Resume writing could be seen as one of the rites of passage into adulthood. Certainly applying for your first job, establishing perhaps your first chequing account, having expendable income generated by employment rather than by parental handouts or allowances, are all hallmarks of being "grown up."

The first resume may be the toughest to write. Some may not have worked at all yet, and others may have earned a few dollars through babysitting, shoveling snow, walking a neighbour's dog, raking leaves and so on. So how does a young person establish credibility with a potential employer?

I've spoken to quite a number of young people in high schools through a business & education partnership in the city in which I live. It is an excellent resource that connects working adults in the community with young people. I deliver mini-workshops on how to approach resume writing. And wherever I speak, even the young students in Grade 8 astound me with their grasp of what a resume is.

Young people know, for example, that a resume is a marketing document, not a history of work, nor a biography. And they use terms such as "persuasive writing" and "advertising." So right! Teachers, you're doing a great job. (Parents, take note!)

Perhaps one concept that is difficult to grasp, and many people have difficulty with this, is what you should and must write on that piece of paper that will reliably interest an employer. Here are some tips.

How You Start Writing Your Very First Resume

In your very first resume you will have to rely on those typical, early teenage part-time occupations listed above, and also on school, extracurricular, and personal examples. These will show dependability, interest, initiative, trustworthiness, ability to learn and being keen to work- all attributes that an employer will be looking for.

There are examples in each and every life that can adequately address these "must haves." Let's explore a few examples, and you'll soon get the hang of it.

Actual Examples

1. I f you have earned your own money, list that experience. Here are a few ideas:

Babysit from 1 to 3 children, aged 6 months to 6 years approximately 4x per month.
Earned reliable reputation as shown by referrals. Display punctuality, and confidently engage children in both task-oriented and fun activities.
Earned over $500 in 2008 from babysitting, from which 80% was generated from referrals.

2. Do you participate in team sports, music lessons, or other extracurricular activities? How about the following?

Contribute to team achievements: scored 12 goals for my Junior Hockey League team in one season.
Recognized 2 years in a row as "Team Player with Team Spirit" for helpful and friendly attitude.
Earned half the money ($200) needed for new hockey equipment by saving gift money and doing chores-hedge trimming, raking leaves, digging gardens-all completed for neighbours and family.

3. Perhaps you'd like to work in a car dealership, keeping the garage clean on weekends, and haven't worked in such a role yet.

Help out uncle, a mechanic, most weekends, and work on family members' vehicles; assist in oil changes, spark plug maintenance and other repairs.

4. And perhaps you cannot think of anything at all; here are some that may apply to you:

Achieve top grades in every class, especially math (A+), and science (A); complete homework daily and request extra work.
Recognized on report cards for punctuality, good attitude, interest in class material and eagerness to learn new things.
Elected class president; ran an enthusiastic campaign with hand-made posters, marketing slogan, and handouts.
Contributed, over two years, to team of 10 delivering milk to junior grades at each lunch hour.
Volunteer at local library, shelving books and reading books to youngsters during scheduled weekly drop-in.

Follow the above examples for a one-page resume that packs a powerful punch- that clearly identifies you as an ideal entry-level employee. Write to persuade, and then make sure you're ready for interviews.

Stephanie Clark, BA, CRS, CIS, http://www.newleafresumes.ca. An award-winning and published Resume Strategist, dedicated to advancing your career goals, proudly serving clients from around the globe.