How do I give a buzz cut and make side burns?

I cut my bf’s hair, and he doesn’t realize how crappy it looks. When I go up the back of his head, the hair gets cut shorter than the rest of his head, like right there in the dent, on the back of the skull. Should I cut it on a longer setting? How do I give a proper buzz cut though? I want to try and grow him side burns as well. How do I frame and cut them? He just needs a trendy look, but I can’t seem to give it to him. HELP!!!

Use clippers and place them on the longest setting. Run the clippers in a upward direction on the sides and back. Then begin reducing the length until you’re satisfied with the hair’s length. Take the clippers in a downward motion ( back on the longest setting) on the sides and back of the head to blend the hair on the top with the sides until you get the desired look.