High School Student Resume: Complete Guide (With Examples)

Key Takeaways

• Stick to one page with clear sections for contact info, education, skills, activities, and achievements
• Highlight transferable skills from school projects, clubs, and volunteer work to overcome the "no experience" challenge
• Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements (like "raised $800 for charity") to make your resume stand out
• Tailor your resume for different opportunities (jobs vs. college applications)
• Avoid rookie mistakes like unprofessional email addresses or generic objectives

What Makes a Great High School Resume? (Understanding the Basics)

Creating your first resume when you're in high school feels like being asked to cook a gourmet meal when you've barely boiled water. You stare at the blank page thinking, "What am I supposed to put on this thing when I've never had a real job?"

Trust me, I've been there – and I've helped dozens of students through this exact challenge.

A high school resume is essentially your professional introduction to the world. It's a one-page document showcasing your skills, achievements, and potential – even without traditional work experience. Think of it as your personal marketing tool that tells colleges, scholarship committees, or employers why they should pick YOU.

Key Components of a Successful High School Resume

Every strong high school resume includes:

1. Contact Information: Your name, phone number, professional email address, and city/state
2. Education Section: Your school, expected graduation date, GPA (if it's solid), and relevant coursework
3. Skills Section: Both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal strengths)
4. Experience Section: Not just jobs, but also volunteer work, extracurriculars, and projects
5. Achievements: Awards, recognitions, and accomplishments worth bragging about

Why Your High School Resume Matters (Even Without Work Experience)

You might wonder, "Why bother with all this when I haven't even graduated yet?" Here's why: a well-crafted resume opens doors.

A recent survey found that 68% of employers hiring high school students cared more about seeing how candidates used their time outside of classes than previous paid work. Colleges want well-rounded applicants. Scholarship committees need to know your strengths. And employers? They want to see your potential.

How to Format Your High School Resume (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let's be honest – most people will spend about 7 seconds scanning your resume before deciding whether to keep reading. Making it clean and scannable is critical.

Best Resume Format for High School Students

When you don't have much work experience, a functional resume format works best. This style emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than your (limited) work history.

A functional resume includes:

• A prominent skills section (near the top)
• Focus on accomplishments and activities
• Less emphasis on chronology

This differs from the traditional chronological format most adults use, which puts work history front and center.

Resume Length and Layout Tips

Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Length: One page only – no exceptions! If I had a dollar for every time I've seen a high school student try to stretch to two pages...
• Margins: Use 0.5-1 inch margins all around
• Font: Stick with readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12pt size
• Spacing: Include white space between sections so it's not a wall of text
• File Format: Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for something else
• Filename: Use FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf (not "MyResume.pdf" or "Resume_Final_FINAL_v3.pdf")

Choosing the Right Font and Design Elements

I've seen students try everything from hot pink text to elaborate fonts to make their resumes "stand out." Please don't.

❌ AVOID: Fancy fonts, bright colors, photos of yourself, graphics, or creative layouts

✅ DO USE: Clean formatting, clear section headings, bullet points, and minimal emphasis (bold/italics) for important information

Writing a Strong Resume with No Work Experience (Complete Guide)

The million-dollar question: "What do I put on my resume when I've never had a job?" Let's solve this puzzle together.

Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Summary/Objective

Your resume objective should be brief (2-3 sentences) and tailored to the specific opportunity. Generic statements like "seeking a position to gain experience" are about as exciting as unseasoned mashed potatoes.

Generic Example (Avoid): "Hard-working student looking for a job to gain experience."

Specific Example (Good):"Detail-oriented high school junior with experience managing $1,500 school fundraiser and organizing events for 200+ students. Seeking retail position at Fashion Store to apply customer service abilities and attention to detail."

Highlighting Your Education (More Than Just Your GPA)

Your education section can pack more punch than you might think:

• School name and location
• Expected graduation date
• GPA (if 3.0 or higher)
• Relevant coursework that aligns with your target
• Academic honors or awards
• Special programs or academies

Example:

EDUCATIONRoosevelt High School, Portland, ORExpected Graduation: June 2026GPA: 3.8/4.0Relevant Coursework: Business Fundamentals, Public Speaking, Computer Applications

Showcasing Relevant Skills that Employers Value

Skills are your secret weapon when you lack work experience. Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal attributes).

