Your Teen Can Join the Resume Revolution

Zoom and Google Hangouts. Telephones on our wrists. AirBnb.  Taxi vs. Uber vs. Lyft.   Movies played on nearly everything you own.  Turn your house off and on miles from home,

and. . .

A Resume Revolution.  

With today's current challenges, everything seems upside down.  But one thing that each teen can do is prepare their resume - in the new digital age.

We grew up with paper resumes.   Those word-heavy depressing things.  Are they as effective these days?  Not so much.   Paper resumes still have their place, but to stand out?  Go virtual.  You knew this addition/change was coming. 

With today's current challenges, everything seems upside down.  But one thing that each teen can do is prepare their resume - in the new digital age.

How can our teens take advantage of “Virtual Resumes”?

First, let’s define what these are.  They use all the capabilities of the online world and the amazing graphic tools we have available to us these days.

Collect Visual Resume Assets

These ideas can get you started

• Video clips of school projects your teen is involved in
• Photos of awards acceptances, sports participation
• Create slide shows of talents, goals, and highlights an employer would appreciate knowing
• Photos of volunteer efforts
• Photo of a teacher with a quote about your child

Do you need help knowing what accomplishments to track, how to organize, and how to document them?  Then check out this tool we've created just for this critical time:  Teen Accomplishment Tool Box

Basics To Remember Even in the Midst of this Virtual Revolution

• Apply for a typical teenage job doesn't require a long resume but if your teen is going for a highly sought-after spot, then using virtual tools can give them a boost

• Make sure their email address sounds adult-like, not silly

• Include details on availability.  All employers of high school kids understand the time challenges involved

Tools

Odds are high that your teen is excellent at computer programs.  Here are a few they can use to get started: 

• Slideshare

• PowerPoint

• Excel (uses graphs and more)

• Infographics

• Prezi

• Search the current apps on smart phones

Virtual Resume Examples

Each presentation will be so unique to the resume writer and it is such an exciting way to present information to make it easier for the interviewer.  This takes time to create but once the initial presentation is created, it will be so easy to adapt it to the recipient. 

We have no connection to the following, but they offer templates and suggestions beyond what we’ve covered here.  Of course, check any privacy policy of sites you use, including these. 

• https://www.visualcv.com
• https://jobmob.co.il/blog/virtual-resumes-portfolios/
• You can go directly to each of the “tools” we listed above, such as SlideShare and work from there to create a truly unique approach.

Parent Considerations

As always, you will want to stay on top of what your teen puts together and help them remember to keep things professional, checking for spelling, overall accuracy and of course, any safety concerns.  

And on a positive note, you’ve found an additional reason (think excuse!) to film your child and what they are involved in.  Now they can’t complain “aw Mom, you don’t need to take photos”. 

That’s it for now. Hopefully we’ve opened an entirely new way of thinking at your house on how to help your teen’s talents and accomplishments shine! 

And as we say ...

You CAN Have Success in the Middle of it ALL !

Teen Accomplishment Tool Box