Writing your first, second or even third high school resume is not easy. No one ever said it was. Having said that, however, writing your first, second or even third high school resume is probably easier than mastering some of the popular video games students know so well.

Ever wondered why you or your high school student, if you are a parent, is good to great at video games, skateboarding or playing guitar? If you or your teenager is like my teenager, it’s because of the number of hours he or she puts into getting it just right.

One of the big obstacles I have seen to getting teens to even sit down and take a swag at writing a high school resume, is fear that their grades are too low. Teens have shared with me in workshops that only the bright students or brainiacs have anything to put on a high school resume.

Besides, teen job seekers feel most employers don’t really even want a high school resume. They believe that all the employer wants them to do to get the job is complete a job application form and a five minute interview.

For the most part, it is true that most employers are fine with just a job application. However, if a teen feels that their grades might be a hindrance, then they should increase their marketability by writing a high school resume.

If your teen is not an A student, then a good high school resume can set them apart and will impress the employer.

Although the list of employer requirements will change from job to job, the fundamental key behaviors employers look for basically remain the same across jobs.

Demonstrate these four key behaviors on a high school resume to impress employers and show that you are the person for the job, whether you are an A student or not. Consider the examples of activities included as well that you can put on your high school resume to show your skills.

Good communication skills

Can you read, write and speak without using slang? Cite examples of specific classes where you did really well by doing presentations or public speaking. Also identify any clubs or organizations on campus where you get to practice your public speaking abilities.

Honesty and Integrity

Are you trustworthy and will others vouch for you? If you have been really helpful to a teacher or have been in a role to monitor activities, you can use these examples on your high school resume.

Teamwork

Do you get along well with others? Are you on any teams at school or have been called on to lead any groups or projects? Cite these examples to show what you will be able to work with team members on the job.

Work Ethic

Are you a hard worker? Can you demonstrate the amount of responsibilities you have? Do you have a skill or an interest that was self taught? For example can you create Podcasts or create web pages and learned how to do that on your own or by following instructions?

The simple fact is that all of us have talents that could be an asset on the job. You must show these skills on your high school resume, especially if you do not think your grades are impressive enough.

Once the high school resume is complete, many resume web sites offer free high school resume critiques.