Hard Skills Examples:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Basic coding/HTML
• Social media platforms
• Typing speed (if over 50 WPM)
• Foreign languages

Soft Skills Examples:

• Communication
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Adaptability

But don't just list them – be ready to explain how you've used these skills in real situations.

What to Include When You Have No Job Experience

This is where creativity meets strategy. You've got more experience than you realize.

Extracurricular Activities That Impress Employers

Extracurriculars show commitment, teamwork, and interests. Format them like job experiences:

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESStudent Council, Roosevelt High SchoolTreasurer (2023-Present)- Manage $5,000 annual budget for student activities- Created spreadsheet system that reduced budget tracking time by 30%- Collaborate with team of 8 officers to plan and execute school eventsBasketball Team, Roosevelt High SchoolTeam Captain (2024-Present), Team Member (2022-2024)- Lead team of 12 players during practices and games- Coordinate with coaches to develop training schedules- Dedicate 15 hours weekly to practices, games, and training

Volunteer Work and Community Service

Volunteering shows character and work ethic. I was actually hired for my first job largely because of my volunteer experience at a local food bank. It shows you can commit to something without getting paid.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCEFood Bank Volunteer, Community Hunger AllianceSeptember 2023-Present- Sort and distribute food donations to serve 200+ families weekly- Train new volunteers on organization protocols- Accumulated 100+ service hours

Projects, Hobbies, and Relevant Coursework

Include projects or hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills:

PROJECTS & ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCESchool NewspaperStaff Writer (2023-Present)- Write 2-3 articles monthly for publication reaching 1,200 students- Meet strict deadlines for submission and edits- Research and interview sources for feature storiesPersonal Finance BlogCreator and Writer (2024-Present)- Created and maintain website teaching budgeting skills to teenagers- Publish weekly content reaching 300 monthly readers- Apply SEO techniques to increase site traffic

Awards and Achievements Worth Mentioning

Don't be shy about highlighting your accomplishments. We all start somewhere, and these achievements matter:

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS- Honor Roll: Maintained 3.5+ GPA for 6 consecutive semesters (2022-Present)- First Place: Regional Science Fair Competition (2023)- Perfect Attendance Award (2022, 2023)- Raised $1,200 for children's hospital through organized fundraiser (2024)

High School Resume Examples That Worked

Example 1: High School Resume with No Work Experience

JANE SMITHPortland, OR | (555) 123-4567 | jsmith@email.comOBJECTIVEDetail-oriented high school junior with strong organizational skills seeking part-time retail position at Target. Offering excellent communication abilities developed through debate team participation and customer service skills gained through volunteer experience.EDUCATIONRoosevelt High School, Portland, ORExpected Graduation: June 2026GPA: 3.7/4.0Relevant Coursework: Business Communications, Computer ApplicationsSKILLS- Microsoft Office & Google Workspace- Written and verbal communication- Customer service- Problem-solving- Bilingual (English and Spanish)- Time managementVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCELibrary Assistant, Portland Public LibrarySeptember 2023-Present- Organize and shelve 200+ books weekly according to Dewey Decimal System- Assist patrons with locating resources and checking out materials- Help with children's reading program serving 30+ kids each weekendEXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESDebate Team, Roosevelt High SchoolMember (2023-Present)- Participate in monthly competitions requiring research and public speaking- Collaborate with teammates to develop arguments and counterpoints- Received "Most Improved Speaker" recognition (2024)Drama Club, Roosevelt High SchoolMember (2022-Present)- Perform in two major productions annually- Assist with set design and construction- Dedicate 10+ hours weekly during production seasonsACHIEVEMENTS- Honor Roll student (2022-Present)- Raised $800 for school fundraiser by organizing neighborhood donation drive- Completed 150+ community service hours

