Creating a resume as a high school student might feel overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you think. Your resume should highlight your education, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and skills—even if you have no formal work experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to build a strong resume that impresses employers and college admissions officers.
Why High School Students Need a Resume
Many students think resumes are only for adults, but they’re useful for teenagers too. You’ll need a resume for part-time jobs, internships, college applications, scholarships, and even club leadership positions. A well-written resume shows you’re organized and motivated.
Even if you’ve never had a paid job, you still have experiences that matter. School projects, sports teams, volunteer activities, and babysitting all count as valuable experiences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Resume
1. Start with Your Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include your full name, phone number, email address, and city and state. Use a professional email address—not a nickname or something silly. If you have a LinkedIn profile or a personal website, you can include those links too.
2. Write a Strong Objective or Summary
Your objective is a one-to-two sentence statement that explains who you are and what you’re looking for. For example: “Motivated high school junior seeking a part-time retail position to develop customer service skills.” Keep it short and focused on the job or opportunity you’re applying for.
3. List Your Education
Include your high school name, city, and expected graduation date. If you have a good GPA (3.0 or higher), you can add it. Also list any relevant coursework, such as AP classes or computer science, that shows your strengths.
4. Highlight Your Experience (Even If It’s Not Paid)
Create a section called “Experience” or “Volunteer Work.” List any jobs, internships, or volunteer positions you’ve had. For each entry, include the role, organization, dates, and 2-3 bullet points describing what you did. Use action verbs like “assisted,” “organized,” “led,” or “tutored.”
If you have no formal experience, think about babysitting, mowing lawns, helping at a family business, or school club activities. These all show responsibility and skills.
5. Showcase Your Skills
Create a skills section with bullet points. Include both hard skills (like Microsoft Office, Spanish, or coding) and soft skills (like teamwork, communication, or problem-solving). Tailor this list to the job you want.
6. Add Extracurricular Activities and Achievements
List clubs, sports, music, or other activities. Mention any leadership roles, awards, or honors. This shows you’re well-rounded and committed.
7. Keep It to One Page
For a high school student, one page is perfect. Use a simple, clean format with consistent fonts and spacing. Avoid fancy designs or graphics unless you’re applying for a creative job.
Resume Template for High School Students
| Section | Example Content |
|---|---|
| Contact Info | Jane Smith, (555) 123-4567, [email protected], Austin, TX |
| Objective | Hardworking high school sophomore seeking a summer camp counselor role to use my leadership and childcare skills. |
| Education | Lincoln High School, Austin, TX, Expected Graduation: May 2028, GPA: 3.8 |
| Experience | Volunteer Tutor, Austin Public Library (2025–Present) – Helped elementary students with reading and math homework. |
| Skills | Fluent in Spanish, Microsoft Word, Teamwork, Time Management |
| Activities | Varsity Soccer Team (2024–Present), Key Club Member, Student Council Representative |
Tips for Making Your Resume Stand Out
- Use action verbs like “created,” “managed,” “organized,” or “assisted” to describe your experiences.
- Quantify your achievements when possible, such as “raised $500 for charity” or “tutored 10 students per week.”
- Tailor your resume for each job or application—change the objective and skills to match the position.
- Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Ask a teacher or parent to review it.
- Save your resume as a PDF to keep the formatting intact when emailing or uploading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use a generic resume for every application—customize it. Avoid including personal details like age, race, or religion, as they’re not relevant. Also, don’t lie or exaggerate your skills; be honest about what you can do.
Finally, don’t forget to update your resume regularly. As you gain new experiences, add them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put on my resume if I have no work experience?
Focus on your education, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and any informal jobs like babysitting or lawn mowing. These show responsibility and skills.
How long should a high school resume be?
Keep it to one page. High school students rarely have enough experience to fill more than one page, and employers prefer concise resumes.
Should I include my GPA on my resume?
Yes, if your GPA is 3.0 or higher. If it’s lower, you can leave it off or focus on other strengths like relevant coursework.
What if I don’t have any skills to list?
Think about skills you use in school or daily life, like computer basics, teamwork, or being organized. You can also list languages you speak or any certifications you’ve earned.
Can I use a resume for college applications?
Yes, many colleges accept a resume as part of your application, especially for scholarships or specific programs. It helps show your achievements outside of grades.
