Resumes Aren’t About What You’ve Done They’re About Where You’re Going

Parents often tell me their teen’s resume “looks fine,” but here’s the real issue:
Most teens (and honestly, most adults) think a resume is just a list of everything they’ve ever done.

But a strong resume isn’t a history book.
It’s a directional tool…a way to show where your teen is headed next.

And if that direction isn’t clear, the resume falls flat…even if the experience is impressive.

The Pain Point Most Parents Don’t See

Teens and college students are applying to jobs and internships with resumes that look unfocused.
It’s not their fault, that’s how many of us were taught to write resumes.

But today’s hiring managers aren’t asking,
“What has this candidate done?”
They’re asking,
“Does this candidate make sense for the role they want next?”

If the resume doesn’t answer that question, it gets tossed instantly.

Why the Old Way of Writing Resumes Doesn’t Work Anymore

The traditional approach — listing tasks, jobs, and duties — worked in a world where experience alone opened doors.

But the job market has changed.

Recruiters now look for:
• Direction
• Purpose
• Transferable skills
• Strengths
• Alignment with the role

If a resume feels like a scattered timeline instead of a focused story, employers have no idea where your kid fits.

This is the turning point: moving your young adult from “I’ll take anything” to “I know the direction that fits me.” 

Your Young Adult Needs to Know What They’re Aiming For

A resume without direction is like packing for a trip without knowing the destination.

Before a single bullet point gets written, your teen needs at least an idea of:
• What type of job or internship they want
• What environments energize them
• What strengths they naturally bring
• What skills they actually enjoy using

This doesn’t require them to know their exact future.
But it does require enough clarity to shape a story.

A focused resume signals confidence.
A general resume signals lack of clarity.

How Parents Can Help Teens Tell the Right Career Story

You don’t need HR experience to help with this.
Just shift the guiding question from:

“What have you done?”
to
“What do you want to do next?”

Here are practical steps teens can take:

1. Lead with purpose, not tasks

Old style:
“Worked the register at retail store.”
Stronger version:
“Helped customers solve problems and find what they needed through clear communication.”

This shows skill, not just activity.

2. Highlight results, not responsibilities

Old style:
“Managed social media account.”
Stronger version:
“Increased engagement by 25% by testing new content strategies.”

Employers notice impact, not job titles.

3. Keep the tone human not robotic

A resume shouldn’t sound like a legal document.
If your teen is creative, analytical, outgoing, detail-oriented…their language should reflect that.

4. Connect everything to a bigger theme

Look for patterns:
• Leadership
• Service
• Curiosity
• Creativity
• Problem-solving

These themes shape the story and the story shapes the resume.

The Resume as a Confidence Builder

Once teens stop treating their resume like a checklist and start treating it like a narrative, something shifts.

They see themselves differently.
They understand their value.
They feel more prepared, not just for jobs, but for conversations about their future.

That confidence shows up everywhere:
• Interviews
• Networking
• Applications
• College essays
• Part-time job searches

A clear direction helps them chase opportunities that fit not just whatever pops up.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Today’s employers aren’t just looking for experience.
They want alignment…a clear sense that a young person knows themselves, has a direction, and is genuinely excited about the opportunity.

A resume is no longer paperwork.
It’s personal branding.
It’s clarity on paper.
It’s the bridge between where your teen is now and the opportunities they want next.

And that clarity follows them long after the job search.

A Simple Next Step

If helping your teen shape their resume feels overwhelming, you don’t have to tackle it alone.

👉 Book a free 15-minute call: https://www.kristinclark.com/contact

A great résumé isn’t a history lesson. It’s a roadmap.

Together, we can help your child build a future that aligns with who they are.