If you are a high schooler wondering how to make a resume as a high schooler, the process is simpler than you think. A resume highlights your skills, activities, and achievements even if you have little work experience. Focus on what you have done in school, clubs, sports, and volunteer work.
Why a resume matters for high schoolers
A resume shows employers, college admissions officers, or scholarship committees who you are. It proves you are responsible and have transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and time management. Even part-time jobs, internships, and summer programs often ask for a resume.
Having a resume ready by July 2026 puts you ahead of other applicants. Many summer jobs and fall internships start accepting applications in August. A strong resume increases your chances of getting noticed.
Key sections to include on your resume
Your resume should have clear sections that are easy to read. Use the following structure to organize your information.
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Contact Information | Full name, phone number, email, city and state. Do not include your full address for safety. |
| Education | High school name, expected graduation year (e.g., Class of 2027), GPA if above 3.0, relevant courses or honors. |
| Experience | Paid jobs, volunteer work, internships, or leadership roles. Use action verbs like "led," "organized," "assisted." |
| Activities & Awards | Clubs, sports, music, community service, academic awards. List any recognitions. |
| Skills | Languages, computer skills (e.g., Google Docs, coding basics), certifications (e.g., CPR). |
What if you have no formal work experience?
That is completely normal for most high schoolers. Focus on volunteer projects, babysitting, lawn mowing, helping at a family business, or leading a school club. These show responsibility and initiative.
Include any summer camps where you served as a junior counselor or helped organize events. Also mention any online courses or workshops you completed, like a free coding class.
How to format your resume
Keep your resume to one page. Use a clean font like Arial or Calibri at 10 to 12 point size. Leave enough white space so it does not look crowded.
- Use a professional email address (e.g., [email protected])
- List your most recent experience first (reverse chronological order)
- Use bullet points to describe each role, starting with action verbs
- Keep each bullet to one line if possible, no more than two lines
- Save your resume as a PDF when sending it to avoid formatting issues
Sample resume layout
Here is a simple layout you can follow. At the top, your contact info centered. Then Education, Experience, Activities, Skills. Each section has a bold heading. Use a 0.5-inch margin on all sides.
Tip: Ask your school counselor or a trusted teacher to review your draft. They can spot errors and suggest improvements.
Common mistakes to avoid
One big mistake is lying or exaggerating. Employers and colleges can verify information. Always be honest about your roles and achievements.
Another mistake is using a generic resume for every opportunity. Tailor your resume to match the job or program you apply to. For example, if applying for a library job, highlight your reading habits or volunteer work at the school library.
Do not include personal information like your social security number, photos, or hobbies unrelated to the role. Stick to professional content.
Finally, make sure you have no spelling or grammar errors. Use spellcheck and read it out loud. Even one typo can make a bad impression.
When and where to use your resume
Start using your resume as soon as it is ready. Apply for part-time jobs at local stores, restaurants, or recreation centers. Many employers in the United States accept walk-in applications with a resume.
Also use it for college applications and scholarship forms that ask for an activities resume. Some colleges let you upload a resume in addition to your application. The Common App, for example, has a place to list activities, but a separate resume can provide more detail.
Consider joining a youth employment program or career fair at your high school. These events often require a printed copy of your resume.
Summary: Creating a resume as a high schooler is about showcasing your potential, not just your past jobs. Include education, activities, volunteer work, and any skills you have earned. Keep it one page, use clear formatting, and ask for feedback. With a solid resume, you will be ready for jobs, internships, and college applications starting in August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a high school student put on a resume?
Include your contact info, education, any jobs or volunteer work, school activities, awards, and skills. Focus on things like clubs, sports, babysitting, or helping at a community event.
How long should a high school resume be?
Keep it to one page. Most high schoolers have enough experience for one page, and employers prefer short, easy-to-read documents.
Can I use a resume template from online?
Yes, templates are fine as a starting point, but customize them to match your own information. Avoid overly fancy designs; simple and clean is best.
Do I need a resume for college applications?
Many colleges do not require a resume, but some universities and most scholarship programs accept one. It can help you stand out by showing your achievements in detail.
