Basketball: Writing Your Resume', a Primer for High School Students

Advance our players' careers. That encompasses more than teaching, inspiring, and giving accurate feedback. It means writing recommendations, sharing video, and helping them to help themselves. Here are tips for getting them started on resume writing or bettering their current one. 

"It ain't bragging if you can do it." - Baseball Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean



Learn to tell your story through interviews, resume', and video highlights. It's never too soon to start. 

Include identifying information (address, email, phone number), education (including additional coursework like online courses), work history, special skills (e.g. foreign languages, computer skills), leadership experience, achievements and awards. 

If you're emphasizing sport, consider including sport-related goals, highlights, and achievements. Some applicants use a video resume for both innovation and information. 

Share relevant extracurricular activities. If you've done something noteworthy (e.g. had something published), include it. 

Many sites provide helpful tips. Review an example of a student resume' here. 

Sell yourself. If you have a high GPA or standardized test scores, include them. 

How long should it be? Young people won't have a lengthy resume. But if you do, limit it to two pages, knowing that many employers use scanning software. 

Your social media history follows you. Embarrassing photos, sexist, racist, or homophobic contents will appear on an Admissions Department or employer search. Expect that they will do a background check on you. If you need your profile scrubbed, get on it. 

Build a portfolio of references (teachers, employers, coaches) who will vouch for your character and skills. Networking is vital to career growth. If you have performed well in a class or job, ask your supervisor if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. It's helpful if your performance allows them to share specific insights about you.

Make your narrative great. Nobody will care more about your future than you. 

Lagniappe: "And Then Some" is the title of the second chapter of David Cottrell's Tuesday Morning Coaching. Make providing UNREQUIRED WORK your calling card as you build your educational, athletic, and work experience.