Writing a resume as a high schooler can feel challenging, especially if you have little or no work experience. But a strong resume helps you stand out for part-time jobs, internships, and college applications. This guide shows you exactly how to write a resume that highlights your strengths and gets results.
Why High Schoolers Need a Resume
A resume is a one-page summary of your skills, achievements, and experiences. Even if you have never had a paid job, you still have valuable things to include. Employers and college admissions officers use resumes to see what you have done and what you can do.
Many teens think they need years of work history. In reality, high schoolers can build a strong resume with school activities, volunteer work, and personal projects. A well-written resume shows responsibility, initiative, and potential.
What to Include in Your High School Resume
Your resume should have clear sections that are easy to read. Use these key sections to organize your information.
Contact Information
Place your full name, phone number, email address, and city and state at the top. Make sure your email sounds professional, like [email protected]. Do not use a nickname or silly email.
Objective or Summary
A short statement (1–2 sentences) explains what you are looking for. For example: “Motivated high school junior seeking a part-time retail position to develop customer service skills.” Keep it focused on the job or opportunity you want.
Education
List your school name, location, and expected graduation year. You can also include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher, relevant courses, or academic honors. Mention any Advanced Placement (AP) or honors classes.
Work Experience
Even unpaid roles count. Include babysitting, lawn mowing, helping at a family business, or internships. For each position, write your job title, company or family name, dates, and 2–3 bullet points describing what you did.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteering shows you care about your community. List the organization, your role, dates, and what you accomplished. Examples: tutoring younger students, helping at a food bank, or cleaning up a park.
Extracurricular Activities
Clubs, sports teams, student government, music groups, or church youth groups all count. Mention any leadership roles, such as team captain or club treasurer. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities.
Skills
Highlight skills that match the job or opportunity. Common skills for high schoolers include:
- Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, typing speed, social media basics
- Language skills: bilingual or conversational in another language
- Soft skills: teamwork, communication, problem-solving, time management
- Certifications: CPR/First Aid, lifeguard, food handler’s permit
How to Format Your Resume
Keep your resume to one page. Use a simple, readable font like Arial or Times New Roman in 10–12 point size. Leave half-inch margins on all sides. Use bold for section headings and your name.
Reverse chronological order works best: list your most recent experience first. Use action verbs like “led,” “organized,” “assisted,” or “created” to describe your tasks. Be consistent with punctuation and spacing.
| Section | Example Content | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | “Hardworking high school senior seeking a summer internship in graphic design.” | Customize for each application |
| Education | Springfield High School, Springfield, IL – Expected graduation 2027 | Include GPA if ≥3.0 |
| Work Experience | Pet sitter for neighbor, June 2025–August 2025 | Use numbers: “cared for 3 dogs daily” |
| Volunteer | Library reading buddy, September 2025–May 2026 | Show hours per week if significant |
Actionable Tips for a Standout Resume
Follow these practical tips to make your resume shine.
- Tailor your resume to each job or school application. Read the description and use similar words.
- Ask a teacher, parent, or guidance counselor to review your resume for errors.
- Save your resume as a PDF so the formatting stays the same when you email it.
- Update your resume every time you start a new activity or get a new skill.
Do not lie or exaggerate. Employers and colleges may check references. Honesty builds trust.
Finally, remember that a resume is a living document. As you gain more experience, replace older items with newer, more relevant ones. Even a simple resume can open doors.
Writing a resume as a high schooler is about showing your potential, not just your paid work. Focus on your education, activities, and skills. With a clear format and honest content, you will impress employers and colleges alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put on my resume if I have no work experience?
Focus on your volunteer work, extracurricular activities, school projects, and skills. Include things like babysitting, helping at a church or community event, or leading a school club. These show responsibility and initiative.
How long should a high school resume be?
A high school resume should fit on one page. Use short bullet points and clear sections to keep it concise. One page is enough to show your best qualifications.
Should I include my GPA on my resume?
Only include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. If you have a lower GPA, leave it off and focus on other strengths like activities or volunteer work. You can also list honor roll or awards instead.
Do I need a different resume for college applications and part-time jobs?
Yes, customize your resume for each purpose. For a job, emphasize relevant skills and work-like experiences. For college, highlight academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Tailoring makes your resume more effective.
Can I use a resume template found online?
Yes, templates can give you a good start. But make sure to personalize it and remove any unnecessary sections. Keep the design simple and professional—avoid fancy graphics or colors that might not print well.
