resume ideas for high school students

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

18 High School Student Resume Examples Created for 2024

High School Student Resume

• High School Student Resumes by Experience
• High School Student Resumes by Role

High school is one of the best times of your life, but it can also be one of the most difficult when looking for your first or second job. You’ve got to fill out applications, prep for interviews, and write your resume.

Using ChatGPT for resumes  is a cool idea, but can still feel daunting and overwhelming. We’ve all been there, and what you really need is a free AI resume builder and solid student cover letters to get you on your way.

We’ve analyzed countless high school resumes to discover  what would get students job interviews in 2024 . While you may want to start with a simple  resume outline , keep reading to find 18 high school resume samples (plus writing tips) that are jam-packed with essential techniques and tricks.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you choose to use a template, make sure you adjust the  resume’s formatting  so that your text is big enough to read with one-inch margins on the side.
• However, you should write your bullet points like you would for a job. Highlight any responsibilities and accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for now.
• For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales, emphasize your ability to work in groups and create a good customer experience.

High School Student No Experience Resume

• If you don’t have work history, include projects and volunteer work instead. Treat them like a job and write bullet points according to your responsibilities.
• Make sure you start every bullet point with active verbs, and always double-check for typos. You’ve got this!
• Include your unique skills, your desired position, and the company you hope to work for to make your objective stand out from the rest!

First Job High School Student Resume

• To remedy that problem, add a  skills section on your resume  to give hiring managers an important overview of your strengths.
• To really highlight your abilities, incorporate the same skills in your work experience, too. Demonstrate how you used your skills to better your workplace, and you can’t go wrong!
• Adding stylistic elements like color and different fonts can help you show a bit of your personality (and make your resume more fun to read). 

Experienced High School Student Resume

• Remember, your resume is a highlight reel, so you need to include what’s most important (like your achievements and relevant metrics). 
• You can adjust your layout, font sizes, and margins, but keep it easy to read. 
• Use a bit of color and some fun fonts, provided it still looks professional. You’ve got this!

High School Senior Resume

• This statement must align with the potential employer’s needs, proving you understand the job requirements and have gone the extra mile to address doubts about your capabilities. As for experiences that might have prepared you for the job, workshops and volunteering programs you’ve participated in are prominent candidates.

Out of High School Resume

• Leisure activities range from soccer, hiking, drawing and sketching, robotics, and photography to journalism. But how do they fit in the picture? Well, a penchant for drawing and sketching could reflect creativity and an eye for detail, while journalism stints could hint at strong communication and critical thinking.

High School Graduate Resume

• Right from the first line of the career objective, you can see the candidate’s passion and willingness to work in this field. Notice how Serai’s love for photography is clearly backed by a previous project for a school newspaper.
• These details will be perfect when Serai’s ready for the AI cover letter generator to bring her application to perfection.

High School Diploma Resume

• In the education section of your high school diploma resume, include your diploma, the school’s name, and your start and end date. Add some useful software skills to the mix to secure your seat in any undergraduate program.

Recent High School Graduate Resume

• Begin with clearing which stream and degree you want to pursue. Next, follow suit with your mission and what you hope to gain by completing the program. Try some more personalization by linking your career goal with the college’s agenda.

High School Student Scholarship Resume

• Your high school student scholarship resume should vividly show your positive contributions to noble causes, such as offering ADLs to seniors, and emphasize your impact on society.

High School Student College Application Resume

• Ensure your high school student college application resume shows your practical and classwork achievements that emphasize your grand vision to make a positive contribution to society.

High School Student for College Resume

• Before hitting “submit,” always  check your resume  for typos and other minor errors. It’s amazing what you can miss during your first few reviews.
• A good GPA can demonstrate, at least in part, your willingness to work hard. We’d recommend including your GPA only if it’s above 3.5, but anything above a 3 is a good average.

High School Student for Customer Service Resume

• Including projects, volunteer work, or club memberships is a great way to add value to your resume.
• Your resume should focus on your abilities and other activities you’ve engaged in that will show your value.
• Read the responsibilities and qualifications to look for key skills and tasks. Then, incorporate some of those skills and responsibilities into your high school student customer service resume.

High School Student Internship Resume

• For example, if the job description lists responsibilities like writing and analyzing data, include “written communication” and “data analysis” in your skills section.
• One easy way to customize your resume is by focusing your  resume skills  on things that apply to the internship. 
• Make sure you keep your resume professional and to the point. You don’t want to include anything too personal about your beliefs, religion, politics, or personal information.
• For example, you can list “volunteering at local church,” but avoid saying “fasting every weekend.” It doesn’t show off relevant skills and is a bit too forward for a resume.

High School Student Office Worker Resume

• Good projects include anything that demonstrates your leadership abilities or desire for knowledge. Senior projects, personal blogs, or even being on a sports team are all good examples to include!
• Add work experience directly under your contact information and name, then add any relevant projects if you’re low on space. 
• While there are plenty of  resume writing tips , your resume should be as unique as you. Don’t get so caught up in what you think you “should” do that your resume is bland and cookie-cutter. 

High School Student Sales Resume

• Numbers demonstrate your value, and they’re useful tools for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that hiring managers use to sort through job applicants.
• Trust us, and incorporate metrics into at least 80% of your bullet points!
• For example, you know that different  resume templates  can change your resume’s appearance, but different templates can also stretch or streamline your content. 
• Mess with multiple templates to see what your content will look like—you may find a template that allows for more room, or one that allows you to highlight your skills better.

High School Student Athlete  Resume

• Think of a time you proved you were the MVP on your team—Did you lead your team to a championship? Perhaps you made the game-winning shot in a crucial, nail-biting game?

High School Student Music Resume

• When you include hobbies like songwriting or your interest in classical music in your high school student music resume , it conveys to your recruiter that you’re super dedicated and passionate about your craft.
• You can also include hobbies that are different, too. For example, if you enjoy experimenting with new recipes from around the world, that can show you’re ready to give new genres a whirl or that you understand that music—while art—is still supposed to be fun and adventuresome.

Related resume guides

• Entry Level

High School Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a High School Student Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

High School Student Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Brenda Martin (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Tampa, FL 33601 | www.linkedin.com/example

Reliable high school student with strong recent sales experience at a major clothing retailer. Committed to providing positive service experiences to new and returning customers. Motivated and adaptable to new work schedules, challenges, and conditions.

• Creative problem-solving
• Customer service and relations
• Inventory monitoring and control
• POS systems
• Product sales and merchandising

Work Experience

Sales Associate, XYZ Clothing, Tampa, FL | May 2022 to September 2022

• Provided high-quality service to new and repeat customers of this popular clothing store
• Greeted and directed store visitors to their desired apparel section
• Assisted customers with sizing and product choices
• Efficiently operated cash register to process order payments
• Tagged and displayed incoming merchandise and performed markdowns on previous season styles
• Maintained a clean and tidy work area at all points

Highlight :

• Won “Employee of the Month” in August 2022 for outstanding customer service

Assistant, Paw Plus Pet Shop, Tampa, FL | June 2021 to September 2021

• Gained a strong foundation in customer service, helping visitors find their desired products
• Stocked shelves and maintained inventory
• Worked the cash register and helped other retail associates as needed

Candidate: Diploma, Tampa High School, Tampa, FL | expected June 2025

Michelle Hamilton (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/example

High school student with recent volunteer work at a veterinary clinic. Naturally curious and motivated to learn about new health care procedures and equipment. Passionate about supporting the health and well-being of all types of animals.

• Data gathering and entry
• Filing and documentation
• Microsoft Word, Excel
• Task prioritization
• Team collaboration
• Veterinary procedures and equipment

Volunteer Experience

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic , Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to Present

• Assist veterinarians and staff with various daily tasks such as animal feeding, walking, and cage cleaning
• Facilitate phone, mail, and email communications with pet owners
• File and maintain information on over 150 clients and their pets
• Help maintain an adequate inventory of pet medications
• Refill paper towels and other exam room essentials as needed

Candidate: College Prep Diploma, Sacramento High School, Sacramento, CA | expected June 2024

High School Honors & Activities

Member, Debate Team | August 2022 to Present

• Collaborate closely on a 10-person team to form and organize compelling debate arguments

Attendee, National Honors Society Conference | May 2022

Aliya Jackson (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/example

High school student with recent formal experience helping care for toddlers. Dedicated to providing children with fun, educational indoor and outdoor activities. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Childcare Provider, Sacramento, CA | January 2021 to August 2022

• Assisted and collaborated with parents of two children, ages 4 and 6
• Created engaging, educational indoor and outdoor activities for each child
• Organized and cleaned the play area regularly
• Provided meals and snacks and assisted with nap times
• Candidate: Diploma, Texas Preparatory School, Austin, TX | expected June 2023
• 3.9 GPA and perfect attendance record to date
• Taking advanced core curriculum classes in math, science, and language arts for college credit
• Voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by the student body in 2022

High School Athletics

Member, Volleyball Team | August 2021 to present

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for the Spring 2022 season
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and adaptability in a high-pressure setting

Fluency in Spanish

If you’re a high school student searching for a job, having a well-crafted resume can help you find potential opportunities. But you may be unsure where to start, especially if you’ve never written your resume. How do you present your education when it’s still underway? And how do you get interviews with little or no work experience?

These concerns shouldn’t keep you from writing a great resume for high school jobs. Chances are, even at a young age, you have experiences you can translate into strong resume content. The trick is focusing on the relevant skills like foreign languages, writing, or leading groups you’ve gained through work, educational, and volunteer experiences. Read on for tips and examples that will help focus your high school resume.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

In a brief paragraph, your profile summary should describe your top three to five qualifications for your target high school job. You may think this resume section isn’t necessary for young job seekers and entry-level positions. Yet, at every career level, the profile section improves your resume by focusing the hiring manager’s attention on whatever makes you a great fit.

