Writing a resume as a high school student can feel intimidating, but it is a skill that will serve you for years. A strong resume shows colleges, employers, and scholarship committees who you are and what you have accomplished. This guide explains exactly how to write a resume for high school students, step by step.
Why a resume matters in high school
Many students think they need a resume only after graduation. That is not true. A resume helps you apply for part-time jobs, internships, volunteer positions, and college admissions. It also makes it easier to fill out online applications by having all your information in one place.
Starting early gives you time to improve your resume before you really need it. Even if you have never held a paying job, you already have experiences worth listing. The key is knowing how to present them.
What to include on your high school resume
A standard high school resume has five main sections. Each section shows a different part of your background. Below is a quick overview of each section and what to put inside it.
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Contact Information | Full name, phone number, email address, and city/state. Do not include your full street address for safety. |
| Education | High school name, expected graduation year (e.g., Class of 2027), and GPA only if 3.0 or higher. List relevant courses like AP or honors classes. |
| Work Experience | Paid jobs, internships, or family business help. Use action verbs like assisted, organized, managed. |
| Volunteer & Extracurricular | Clubs, sports, community service, religious groups, or leadership roles. Include hours per week or total hours if known. |
| Skills & Awards | Language fluency, computer skills (Google Docs, Canva, coding basics), certifications (first aid, lifeguard), and honors (honor roll, academic awards). |
Use this table as a checklist when building your resume. Every item you add should prove that you are responsible, skilled, or involved.
How to write a resume for high school students with no work experience
Most high school students have not held a formal job. That is completely normal. You can still create a powerful resume by focusing on other experiences.
- List school projects – Group presentations, science fairs, or fundraising events show teamwork and initiative.
- Include volunteer work – Babysitting, helping at a food bank, or coaching a youth team counts as experience.
- Highlight leadership roles – Club president, team captain, or section leader in band demonstrate responsibility.
- Mention any certifications – CPR, driver’s license, or Google Suite certifications are valuable to employers.
If you have done any of these, write them under “Volunteer & Extracurricular” or combine them into a section called “Experience.” The goal is to show that you can show up on time, follow instructions, and work with others.
Formatting your resume correctly
Employers and college admission officers glance at a resume for only a few seconds. Good formatting makes it easy to read. Use a clean, simple font like Arial or Calibri in 10–12 point size. Keep margins at 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides.
List sections in order of importance. Education comes first for a high school student. Then work experience (if any), then volunteer and extracurricular, and finally skills. Use bullet points under each position or activity. Each bullet point should start with a strong action verb and be one line long.
Keep your resume to one page. If you have very little experience, one page is still the goal. Do not add fluff or make up information. Honesty is essential.
Common mistakes to avoid
Teenagers often make the same errors when writing their first resume. Avoid these pitfalls to keep your application strong.
Using an unprofessional email address
Create a simple email using your first and last name. Avoid nicknames, numbers, or words like “party” or “cool.” For example, [email protected] works better than [email protected].
Including personal details
Do not list your age, birth date, social security number, or a photo. These are not required and can lead to bias or privacy issues.
Making grammar or spelling errors
Spell check your resume, then ask a parent, teacher, or friend to read it. A single typo can hurt your chances.
Writing long paragraphs
Bullet points are easier to scan. Keep each bullet to one or two lines. Use action verbs like “created,” “led,” “assisted,” and “organized.”
When to update your resume
Your resume is not a one-time document. Update it every time you join a new club, complete a volunteer project, or receive an award. As of July 2026, many college applications and summer job openings use rolling deadlines, so having an up-to-date resume ready gives you an advantage.
Aim to review your resume at least twice a year: once in the fall before college application season, and once in the spring before summer job hunting. This habit ensures you never miss a chance to present your best self.
Writing a resume as a high school student is about showing your potential, not just your past jobs. Start with a simple outline, fill in your education and activities, and keep it clear and honest. Use this guide to craft a resume that opens doors to jobs, college admissions, and scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a resume for high school students with no work experience?
Focus on education, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and skills. List school projects, leadership roles, and any certifications you have earned. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements.
What should I put on my high school resume?
Include your contact information, high school name and graduation year, any jobs or internships, volunteer activities, clubs or sports, and skills like languages or computer programs. Keep it to one page and use professional language.
How long should a high school resume be?
High school resumes should be one page maximum. Recruiters and admissions officers expect a single page for students. Use concise bullet points and avoid unnecessary details.
Should I include hobbies on my resume?
Only include hobbies if they show skills relevant to the job or application. For example, coding a video game shows technical skill, or being a scout leader shows leadership. Otherwise, stick to achievements and activities.
What is the best format for a high school resume?
The best format is reverse chronological order: list your most recent education, experience, and activities first. Use clear section headings, a clean font, and bullet points. Save as a PDF to preserve formatting when emailing.
