A resume is a one-page document that shows your skills, experiences, and achievements. As a high school student, you need a resume for part-time jobs, internships, scholarships, and college applications. This guide explains how to write a resume as a high school student in simple steps.
Why do you need a resume in high school?
A resume helps you stand out to employers and admissions officers. Even if you have no paid work experience, you can still build a strong resume. Many students start their first job or internship during high school. A well-written resume shows responsibility and initiative.
What to include on your high school resume
Your resume should include your contact information, education, and any experience. Below is a table showing required and optional sections.
| Section | Required? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Information | Yes | Name, phone, email, city, state |
| Education | Yes | High school name, expected graduation year, GPA (if 3.0+) |
| Work Experience | Optional | Babysitting, lawn mowing, retail job |
| Volunteer Experience | Optional | Food bank, tutoring, church events |
| Extracurricular Activities | Optional | Sports, clubs, student government |
| Skills | Yes | Languages, computer skills, leadership |
| Awards & Honors | Optional | Honor roll, perfect attendance, scholarships |
Contact information
Put your full name, phone number, and email address at the top. Use a professional email address, like [email protected]. Include your city and state, but not your full street address.
Education
List your high school name and location. Add your expected graduation year (for example, Class of 2027). Include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. You can also list relevant courses like AP English or computer science.
Experience
Even without paid jobs, you have experience. List volunteer work, babysitting, lawn care, helping at family business, or school projects. Use action verbs like “organized,” “led,” “created,” and “assisted.”
How to format your resume
Keep your resume to one page. Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri in 10-12 point size. Save as a PDF before sending so the formatting stays the same. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
Bullet list of formatting tips
- Use reverse chronological order – put your most recent experience first.
- Include numbers when possible, for example “raised $500 for fundraiser” or “tutored 10 students weekly.”
- Keep each bullet point to one line if possible.
- Use consistent punctuation – either all periods or none at the end of bullets.
- Leave white space between sections so the resume is easy to scan.
What not to include
Do not add personal details like age, gender, race, or religion. Employers cannot use this information in hiring decisions. Also avoid listing hobbies unless they relate to the job or show a skill. Never include fake experience or exaggerate your accomplishments.
Actionable tips for a strong resume
Read the job or internship description carefully. Match your skills to what the employer wants. Use the same keywords from the posting in your resume. For example, if they ask for “teamwork,” mention a group project or sports team.
Ask a teacher, parent, or counselor to review your resume. A second pair of eyes can catch spelling mistakes and awkward phrasing. Update your resume every few months as you gain new experiences.
Example of a bullet point before and after
Before: “Helped in the school office.”
After: “Organized filing system for 200+ student records, improving office efficiency by 30%.”
Final summary
Writing a resume in high school is easier than you think. Focus on your education, any experience, and skills. Follow the formatting tips above, and always tailor your resume to the opportunity. A strong resume opens doors to jobs, internships, and college scholarships. Start today and update it regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a resume for my first job with no experience?
Focus on your education, volunteer work, extracurriculars, and any skills you have. List school projects or chores that show responsibility, like organizing a club event or managing your family’s grocery budget.
What is the best format for a high school resume?
The best format is reverse chronological, meaning you list your most recent experience first. Keep it to one page, use bullet points, and include clear section headings.
Should I include my GPA on my resume?
Include your GPA only if it is 3.0 or higher. If it is lower, leave it off. You can also list your GPA if the job or college asks for it.
How long should a high school resume be?
One page is the standard length. Most high school students do not have enough experience for more than one page. If you have a lot to say, edit down to the most important points.
What if I have gaps in my experience?
Gaps are normal for teenagers. You can include summer programs, online courses, or personal projects. The key is to show how you spent your time productively.