If you’ve worked before, you may want to base your profile points on that job experience. But you could also base them on your high school experience or other activities. It just depends on what’s relevant to the role you’re pursuing. For instance, maybe you have volunteer experience that overlaps strongly with your target job duties. Or you’ve excelled in an AP class at school that relates to your goal. Maybe you have advanced skills in a foreign language and would like to use those in a work setting. Whatever your top qualifications, feature them in the profile, and you’ll ensure your resume makes a great first impression.

Profile Example 1

Profile example 2, 2. add a pertinent experience section.

Your resume’s experience section should center on your relevant duties, skills, and highlights. By focusing on your relevant background (whether in or outside high school), you can give hiring managers a clear view of how you fit their needs.

You don’t need directly related work experience (or any experience) to draft a solid high school resume. But you must brainstorm how you’ve applied yourself in other ways and write how those experiences helped prepare you for the job you’re seeking. This may sound tricky, but you can use details about your high school activities, volunteering, or any other area of your life so far.

Below is a list of experience areas you might develop for your high school resume:

• Community service
• High school athletics
• High school clubs and societies
• Hobbies and interests
• Internships
• Leadership experience
• Personal accomplishments
• Research experience
• Summer camps or coursework
• Travel or study abroad experience
• Volunteer experience
• Work experience

For each of the above areas you have experience in, take 10 minutes or so to brainstorm answers to these questions:

1. What were your primary roles, duties, or focus areas? 2. What are you most proud of about this experience? 3. What general skill areas did you develop (e.g., teamwork, efficiency, customer service)?

Next, determine which of your answers overlap with the key skills required for the job you’re now pursuing. Include on your resume anything that overlaps and leave out anything that doesn’t. With this approach, you can show the most relevant aspects of your life and give hiring managers a better sense of the skills you offer. For instance, say you’re applying to be a pizza delivery driver. In citing any high school sports on your resume for this job, you could focus on the relevant skills you gained, such as teamwork or adaptability.

Work Experience Example

Volunteer experience example.

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic, Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to present

High School Athletics Experience Example

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for Spring 2022 season

3. Include your high school education and certifications

You may wonder how (or whether) to give education details when you’re still working toward your diploma. It’s actually pretty simple – see below for a template you can use to accurately show your in-progress high school education and a template for any certifications you’d like to add as well. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• Candidate: Diploma, High School Name, City, ST | expected graduation date
• [academic awards or distinctions]

Certification

• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
• Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List key skills and proficiencies

Include a “key skills” section to help further focus your resume on your relevant background. For many high schoolers (especially those with limited work experience), this section should include “soft skills” like problem-solving and collaboration. But also feel free to add specific software programs you’ve used, or other technical skills you’ll need in your target job. Below are some common key skills for high school resumes:

How To Pick the Best High School Student Resume Template

A clear and straightforward resume template is usually best for high school students. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most relevant information. Use a simple resume font , and avoid any template that has an overly colorful or elaborate design.

Frequently Asked Questions: High School Student Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for high school student resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by using a good mix of action verbs in your experience section. The following verbs list will help you brainstorm and capture the various ways you’ve applied yourself so far:

How do you align your high school student resume with a job posting? -

As of 2021, more than 36% (or 6 million) of U.S. teens held jobs for at least part of the summer season. This was the highest rate of summer employment for teenagers since 2008.

You can get more interviews for high school jobs if you tailor your resume to each application. Look at the job post text and highlight words or phrases that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these highlighted phrases against the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, look for ways to align your resume language with the job post (while not copying phrases or misrepresenting your background).

For example, if the employer is looking for someone collaborative, you can name that aspect of your experience with a profile line as simple as “Thrive in team-oriented work settings.” Or say the organization has many non-English speaking customers. You could highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each new opportunity.

What is the best high school student resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your relevant skills and experience. It’s also simplest for you to modify based on your job goals.

With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience section(s) and an intro section. (This combination of experience and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also include an awards or career highlights section.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

To increase your chances of an interview, write a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our high school cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our student and internship cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

College Student Resume Examples and Templates

Internship Resume Examples and Templates

Student Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Build a Resume for College Applications Learn More
• How To Put an Expected Graduation Date on a Resume Learn More
• Resume Length: Should Your Resume Be One Page? Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Examples
• High School Student

High School Student resume examples & templates

Include your contact information

Make use of a summary, outline your work experience or extracurriculars, include the relevant key skills that make you a great employee, detail your education & relevant certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for a high school student resume, great first jobs, high school student resume, text only.

Congratulations! You've decided to take your first steps toward getting a job. Chances are this is your first high school student resume. You may not realize it, but you already have some accomplishments and achievements that will make your high school student resume shine. 

This high school student resume example and writing guide will show you how to capitalize on your experience, skills and knowledge even if you've never held a "real" job!

Resume guide for a high school student resume

Landing your first job can feel daunting, but Resume.io is here to help. Even if you're just starting out, our collection of 350+ resume examples and writing guides (like the one you are reading), along with professional resume templates, a resume builder tool and expert advice, can help you craft the perfect resume with ease.

This writing guide, along with the corresponding high school resume examples, will show you how to capitalize on your experience, skills , and knowledge even if you've never held a "real" job! These are the topics we'll cover.

How to write a high school student resume

Choosing the right resume format for a high school student.

• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the entry-level market looks like, and what salary you can expect

Let’s get started! 

Lack of work experience need not stop you from creating an impressive high school student resume! Generally, it should be structured to include the following key sections: 

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

We’ll be taking a closer look at each of these resume components after covering some general considerations.

Optimize your high school student resume!

Employers receive hundreds of high school resumes for each open position. They don’t have time to look through them all, so they use ATS software to do the initial sorting. That's why most employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

This means you have to know how these algorithm-based systems work and how to get your high school resume past the digital filter. Employers program the software to screen for certain skills and attributes reflected in keywords and phrases. 

The ATS scans resumes on that basis, and then scores and ranks them. Your resume will only make the cut if it is in the top-ranking range. 

Unless you already have some work experience, the most commonly used chronological format may not be suitable for structuring your high school student resume. 

It’s the most straightforward way for job candidates to organize their experience and qualifications below employer headings and dates, in order from most recent to earliest.

But for high school students or recent graduates with little or nothing to list in a traditional employment history section, other resume formats can be ideal. The format you choose should depend on the type of job and industry, and how best to present yourself as an ideal match. 

In cases where specialized knowledge and skills, and possibly extracurricular activities, are relevant to prospective employers, a functional resume may be your best bet. It offers greater flexibility to emphasize your most relevant strengths up front in a section labelled “Experience.” 

A hybrid, or combination, resume format offers even more versatility. You can integrate chronological and functional elements in the most applicable manner, and perhaps even put your education section higher up on the page to emphasize your school interests and accomplishments. 

Let us do the hard work for you! 

Check out the many resume templates in our resume builder and choose the format that best suits your situation. We have a wide variety available as resume examples .

A distinctive resume header sets you apart from other candidates by ensuring your resume gets noticed for the right reasons. An eye-pleasing design will make it inviting to read, while also readily identifying who your resume belongs to and how you can be reached for an interview. Here's what yours needs to include: 

• Full name & title. Simply include your first and last name, along with the role for which you are applying. Tailor this each time.
• Professional email address. Employers won't think highly of an address like [email protected] . Your best bet is the golden standard format of first name (or initials) + last name: [email protected] or [email protected] .
• Phone number. Include a number where you can be reached. You can also include when you are available at the given number.
• Location. You don't need to include your full address. However, you should highlight your location — i.e. your state and city.
• LinkedIn. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is active and highlights your expertise. If that is the case, you can include it on your high school student resume.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth. This move could lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details. Relationship status, social security number, passport number , etc.

Mary Smith  Barista  [email protected] 0811 992 1182 New York, New York

High School Student  [email protected] 0811 992 1182 Apartment 22, Victoria Building, New York In a relationship.

Describing yourself can be tough, but don't hold back. You have many of the qualities employers want. Here's where your personality can shine. 

The 2-3 sentence resume summary (also known as the profile or personal statement ) is the first section, directly under your contact information. It allows you to exhibit a bit of personality while you explain the qualities that will make you a great employee. 

Here are some sample questions to ask yourself when writing your summary:

• What makes me a good student, friend, teammate, family member?
• Which of my skills or personal qualities have helped me in school? Am I organized, creative, responsible?
• What activities, projects, and interests could I describe that translate into job skills?

You can find an adaptable high school student resume examples summary below:

Resourceful and dedicated high school student with excellent analytical skills and a demonstrated commitment to learning. Strong organizational abilities with proven success managing multiple academic projects . Well-rounded and professional team player dedicated to continuing academic pursuits at a collegiate level.

Driven and proactive high school student with top-notch time management and organizational skills. Previous experience working with CareKittens charity as a volunteer over two summers. Committed to supporting important causes, furthering education, and learning while on the job.

Before you give up on the work history section, don't forget that your high school experience includes a wealth of opportunities to draw from. 

Give yourself credit for jobs you've done for classes or community service points as a high school student. All positions of responsibility count! Maybe you have had a paying job. If so, that's great! Here are some examples to consider: 

• Voluntary experience. Whether you have volunteered at a charity or helped out at an event, now is the time to shout about it. Focus on your transferable skills here.
• Part-time jobs. Did you have a part-time job during high school? If so, you should include it as part of your work experience. You may have worked in a store, in a restaurant, or even babysat for the neighbors.
• Teams and clubs. If you don't have any work experience but are part of a sports team or club, you should add this here. Being a team-player is considered to be a high-level skill, and so it's an easy way to wow the hiring manager.

