4 High School Student Resume Examples

Whether it’s after-school jobs to save for a car, or weekend jobs to prep for college, you’re eager to crack your knuckles and get to it—ready to write a high school student resume and score that teen job. 

Well, to get the good ones that pay, you’ll need an application that stands out. So let’s find out how to make a high school resume as exciting as summer break.

This high school student resume guide will show you:

• High school student resume examples better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a high school student resume that gets more job interviews.
• Tips on how to put skills and achievements on resumes for high school students.
• How to describe any work experience you have to get any teen jobs you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume samples here.

High School Resume Example

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High School Resume Example With No Experience

Everybody needs to start somewhere. And that starting point is usually at the bottom. Don’t believe the internet that you need 5 years of experience to get an entry-level job. All you need is to write a convincing resume with no experience.

Here’s a sample high school student resume with no experience:

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High School Resume Example With Internship Experience

Internships look great on resumes. They show your passion for growth is big enough for you to go to work even after 8 grueling hours of school daily.

Here’s a sample resume for a high school student with internship experience:

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Experienced / Senior High School Resume Example

What’s better than no experience on a resume? Obviously, having some relevant background. This time, I’ll show you a sample of a high school student's resume with experience.

Here’s a sample for an experienced high school resume:

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Resume Templates for High School Students

After analyzing 11 million resumes made with Zety’s builder, we discovered that these are the top 3 resume templates picked by high school students:

Concept

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What do you think of this imaginative resume template? It blends the visual appeal of infographics with the structured feel of a traditional resume layout, making it a top choice for those using a reverse-chronological format. The template includes a narrow sidebar on the left that holds only dates, providing an elegant timeline.

Cascade

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The Cascade resume template combines striking visuals with functionality. Its dependable formatting guarantees it will navigate Applicant Tracking Systems successfully. This simple resume template impresses with its clarity and elegance, clearly and efficiently highlighting your professional accomplishments.

Diamond

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Diamond is a resume template that’s eye-catching and ATS-friendly: the ideal choice to impress both recruiters and automated systems. The diamond-shaped icons guide the reader seamlessly through the page. The skill-level bars are prominently displayed, ensuring they capture attention—exactly the impact you want.

How to Write a High School Resume:

1. Structure Your High School Student Resume Perfectly

Like teachers grading tests, hiring managers scan each resume to see who passes. According to our HR statistics report, they do it in less than 7 seconds. You need to make this time work in your favor. Do it by including the necessary resume sections and by following the right resume format.

Experts from the George Washington University recommend writing your resume in line with the three Cs: make it clear, concise, and compelling. Keep that at the front of your mind as we dive in.

Here’s how to format a resume:

• Use plenty of white space and clear section headings to guide the employer’s eyes easily through your resume sections.
• Choose the best resume font to keep your document legible and easy to read. Use 11–12 point size.
• Set standard margins to an inch on each side and a line spacing to 1.15. 
• Select a good name for your resume file. Your name alone won’t be enough!
• Save your high school student resume as a PDF. The PDF format guarantees that the employer will see it as you intended, no matter which device they choose to view it on.
• Pick the right high school resume template to have every piece of information delivered as clearly as possible.

Here’s what to put on a resume as a high school student:

• Start with the resume header and the right contact details (phone number & email address).
• Write a captivating resume objective for your heading statement.
• Document your current high school education.
• Add past or current teenage work experience if you have it.
• List your resume skills that match what recruiters are looking for.
• Include extracurricular activities, such as volunteer work
• Add other resume sections, such as interests or awards.
• Use the resume keywords the job ad uses and stay close to the wording in the job description. That will allow you to create an ATS-friendly resume, passing the Applicant Tracking System that more and more companies use to sort and manage dozens of resumes.

And that’s how you make a resume for a high school student that’s perfectly readable to the recruiter. Now, let’s see what to write to make it interesting and impressive!

Pro Tip: You’ll need a LinkedIn profile sooner or later. You can add it to your resume header. You can also consider adding other social media channels, depending on what job you’re trying to land. However, always remember to check your online presence.

