Resumes 101
Name two essential pieces of contact information that belong at the very top of a resume.
What are Full Name, Phone Number, or Email Address?
Why shouldn't you list a family member or best friend as a professional reference?
What is they are biased and can't give an objective review of your work habits?
How many minutes early should you aim to arrive for a job interview?
What is 10 to 15 minutes early?
True or False: Ripped jeans, hoodies, and graphic t-shirts are acceptable for a formal job interview as long as they are clean.
What is False?
howing up on time every day demonstrates what key employee quality?
What is Punctuality (or Reliability / Dependability)?
Instead of writing "Good worker" on a resume, what type of specific achievements or involvement should an 8th grader list?
What are volunteering, school clubs, sports teams, babysitting, or academic awards?
What does writing "N/A" on an application line mean, and why is it better than leaving the space completely blank?
What is "Not Applicable"—it proves you read the question and didn't just skip it by accident.
Name two subtle body language cues during an interview that show an employer you are confident and engaged.
What are making eye contact, sitting up straight, smiling, or nodding while listening?
Describe a standard "Business Casual" outfit suitable for an 8th grader going to an interview.
What is a collared shirt/polo/blouse paired with khakis/slacks/modest skirt, and clean closed-toe shoes?
What does it mean to take initiative at work? Give one real-life example.
What is doing helpful tasks without being told (e.g., wiping down counters during downtime, organizing supplies)?
Identify the mistake in this bullet point and fix it: "I was responsible for taking care of my neighbor's dog."
What is using first-person ("I") or passive language? (Fix: "Cared for neighbor's dog daily" or "Managed pet care schedule.")
You submitted an online job application 10 days ago and haven't received a response. What is the most professional way to follow up?
What is calling or emailing the hiring manager politely during business hours to confirm they received it and restate your interest?
An interviewer asks, "What is a mistake you made in school or work, and how did you handle it?" What are they actually trying to test with this question?
What is your honesty, problem-solving ability, and whether you take responsibility instead of blaming others?
You are interviewing for a job at a casual summer camp where employees wear shorts and t-shirts every day. How should you dress for the interview?
What is one step higher than the daily uniform (e.g., a nice polo or blouse with clean pants/khakis)?
A coworker taking a shift with you is constantly on their phone and ignoring customers, leaving you to do all the work. What is the most constructive way to handle this?
What is asking them directly/politely for help with a specific task, and escalating to a supervisor if the behavior continues?
Why do employers prefer bullet points over long, detailed paragraphs in the experience section?
What is they need to scan resumes quickly (usually in under 10–15 seconds)?
Explain why creating a dedicated email address like first.last@email.com is better than using your personal middle school email account for job applications.
What is it looks clean/professional, and school email accounts often block external emails or get deleted after graduation?
At the end of an interview, the manager asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" What happens if you say "No, I think you covered everything"?
What is it makes you look unprepared or uninterested (you should always ask 1–2 prepared questions about the job/company)
Why do many workplaces ask employees to avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, or body sprays?
What is strong scents can trigger allergies, asthma, or headaches in enclosed spaces?
Define digital footprint and explain how a public social media post from two years ago could affect a future job offer.
What is the trail of data you leave online—employers may search your public profile to check for inappropriate language, bullying, or illegal activity.
Marcus helped organize his school's canned food drive. Which bullet point is stronger and why?
Option A: "Helped collect food for the school food drive."
Option B: "Coordinated with 5 team members to collect and track 300+ non-perishable items."
What is Option B, because it uses an action verb, gives specific numbers, and shows teamwork?
An application asks for your "Reason for Leaving" your previous summer job at a local pool that closed for the winter. What should you write?
What is "Seasonal Position Ended" (or Temporary Position Completed)?
You're asked an interview question and have no idea how to answer it immediately. What should you do instead of panicking or making up a lie?
What is pausing, saying "That's a great question, let me take a moment to think," or asking them to clarify?
You have a virtual interview over Zoom. Name three things in your room/environment you must check or fix before turning on your camera.
What are lighting (bright face, no dark background), clean/uncluttered background, camera at eye level, quiet room, or stable Wi-Fi?
Your supervisor gives you feedback on a task you thought you did right, saying "Next time, do it this way instead." What is the professional way to react?
What is listening calmly without making excuses, thanking them for the guidance, and applying the change next time?