Jobs or work experiences to consider listing

Any volunteer work or projects for social or community groups are a great addition to your high school student resume, whether in the past or continuing now. 

List each item in your experience section as any other job applicant would in the conventional employment history format —  in reverse chronological order. That means you start with the current or most recent listing and work backward to the earliest, by date.

Look for job referrals! Ask friends who already have a job where you're interested in working for a referral. Some companies have referral programs that reward current employees when their referral is hired. Employers like referrals, because they eliminate some of the unknowns of hiring. Few people would recommend a person they did not think could do the job.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a high school student resume.

Sales Associate at B&B Booksllers, New York  September 2022 - Present 

• Feed animals and made sure they had access to fresh water at all times.
• Answer customer questions and reported issues in person or by phone.
• Help customers select products that best fit the needs of their pet.
• Keep the selling floor clean and maintained neat and orderly product displays.
• Maintain accurate work logs.
• Recognize for my reliability and zero absence work record.

How to write a high school student resume with no experience

Let's say you have no direct work experience on your resume . One way to approach this conundrum is to focus on either voluntary experience or your extracurriculars.  As a high school student, you may be putting a lot of time and effort into extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to showing up and participating. These may be especially relevant if they illustrate an interest related to the job you are applying for. 

Creating a master list of your extracurricular activities is a worthwhile exercise in its own right. It can reinforce your choices of which skills and personal attributes to highlight in other resume sections. It may also clarify the type of job you want, and lead you to consider targeting your job search to a field that fits your extracurricular interests. 

Any master list — be it for skills, activities or jobs — can be useful for your own reference and convenience. It’s a visual tool that highlights what you are looking for at a glance, then makes it easy to cherry-pick the most appropriate resume samples for your current resume version.

If you are a go-getter who participates in multiple activities outside of school and work, perhaps associated with accomplishments , consider adding a separate resume section for extracurricular activities. 

These show your talents, determination, and time-management skills. This is another way to inject a little personality into your resume. 

Science Honor Society, Callaway High School, Jackson  2019 - Present  National Honors Society, Callaway High School, Jackson  2019 - Present  Participated in several volunteer activities, including:

• Built a house for Habitat for Humanity
• Collected supplies Stewpot Community Services
• Organized food drive & fundraiser for Cascades Humane Society   

Volunteer, Cascades Humane Society Jackson  Aug 2019 - Aug 2020 

• Performed various administrative and clerical tasks as needed.
• Served as a support for the entire office staff.
• Monitored & observed animals for signs of illness & reported symptoms to superiors.
• Created online pet profiles for potential adopters.
• Collected and recorded adoption fees.

Employers willing to hire inexperienced workers are looking for signs of responsibility, initiative, and desire to learn.  What you do need are soft skills, also known as interpersonal, social or people skills. Examples include communication — including listening, courtesy and ability to take direction — as well as dependability, punctuality and being well-organized. 

Of course, hard skills have a place on your resume too. these are pragmatic skills necessary or valuable for certain jobs, tools or programs or sciences. Examples for a high school student might include computer programming or child care expertise. 

With ATS likely to be scanning your high school student resume (unless you are applying to work for an individual or at a very small company, you need to know what keywords will help get your resume in the hands of hiring managers.  Respondents to a Society for Human Resource Management survey ranked these as the most important skills for entry-level employees:

• Dependability and reliability (think being at work on time or fulfilling promises) — a whopping 97% said these were a must!
• Integrity — 87%.
• Respect (towards clients and co-workers) — 84%.
• Teamwork — 83%.

You probably have all of these skills to one degree or another. So, make sure you list them on your high school student resume. 

Check out a high school student resume skills sample below.

• Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Advanced Computer System Skills

Think of it this way: your career right now is your experience as a high school student. It's probably more important than your employment history if you have any work experience at all, so treat the education section of your high school student resume as a higher priority. 

Expand on your high school "career" achievements and focuses, starting with a list of classes that are relevant to the job you seek. Looking to work with children? Highlight your early childhood education class. Here are some examples of relevant certificates: 

• Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) : If you undertook this certificate while in high school, you don't want to leave it out. It shows that you have digital media skills, which is a real asset if you are applying for jobs within the creative fields.
• Certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) : Most hiring managers will expect you to be confident using Microsoft Office. However, if you happen to have this certificate, you can show that you are a cut above the rest.
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate: Interested in a career in IT? You might find that having this Google-certified qualification gives you the gravitas you need.
• Food Safety Certification : Hospitality roles are highly popular among high school students and graduates. If you want to show that you are serious about this role, you should let the hiring manager know that you have a Food Safety Certificate.
• Language proficiency: Speaking a second language is always going to be a valuable skill. Let the hiring manager know if you can and provide details of your certificates.

Also, mention any accolades and honors, or even your grade point average (SAT/ACT/GPA Scores) if they shine. Should your scores be high, you can elevate your resume above the competition. You can also use the education section to describe projects you are proud of and how they reflect your skills.

Choose a structure that works for you! Your resume sections do not have to be in the same order as they are listed in this high school student resume sample. Put the section you think is most important and impressive first and go from there. Just remember, the summary must remain at the top. 

High Honors, Callaway High School Jackson  Aug 2019 - Present 

• Academic High Honor Roll 2015 - 2017
• Presidential Award for Academic Excellence 2016

Are you itching to show off your artistic bent here? You may be tempted to try standing out from the crowd with a strikingly colorful high school student CV design. 

But unless you are applying for a graphic design job or other position in a creative field, it's in your best interest to keep the look of your resume simple, streamlined, and polished. Strive for a first impression that's as legible and inviting to read as it is eye-catching.

Simple doesn't rule out creative choices when it comes to the layout, design, and formatting of your high school student CV.

Why use a template?

Unless you've already developed a great eye for graphic design and the computer skills to match, a resume template may be your best bet to create an eye-pleasing resume without much difficulty.

Resume.io offers four categories of resume templates, any of them suitable for a high school student to personalize for a professional and beautiful result. Start by choosing one of these style categories before drilling down to select the right layout: simple, professional, modern or creative. 

One benefit of using a resume template is that you can avoid formatting errors that make your resume look sloppy or incomplete. Using the Resume.io builder tool makes every step of creating your resume a breeze. 

Don't lose your hard work!  If you are cutting and pasting your resume into a computer program, first save it as a text file to eliminate odd formatting marks.

Personalization

As emphasized already, the rule of thumb for resume layout, design and formatting is: keep it clean and organized! Working with one of our templates and the builder tool takes away any guesswork. Yet, you still have room to make your high school student resume stylishly unique. 

Contrary to popular wisdom, Times New Roman is not the only professional-looking font that will serve you well. Try Garamond, Georgia, Helvetica, Cambria, or Calibri. 

If your resume template of choice uses a color, feel free to change it. But resist any urge to add more color. One small splash is all you need. And don't use a color other than black for your text. The rule of thumb for layouts is: keep it clean and organized!

Job market and outlook

Many high school students ask themselves, "How will I get a job without experience?" Guess what: Everybody who is now working started out in a first job without having any employment history. You have to start somewhere. A little time and research can be all it takes to find a job that adds to your skills list while putting some money in your pocket!

You have already made the decision to look for work. Now, with Resume.io's collection of tools at your fingertips, we'll walk you through everything you need in the first steps to success. It all starts with getting your foot in the door. 

More than half of young people have jobs! 

Thinking of getting a first job? You're not alone. As of July 2023, 55% of people aged between 16 and 24 had jobs. Often enough, these roles are part-time and fit around the young person's studies. Look for a flexible option that suits your schedule.

Being in demand means you have choices. Your first job probably won't be the job of your dreams, but you can target work that will lead you in the right direction for your future. This can apply in almost any type of work that high school students are typically hired to do.

About one-quarter of working teens have jobs in food preparation or service, according to BLS data. And there is plenty of room to be selective and forward-looking in this industry. Even if you end up at a fast food restaurant, you can choose which one it is. 

With a little research, you can pick a company that offers management training, flexible hours or other benefits that appeal to you. More than 10% of working high school students have jobs in these fields:

• Sales and sales support
• Office and administrative support
• Personal care and service.

This does not mean you are restricted to these industries, but they are examples of areas you're likely to be qualified for. 

Resourceful and dedicated High School student with excellent analytical skills and a demonstrated commitment to providing great customer service. Strong organizational abilities with proven successes managing multiple academic projects and volunteering events. Well-rounded and professional team player dedicated to continuing academic pursuits at a collegiate level.

Employment history

Key takeaways for a high school student resume

An effective high school student resume can make finding your first job much easier. So, what are you waiting for? Employers understand your lack of experience and instead are interested in the soft skills you are likely to have.Highlight these soft skills, along with any hard (practical) skills you have, in the summary section of your high school student resume.

It doesn't end there. You should also use keywords that automated screening software will likely scan and score for. Remember, education has been your “career” up until now, so leverage your school experience when writing this section of your resume.

Use our resume builder to browse simple resume samples, then personalize the template that speaks to you. Make sure your resume writing is error-free and looks amazing.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

High School Resume - How-To Guide for 2024 [11+ Samples]

Whether you’re preparing your college application, applying for an internship, or looking for a part-time job, you’ll notice that every single place is asking for your resume. 

You sit down, work on your resume for an hour, trying to come up with what you can include.

And all you end up with is the name of the high school you’re attending.

“What gives?” you wonder.

“What else can I add to my resume, when I have zero work experience?”

