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Ask HN: How do I write a resume as a high school student + freelance developer?
I am a student in high school who was always interested in software. I do a lot of open source work in Rust, ReactJS, and Ruby on the side. I am very active in online platforms (github, hackernews, stackoverflow, my blog), but have never revealed my age. I recently got into freelance software development and have only worked with one client. A potential client asked me for a resume. How do I write a resume without having graduating high school and having worked with only one client?
- jimmyvalmer 6y agoHonestly. If the client doesn't want to hire a minor, it's probably for a good reason. You should really be focusing on college applications anyway, Peter Thiel's exhortations notwithstanding.
- tmp9087 6y ago> If the client doesn't want to hire a minor The client hasn't mentioned not wanting to hire a minor. > You should really be focusing on college applications anyway I'm not in my senior year so that isn't something I have to worry about yet.
- jimmyvalmer 6y agoI was worried about college applications starting in sixth grade. College was a lot more important before the internet, though.
- tmp9087 6y agoWell, obviously I'm thinking about my future and college choices, but I don't think I understand what you are trying to tell me. You think I should stop freelancing and just worry about college applications for the next 3 years?
- MilnerRoute 6y agoThere's different formats of resume. So while some people do a chronological listing of all their past positions, you can also use the "Skills Resume" format -- where you make a list that breaks out all the individual areas in which you have skills. (And since you're just interested in one client, you can sneakily tailor this list so it includes all the things they're looking for in this position. Just don't make it too obvious that that's what you're doing.) :) There should be examples on the web. The only thing I'd add is that resume writing is incredibly common -- millions and millions are written every year -- so there's lots and lots of information out there. (There's even services that will help you write a resume.) But also: your high school probably has a guidance counselor whose main job is to help people apply to college, but who might also be able to advise you about writing a resume. (Or at least refer you to someone who will.) I guess I'm saying: don't be afraid to ask for help. No one's born knowing how to write a resume. And the one thing I never really realized as a teenager was that there's adults who get a good feeling from just knowing that they helped someone. I can imagine there's people who'd be thrilled at a chance to help a teenager write their very first resume -- so if you want someone to help you, you'd probably be able to find someone willing to offer advice.
- tmp9087 6y agoThanks for the advice, I really appreciate it :) Maybe a less "traditional" resume makes sense.