Personal Statements: towards the future
As a high school student, thinking about your future career path can be daunting. Sometimes it can feel like your intended career path is completely out of reach! Fortunately, at cvapp.nz, we’ve designed all of our career resources to help students just like you advance their career potential and land their next job role.
Your personal statement section will appear at the top of your CV, and introduces who you are to potential employers. In around three to six sentences, the personal statement allows you to summarise who you are, your career goals, and any existing professional accomplishments. As a high school student, don't worry if you don't have a ton of professional experience to highlight. Instead, you can focus on showcasing your skills, highlighting your career aspirations, and conveying your enthusiasm for future career opportunities.
Remember, the personal statement section sets the tone for the rest of your CV. Make use of it to show off your best qualities and potential. A well-written personal statement can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door for an interview and securing your first career opportunity. We have a ton of personal statement examples on our cvapp.nz website if you get stuck!
Determined and diligent student looking to join an engaging work environment. Strong background in community service and working towards my Bachelor of Health Sciences degree majoring in Community Health at the University of Otago. Proficient in a number of technologies, mediums and software. Productive, efficient, self-motivated and always willing to learn.
Skills: how to share your skills with employers
Being a high school student, employers understand that you may not have extensive work experience and technical skills. Most jobs suitable for high school students are entry-level and won’t demand significant career experience. However, that doesn't mean you can't impress employers with your skills! We always recommend utilising a combination of hard and soft skills. Hard skills refer to technical abilities like programming, language proficiency, or babysitting. On the other hand, soft skills refer to more interpersonal qualities such as communication and time management. By showcasing a mix of both, you can make a strong impression on employers.
- Adaptability
- Customer Service
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Communication
- Communication Skills
- Computer Skills
- Fast Learner
Education: pursuing academic excellence
You might like to consider your high school experience to be the foundation of your career so far. When creating your education section, don't just list the schools you've attended and the years you attended them. You'll want to highlight any educational achievements and outstanding grades here, especially if they are relevant for the job role you're applying for. For example, if you recently achieved NCEA Level 2 with Merit, include details of your endorsements in this section.
NCEA Level 3, New Plymouth Boys High School, New Plymouth
May 2013 — June 2016
- Graduated with NCEA Level 3 with Merit. Also graduated with course endorsements, including NCEA Level 3 Physical Education with Excellence and NCEA Level 3 English with Merit.
Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin
February 2017 — February 2021
- Currently working towards a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, looking to specialise in Community Health.
Employment History: the start of your professional journey
When applying for a job as a high school student, employers understand that you may not have an extensive work history. However, it's still important to showcase your relevant experiences in the employment history section of your CV. Even if you haven't held a traditional paying job, you can include other valuable experiences such as volunteering or community service commitments.
Additionally, if you have participated in any extracurricular activities or held leadership positions in clubs or organisations, be sure to highlight them. These activities can showcase your teamwork skills, organisation, and the ability to manage your time effectively.
Remember to not only list these experiences but also describe your contributions and responsibilities within each role. This allows employers to understand the value you can bring to their organisation.
If you have had a paying job, make sure to include it in your employment history section. Even if it's a part-time or seasonal job, it demonstrates your ability to balance work and school responsibilities while gaining valuable work experience.
Ultimately, when applying for a job as a high school student, focus on showcasing your skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Employers understand that you are still in the early stages of your professional journey, so highlight any relevant experiences that can demonstrate your potential as a valuable addition to their team.
Checkout Operator at Countdown, New Plymouth
February 2012 — December 2013
- Managed customer payments and exchanges
- Assisted with customer queries and escalated them to store manager or senior staff when necessary
- Kept checkout stations and store neat, clean and organised
- Bagged purchases for customers in a time-efficient manner
Flawless formatting for you
When it comes to making a great first impression on employers, the way your CV is formatted matters. Poor formatting can hinder your chances of landing your desired job role, while impressive formatting can grab attention and open doors. At cvapp.nz, we offer a ton of fantastic career resources and templates dedicated to helping high school students land a job more quickly. Take a look at our collection of templates specifically designed for students just like you to find the perfect match for your needs!