That’s a more than valid concern and it’s exactly what we’re going to discuss in this article! 

We’re going to tell you exactly what to write so that your resume is as convincing as any other (even with zero work experience). 

• What to include in a high school resume
• 4 Free high school templates you can use
• A real-life high school resume example
• FAQ on high school resumes

Let’s start with the question you’ve been repeatedly asking yourself:

What to Include in My High School Resume?

At the end of the day, resumes are about showing an employer that you are the right person for the job. 

You want to show you’re a competent, passionate, and responsible individual, with the right skills to get the job done.

Well, work experience isn’t the only way to convince recruiters of that. 

Instead, you can focus on the following sections:

• #1. Contact Information - This is where you write down your personal and contact information (no surprise there) like first and last name, phone number, e-mail address, or links to other profiles.
• #2. Resume Objective - In 3-4 sentences, you should be able to describe your career goals and aspirations as well as list your skills.
• #3. Education - As you probably guessed, this is where you list your education history and relevant certifications.
• #4. Extracurricular Activities - These include participation in high school clubs, competitive events, and volunteer work.
• #5. Projects & Gigs - You can mention relevant projects you have participated in, as well as any internships.
• #6. Work Experience (optional) - If you don’t have any work experience, you can mention apprenticeships or volunteer work instead.
• #7. Languages - Language skills are always a plus for your application.
• #8. Hobbies & Interests - These offer some insight into your personality and can show that you’re passionate and interested in the industry.

As you can see, there’s a lot that can go into your resume to make up for the missing work experience. 

Now, we’ll dive into each of these sections in detail and teach you how to do each of them right!

So, let’s start with:

#1. Contact Information

The contact information isn’t too hard to pull off.

Here’s what you need to include here:

• First and Last Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address

Make sure to use a professional email address , something like: [email protected]. Using your middle school [email protected] account will not leave the right impression. 

#2. Resume Objective

A resume objective is a 3-4 sentence statement of your skills, achievements, and career goals . 

Think of it as a short summary of why you’re applying for this specific position and why you’d be a good candidate for it.

You should try your best to link this summary to the role you are applying for. 

For example, if you’re applying for a position as a sales associate, you should make a point of your good social skills, proficiency in math, and teamwork skills.

Let’s have a look at a concrete example of a resume objective for this case:

Hard-working, responsible high school student looking to contribute a positive and collaborative attitude in the retail field. Math-oriented individual with good attention to detail.

#3. Education

In a typical resume, this comes after the work experience section. 

For a high school resume, though, you’d want to do it the other way around, since you want to put more focus on your academic achievements.

This section will most probably consist of only one entry: your high school education. 

Here’s how you can format your education section:

• Name of the Degree
• Name of the Institution
• Years Attended
• GPA (if above 3.5)
• Honors (if applicable)
• Relevant Courses

High School Diploma (Honor Roll)

AB High School

09/2015 - 06/2019

• Relevant courses: AP Calculus, Statistics, Leadership

#4. Extracurricular Activities

Now, this section could be one of your biggest selling points. 

Even if you have a not-so-special GPA, extracurriculars can turn your resume around. These activities are typically school-related, like participation in clubs or student societies. 

Involvement in such, especially in leadership positions like club president or team captain, shows you are sociable and active in your pursuits. 

When listing your extracurricular activities, you should format each entry like this:

Student Body Treasurer

Student Government, AB High School

• Managed the student council’s funds and expenses, kept financial records, and worked with the president and vice president to create budgets and allot funds for clubs and events.
• Participated in organizing student activities like dances, spirit weeks, community service, and fundraising movements and assemblies.

#5. Projects & Gigs

Here you can mention (or even link to) any independent projects you’ve worked on - something you’ve done on the side, unrelated to academics. 

This could be a personal project, small business or startup, side-gig, blog, etc.

Such activities add a lot of value to your resume. They show you’re a self-starter and that’s a quality that’s very much appreciated in any role and industry.

Neighborhood Book Club 

2019 - Present

• Founded a local book club, initially for my friends, and later for all the teenagers of my neighborhood.
• Prepared a monthly book calendar for the club, combining trending, relevant, and classic books.
• Organized weekly meetings to discuss the progress on the books and our thoughts upon finishing them.

#6. Work Experience (Optional)

If you have some work experience, awesome! Here’s how you’d format it on your high school resume:

• Company Name
• Dates Employed
• Achievements & Responsibilities

Sandwich Artist

Joe’s Sandwich Emporium

06/2020 - 09/2020

• Prepared several types of sandwiches for customers.
• Promoted new products on the menu directly to customers.
• Worked with the cash register.
• Interacted with dozens of customers on a daily basis.

If you don’t have any work experience, though, worry not! You can always replace it with another “Other” section.

Volunteer work, for example, is another great addition to your resume. If you also have any informal work experiences like babysitting or dog walking, you should include them in the section. 

Even if you didn’t get a paycheck out of that work, such experiences show you are skilled and reliable. 

For example, an entry for volunteering experience can look like this:

Educational Team Member

Save the Children

2018 - Present

• Assisted in giving weekly art history and drawing lessons to children at the local orphanage
• Helped organize visits at local museums and art galleries

#7. Language skills

Are you bilingual or can speak another language apart from your native one?

Make sure to mention it on your high school resume!

Wherever you might be applying, you can rest assured that they’re going to appreciate your language skills.

Even if you’re applying for a job in the service or retail industry, proficiency in an extra language or two is going to give you an advantage over other applicants, especially if you write your CEFR level , and can back up the claim in conversation.

Who knows when some foreign customers will come in and your knowledge will come in handy!

With that scenario in mind:

Be mindful not to exaggerate your skills, as lying on your resume can only get you in trouble.

#8. Hobbies & Interests

It might feel like you’re just filling up some space, but actually, the hobbies and interests you list on a resume can be significant, especially if you don’t have a lot of extracurriculars or work experience.

You need something to hint as to who you are as a person and employee, and listing hobbies and interests will do that for you. 

They also show that you are an engaged individual and well-rounded applicant. 

However, you should be selective with what you mention here. 

Listing 6+ hobbies will end up having the opposite effect - it will look like you’re just throwing in some random words, hoping some of them will be impressive. 

A good strategy is to look for hints on the job ad i.e. if they are looking for a team player, mentioning a team sport as one of your hobbies is a great idea. 

Keep in mind, though, that you should also avoid hobbies that don’t add to your profile as a candidate.

E.g.: your gaming hobby doesn't make you a better candidate for the role of a sales manager.

4 Free High School Resume Templates

So we’re all done with theory at this point. 

There’s one thing left for you to do: sit down and start preparing your resume. 

To help you with that, we’ve gathered 4 free resume templates , perfect for a high school resume. 

All you have to do is pick the ones you like best & get started with your resume!

#1. Simple Resume Template

This versatile template works for all kinds of applicants - from those with plenty to those with zero work experience. 

The neutral colors emphasize information over flashiness and the structure is easy to follow.

#2. Professional Resume Template

This next template is an all-time favorite of ours. 

Unlike the first template, the Professional one is formatted into two columns. It’s simple, yet stands out with its blue accent color (which you can change into any color you like). 

#3. Modern Resume Template

The Modern template adds something more to the traditional resume look. There is a faded design in the background and some of the sections are boxed by large brackets.

It’s a template that stands out without being too loud or wild. 

#4. Creative Resume Template

If you’re applying for a position in a creative field (marketing, design, etc.), this is the template for you. 

It uses accent colors and has a bold header that makes a statement. 

High School Resume Example

As important as picking the right template is, the content of the resume is what’s going to seal the deal. 

Here’s one example of a high school student resume, so you can get a clearer idea of what it should look like!

High School Resume FAQ

If you still have some questions regarding your high school resume, check out the FAQ and our answers below:

1. How can I write a high school resume with no work experience?

As a high school student, it’s more than normal for you to have no work experience. This shouldn’t scare you. 

There’s a lot of activities you can add to your resume that can substitute work experience.

Extracurricular activities, like participation in school clubs, projects, and gigs, are a great indicator of your skills and personality. Any informal work experiences should also be mentioned.

As long as you are showing the recruiter that you are capable of doing the job, your resume will be just fine without a work experience section.

2. How long should a high school resume be?

When it comes to high school resumes, the answer is undebatable: one page. 

A 2018 eye-tracking study showed that recruiters spend about 7 seconds skimming a resume before deciding whether to discard it or not. 

A 2-page resume will be simply excessive. 

Heck, even if you’re a professional with 10 years of work experience, we’d still recommend sticking to 1 page.

For more on resume length best practices, check out our article.

3. What’s the best way to make a high school resume?

An important and time-consuming part of making a resume is getting the formatting right. 

This means meticulously editing a Word or Google doc in order to get the right typeface, font size , line spacing, margins, etc.

What we’re getting at here is, if you’re making your resume manually, it can take you hours…

And then you make a tiny change on your layout, and your resume starts spilling into the second page!

Want to save time and effort?

Just use a resume builder ! The formatting is done for you, and all YOU have to do is fill in the resume!

Key Takeaways

That pretty much covers all you need to know about writing a high school no-experience resume . 

Quite simple and doable, right?

Finally, here’s a recap of what you should keep in mind when writing your high school resume:

• Instead of work experience, talk about extracurriculars like school clubs, personal projects, or gigs.
• Use sections like education, hobbies & interests, and languages to emphasize your skills and give an idea of your personality.
• Grab the recruiter’s attention with a concise resume objective that clearly highlights your top skills and career goals.
• Keep your resume at a maximum of 1 page.

And finally, good luck with your job search!