2. Highlight Education on Your High School Resume

You’re writing a high school resume. No need to check if you know which section must shine the most, right? That's the first section of your high school student resume since you probably have more achievements related to your education than your experience.

Here’s how to create the education section on a resume for a high-school student:

• Include the full name of your high school, the city and state it’s located in, and your expected graduation date. 
• Put your GPA on a resume if it's a 3.5 or higher.
• List any relevant courses that might be interesting for your recruiter.

But don’t stop there! Mention your participation in school clubs or other activities. Note all the awards you received or projects you participated in.

In other words, stand out by going above and beyond. 

Read more: How to Show High School Education on a Resume

3. Describe Relevant Experience on a High School Student Resume

If you have previous work experience, write a work history section that ranks high. Here’s how to create a great work experience section on resumes for high school students:

• Use the chronological resume format to show your recent activities at the top of the document. It’s the resume layout that keeps your high school resume in perfect order. 
• Tailor your resume to the job you’re after. Focus on resume keywords to do it well. That’s how you show you’re the perfect answer to their needs.
• Focus on your accomplishments, not on your duties. Everyone has duties, but only some have achievements to highlight. What you accomplished proves that you’ve done your duties well. 
• Include action verbs, power words, adjectives, and synonyms. Eloquence is a valuable quality. Plus, it turns every resume into a great read. 
• Use numbers to back your teen resume achievements. They are always impressive, and they show how great you are.

But what if you have a resume for a high school student with no professional experience? As a high school student, you don’t need an impressive work experience section. Here are some popular teen jobs you can include in lieu of full-time work:

• Online work such as a copywriter, tutor, or social media manager.
• Freelance gigs such as freelance writer, graphic designer or dog walker.
• Babysitting experience

Here are some examples of responsibilities for a high school student resume:

High School Resume Responsibilities for a Resume

• Provided excellent customer service by greeting and assisting customers in a friendly and efficient manner.
• Operated cash register and processed transactions accurately, maintaining a balanced cash drawer at the end of each shift.
• Stocked shelves and ensured merchandise displays were neat, organized, and appealing to customers.
• Answered customer inquiries about products, pricing, and availability, demonstrating product knowledge.
• Maintained cleanliness and orderliness of store aisles, checkout areas, and backroom storage areas.
• Collaborated with team members to achieve daily sales targets and complete store tasks efficiently.
• Followed company policies and procedures regarding safety, security, and customer service standards at all times.

Remember when I mentioned action verbs? Here are a couple of popular ones you might want to use:

High School Resume Action Verbs

• Led
• Participated
• Organized
• Managed
• Created
• Volunteered
• Developed
• Assisted
• Coordinated
• Contributed
• Founded
• Initiated
• Designed
• Improved

Pro Tip: Use a condensed writing style in your high school resume. Leave out pronouns, conjunctions, articles, and transition words to make it brief but impactful. Do that in every section of your student resume, not just here in your work history.

4. Put Relevant Skills on a Resume for a High School Student

You surely have tons of skills. But not all of them are useful for your recruiter. So, which ones will work well on your resume?

Here’s how to select the right skills for a high school resume:

• Start by creating a master list of all the skills you have. Think about what can be the most beneficial skills for your future employer. Include both your hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are those you learn (e.g., Google Docs), while soft skills are those you develop passively over a lifetime (e.g., analytical skills).
• Check the job requirements. See if any skills overlap with those you listed in your master list. If so, these are your most significant skills for this job opening.
• Find up to 10 professional skills that will be valuable to your future employer. Look for them in the job ad, on their social media, or on their website. Tailor your skill list accordingly.

High School Resume Skills

• Collaboration Skills
• Detail-Oriented
• Decision-Making Skills
• Microsoft Office Skills
• IT Skills
• Writing Skills
• Creative Thinking
• Analytical Skills
• Active Listening Skills
• Project Management Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Computer Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Marketing Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Management Skills
• People Skills
• Technical Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Customer Service
• Communication Skills
• Conceptual Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Administrative Skills
• Organization
• Marketing Skills
• Teamwork
• IT Skills

Want more tips for writing the skills section for high school student resumes? See our guide: What Skills to Put on a Resume.

