How to Write a Resume For Your First Job?

True Story: When I was writing my resume for my first job, I went to Canva, included my Facebook profile picture, and made the whole background blue. I don't think I have to tell you that I did not start getting any callbacks until I updated my format.

Now, I cringe every time I see people repeating my mistakes. I want to go through my screen and should, “Don’t do it!” Oh, well, I guess all I can do is share my tips here, and so I will!

Steps to Writing Your First Resume

1. Start with a strong profile section that highlights your main characteristics and shows who you are. Remember, objective statements were a 90s trend that should not come back!
2. List your education, including your degree, major, and any relevant coursework or academic achievements. Bonus points if you were part of a club or won any awards!
3. Highlight any relevant work experience, including internships or volunteer work. Focus on the skills you developed and the contributions you made to the organization. Remember that including extracurriculars and volunteering is essential if you have no work experience, don't be scared to show off!
4. End with a list of skills and qualifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This could include computer skills, language proficiency, or any certifications you have earned.

RATS Model

What did you just call me? Yes, funny name, but great function once you understand it. The RATS model is an acronym for:

• Results,
• Action Steps,
• Task, and
• Situation.

It is important to include these elements in your resume because they help to demonstrate your value as a potential employee.

Results refer to specific outcomes that you achieved in your previous work experiences. This could be anything from increasing sales revenue to improving customer satisfaction ratings. Including results in your resume shows that you are capable of making a tangible impact in your work.

Action Steps refer to the actions and responsibilities you took on to ensure you achieve success. It is the what and the how of your sentence. This could be organizing inventory, creating social media for a fundraiser project, or preparing specific material for your tutoring.

Tasks are what describes your main goal or the thing you want to achieve with your actions. It includes things like maintaining good customer service, helping your community, and serving your own team.

The situation is the where, when, and any added context you would like to give!

By incorporating the RATS model into your resume, you can showcase your skills and accomplishments in a way that is not only informative but also engaging. This makes it easier for potential employers to see your potential as an employee and can help you stand out in a crowded job market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEEmfESADGE&list=PLYSoliBQ6yq3L5RdUjWg-E31a7Nz2htMU&index=1

Why is Finding a Summer Job a Good Idea

Mmm… let’s look at some examples to spice up our discussion. A couple of summers ago, Matthew Tran because at intern at GrantMe to gain some extra experience; what happened to him? He got accepted into Queen’s University and is now a Marketing Intern for the Vancouver Canucks! Paige Ingram also started working as a tutor and intern through high school, which allowed her to understand better what she wanted to do in the future and meet some awesome people. But were they just successful students, or do summer jobs actually bring value?

Gain Work Experience

Summer jobs are a great way to gain work experience. Even if the job is unrelated to your future career, you can learn valuable skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork. When you apply for your next job, having work experience on your resume can make you stand out from other applicants.

Build Your Network

Working during the summer can help you build your professional network. You can meet people in your industry or in related fields who can offer advice or even job opportunities in the future. Keep in touch with your coworkers and managers after the summer is over, and you may find that they can help you in your career down the line.

Earn Money

Of course, one of the most obvious benefits of finding a summer job is that you can earn money. This can be especially helpful if you are a student and need to save up for tuition, books, or other expenses. Even if you don't need the money right away, it's always nice to have some extra cash in your pocket.

Learn About Yourself

You may discover new interests or skills that you didn't know you had. You may also learn what you don't enjoy doing, which can help you narrow down your career options in the future.

Steps to Finding and Applying for a Summer Job

1. Start early: Begin your job search well in advance of the summer months. Many employers begin recruiting for summer positions in the spring, so be sure to start your search early to increase your chances of finding a job.
2. Determine your job preferences: Consider what type of work you are interested in and what skills you have to offer. Think about whether you want a full-time or part-time position and whether you are willing to work weekends or evenings.
3. Research potential employers: Look for companies or organizations that offer summer jobs in your field of interest. Search online job boards, company websites, and social media platforms to find potential job openings.
4. Update your resume and cover letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and explain why you are a good fit for the position.
5. Apply for jobs: Submit your application materials to the companies or organizations that you are interested in working for. Be sure to follow up with employers if you haven't heard back from them within a week or two.
6. Prepare for interviews: If you are invited to interview for a position, be sure to prepare by researching the company and practicing your interview skills. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and be ready to answer questions about your skills and experience.
7. Accept a job offer: If you are offered a summer job, be sure to review the terms of the offer carefully. Consider factors such as pay, hours, and work schedule before accepting the job.

Building your resume will also be essential when applying for scholarships, universities and grants. If you want to check out the resources we can offer to not only build your resume but also build your experience, make sure to take our quiz!