Related Resume Examples

• No Experience Resume
• Internship Resume
• College Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• Students and Graduates Resume
• Teacher Resume

Suggested readings:

• The Complete Guide to Remote Work [W/ Tips & Tricks]
• 101+ Achievements to List On Your Resume [In 2024]
• The Ultimate Guide to Job Hunt - Land Your Next Job in 2024

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Free Attendance Questions Slideshow ✨

15 Impressive Resume Examples for High School Students

Put your best foot forward.

Many professionals struggle to write a strong resume, even after years in the workforce. It’s not surprising, therefore, that it’s even harder for those with limited work experience. That’s why we put together this list of resume examples for high school students. They need it!

According to a Pew Research Center analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics , teens are experiencing the highest employment rate since 2008. In May 2022, 5.5 million U.S. teens ages 16 to 19 held jobs, and by summer 2023, analysts predict “that the share of 16- to 19-year-olds working this season will rise to 33.6 percent, from 32.7 percent last year.” Use these templates, which are perfect for students applying f or jobs, college admissions, or scholarships, to edge out the competition!

What To Include on High School Students’ Resumes

When you don’t have years of work experience to showcase, what should you include on your resume? Here are some ways to put your best foot forward.

• Highlight academic strengths.
• Mention extracurricular activities including clubs, sports, and volunteerism.
• List any honors, awards, or other achievements.
• Emphasize leadership experience.
• Share projects or gigs, including any internships.
• Include a “Skills” section and list computer skills, soft skills, or language skills.
• If your hobbies and/or interests are relevant to a job, include those as well. 

Resume Examples for High School Students

High school student resume templates and examples.

These helpful resume templates and examples are perfect for high school students trying to land their first job or internship. This resource shares tips on how to make a great impression. 

Resume with no experience: first job examples

Trying to land a job with no work experience? No problem! This template offers an ideal resume for high school student applicants who are entering the workforce for the first time.  

Resume for a part-time job

For students looking for a part-time job, their high school resume needs to reflect their availability. This sample offers guidance for creating a resume that sends the right message. 

Experienced high school student resume

Multiple work experience examples should be listed on an experienced high school student resume, so you might need to change the layout to make everything fit nicely.

McDonald’s resume

While this resume specifically highlights McDonald’s, it could easily be modified for any fast-food chain. The important thing is that students’ work history includes customer service and interpersonal skills and the ability to take orders, prepare food, accept payments, keep a restaurant clean, and more. 

Customer service resume

Hiring supervisors are aware of and anticipate the fact that you may not have much work experience as a high school student, but this template will help tailor your resume to the demands specified in the customer service job description.

Camp counselor resume

If you’ve ever worked as a camp counselor (or similar leadership role), you likely have a well-rounded set of skills. This resource provides tips and examples of how to list your achievements and abilities in a way to stand out above the competition. 

High school student sales resume

Writing a high school student sales resume can be challenging, especially if you have little professional experience. One solid strategy is having numbers on your side. This great template will help you get started!

Athlete resume

Depending on the student, athletics can make up a huge part of their high school experience. Should athletics be mentioned on a resume? If it’s relevant to the job or if a student was a stand-out athlete, gained leadership skills, or was recognized for their great attitude and/or outstanding abilities, this guide will show you how to include it.

High school graduate resume

Once students graduate, they’ll either be continuing their education or heading into the workforce (or both!). This great, straightforward high school resume is perfect when applying for their first real job. 

College resume for high school students

The future is bright, which is why high school students need to focus on creating a college admissions resume that will really make an impression. These tips and samples offer clear guidance on how to make a college application truly shine. 

High school student office worker resume

It’s alright if a high school office worker resume isn’t packed with noteworthy achievements. Instead, list any project that highlights your leadership qualities or relevant skills you’ve acquired along the way!

Scholarship resume

You already know that college tuition is expensive. There are plenty of scholarships out there, but the competition is fierce. This high school resume template focuses on academic achievements while highlighting skills, professional experience, and career objectives to help students stand out from the crowd. 

High school student music resume

Of course you want to highlight any musical work you’ve done, whether it’s in school or professionally. Also highlight lessons, achievements, and interests that showcase your love and passion for music. This template will give you a good idea of where to begin!

Internship resume

It can be tough to find a decent internship as a college student, which is why high school students should start looking before they graduate. These types of jobs might not come with a paycheck, but the rewards are immeasurable in terms of experience. This template offers tips for writing a strong resume for an internship position. 

Do you have more great resume examples for high school students? Share them in the comments below.

Want more articles like this be sure to subscribe to our free newsletters .

We Are Teachers

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• Edit Profile
• Staff Links
• Program Portal

• Schools & Districts
• Colleges & Universities
• Afterschool Programs
• Expanded Learning Programs
• Summer Programs
• Become a Partner

Partner with Student Hires for the 24-25 School Year!

How to Write a Resume for High School Student First Job

Estimated Reading Time: minutes

Written By Miranda Zavala   |   High School , Resources   |   0 Comments   | June 10, 2024

Post Views: 47

Creating the perfect resume for your first job as a high school student might seem tough. By following some simple advice, you can build a strong resume that makes employers notice you. You need to focus on your unique skills when creating your resume for high school student first job.

I remember my first job hunt. I was a nervous wreck, wondering how I could compete with all those experienced candidates. But then I realized something: I had unique skills and experiences that set me apart. 

Alright, let’s jump in. You might even enjoy yourself along the way.

Table Of Contents:

Contact information, objective or summary statement, work experience, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, resume with no experience, part-time job resume, experienced high school student resume, mcdonald’s resume, customer service resume, camp counselor resume, use action verbs, highlight relevant skills, keep it concise, proofread carefully, what if i don’t have much job experience, should i include my gpa on my resume, do i need a cover letter, what skills should i focus on, what to include on a high school student’s resume for their first job.

Crafting a high school student resume for your first job can feel overwhelming. But don’t stress. Even if you’re a high school student with zero work experience, you still have plenty to offer potential employers.

Figuring out what to include and how to show off your strengths is key. In this post, we will break down the must-have parts of a great high school resume, with lots of resume examples for inspiration.

First things first: make sure employers can easily reach you. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and city/state at the top of your high school student resume.

Double-check that your email is professional (think [email protected], not [email protected]).

Creating a professional email apart from your school email or personal email will work great for college applications and even for future job en

Next up: a brief, punchy intro to grab the hiring manager’s attention. As a high school student, an objective statement is your best bet. In 1-2 sentences, state the job you’re seeking and the skills/traits that make you a great fit.

For example: “Hardworking high school student seeking a part-time retail position. Eager to apply my strong communication and organizational skills in a customer-facing role.”

Since you’re still in school, education should be a key focus of your resume for high school student first job. List your high school name, expected graduation date, GPA (if above 3.0), and any honors/AP classes.

If you’ve taken courses related to the job you want, definitely include those.

Now, for the section that stresses most high school students: work experience, But guess what? Babysitting, mowing lawns, and helping with the family business all count.

List any paid jobs or ongoing side gigs, with bullet points highlighting your duties and achievements. No formal work experience yet? No worries – we’ll cover some other options next.

Volunteer work is an awesome way to build skills, show initiative, and boost your high school student resume. Include any volunteer gigs, charity work, or community service you’ve done. Aim for bullet points that illustrate the value you added or relevant skills you developed.

This is your moment to shine by sharing what you’re passionate about. Are you active on a sports team? Do you belong to any clubs or play an instrument?

These activities are all fair game. Talk about leadership roles you’ve held and any special accomplishments. Even skills like teamwork and technical abilities are worth mentioning since they can translate well into job settings.

Wrap up your high school resume with a dynamic skills section. Focus on the job you are aiming for and list relevant abilities like foreign language skills, software knowledge, or essential soft skills such as teamwork and time management.

The best resume format for high school students is one that clearly showcases your strengths, passions, and potential – even if you have limited work experience. By thoughtfully including these key sections, you’ll be well on your way to landing that exciting first job and impressing those job seekers.

High School Student Resume Examples

Looking at strong examples is a great way to make your high school student resume shine. By observing how others showcase their skills and experiences, you can find inspiration for crafting the perfect resume that stands out from the crowd.

This section offers various high school student resume samples for different needs. If it’s your first time applying for work or you’re going after something more challenging, these straightforward resumes will guide you.

When I was crafting my first high school resume, I remember staring at a blank page and thinking “I have nothing to put.”

But that’s rarely true – with a little creativity, most high school students can find relevant experiences and skills to include, even if they’ve never held jobs.

If you’re a high school student working on your resume and don’t have formal job experience, highlight volunteer work, extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and soft skills like communication or problem-solving. Emphasize where you’ve taken responsibility or made an impact in other areas of life.

If you’re seeking a part-time job, like retail or food service, highlight any customer service experience you have. This could be from a previous part-time gig, but also from volunteering, school projects, or even babysitting.

For example, I once helped my friend draft a resume sample for a grocery store job high school student. We focused on her volunteer role greeting visitors at a local festival and her experience collaborating on group projects in class – both showed off her friendly demeanor and teamwork skills.

It is also important to use the job description to your advantage. When reviewing a job description be sure you have the same skills they look for and include them in your resume under the skills section.

Some high schoolers have quite extensive work experience – whether from summer jobs, student internship roles, or starting their own small businesses. If you’re one of these go-getters, then your high school student resume should definitely focus on your work history.

One of my past high school students kicked off a thriving dog-walking business in her local area. We showcased on her resume how she mastered marketing, customer service, managing time efficiently, and pet care through this venture.

Applying for a job at McDonald’s or another fast food chain? Emphasize your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks at once, and provide friendly customer service. Any experience in food service or cash handling is a major plus.