Example 2: High School Resume with Minimal Experience

MICHAEL JOHNSONChicago, IL | (555) 987-6543 | mjohnson@email.comOBJECTIVEMotivated high school senior with cash handling experience and strong math skills seeking part-time position at First Bank as a teller. Offering attention to detail and customer service experience gained through retail and volunteer work.EDUCATIONLincoln High School, Chicago, ILExpected Graduation: June 2025GPA: 3.5/4.0Relevant Coursework: Accounting Basics, Business Math, EconomicsWORK EXPERIENCECashier, Corner MartSummers 2023, 2024- Processed 100+ transactions daily with 100% accuracy- Balanced cash drawer at end of shift- Provided friendly customer service in fast-paced environment- Restocked merchandise and maintained store cleanlinessVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCEPeer Tutor, Lincoln High SchoolSeptember 2022-Present- Provide math tutoring to 5-7 students weekly- Develop individualized learning strategies based on student needs- Helped improve average test scores by 15% among tutored studentsSKILLS- Cash handling- Customer service- Microsoft Excel- Basic accounting principles- Problem-solving- Attention to detailACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS- Math Club President (2024-Present)- National Honor Society Member- 3rd Place, Regional Math Competition (2023)- Eagle Scout, completed community garden project serving local food bank

Example 3: High School Resume for College Applications

ALEX RODRIGUEZMiami, FL | (555) 345-6789 | arodriguez@email.comEDUCATIONSunset High School, Miami, FLExpected Graduation: June 2025GPA: 4.0/4.0 (weighted), 3.8/4.0 (unweighted)Class Rank: Top 5%Relevant Coursework: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Statistics, AnatomyACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS- National Honor Society (2023-Present)- Science Olympiad State Finalist (2023, 2024)- Presidential Academic Excellence Award (2023)- Perfect Score on Biology Advanced Placement Exam (2024)EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESScience Club, Sunset High SchoolPresident (2024-Present), Member (2022-2024)- Lead club of 25 students in weekly meetings and experiments- Organized science fair involving 120+ students- Developed mentorship program pairing upperclassmen with freshmenVarsity Soccer Team, Sunset High SchoolTeam Captain (2024-Present), Team Member (2022-2024)- Lead team through daily practices and weekly games- Organize team volunteer initiatives at youth soccer camps- Balance 15+ hours weekly of athletic commitment with academicsVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCEHospital Volunteer, Miami General HospitalJune 2023-Present (250+ hours)- Assist nursing staff with non-medical patient support- Deliver supplies throughout hospital departments- Provide information and guidance to visitorsSKILLS & INTERESTS- Laboratory techniques (pipetting, microscopy, sample preparation)- Data analysis using Excel and basic R programming- Fluent in Spanish and English- Certified in First Aid and CPR- Research interests in immunology and public health

Example 4: High School Resume for First Job

TAYLOR WILLIAMSSeattle, WA | (555) 234-5678 | twilliams@email.comOBJECTIVEFriendly and reliable high school sophomore seeking weekend position at Seattle Coffee Shop. Offering strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for creating positive customer experiences.EDUCATIONLakeside High School, Seattle, WAExpected Graduation: June 2027GPA: 3.4/4.0SKILLS- Customer service- Cash handling- Food handling safety awareness- Teamwork- Punctuality- Basic inventory managementRELEVANT EXPERIENCESchool Cafe Helper, Lakeside High SchoolSeptember 2023-Present- Assist with serving lunch to 200+ students daily- Handle cash transactions and maintain accurate records- Ensure cleanliness of serving area following health guidelinesBabysitter, Various Families2022-Present- Care for children ages 3-10 in multiple family homes- Prepare meals, assist with homework, and ensure safety- Maintain consistent communication with parents- Manage schedules and activities for multiple childrenACTIVITIES- Member of Culinary Club (2023-Present)- Participate in annual school fundraisers- Volunteer at local community eventsREFERENCESAvailable upon request

Resume Sections to Include (Step-by-Step Breakdown)

Contact Information (Do's and Don'ts)

DO:

• Include your full name, city/state (not full address), phone number, and email
• Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com)
• Add relevant links if professional (LinkedIn, portfolio)

DON'T:

• Use emails like partyanimal2007@email.com (I've seen worse, believe me)
• Include your full home address (safety first!)
• Add social media unless it's specifically relevant and squeaky-clean
• Include your age, birthdate, or photo

Resume Objective/Summary (With Examples)

Your objective should be tailored to the specific opportunity. Here are examples for different situations:

For Retail Job:
"Energetic high school junior with strong math skills and attention to detail seeking Sales Associate position at Electronics Store. Offering customer service experience from volunteer work and ability to learn new systems quickly."

For College Application:
"Dedicated high school senior with 3.8 GPA and extensive community involvement seeking admission to State University's Business Program. Offering leadership experience as Student Council President and demonstrated entrepreneurial skills through successful school fundraising initiatives."

