What to put on a resume?

Haven't graduated high school yet. What should I put in my resume?

• Hi guys, I'm a foreigner who has been living in the United States for about 3 years. I'm 19 years old, and right now I'm studying in a local technical college that allows me to get a 2 year degree plus a high school diploma. I should be done with that early next year, but right now I'm urgently looking for a job, and have no idea what should I put in my resume. I don't have any job experience, so is really hard for me to come up with a decent resume (the only good thing I've earned since I've been living here is that I made it into the Dean's List last quarter). I also have no idea what should I put when I'm filling out an application and they ask for questions like "did you finish high school?" I'm afraid that they are not going to hire me because I still don't have a diploma. Please guys, tell me how to properly buy a good resume, even if I don't have experience working and haven't finished HS yet. Also, what should I say/put when someone is asking me about my education? Thank you so much.

• Answer:

  Make sure your resume has a career focus at the top of the document. Objective statements are actually out of style these days. Employers want to know what you are applying for and where you fit into the organization. Follow with a professional profile ... a concise a concise synopsis that tells employer who you are and what you have to offer. I suggest you include an areas of strength section that bullet points your core competencies. These are typically keywords / industry buzzwords. Depending on your education, it could come next or be listed at the end of the document. If you are a recent graduate ... list it next. If you have a Masters or above, I suggest mentioning education in the top third. When it comes to your work history remember this ... it should NOT be a laundry list of responsibilities. Is that want the potential employer wants to hear ... "NO" !!!!! You want to showcase your accomplishments. What can you do for the employer that the other applicants can't do. I write resumes every day and have seen some really bad ones ... even at the executive level. Your resume should be a branding message and a sales pitch. Now is NOT the time to be modest ... toot your horn !! Hope this helps.