I remember helping my younger cousin with his McDonald’s resume. Even though he’d never had a “real” job before, we highlighted his experience helping with a busy concession stand at school football games.

The skills he’d gained there – working quickly, handling money, and dealing with cranky customers – were super relevant for a sales associate role.

If you’re interested in a customer service job, like working at a call center or retail store, your resume template should showcase your communication and problem-solving skills. Think about times you’ve helped resolve conflicts, handled tricky situations, or gone above and beyond to assist someone.

A high school student I mentored had an amazing summer gig at the local library where she volunteered. She got really good at assisting people in finding books, fielding various questions, and even dealing with unhappy guests now and then. Those abilities were ideal for jobs that involve interacting directly with customers.

Applying to be a camp counselor? Your high school student resume should include leadership, responsibility, and a love for working with kids.

Highlight any experience you have leading groups, planning activities, or supervising children. If you’re CPR certified or have other relevant training, definitely include that too.

One of my all-time favorite high school student resume examples was from a girl who’d been a “mother’s helper” for years, assisting neighborhood families with childcare and errands. She described planning educational games, preparing healthy snacks, and mediating sibling squabbles – all fantastic examples of her childcare abilities.

There are plenty of high school student resume examples that can help you get started. By checking out how others list their skills and experiences, you’ll pick up tips on making your own stand out to hiring managers.

Customize your resume for each role, use strong action verbs, and don’t forget to proofread before sending it off. With an impressive resume ready to go, you’re set to dive into the job market.

Even if you lack formal work experience, you can still create a strong resume by highlighting your education, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and relevant skills. Tailor each section to the job you’re applying for and use real-world examples to show off your strengths.

Tips for Creating a Standout High School Student Resume

One of the most important tips for creating a standout resume for a high school student’s first job is to tailor it to the specific position you’re applying for. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference this can make.

When I was hiring for a part-time sales associate position, the resumes that stood out were the ones that highlighted relevant skills like customer service and teamwork. They didn’t just list generic achievements or classes.

Another key tip is to use strong action verbs in your experience descriptions. Instead of saying “responsible for stocking shelves,” write “efficiently stocked shelves and managed inventory.”

Highlighting these traits paints you as a motivated, results-focused collaborator. Your high school student resume becomes way more engaging this way.

If you are applying for a customer service role, highlight skills that matter most. Show off how well you communicate and solve problems effectively.

For a more technical position, you could emphasize your proficiency with certain software programs or your quick learning skills. The key skills section of your high school resume is valuable real estate – make every word count.

It’s also crucial to keep your resume for a high school student’s first job concise. Aim for one page and use a clear, easy-to-read resume font and formatting.

Bullet points are your friend – they help keep things skimmable. If you find yourself going over one page, see what you can cut. Each piece of information should be essential and relevant.

Finally, before hitting “send” on your high school student resume, be sure to proofread it carefully. I recommend proofreading it multiple times and even having others look over it. A resume with typos or formatting issues can quickly land in the “no” pile.

Ask a teacher, guidance counselor, or parent to review it as well for an extra set of eyes. With careful attention to these tips, your high school resume will be in excellent shape to help you land that first job. Remember, a standout resume is within reach – it just takes some strategic thinking and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About High School Student Resumes

As a high school student crafting your resume, you probably have a lot of questions. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common questions I hear from job seekers about high school student resumes.

Many high school students haven’t had formal jobs yet, and that is totally fine. Your resume can still shine by including your volunteer experiences, involvement in clubs or sports teams, and skills picked up through high school student internships or class assignments.

Make sure to talk about your transferable skills and how they fit into a job setting. For instance, if you’ve been in charge of a club or sports team, you can point out your leadership qualities and ability to work well with others.

It depends. If your GPA is strong (3.5 or above), it could be worth including, especially if the job you’re applying for is academically focused (like tutoring).

But if your GPA is lower, it’s probably best to leave it off and focus on other strengths.

When building your high school resume, focus on showcasing skills and experiences you gained outside the classroom. Keep the education section short just include your school’s name and when you expect to graduate.

A cover letter might not be mandatory, but I strongly suggest including one with your high school student resume. It’s an opportunity to let them see who you are beyond grades and activities, share why this position interests you, and argue convincingly that you’re the right person for it.

Keep your cover letter concise (one-page max) and tailor it to the specific job. Use specific examples to illustrate your technical skills and experiences. Don’t forget to proofread it just as carefully as your resume.

As a high school student with limited work experience, some of the most valuable skills to highlight on your resume are:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Foreign language skills

If you have technical skills, like knowing how to use specific software programs, definitely mention those. Highlighting these abilities can show employers that you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Remember, your high school resume is a chance to sell yourself to potential employers. By focusing on your strengths and tailoring your resume to each job, you’ll be well on your way to landing that first position. Don’t be afraid to highlight what makes you unique – that’s what will help you stand out from the crowd.

To make your high school resume stand out, tailor it to the job. Use action verbs and highlight relevant skills.

Keep it concise with clear formatting and bullet points. Proofread carefully before sending.

Creating a resume for high school student first job isn’t so bad after all. By highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and achievements, you can create a resume that stands out from the crowd.

Remember, employers aren’t expecting you to have a ton of work experience. They’re looking for enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Show them that you’ve got what it takes, and you’ll be well on your way to landing that first job.

So go forth and create that killer resume. The world is your oyster, and your first job is just around the corner.

Student Hires offers micro internships for high school students to learn a multitude of life skills. Some include creating resumes, conducting mock interviews, and even working within the community. 

Whether you’re a high school or college student looking for work experience there is help for everyone. Join the mission today by getting involved with Student Hires .

Last Updated on  June 10, 2024 by  Miranda Zavala

About  Miranda Zavala

Miranda Zavala is currently a student at California State University of San Bernardino earning her degree in Design with a concentration in marketing. Miranda enjoys inspiring students, and helping them find their passion just like her.

Related Articles

Choosing Your College Major: A Guide to Get Started

The silent struggle: depression in students, boost your career: the benefits of having a linkedin profile, how to create a linkedin page: the ultimate guide, 10 best summer jobs for teens | earn cash & gain skills, business strategies for improving job quality.

More from  Miranda Zavala

Best Online Jobs for College Students in 2024

Tackling the school psychologist shortage in california, why are college students protesting in 2024.

Leave a Comment

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Resume Skills for High School Students With Examples

• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Cover Letters
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships
• Skills High School Students Have

Top Skills in Resumes for Students

Match your skills to the job, how to include skills in your resume, sample high school student resume, how talk about skills at an interview.

When you are applying for jobs, employers want to see what skills you have even if you don’t have paid work experience. What kinds of skills can you include on your resume if you’re a high school student?

Here are examples of the different types of skills in resumes for students you should mention, as well as in cover letters and job interviews. You’ll also find tips on how to include these abilities in your job materials.

Types of Skills High School Students Have

Skills in resumes for students can be those that you have learned in school, during extracurricular activities, in sports, and when volunteering. For example, if you have played football, soccer, basketball, or other sports, you have teamwork skills. Were you the captain? You have  leadership skills .

Have you taken a computer class or taught yourself how to use software programs? You have computer skills.

Almost everyone has some level of communication skills. If you can carry on a conversation, present in class, or write a paper for school, you are communicating.

When you have successfully juggled personal activities and schoolwork, you’re flexible and dependable. Did you work on a group project? You have collaboration skills. Do you babysit or mow a neighbor’s lawn? You are reliable and dependable.

Below are five skills that almost every high school student has, and that almost every employer is looking for. You’ll also find related keyword phrases that you can use in your resume and cover letter.

Communication

Communication is a skill that refers to your ability to both convey information to others and to listen. This includes oral and written communication skills.

Every student has some experience developing their communication skills. Have you given any class speeches or presentations? Then you have improved your oral communication skills. Have you taken any courses involving writing? Ditto. Employers are always looking for employees with strong written and oral communication skills, so be sure to emphasize your communication experiences.

• Customer service
• Good listener
• Guest services
• Presentation
• Verbal communication

Dependability/Responsible

Employers seek teenagers who are mature and whom they can rely on to show up on time and get the job done. Emphasize your responsible nature. Have there been times when you were given additional responsibilities (in work, school, or even sports) due to your dependable character? Include examples of these in your job application.

• Follow instructions
• Hard-working
• Multitasking
• Punctual, reliable, responsible.

Quick Learner

Employers typically don’t expect high school students to know all the skills they need for a job right away. However, they will expect you to pick up new ones quickly. Emphasize times in the past when you picked up on a new skill or technique with ease.

• Enthusiastic
• Fast worker
• Learn quickly
• Willing to learn

Many jobs for high school students involve working on a team, whether as part of the waitstaff for a restaurant or as a co-counselor at a summer camp. Include in your resume examples of times that you worked well as part of a team, such as a sports team, club, or music group.

• Cheerfulness
• Collaboration
• Interpersonal
• Positive attitude

Employers are always happy to hire employees who are good with technology. Luckily, many high school students have that skill set. If you have any experience (either in school or through extracurricular activities) working on particular computer programs, or doing any other technology-related activities, include these top skills in resumes for students in yours.

If you have a lot of these experiences, you might even create a “ Technology Skills ” section on your resume.

• Microsoft Office
• Social media

Make a list of what you have done in all your school and non-school activities, along with the skills you have learned or used in each of those roles. Include those that are the closest match for what the company is seeking on your resume.

For example, if you’re applying for a job in a retail store, the hiring manager will be interested in knowing that you are dependable, reliable, accurate, and have interpersonal and communication skills.

For a part-time job where the schedule varies, you will need to be flexible and able to work a variety of different hours.

