The younger you are, the harder it can be to compose a résumé. What do you say? "Good at video games"?

Actually, you have a lot to say, if you remember to think like an employer. Businesses that hire teenagers know that you don't have tons of work experience. But what they don't know is all the important information: Will you show up on time? Are you willing to work hard? Can you serve their customers?

The following are some basic tips for writing a résumé for summer work and a sample you can use as a model. Remember: Whenever possible, drop off a résumé rather than asking to fill out an application. This will save time for everyone. If the employer likes the information you've provided, an application may be the next step. If not, then an application wouldn't have helped anyway.

Résumé tips for teenagers:

1. Make it easy to contact you. Include your name, phone number, e-mail address and street address. Be sure that your voice mail sounds professional and that your e-mail address isn't odd.

2. Make a list of your personal characteristics. Are you reliable, friendly, patient? These qualities are part of what employers consider when hiring.

AMY LINDGREN

WORKING STRATEGIES

3. Describe your work style. Do you stick to a project until it's done, listen well to instructions or enjoy learning new things?

How you go about your work is an important factor for the employer to consider.

4. List your work skills. Can you operate a computer, answer phones, handle money, make change, clean floors or serve customers?

This information will help an employer decide where to use you.

5. List extra highlights or achievements. If you're good at math or have won an award at school, that's important information.

6. Describe your actual work and volunteer experience.

7. Consider including things that aren't normally put on résumés. For example, you may mention that you're in good physical condition or that you can get to work reliably.

For more tips on summer job searches for teens, check out last week's column or request the booklet "Job Search for Students" for $5 at 1-800-368-3197. Good luck, and have a good summer!

- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecaree rservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.