How to Make Your Extracurricular Activities Shine on Your Resume

Alright, so you’ve probably heard that extracurriculars look good on college applications and resumes. But, if you’re sitting there wondering, Does being in the Anime Club really count? or How do I even put that on my resume? you’re in the right place. 😅

Spoiler alert: Yes, it counts! Extracurricular activities can be your secret weapon to making your resume pop. It’s like the secret sauce in your favorite meal—without it, it’s just kind of bland. 🍕 But don’t worry, I’ll show you exactly how to spice it up. Let’s dive into how you can take your outside-the-classroom life and turn it into a superpower on your resume.

Why Extracurriculars Matter:

Imagine your resume is like an empty pizza crust. It’s got potential, but it’s missing the toppings—those things that make it uniquely you. 🍕 That’s where extracurriculars come in. These are the pepperoni, mushrooms, and extra cheese that show off your flavor. They demonstrate the important skills you’ve been learning without even realizing it—stuff like leadership, teamwork, and time management. 💪

You see, hiring managers and colleges aren’t just looking for good grades. They want to know, Can you handle a challenge? Can you work with others? And trust me, your extracurriculars can answer those questions loud and clear. 👌

Step 1: Choose the Right Activities

First things first: What’s even considered an extracurricular?

If you’re thinking, I haven’t done anything impressive, think again. You probably have more to work with than you realize. 💡 Here’s a list of activities that definitely count (and some you might not have thought of):

• Sports 🏀 (whether you’re on the basketball team or do solo sports like track)

• Clubs 🎨 (Anime Club, Chess Club, Debate Team, Student Council—yes, they all count)

• Volunteer Work 🤝 (animal shelters, beach cleanups, tutoring)

• Part-time Jobs 💼 (retail, babysitting, mowing lawns—anything where you’ve been responsible for something)

• Creative Pursuits 🎸 (painting, music, writing for the school newspaper, TikTok influencer—seriously, these show creativity)

• Helping Out at Home 👨‍👩‍👦 (if you’ve been the go-to sibling for watching your younger brothers or sisters, this teaches responsibility and time management)

• Internships (whether it’s a summer gig or shadowing someone for a week, these are gold 🏅)

  
  

Don’t see your activity here? It’s all about how you spin it. If you’ve been dedicated and learned something from it, it counts!

Step 2: Make It Shine with Power Verbs and Results

Okay, you’ve got your activities, but now you’ve got to sell them like a pro. We’re going to upgrade “I helped out with the debate team” to something way cooler. 😎 Use this formula:

Power Verb + Task + Result/Purpose/Method.

Start with a Power Verb. It’s like the difference between saying, “I walked” and “I power-strolled.” 💥 A Power Verb adds punch.

Here are some examples:

• Led a team of 4 students to a debate championship 🏆

• Organized charity drives, raising over $500 for local shelters 💰

• Collaborated with 10 peers to produce a school newspaper that reached 500 students weekly 📰

Then, focus on results. Did your work make an impact? Did you improve something or achieve a goal? Even if it’s small, it counts!

Example:

• Before: “I played on the basketball team.”

• After: “Led basketball drills and coordinated with teammates, helping our team improve win rate by 10%.” 🏀

Need help coming up with Power Verbs? Grab our Power Verb Inspiration Sheet now. We have 120 verbs for you to check out!

Step 3: Show Commitment and Growth

Ever heard the saying, “It’s not about what you start, it’s about how you finish”? Employers and colleges are looking for commitment. So, if you’ve stuck with something for a while, or if you’ve moved up in responsibility, shout it from the rooftops (or, at least, your resume). 📣

For instance, if you’ve gone from absentee club member to vice president of Anime Club, that’s huge. You’re not just intending to show up—you’re growing. 🌱

• Example: “Joined Anime Club as a member and was promoted to Vice President within one year, coordinating events and increasing participation by 20%.”

  
  

Stuck with an activity for years? Put that commitment on display! 🏅

Your Extracurriculars Are Your Secret Weapon

Your extracurricular activities are more than just something you do for fun. They’re building the foundation for your future success. Whether you’re leading a team, helping out at home, or creating content online, it’s all valuable experience.

So, go ahead and own it! 💪 Add your extracurriculars to your resume with confidence, using Power Verbs and highlighting results. Show that you’ve got the skills and drive to make it in the real world, no matter what path you take.

And remember, this isn’t just about getting a job or getting into college—it’s about showing the world what you’re capable of. 🌍 So take action today. Update that resume, get ready for the next step, and know that you’re building a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

With these simple steps, you’ll transform your extracurriculars into a standout resume that helps you prepare for the world of work and beyond. Keep learning and growing—you’ve got this! 😎