A good way to find the skills you need for a job is to review the job requirements listed in the job posting. In many cases, it will be easy to determine what skills you need to be considered for the job.

For example, here’s a description for McDonald’s crew jobs:

We're looking for hard-working, enthusiastic individuals who want to be a part of a winning team. If you enjoy working with people and love to learn new things, we want to meet you. We offer flexible schedules and the opportunity to advance within our restaurants.

Here are some of the skills you need to work at Starbucks:

• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and request clarification when needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to build relationships.

Domino's Pizza is seeking:

• Qualified customer service reps with personality and people skills.

You will find the required skills and qualifications listed in the job posting for most jobs listed online. If they aren’t listed, review the requirements for similar jobs to help generate a list of applicable skills. Highlight the skills that are the closest match to the job on your resume.

Your resume can include more than paid employment, so the best way to include your skills is to list your academic, school, and extracurricular activities on your resume. Include the skills you have in the description of the position or activity, or in an “Interest/Skills” section at the bottom of your resume. For example:

Manatee High School Arts and Crafts Club , Manatee, Florida

Vice President

• Recruited club members using school newspaper, website, Facebook, Twitter, and school Clubs Day.
• Composed a weekly email newsletter to club members.
• Designed and led weekly arts and crafts activities for 15 club members.

Interests and Skills

• Hometown Soccer League
• After-School Program Tutor
• Proficient in Spanish

This is an example of how to include skills in resumes for students. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample High School Student Resume (Text Version)

Leslie Lerner 7312 Owens Avenue Cleveland, OH 44109 Cell: (123) 555-5555 llerner@email.com

Qualifications

Deeply responsible and dependable high school student positioned to excel in a Summer Camp Counselor role requiring enthusiasm, creativity, teamwork, and a dedication to student welfare and success.

• Sports / Athletics : Experienced in coaching and teaching the basics of basketball, swimming, and volleyball to children ages 5 through 13. Hold current First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard certifications.
• Communication and Teamwork : Engaging interpersonal skills in working with students to identify their strengths and challenges, motivate participation, and create positive learning environments.
• Event Coordination : Display effective organizational and leadership skills in coordinating fundraising events, sports tournaments, and games.
• Additional Skills : Quick learner, proactively observing processes to swiftly gain mastery of new skills and techniques. Technical proficiencies include MS Office Suite and social media.

Lincoln West High School, Cleveland, OH; 3.89 GPA Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Captain, Girls Basketball Team; Band; Student Body Secretary; Beta Club; Jingle Bell Run Volunteer; Student Math Mentor

Experience Highlights

Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH Athletics Volunteer , September 2019 to Present Serve as volunteer coach for boys’ and girls’ youth basketball and volleyball teams. Demonstrate gameplay and ball handling techniques, assign positions, and communicate with parents / caregivers. Officiate as needed at basketball games.

• Helped to organize and publicize well-attended seasonal tournaments.
• Suggested and implemented outreach program at public schools to attract new program participants.

Arthritis Foundation, Cleveland, OH Jingle Bell Run Volunteer , Fall 2017 and 2019 Enthusiastically recruited over 100 fellow high school students to participate in annual 5K race fundraising event through both personal interactions and use of fundraising webpage.

• Independently raised over $500 each year of participation.
• Set up and manned registration and refreshment tables on race day.

Clark Recreation Center, Cleveland, OH Swim Instructor / Life Guard , Summer 2019 Taught basic swimming skills to children ages 5 through 13. Created fun swimming games and exercises; evaluated and conveyed student progress to parents.

Here are  resume writing tips for high school students  to use to be sure you have included all your relevant skills.

You might also include some of your skills and examples of times you demonstrated them in your  cover letter .

You may not be able to work all the skills you have into your resume, but keep a list of your top five related to the job for which you are applying in mind when you interview. You'll be able to mention them when you're answering interview questions about why you're qualified for the job.

Try to work those skills into the conversation. The closer a match you are to the job requirements, the better your chance of getting hired.

• Cashier: Job Description, Resume, Cover Letter, Skills
• Important Job Skills for Phlebotomists With a Resume Example
• Personal Assistant Resume Sample and Skills List
• Ultrasound Technician Resume Example and Skills
• Important Skills for Sales Associate Jobs
• Microsoft Office Skills for Resumes & Cover Letters
• What Does a Receptionist Do?
• Important Skills Photographers Need With Examples
• Customer Service Skills List and Examples
• Best Tips to Get Hired by Google
• Painter Skills List and Examples
• Plumber Skills List and Examples
• Important Skills for Product Manager Jobs
• Important Waiter / Waitress Skills for Resumes
• Physical Therapy Assistant Skills List
• Top Office Assistant Skills With Examples

• • Managed a $10,000 digital ad budget, optimizing for a 25% increase in ROI.
• • Collaborated with the content team to produce 30+ pieces of content monthly, driving a 20% increase in website traffic.
• • Conducted market research on 200+ potential clients, resulting in a 15% increase in lead generation.
• • Implemented A/B testing strategies that improved email open rates by 10%.

High School Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your teens resume should emphasize any part-time work or volunteer experience you have. Showcase responsibilities that demonstrate your commitment and work ethic. Highlight your extracurricular activities, as they reflect your ability to manage time and prioritize. These experiences can illustrate valuable transferable skills such as teamwork and leadership.

All resume examples in this guide

High School Student No Experience

Experienced High School Student

High School Student Internship

First Job High School Student

High School Student For College

High School Student For Customer Service

High School Student Office Worker

High School Student Athlete 

High School Student Music

Resume guide, what you’ll learn here, how to write a high school resume, high school resume formats, high school resume header recruiters keep their eyes on, high school resume summary looking professional, straight to the point resume objective, admirable high school resume experience that leaves positive impression, high school skills that make you look like a pro, education section in high school resume, high school certifications and courses, day of high school student’s life section, key takeaways.

By Experience

You are young, motivated and full of energy but struggle to find a job/internship?

Yes, this paradox is something common for high schoolers.

After all, you are nothing more than a lad with big dreams for the recruiters.

But don't get upset! We are here to show you the right path to success. You might have little to no experience, but your approach matters.

Grab your pencil and take notes from this 2022 guide for building a breath-taking high school resume.

• How to describe your education and specific knowledge by providing vital skills, achievements and responsibilities
• How to include your previous experience no matter what it is
• The difference between summary and objective and the steps to write them
• What other resume sections will fit the high school resume and pro tips for building them

You know that amazing feeling when the school year ends knowing that you are lying in bed doing nothing for two months?

Of course, you do! However, this is not the vibe you want to radiate!

After all, you are just a student with almost no life experience! Why do you think employers can trust you?

If you play your cards well, you have the right to be confident in yourself!

The approach when building your high school resume is crucial:

The first thing to do is to tailor it to the job description .

Such action is what separates successful from unsuccessful candidates.

You should use keywords and skills that express confidence and eagerness to achieve goals and learn.

You are a teenager, not a chief manager. You are not expected to have deep expertise but to gain knowledge.

Remember that recruiters want to know how you could contribute to their business.

You should prove to them that you could apply all you’ve learned from schools/training/courses.

Emphasize skills and strengths like communication, self-motivation and time management.

References from your tutors will be a bonus!

Do you know any foreign languages-they are the golden ticket to landing a job as a youngster!

Do not hesitate to add extraordinary talents or achievements that make you different from your peers.

Continue reading the high school resume guide and make their jaw drop when they understand you are just a high school student!

You have three main options when it comes to resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Hybrid resume

Years of experience and industry expertise are the two key factors that define your choice of a resume format:

• Reverse-chronological resumes will give an advantage to people with some experience in a specific niche.
• Functional resumes are perfect for career changers and job seekers. Nevertheless, this format isn’t popular among employers.
• Hybrid resumes are suitable for all types of professionals-beginners and seniors.

Pay attention to the style and layout! Here are some resume tips :

• Utilize the 12p resume font size
• 10’ resume margins are your optimal choice
• If you have under 10 years of experience-use one-page resume, otherwise-two-page resume
• Pay strict attention to your grammar and spelling
• Use the PDF format

Add References and Languages if you want to increase the chances of landing your first internship/job.

Top resume sections:":

• As a youngster, a coherent Education section makes you stand out
• If you have any experience, you will mesmerize recruiters
• Your summary introduces your goals and intentions for the future
• Listing crucial skills and strengths should be your priority
• References from your teachers prove you are a smart and respectful young person

What recruiters want to see:

• How will you bring value to the recruiter’s business based on your previous experience?
• How can you apply learned from school/training/courses into practice? Do you share your knowledge with others?
• What are your personality traits? How do you see yourself in the big world? What do you want to accomplish?
• Are you a self-motivated and communicative student? How do you act in intense and stressful situations? Do you like working in a team?

Your name and contacts are the first things employers see in your resume.

However, do not naively expect recruiters to remember any of them.

Therefore, you should focus on building an attention-grabbing header section .

Here are some tips to secure that you’ve done your job well:

• Write down your first and last name: make sure that they are the same as on your ID card and social profiles
• Be creative with the title: it should show your intentions for the position and your out-of-the-box thinking
• Adding your phone number and email is a must
• A web portfolio address or social media account will provide extensive information about you as a person and go-getter

Read these examples and avoid common mistakes.

2 High School Resume Header Examples

The summary is not always the “let’s boast-off” section where you put facts like: 

“Graduated from Harvard and became a Vice President at Google!”

We wish you had similar professional results, but you most likely start from zero.

You’ve got no professional accomplishments and a multibillion-dollar company behind your back.

