eye-catching
and professional
Kathy Porter – 0412 345 678
kathy.porter@hotmail.com

13. Dear Mr Black,
I wish to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide
Advertiser on 2 September 2016.
Last year, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved posi
results in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am
particularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in wo
with children and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitte
children up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the
I also have a portfolio of my art work.
Since leaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In
this role, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good tea
member. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their nee
and my willingness to go beyond the call of duty.
Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé
I look forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview
I can be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345
Yours sincerely,
Kathy Porter
Use key phrases
from the job
description to
pitch yourself for
the role you’re
applying for

14. Mr Black,
to apply for the position of teacher aide as advertised in the Adelaide
iser on 2 September 2016.
ear, I completed Year 12 at Valley View Secondary School. I achieved positive
in English, mathematics, home economics, biology and geography. I am
ularly keen to obtain a position as a teacher aide as I am interested in working
hildren and have held several voluntary and paid positions as a baby sitter for
n up to ten years old. I relate well to children and can sing and play the guitar.
have a portfolio of my art work.
eaving school, I have been employed part-time as a checkout operator. In
e, I have demonstrated that I am responsible and reliable and a good team
er. Customers have often complimented me on my attention to their needs
y willingness to go beyond the call of duty.
you for considering my application. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé.
forward to meeting you and providing further information in an interview.
be contacted at anytime on my mobile phone number, which is 0412 345 678.
sincerely,
Porter
Give a ‘call to
action’. Request
an interview or
an opportunity
to discuss your
suitability for the
position

15. Now that’s covered,
let’s look at your
résumé.

16. Now that you’ve caught your reader’s attention, it’s time to
back up your cover letter with an impressive résumé. This is
your chance to give more detail about your skills, experience
and achievements. Here are some things to include:
• personal details (name and contact information)
• work / volunteer experience and related skills
• education (including recent awards or high achievements)
• referees
Just like writing a cover letter, résumés can take time, so
get the essentials on paper first and work from there.

17. Details:
Name Kathy Porter
contact number 0421564534
email sk8rgurl69@Hotmail.com
D.O.B: 15/08/1999
Employment:
McDonalds (2 months) - cash register - cooking fries
Baby Sitting (1 year) - watching kids
Education:
Valley View Secondary School - Completed year 12
Referees:
Jane Porter 3543543 Jane.porter@hotmail.com
What NOT to do.

18. Details:
Name Kathy Porter
contact number 0421564534
email sk8rgurl69@Hotmail.com
D.O.B: 15/08/1999
Employment:
McDonalds (2 months) - cash register - cooking fries
Baby Sitting (1 year) - watching kids
Education:
Valley View Secondary School - Completed year 12
Referees:
Jane Porter 3543543 Jane.porter@hotmail.com

19. While this résumé has all of the basic information, it
doesn’t showcase or explain Kathy’s relevant skills and
experience. It still needs quite a lot of work before it can
be sent to a potential employer.
Putting a little extra effort into your wording and layout
can really take your résumé to the next level and help the
reader to understand why you’re a great fit for the role.
On average, recruiters spend only 6 to 8 seconds*
looking
at a résumé. Yep, just seconds! This is why the layout and
presentation of your résumé is so important. Formatting
your information so that it’s interesting and easy to read
will make a huge difference. It’s also important to take the
time to expand on your skills and experience.
*http://www.businessinsider.com.au/what-recruiters-look-at-on-your-résumé-2014-11

20. ‘But I don’t have many skills
or very much experience…’

21. If you’re worried that your résumé is looking a
little empty, think beyond work experience to
other skills and knowledge you may have. Some
great things to include on your résumé are:
• volunteer experience
• academic achievements or recent school awards
• leadership experience and teamwork skills from a
club, activity or sporting group you’re a part of
• community participation

22. Resume
Kathy Porter
Phone
0412 345 678
CONTACT
kathy.porter
@gmail.com
ADDRESS
123 Main Street,
Toowoomba Q 4350
Baby Sitting – Self managed
March 2015 – March 2016 (1 year)
- Maintaining a clean and safe environment
- Tutoring and homework support.
McDonalds - Cashier/customer service
January 2015 – March 2015 (2 months)
- Food preparation and feeding
- Provided a high level of customer service
- Maintained a tidy and hygienic workplace.
Captain – Ipswich Netball
March 2011 – March 2016 (5 years)
01 January 2016
Putting in a little extra effort when explaining your
skills and experience will go a long way to lifting
your résumé game and helping you to land the role.
Here’s a stronger
example.

23. Resume
Kathy Porter
Phone
0412 345 678
CONTACT
kathy.porter
@gmail.com
ADDRESS
123 Main Street,
Toowoomba Q 4350
Baby Sitting – Self managed
March 2015 – March 2016 (1 year)
- Maintaining a clean and safe environment
- Tutoring and homework support.
McDonalds - Cashier/customer service
January 2015 – March 2015 (2 months)
- Food preparation and feeding
- Provided a high level of customer service
- Maintained a tidy and hygienic workplace.
Captain – Ipswich Netball
March 2011 – March 2016 (5 years)
01 January 2016

24. ADDRESS
123 Main Street,
Toowoomba Q 4350
- Food preparation and feeding
- Provided a high level of customer service
- Maintained a tidy and hygienic workplace.
Captain – Ipswich Netball
March 2011 – March 2016 (5 years)
- Assisting to train and mentor team members
- Proactively supporting and encouraging team
- Organising and collecting equipment and
leading team training sessions.
Education
- Queensland Certificate of Education 2011-2015
- Societies: Art, Drama Club, WSS Orchestra.
Work Skills
- Great interpersonal and communication skills
- Proficient in MS Office Suite
- Supportive and proactive team leader.
Referees
- Mr John Tucker (Manager, McDonalds)
0412 345 678 john.tucker@gmail.com
- Mrs Jane Stevens (Coach, Ipswich Netball)
0412 345 678 jane.stevens@gmail.com
SKILLS
Baby Sitting
Cashier
Netball
Leading Teams
Customer Service
MS Office Suite
Team Training

25. While your résumé needs to be
professional, a quick Google search will
give you access to some great custom
templates that can help you to organise
your information clearly while still
showing your personality. Keeping your
résumé clear, concise and easy to read will
help you to stand out from the crowd.

26. Last but not least, don’t forget to proofread! Even
if your entire résumé is looking like a master piece,
one little spelling mistake can be all it takes to
change your potential employer’s perception of you.
A little extra effort with editing can really take your
résumé up a level!

27. Whether you’re hoping to be an intern,
apprentice, volunteer or a scholarship
recipient, you’ll need a great résumé to
stand out from the crowd.
Putting in a little extra effort will go
a long way to helping you present a
polished and professional application!

28. If you’re not quite sure where you’d like your résumé to
take you, then talk to the team at Student Services
for free advice on career planning and study pathways.
For more awesome advice on upping your
résumé game, check out USQ’s Social Hub!
CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 15.1.E 06.2016 Graphics & Photos © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au