For Internship:
"Detail-oriented high school junior with proficiency in graphic design software seeking Design Intern position at Creative Studio. Offering experience creating materials for school newspaper and strong understanding of design principles."

Education Section (Making It Stand Out)

Tips to enhance your education section:

• Highlight academic achievements (Honor Roll, perfect attendance)
• Include relevant coursework that connects to your target opportunity
• Add special programs or tracks within your school
• Mention academic competitions or projects if relevant
• Include GPA if 3.0 or higher (specify scale if not 4.0)

Example:

EDUCATIONWashington High School, Boston, MAInternational Baccalaureate ProgramExpected Graduation: June 2026GPA: 3.9/4.0Relevant Coursework: Advanced Mathematics, Computer Science, Business StudiesAcademic Achievements: Math Team Captain, Science Olympiad State Qualifier

Skills Section (What to Include)

Organize skills into categories:

Technical/Hard Skills:

• Computer: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, typing speed, coding languages
• Languages: Spanish (fluent), French (conversational)
• Creative: Photography, video editing, graphic design
• Other: Equipment operation, certification

Soft Skills:

• Communication: Public speaking, writing, active listening
• Organization: Time management, planning, attention to detail
• Leadership: Team motivation, decision-making, delegation
• Interpersonal: Conflict resolution, customer service, teamwork

For each skill listed, be ready to explain how you've used or developed it. Nothing's worse than claiming to be "detail-oriented" when your resume has typos!

Experience Section (Beyond Traditional Jobs)

Format your experiences consistently:

POSITION/ROLE, Organization/LocationDuration (month/year - month/year or "Present")- Accomplishment with action verb and quantifiable result- Accomplishment with action verb and quantifiable result- Responsibility using action verb

Action verbs to use:

• Organized (event/project)
• Created (content/system)
• Managed (team/budget)
• Increased (membership/participation)
• Reduced (time/cost)
• Assisted (with task/project)
• Coordinated (event/program)

Additional Sections Worth Including

Consider these additional sections if relevant:

• Certifications: CPR, food handling, software certifications
• Languages: List languages and proficiency levels
• Relevant Coursework: Classes relevant to your target opportunity
• Projects: School, personal, or community projects
• Hobbies/Interests: Only if relevant or demonstrating useful skills

Top Skills to Include on a High School Resume

Hard Skills That High School Students Can Highlight

Focus on skills that are useful across various jobs:

1. Digital Literacy:
   • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
   • Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
   • Social media platforms
   • Email management
   • Basic website creation
   • Typing speed (if over 40 WPM)
2. Technical Skills:
   • Basic coding (HTML, CSS, Python)
   • Photo/video editing
   • Design software (Canva, basic Photoshop)
   • Data entry
   • Scheduling tools
3. Other Practical Skills:
   • Cash handling/basic accounting
   • Inventory management
   • Customer service techniques
   • Language skills
   • Research methods

Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out

These personal attributes are highly valued by employers:

1. Communication Skills:
   • Public speaking
   • Written communication
   • Active listening
   • Presentation skills
2. Interpersonal Skills:
   • Teamwork
   • Conflict resolution
   • Customer service
   • Empathy
   • Networking
3. Self-Management Skills:
   • Time management
   • Organization
   • Attention to detail
   • Reliability
   • Adaptability
   • Work ethic

How to Demonstrate Skills Without Work Experience

Don't just list skills – show how you've used them:

Instead of: "Good at public speaking"Write: "Delivered 3 presentations to audiences of 50+ students and faculty"Instead of: "Team player"Write: "Collaborated with 5-person team to complete science project, resulting in A grade"Instead of: "Organized"Write: "Created filing system for club documents that reduced search time by 50%"

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your High School Resume

Formatting Errors That Hurt Your Chances

Let me tell you about the resume I once received printed on neon green paper... Don't be that person.

