How to write an effective secondary school student resume

In Singapore, most students move on to secondary or secondary school after finishing primary school. Secondary school gives students learning experiences. It also gives them chances for higher studies. They can attend Junior Colleges, Polytechnics, and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). 

Crafting a secondary school resume can help them prepare for the workforce. They can use it to apply for internships or seek college admission.  

In this article, we will look at the purpose of drafting a secondary school resume. We will outline its key parts and give a step-by-step approach to writing one. Here's what we'll cover: 

• Purpose of a secondary school student resume 
• Components of a secondary school student resume 
• Common mistakes to avoid 
• Resume template for secondary school students 
• Secondary school student resume example 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

Purpose of a secondary school student resume 

A typical secondary school education in Singapore lasts at least five years for all 12- to 16- or 17-year-old students. After PSLE, there were three secondary school paths:

• Express
• Normal (Academic)
• Normal (Technical) 

But to meet the unique needs of students and recognise their abilities, all secondary schools in Singapore will replace streaming with Full Subject-Based Banding (FSBB) by 2024.  

Full SBB allows students to study more subjects. They can study them at different levels, tailored to their interests, skills, and needs. 

With Full SBB, Mixed-form classes replace the traditional Express, N(A), and N(T) streams. They promote interaction among students with diverse strengths and interests. 

This approach shows a shift to a more inclusive and flexible education system. It focuses on the strengths and needs of each student, not a one-size-fits-all model. 

Besides, the Education Certificate (SEC) will replace the N- and O-level exams starting in 2027. This will help students to have an additional year in secondary school to opt for more rigorous courses.  

Despite the changes in the curriculum and structure, a resumé can be helpful in various situations, one of which is:  

Applying for scholarships or internships 

If you're aiming for a university scholarship, seeking an internship, or a fresh graduate with no work experience, having a detailed resume is a game-changer.  

For students finishing up a Diploma, A-Levels or those just out of university, a resume that showcases your educational achievements and extracurricular activities can be an influential asset in your application process. 

While a secondary school resume isn't mandatory, it can help you reflect on your strengths and experiences. Scholarships may be from private organisations, corporations, government units, or agencies. 

Your resume shows why you deserve the scholarship. It also gives the scholarship committee a better idea of who you are as a person and student. It allows them to see beyond your grades and academic achievements. You may consider university internships, which are common in Singapore. A secondary school resume may help you during your internship interviews.  

Components of a secondary school student resume 

Here are the elements of a secondary school student resume: 

Personal information 

Secondary school resumes should start with your personal information. This includes your full name and contact details, including your address, email address, and phone number. Make sure that the details you provide are accurate and up to date. 

Profile summary 

A profile summary on your resume is like a quick snapshot of what you've done and what you're good at. Even if you're still in secondary school, you can use it to share your goals, what clubs or activities you're in, and any experiences that show off your skills. 

A good example is volunteering experience if you're interested in a community service position. 

An effective summary is concise – ideally between three and five sentences. It sums up your key skills and experiences in a way that makes a good first impression on the hiring manager. Remember to write in the third person. You can refer to our article on writing a resume summary for more help. 

Education details 

You can highlight your educational qualifications, especially if you lack professional experience. Hiring managers review this section to understand more about your academic background. Admissions officers and scholarship committee members want to see if you qualify for their programme. 

The details are the same for recent graduates and those still in secondary school. Write your school's name and location and the year you received or expect to receive your secondary school diploma. Include any relevant coursework. 

Experience section 

In this section, job applicants can showcase their work experience. Hiring managers look at this part to see your suitability for the position. You may not write much in this section, but including any relevant experience is still important. 

Aside from part-time jobs, you can list your co-curricular activities and volunteer work. You can list them in a separate section or within the experience section.  

For every experience, include your position title, the company or organisation, and the dates of your involvement.  

Then, add a short bullet list of relevant duties. You can also mention any interpersonal skills or accomplishments you gained from your experience. Our guide on making your resume stand out even if you don't have much experience may be helpful. 

