Creating a resume for a child is a worthwhile activity for multiple reasons. For one, it's never too early for children to learn about the business world and the purpose resumes serve. Secondly, creating a resume for themselves can build children's skills as well as their self-esteem. In addition, kids who might like to start small summer businesses for themselves---such as lawn work or childcare services---can impress potential customers with a well-thought out resume.

Show the child how to center---on separate lines---his name; address with city, state and zip code; and phone number to create a letterhead at the top of the resume. Guide the child in his selection of font, explaining that a traditional choice is preferable. If applicable, an e-mail address can be added under the phone number.

Create an "Education" section for the resume. Simply state the child's grade in school (for example: Fifth Grade, Johnson Elementary School). Under that, list any particulars that stand out. A child might give information about grades (honor roll student or all A's in math), participation in activities (school play, band member or soccer team, for example). Add any awards including those for attendance.

Make a "Skills" section that lists everything from cooking simple meals, playing the piano and weeding the garden to using a computer. Describe the level at which the child is able to perform these tasks.

Use information from the skills section, if applicable, to create a section titled "Experience." For example, in the skills section a child might have listed his ability to cook simple meals. In the "Experience" section, expand that to say something like "Cooks family breakfast every Saturday." Also add in this section any other experience the child has had, for example, "Mowed a neighbor's lawn every week for two summers."

Use an "Interests and Hobbies" section to list all of the activities in which the child participates regularly---either individually or with a group. These might include games the child plays (computer games or chess, for example), playing the piano, collecting (stamps or action figures), sports, creating artwork and anything else that particularly appeals to the child.

Create a "Personal Characteristics" section. Spend the time helping the child think about what her strengths include. Suggest a few ideas (punctuality, determination or friendliness, for example) but encourage the child to come up with a list on his own.

Show a child how to rework or shape a resume for a particular purpose. In other words, perhaps the child would like to get a job as a mother's helper. In that case, the child would stress any experience she has had caring for younger children (even in her own family), any tutoring experiences she might have had at school, and perhaps list "Love of children" in her "Personal Characteristics" section.

Print out copies of the resume, having investing in some resume-weight paper. Explain to the child that resumes should always be printed on white or cream-colored stationary and that any colors or fancy graphic additions should be avoided.