• Inconsistent formatting: Different fonts, spacing, or bullet styles throughout
• Poor spacing: Cramming too much text without adequate white space
• Unbalanced layout: Too much information in some sections, too little in others
• Hard-to-read fonts: Using decorative or tiny fonts
• Saving in wrong format: Using .doc instead of .pdf (which can change formatting)

Content Mistakes That Recruiters Notice

• Spelling and grammar errors: Always proofread multiple times
• Irrelevant information: Including hobbies or interests that don't demonstrate skills
• Vague statements: "Helped with project" instead of specific contributions
• Exaggerating roles: Overstating your responsibilities or achievements
• Including obvious skills: "Knows how to use a smartphone" or "Can use email"

Length and Detail Problems to Avoid

• Too long: Extending beyond one page
• Too short: Having large empty spaces
• Too dense: Text-heavy with no white space
• Inconsistent detail: Elaborating on minor activities while barely mentioning significant ones
• Missing contact information: Forgetting phone number or email

Customizing Your Resume for Different Opportunities

Tailoring Your Resume for Part-Time Jobs

For job applications, focus on:

• Skills relevant to the specific position
• Reliability and availability
• Previous customer service or relevant experience
• Ability to learn quickly

Example objective:
"Responsible high school junior with excellent customer service skills seeking weekend Sales Associate position at River Clothing Store. Offering strong communication abilities and flexible schedule."

Adapting Your Resume for College Applications

For college applications, emphasize:

• Academic achievements
• Leadership roles
• Long-term commitments and passion projects
• Community involvement
• Research or special projects

Example education section:

EDUCATIONJefferson High School, Academic Honors ProgramExpected Graduation: June 2025GPA: 3.9/4.0, Class Rank: Top 5%Test Scores: SAT 1420 (Math 720, Reading/Writing 700)Relevant Coursework: AP Biology, AP Literature, AP Calculus, AP Psychology

Customizing Your Resume for Internships

For internships, highlight:

• Specific skills relevant to the field
• Related coursework or projects
• Eagerness to learn
• Ability to contribute despite limited experience

Example skills section for marketing internship:

RELEVANT SKILLS- Social media management (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)- Basic graphic design using Canva- Content creation and copywriting- Analytics and data interpretation- Photography and basic video editing

FAQs About High School Student Resumes

How long should a high school student resume be?

A high school student resume should be exactly one page in length. This is the standard professional expectation for all entry-level resumes. If you're struggling to fill a page, use slightly larger margins or add more detail to your experiences. If you're exceeding a page, trim less relevant information and focus on your most impressive achievements.

What if I truly have nothing to put on my resume?

Everyone has something to include. Consider class projects, helping family members, informal work like babysitting or lawn mowing, school activities, or community involvement. Even creating personal projects shows initiative. Start volunteering immediately to add experience, even if just a few hours weekly. Remember that skills developed in everyday activities are valuable.

Should I include my GPA on my high school resume?

Include your GPA if it's 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If your overall GPA isn't strong but you excel in relevant subjects, consider listing your subject-specific GPA instead (e.g., "Math GPA: 3.7"). If your GPA is below 3.0, focus on other achievements and consider leaving it off unless specifically requested.

Is it okay to list hobbies on my high school resume?

Only include hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills or qualities. For example, playing chess shows strategic thinking, team sports demonstrate teamwork, and creating digital art shows creativity and technical skills. Avoid listing passive hobbies like "watching movies" or "listening to music" unless you can connect them to job-relevant skills.

How can I make my high school resume stand out without work experience?

Make your resume stand out by quantifying your achievements (numbers, percentages, specific results), using strong action verbs, including relevant projects or leadership roles, demonstrating initiative through self-started activities, ensuring perfect formatting and grammar, and tailoring your content to each specific opportunity. Quality always beats quantity.

What's the difference between a resume and CV for high school students?

For high school students in the United States, you'll almost always use a resume—a concise one-page document highlighting relevant experiences and skills. A CV (curriculum vitae) is typically used for academic, scientific, or international positions and includes comprehensive details about all your experiences. High school students rarely need a CV except for certain international applications.

Craft Your Perfect High School Resume in Minutes

Creating a compelling high school resume doesn't have to be stressful. By highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and achievements—even without formal work history—you can create a document that effectively showcases your potential.

Remember these key points:

• Focus on transferable skills from your activities and experiences
• Quantify your achievements wherever possible
• Tailor your resume for each specific opportunity
• Keep formatting clean, consistent, and professional
• Have someone else review your resume before submitting

Ready to create a professional high school resume in minutes? Instead of struggling with formatting and wondering what to include, try Ceevy's free resume builder. Our AI-powered tool is specifically designed to help students with limited experience create impressive, professional resumes.

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