Awards and achievements section 

You can include your awards and achievements in the education section of your secondary school resume.  

But if you have a lot of accomplishments you want to add, it may be better to create a separate section.  

Add a bullet point for each of your awards or achievements. You can also provide dates and reasons for the recognition. 

Key skills section 

Your skills are vital to succeeding as a good candidate in your job search. In a secondary school resume, the key skills section should include hard and soft skills that help you perform the job's responsibilities.  

If you want to go to college or get a scholarship, it's a good idea to list any computer skills or other technical skills you have. Also, include skills such as interpersonal skills, organisation skills, time management, public speaking, leadership skills, and personal qualities. These can help you succeed in your chosen programme and field of study. 

Given the bilingual policy in Singapore, showcasing language proficiency in English and a Mother Tongue Language (e.g., Mandarin, Malay, Tamil) can set students apart.  

Common mistakes to avoid 

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when you write a secondary school resume: 

Choosing a colourful and busy design 

Keep your resume layout simple unless you're applying for a role in the creative field. Stick to a clean and organised format and add sufficient white space. Choose complementary and neutral shades if you want to use colours to highlight resume sections. The aim is for your resume to be distinct but easy to read. 

Not using action verbs 

Use action verbs such as "supervised," "organised," and "developed." They help showcase new skills and make your resume more interesting and dynamic. 

Neglecting to proofread 

An error-free resume makes a good impression, so check for mistakes before you submit your document. Ask a friend or family member to read it and give feedback. You can also use online tools to correct grammatical mistakes quickly.  

Not optimising for applicant tracking systems 

Many companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen applications. Your resume is more likely to get through an ATS when you use keywords from the job ad. Include the company name and the exact title of the position. Also, avoid using graphics because the software may not recognise them.   

Resume template for secondary school students 

Here's a secondary school resume template you can use as a guide when you create your own: 

[Full name] 
[Address] 
[Email address] 
[Phone number] 

[Profile Summary: Write a 3 to 5-sentence profile highlighting your key skills and experience.] 

Education 
[Secondary school], [Town/City, Province] 
Graduation date/Estimated date of graduation: [Month and year] 
GPA or CGPA: [include if applicable] 
Relevant coursework: [Course 1, Course 2, Course 3] 

Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) 

• [CCA Name] - [Position, if any] (e.g., Captain, Member), [Years of Participation] 
  • Describe leadership roles, achievements, and skills developed. 
• [Community Service / Volunteer Work] 
  • [Organization Name], [Role], [Duration] 
  • Brief description of contributions and impact made. 

Experiences 
[Position title] 
[Company/Organisation name], [Dates] 

• [Relevant duty] 
• [Relevant duty] 
• [Relevant duty]  

Awards and achievements 

• [Name of award/achievement] 
• [Name of award/achievement] 
• [Name of award/achievement] 

Skills 

• [Hard or soft skill] 
• [Hard or soft skill] 
• [Hard or soft skill] 

Secondary school student resume example 

Here's a secondary school resume example that you can refer to as you develop your own: 

Sophia Lim 
85 Tampines Avenue 7, #05-08, Eastlink, Singapore 520082 
[email protected] 
+65 8564 1198 

Motivated senior secondary school student with a strong academic record and a passion for science. Founded a club that organises STEM-related activities and school events to inspire other students to enter a career in the field. Received a sponsorship from the National Science Foundation to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly flocculant for water filtration. 

Education 
Raffles Institution, Singapore  
Estimated date of graduation: May 2024  
Grade: A (1,2), B (3,4), C (5,6), D7, E8, E9 
Relevant coursework: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Social Studies, Mother Tongue Languages, Design & Technology  

Experiences 
Laboratory Assistant 
Raffles Institution, 2022–Present 

• Checking records of borrowed reagents and equipment to ensure a complete inventory  
• Maintaining orderliness in the laboratory by sorting and storing chemicals and equipment 
• Assisting the laboratory manager with teaching research students to perform laboratory procedures 