5. Include Extra Sections in Your High School Resume

Your resume needs to stand out. And additional resume sections might help you with that the most. The right ones will get you noticed, back your skills, and intrigue your future employer.

Here are great options to add to a resume for high school student teen jobs:

• Certifications and licenses. Official certificates look great on your student resume, making up for your lack of life and work experience. Go for relevant ones, such as a food safety certification for food service professions.
• Volunteer experience. Volunteer working experience on high school resumes is an excellent way to add work experience when you don’t have any—or even if you do. Spent time helping out at the local animal shelter? That’s job experience!
• Language skills. You’re required to take that French or Spanish class, so put it to work for you. These days, a second language on a resume for students may just be the clincher that gets you in the door.
• Hobbies and interests. Your pastimes and passions offer the hiring managers insight into you, the human. On top of that, they’re a great way to show your skills indirectly.
• Conferences. If you’ve attended any conferences regarding subjects that are relevant to the job you’re after, that will surely be more than welcome by your future employer. And probably more than impressive.
• Relevant publications. Despite your young age, you might have written an article for your high school newspaper. It counts, especially if it’s somehow relevant to your skills or the job you’re after.
• Extracurricular activities. Extracurriculars on a resume for high school students make employers’ hearts race. Participation in student government, athletics, drama class, or academic clubs look great and will put you far ahead of the other candidates.

Now that we’ve covered all these sections, it’s time to return to the beginning of your high school student resume. Time to create a perfect resume profile.

Pro Tip: Are you feeling intimidated because you’re just a teen and you haven’t earned all these items yet? Don’t worry. While you’re applying, consider getting some experience, earning a certification, or building new skills. Do a one-off gig on Upwork, for example, to gain your first work experience.

6. Write an Impressive High School Student Resume Objective

I’d typically tell you to write a resume summary if you worked during your teenage years. However, any teen jobs you’ve held aren’t lengthy enough to be considered “experienced,” so do the same as a resume for high school students with no experience: write a resume objective.

The objective statement explains your goals as well as the position and experience you hope to obtain. You’ll emphasize skills to show them you have what it takes to be their next great employee. Add a numbered achievement to prove your worth.

Here’s how to write a career summary or resume objective:

1. Start with a powerful adjective like driven or enthusiastic.
2. Add your title (high school student, high school senior).
3. List years of experience if you have any (1, 1+, 2).
4. Cite your goal (contribute to the success of Eventimo, as a junior event planner).
5. Share your biggest school or work accomplishment.
6. Provide some of your skills.
7. Proofread carefully. You don’t want the recruiter to locate any typos.

Read more: Resume Introduction Examples and Tips

7. Add a Cover Letter to Your High School Student Resume

83% of recruiters say turning in only a resume will have it graded incomplete. That’s why you must always include a cover letter. There are many helpful cover letter tips, but let’s focus on the basics.

Here’s how to write a cover letter for high school students:

• Start your cover letter introduction in a compelling way that grabs their attention.
• Lay out your case and explain why you are the best candidate for the teen job offered.
• Add numbered achievements from past work or school to prove your skills.
• Show enthusiasm and drive, and say you will be thrilled to be part of their group.
• Mind the right length of your cover letter. Don’t make it longer than 400 words.
• End your cover letter with a powerful call to action, proposing a specific time and date for the interview.
• Format your cover letter to have it consistent with your resume template.

Learn how to ace this extra document. Read our guide: How to Write a High School Cover Letter.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

We have resume guides and resume templates no matter which level of education you’ve accomplished:

• College Freshman Resume
• College Graduate Resume
• College Student Resume
• High School Graduate Resume
• High School Resume Templates
• Resume for a Part-Time Job
• Resume for College Applications
• Scholarship Resume
• Student Resume Templates
• Sample Resumes for Different Jobs

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration, “Resumes that get Noticed Office of Career Development Services”
• Writer, S., “Are cover letters important? 83% of recruiters say yes.”