If you are a high school student wondering how to make a resume, you are not alone. A resume helps you stand out when applying for jobs, internships, or college scholarships. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, using examples and tips designed for teens in 2026.
Why High School Students Need a Resume
Even if you have never had a paid job, a resume shows your skills, achievements, and activities. Many employers and college admissions officers expect a resume from high school applicants. It gives you a professional edge and helps you organize your experiences.
You can use a resume for part-time jobs, volunteer positions, school clubs, or scholarship applications. Starting early also teaches you how to highlight your strengths and prepare for future opportunities.
Key Sections of a High School Resume
A strong resume includes several clear sections. Below is a table that summarizes what each section should contain and why it matters.
| Section | What to Include | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Information | Full name, phone number, email, city and state | Lets employers reach you easily |
| Education | School name, expected graduation year, GPA (if strong) | Shows your academic foundation |
| Experience | Jobs, internships, volunteer work, or school projects | Demonstrates responsibility and skills |
| Extracurricular Activities | Clubs, sports, music, or community service | Shows teamwork and interests |
| Skills | Computer skills, languages, certifications | Highlights your unique abilities |
Step-by-Step: How to Write Each Section
Contact Information
Put your full name at the top, then your phone number and a professional email address. Avoid nicknames or email addresses that sound silly. Include your city and state – your full street address is not needed.
Education
List your high school name and location. Write your expected graduation year (for example, Class of 2027). If your GPA is 3.0 or higher, include it. Add any honors courses or Advanced Placement (AP) classes you have taken.
Experience
Even if you have never been paid, you have experience. Include babysitting, lawn mowing, helping at a family business, or school projects where you led a team. For each entry, write your role, the organization, dates, and two or three bullet points describing what you did.
Extracurricular Activities
List clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, or hobbies. Use bullet points to describe your role and any achievements. For example, “Treasurer of the Debate Club – managed a budget of $500” shows leadership and responsibility.
Skills
Include skills like typing speed, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media, coding basics, or foreign languages. If you have a certification (like CPR or first aid), add it here.
Formatting Tips for a Professional Resume
Keep your resume to one page. Use a clean font like Arial or Times New Roman at size 10 to 12 points. Leave white space so it is easy to read.
Use reverse chronological order – put your most recent experience first. Save your resume as a PDF to keep the formatting intact when you email it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including personal details like age, photo, or social security number
- Using the same resume for every application – always tailor it
- Writing long paragraphs instead of bullet points
- Forgetting to proofread for typos and grammar errors
Sample Resume Template
Here is a simple structure you can follow:
[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email] | [City, State]
Education
[High School Name], [City, State] – Expected Graduation [Year]
GPA: [If 3.0+] | [Honors/AP classes]
Experience
[Job/Activity Title] – [Organization], [Dates]
• Bullet point describing task
• Bullet point describing result
Extracurricular Activities
[Activity] – [Role], [Dates]
• Description or achievement
Skills
[Skill1], [Skill2], [Skill3]
How to Use Your Resume
Print copies on plain white paper for in-person applications. When applying online, attach the PDF version. Bring a resume to job fairs, college interviews, and scholarship meetings. Update it every time you gain a new experience.
Remember: Your resume is a living document. As you complete more projects, join new clubs, or earn awards, add them. The goal is to show who you are and what you can offer. Start building your resume today and you will feel more confident when opportunities come your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put on my resume if I have no work experience?
Focus on school projects, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and skills you have learned in class or at home. Even babysitting or helping with a family business counts as experience.
How long should a high school resume be?
It should be one page. Employers and college officers do not need more than that for a high school student. Keep it concise and relevant.
What format is best for a high school resume?
Use a simple, clean layout with clear section headings. Save it as a PDF to keep the formatting the same on any device.
Should I include my GPA on my high school resume?
Yes, if your GPA is 3.0 or higher. If it is lower, leave it off and emphasize your other strengths like activities or work experience.
How do I list extracurricular activities on a resume?
List each activity with your role, the organization, and dates. Use bullet points to describe what you did, such as leading a committee or organizing an event.
