Creating your first resume as a high school student can feel overwhelming. You may be thinking: “I don’t have any work experience—what do I even put on a resume?” The good news is that employers understand you’re just starting out. What they’re really looking for is potential, attitude, and basic skills. A well-crafted resume can help you stand out—even without formal job experience.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building a strong high school student resume. You’ll learn what to include, how to format it, what mistakes to avoid, and how to present your strengths effectively. Whether you're applying for your first part-time job, internship, or volunteer opportunity, this article will help you create a resume that gets attention.
Also, if you want professional help, our specialists can assist you in creating a powerful resume. Simply register on our website to get personalized support and expert guidance.
A high school resume is a document that summarizes your skills, education, extracurricular activities, and achievements. It is typically used when applying for part-time jobs, internships, scholarships, or volunteer roles.
Unlike resumes for experienced professionals, a high school resume focuses more on:
Even if you don’t have job experience, a resume helps you:
Start building your resume early—even before you need it. Keeping track of your activities and achievements will save you time later.
If you’re unsure how to structure your resume, our specialists can help you step-by-step. Just register here and get expert support.
A strong resume for high school students should include the following sections:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact Information | Name, phone number, email |
| Objective | Short statement about your goals |
| Education | School name, GPA, relevant coursework |
| Experience | Jobs, volunteering, or projects |
| Skills | Hard and soft skills |
| Activities | Clubs, sports, extracurriculars |
Many students leave out extracurricular activities. These are extremely important when you don’t have job experience.
For ready-made layouts, explore Microsoft Office resume templates to save time and ensure a professional design.
Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email.
Example:
“Motivated high school student seeking a part-time position to develop customer service skills and gain work experience.”
If you don’t have jobs, include:
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Office | Communication |
| Basic coding | Teamwork |
| Social media | Time management |
Use action verbs like “organized,” “managed,” or “led” to describe your achievements.
If you're unsure how to write specific job roles, you can learn from guides like apartment maintenance job description examples.
Using generic phrases like “hard worker” without examples. Always show proof.
You can also create a resume easily using your phone—check out this guide on how to make a resume on your phone.
There are three main resume formats:
| Format | Best For |
|---|---|
| Chronological | Students with some experience |
| Functional | No experience |
| Combination | Mix of skills and experience |
The functional format is ideal because it highlights skills rather than experience.
Keep your resume to one page. Recruiters spend only a few seconds reviewing it.
If you need a matching cover letter, use this Word cover letter template for a professional look.
Here are some of the best skills for high school students:
Listing too many irrelevant skills. Focus on what the employer needs.
Need help crafting the perfect resume? Our specialists are ready to assist—just register here and get started.
Always tailor your resume to the specific job description.
If you're applying for jobs that require a cover letter, check out this guide on writing a cover letter for a car sales position—the principles apply broadly.
Also, for multilingual summaries, see two-word summary examples for inspiration.
Yes, focus on skills, education, and activities.
One page is ideal.
Include it if it’s above average.
Functional format works best for beginners.
Yes, it increases your chances of getting hired.
Yes, templates save time and ensure proper formatting.
Update it regularly as you gain experience.
You can always rely on our specialists—just register on our website to get expert assistance.
Final Thought: Your first resume is the beginning of your professional journey. Take the time to make it strong, clear, and tailored. And remember—you don’t have to do it alone. Our experts are here to help you succeed.