For counselors, teachers and families
Help a student write their first resume.
No paid job yet? Start with what they have already done: a class project, a club, volunteering, caring for others or helping a local business.
Try the builder and preview free. PDF downloads cost $1.99 per student per year, billed annually.
Each student has their own account. Plan how downloads will be paid for before a group session. LinkedIn setup is optional.
Try the student experienceA suggested 40-minute lesson
Adjust the timing for your group. The goal is a truthful resume draft the student understands and can explain.
5 minutes: find the experience
Ask students to list three things they have helped make, organize, solve or care for. A paid job is not required.
10 minutes: make it specific
For one activity, write what they did, who it helped and what changed. Include numbers only when they know them.
15 minutes: build and review
Use the guided builder. Review every suggestion together: dates, spelling, contact details and achievements should all be accurate.
10 minutes: use the resume
Preview the result and discuss one suitable job. Download if ready. Older students can follow the optional LinkedIn guide in their resume dashboard.
An example without job experience
Starting point: “I helped with our school food drive.”
If these are the actual duties: “Sorted donated food, organized collection boxes and helped prepare deliveries for the school food drive.”
Ask what the student really did before adding details. Do not invent totals, leadership titles or results.
Three questions to review together
- Could you explain every line to an employer?
- Can an employer tell what you contributed?
- Are the contact details correct and appropriate to share?
Keep students' resumes private unless they choose to share them. LinkedIn generally requires age 16 or older; local requirements may be higher.