Volunteer 
Green Haven Animal Sanctuary, 2020–Present 

• Keeping the holding area for rescued animals clean 
• Performing routine tasks, such as feeding and grooming animals 
• Observing and recording the health status of the animals 

Awards and achievements 

• On the Director's List since 2018 
• Co-founder of Youth for Nature Club 
• First place in Editorial Writing, Regional Schools' Press Conference 

Skills 

• Communication 
• Science proficiency 
• Math proficiency 
• Analysis 
• Problem-solving 

Resume for school leaver example 

Jasmine Tan 

• Address: 123 Serangoon Road, Singapore 556123 
• Mobile: +65 9123 4567 
• Email: [email protected] 
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasminesinitan 

Objective  

Dedicated and enthusiastic recent school leaver with a strong foundation in Mathematics and Science, seeking to leverage my skills and academic knowledge as a Junior Analyst in a dynamic technology firm. Eager to contribute to the team's success through hard work, attention to detail, and excellent organisational skills, aiming to utilise my abilities to gain practical experience and grow within the company.

Education 

• Springfield Secondary School, Singapore 
• GCE 'O' Level 
• Graduation Date: November 2023 
• Relevant Subjects: Mathematics (A1), Science (A2), English Language (B3), Additional Mathematics (B3), Physics (A2) 

Skills 

• Strong communication skills: Verbal and written 
• Languages: English (fluent), Mandarin (basic) 
• Computer literacy: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, basic knowledge of Python 
• Quick learner with a strong work ethic and ability to work well under pressure 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities 
• Teamwork and collaboration 

Experience  

Volunteer Tutor - Community Center, Singapore 

• March 2023 – Present 
  • Responsibilities: 
    • Provided weekly tutoring sessions in Mathematics and Science to primary school students 
    • Developed and implemented interactive learning materials to enhance students' understanding 
      • Assisted in organising educational workshops and activities for students

Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) 

Mathematics Club - Springfield Secondary School 

• Member 
• January 2021 – November 2023 
  • Achievements/Contributions: 
    • Participated in national mathematics competitions, securing second place in the Singapore Math Olympiad 2023 
    • Led a team project to develop a series of math puzzles and games for the school's annual Science and Math fair 

Interests 

• Coding and programming, particularly in Python 
• Chess: Member of the school chess club and participated in inter-school competitions 
• Volunteering: Regular volunteer at local community centres, focusing on educational support for underprivileged children 

References  

Available upon request. 

Conclusion  

A secondary school resume can help you when applying to colleges or universities. It can also help with internships, scholarships, and part-time jobs. It highlights your basic educational qualifications, skills, and accomplishments.  

When writing a secondary school resume, add accurate information. Include new experiences, volunteering, and leadership in clubs. A professional-looking resume can open many promising career and educational doors for you.  

FAQs 

Here are answers to some common questions about secondary school resumes: 

1. How do you create a resume for a secondary school student without work experience?
   ⁠Follow a secondary school student resume with no work experience template, such as the one in this article.
   ⁠You can include your hobbies and volunteer work. This is if you don't have professional experience.
   ⁠You can also add your portfolio, published works, honours, relevant projects, and certifications.
   ⁠Highlight technical skills like computer use, writing, or graphic design. Soft skills can help, too. 
2. How do you put secondary school on your resume if you haven't graduated yet?
   ⁠It may feel daunting to draft a resume if you haven't graduated yet. As a secondary school student, you can follow a template for the resume of a recent graduate. Just write the date you expect to get your secondary school degree and your CGPA, if applicable.  
3. Can I include my part-time job experience on a secondary school student resume?
   ⁠Yes, as a secondary school student, this can help you get a foot in the door. 
4. Should I include references on my secondary school student resume?
   ⁠This isn't necessary. But it's a good idea to prepare a brief list of names in case the interviewer asks for references. 
5. Can I include extracurricular activities on my secondary school student resume?
   ⁠Yes, you can include relevant activities in the experience section of their resume. This includes participation in sports teams, clubs, volunteer work, and music or arts groups.