Should a High School Student Have a 2-Page Resume?

For many high school students, a one-page resume is typically the recommended format. Given the limited work experience and fewer achievements compared to more experienced candidates, a concise one-page resume allows them to highlight their skills, education, and relevant activities effectively.

When It May Be Justified to Have a 2-Page Resume

However, there are circumstances where a two-page resume might be acceptable for a high school student. If they have extensive extracurricular involvement, significant volunteer work, or relevant projects, more detail can be necessary. However, it should still remain well-organized and focused.

Key Tips for Creating a High School Resume:

Keep It Concise

Aim for one page unless there is significant content to justify a second page.

Focus on Relevant Experience

Include part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and significant school projects or leadership roles.

Highlight Skills

Emphasize both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the positions they are applying for.

Education Section

Include your GPA if it is strong, relevant coursework, and any honors or awards.

Formatting

Use clear headings and bullet points to make the resume easy to read.

In summary, while a two-page resume can be suitable in certain cases, a one-page resume is generally more effective for high school students.

Common Concerns and Exceptions

The general rule of thumb is to keep it brief, as this reflects your self-discipline, focus, and ability to prioritize. However, if a high school student has had a series of jobs, internships, or significant extracurricular activities that demonstrate sustained effort and achievement, it might warrant a second page. Yet, even in such cases, it is crucial to stay organized and concise.

Key Considerations:

Extensive Experience

A high school student who has held several part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer positions might justify a two-page resume. However, it is essential to ensure that the content is well-organized and impactful, focusing on the most relevant and meaningful experiences.

Relevant Projects and Activities

Projects or activities that stand out and showcase leadership, teamwork, problem-solving skills, or achievements can make a case for a longer resume. For instance, organizing a successful event, leading a robotics club, or participating in multiple community service projects might warrant a second page.

Awareness of Format

While some high school students may be tempted to add a second page to impress potential employers, it is important to consider the quality of content rather than the quantity. Employers are likely to value focused, well-organized resumes over lengthy, disorganized ones.

In conclusion, while a high school student should generally aim for a one-page resume, there are limited circumstances where a two-page resume might be acceptable if the content is carefully curated and relevant.