However, the Summary section gives you the opportunity to:

• Introduce yourself as a self-motivated and ambitious youngster ready to learn
• Your intentions for the future and your personal goals
• What you’ve learned from school and our life experience so far

So, don’t lose hope and follow this advice to build a jaw-dropping summary section:

• Emphasize the knowledge you have in a specific subject
• Use quantitative data and action verbs to radiate dedication
• Mention skills that you acquired and how you could apply them in this particular position
• Include achievements and other accomplishments from authoritative institutions and people
• Add a foreign language that you can speak fluently
• Include say what you are looking for in the job you apply for

These tips are so powerful that they could sky-rocket your career.

Therefore, do not lose time and take notes from the examples below before writing your one-of-a-kind high school resume summary:

2 High School Resume Summary Examples

The following candidate made three crucial mistakes:

• The text is not tailored to the job description, and the candidate’s goals look vague
• It offers too general statements that bring no value
• Repetitiveness and starting almost every sentence with “I”

Therefore, you should research before writing your high school resume summary.

This one is way better as it follows all the tips above.

The applicant obviously did what’s expected from them:

• Offered a cohesive introduction that prove value to employers
• Outlines the student’s experience and positive personality traits

The alternative of a Summary section is a straight-to-the-point high school resume objective.

It’s brief, contains action verbs and reveals your intentions and goals.

You might include the position of the skills/strengths you want to acquire and excel.

Remember to add experience (if you have) like internships, previous summer jobs, competitions, conferences and similar events you took part in.

It’s vital to mention the exact position you are looking for and the company.

Below you can see a great example of a high school resume objective :

What is the synonym for the phrase "land a successful career"? 

The answer is a deep experience . 

So, it's simple to name it but so hard to gain it. 

Yes, even as a high school student, your expertise might play a crucial role. 

Not only jobs but internships also require some experience. 

But it's okay! 

With the right approach, you can move mountains.

Follow these steps and start building your high school Experience section:

• Try to use action verbs and quantitative data to support your statements
• Do not hesitate to mention your extraordinary achievements that made a positive impression
• Pay attention to skills you acquired and the way you applied them at work
• Give proof of work in a team and the outcomes from this collaboration
• Add duties and responsibilities that underline your self motivation, communication and organization skills

How did you utilize your communication skills and foreign languages at work?

Are your employers happy with your performance? How did you impress them? 

How did you manage to balance school and work? 

Did you work in a team, and did you make valuable relationships? 

High school resume experience examples

• • Supervised a lot of students
• • Delivered lectures to students
• • Prepared new course material
• • Fostered conversations with parents

You can try to give more detailed information about your work.

This candidate gives a bad example as they had a chaotic approach.

Recruiters do not care about what you did, but how you did it.

If you don't follow the advice and stick to mediocrity, you won't succeed.

• • Supervised 20+ 7–10-year-old students
• • Delivered 15 lectures on empathy and teamwork to 100+ students
• • Assisted in preparing the new course material for 4th-grade students
• • Fostered conversations with 10+ parents and received 98% positive feedback

Pro tip."

It's preferable to mention your age when listing your extraordinary achievements. Recruiters would love to invest in young talents like you.

Be so good they can’t ignore you.

Steve Martin, American Actor

You should list skills that you are confident you mastered. Just listing several skills won’t impress the recruiters. That’s why it’s a good idea to support and mention them in other sections of your high school resume.

You don’t have a second chance, so consider your skill choice carefully.

7 high school student soft skills:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration
• Self Motivation
• Time Management
• Fast Learning
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability

7 High school student hard skills for your resume

• Foreign Languages
• Basic Computer Skills
• Microsoft Office
• Google Drive
• Customer Service
• Public Speaking & PowerPoint Presentations

The Strengths section is an amazing opportunity to stand out from the competition.

Here you could list your talents or the skills that you excelled at.

Then, you can back them up with examples or quantitative data.

Of course, it’s crucial to focus on strengths related to the job description and focus on positive personality traits.

Take a deep breath and focus because the Education section will define the outcome of your job applications.

You can look at it as experience, as it:

• Offers proof of your self motivation and attitude toward learning and applying knowledge
• Shows your relationships with other students and feedback from your teachers
• Outlines your interests: employers will bet on candidates whose interests match the job offer

Do you get it now?

High school years are not just 5 years in which you party and drink.

It also shows your perception of the future.

So, to impress recruiters, follow these tips:

• List your favorite subjects and provide evidence for your top performance
• Mention achievements: awards or similar recognitions backed up with quantitative data
• Include extracurricular activities: competitions, conferences, and meetings you participated in. Emphasize teamwork.
• Add GPA (higher 3.6) and references from tutors  

There are countless courses to join and certifications to acquire.

However, the vital element here is to mention those that match the job description.

Otherwise, they will be useless.

Here are the most common and respected types of certifications to mention in your high school resume:

Top 4 high school student certificates:

• Foreign Language Certification
• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
• Google Certification
• First Aid Certification

Let us tell you one universal truth:

If you learn how to manage your time early in life, there is a 99% chance you will be successful.

And employers will be impressed by it.

A person who clearly understands the price of time also considers it the most vital asset.

Nevertheless, students make one crucial mistake.

They do not mention how the job/internship they apply for will fit their schedule.

Thus, employers feel uncertain whether you will give 100% attention and energy.

So, look at the example below and carefully consider what to add to the diagram.

• Focus on communication and self motivation skills: prove you are a go-getter and ready to learn
• Emphasize duties, achievements, awards and responsibilities
• Mention the skills and knowledge you acquired from school and how you apply them in real life
• Add References, Languages, Strengths and similar sections that build trust

Teens resume examples

Explore additional teens resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Teens resume?

• Resume Examples

What is an Activities Resume for College? Tips and Examples

How to show you're a phi beta kappa student on your resume, how to list a major & minor on your resume (with examples), church volunteer experience on resume, how to explain employment gap on resume, should i put in an incomplete degree on a resume.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

The Career Counter

Reinvention for Moms

Best Resume Sample for High School Students

High school student resume with no work experience

Two things to note about this resume sample for high school students:

• Volunteer experience, although unpaid, still counts as work experience and can be included in your work experience category on your high school resume.
• Other types of experience like part-time jobs, contract jobs (short-term or seasonal jobs) also count as work experience.

Watch our video about how to create your high school resume – a step-by-step guide:

Sample resume for college applications

Download our high school student resume & cover letter template today — Designed for easy customization. Use the included writing prompts from The Career Counter’s professional resume writers to shape your resume to reflect academic and extracurricular achievements.

High school resume template – MS Word

The nice thing about using our high school resume template is that you can just plug in your own information and you have a professional, clean resume. You’re ready to apply for your first job!

High school student resume summary examples

In crafting a resume, the summary serves as a brief highlight reel of your skills and experiences tailored to the job you’re applying for. Here are a few examples.

Customer Service Role

“Friendly and communicative high school junior passionate about delivering exceptional customer service. Eager to apply problem-solving skills and positive attitude as Sales Associate at [Company Name] to create individualized and welcoming shopping experience.”

Internship in a Professional Setting

“Ambitious high school senior with strong organizational and research skills, seeking an internship at [Company Name] to gain hands-on experience in [Industry/Field]. Enthusiastic about applying academic knowledge of and experience with research and technical writing to help raise awareness about injustice in non-profit sector.”

Part-Time Job in Food Service

“Reliable and efficient high school student aiming to leverage teamwork and time management skills gained from experience leading class projects and participating in extra-curricular activities as part-time crew member at [Restaurant Name]. Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, customer service, and food safety.”

Volunteer Position

“Compassionate and dedicated high school sophomore looking for volunteer position with [Organization Name] to support [cause or service provided by the organization]. Excited to leverage leadership and interpersonal communication skills to make positive impact in community and work toward fostering greater environmental sustainability.”

Technology or IT Role

“Tech-savvy high school junior interested in technology and computer science, seeking part-time position at [Company Name] to leverage passion for and knowledge of software development and troubleshooting. Eager to contribute technical skills and learn from experienced professionals in dynamic tech environment.”

Creative Position or Internship

“Creative and detail-oriented high school senior with strong passion for graphic design, seeking an internship at [Company Name] to apply skills in Adobe Creative Suite and gain practical experience in professional design setting. Excited to collaborate on projects and contribute fresh ideas to team at {Company Name}.”

Tutoring or Educational Role

“Patient and articulate high school student with strong academic achievements in [Subject(s)], seeking part-time tutoring position at [Institution or Service] to help students improve overall subject comprehension and academic performance. Committed to creating engaging learning experiences and fostering positive and supportive study environment.”

High school student resume objective examples

Including an objective on your resume allows you to succinctly outline your career goals, professional aspirations, tailored to the specific role you are seeking. This provides employers with insight into your motivations and how you are an ideal candidate for the position. For example:

“Energetic high school student with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, eager to enhance the customer experience at [Company Name].”

Office Assistant Position

“Organized and detail-oriented high school student aiming to support efficient operation of [Company Name] as an Office Assistant.

Retail Sales Associate

“Motivated high school student with passion for fashion and retail, seeking to contribute to the sales team at [Company Name] by offering exceptional customer service and eye for visual merchandising.”

Tech Support or IT Rol e

“Technologically adept high school student with strong knack for problem-solving, looking to contribute technical skills and patience to Tech Support team at [Company Name].”

Marketing Internship

“Creative and data-driven high school student interested in digital marketing, aiming to contribute innovative ideas and analytical skills to marketing team at [Company Name].”

Environmental or Green Initiative Volunteer

“Environmentally conscious high school student seeking to leverage passion for environmental awareness coupled with fundraising experience to support sustainability efforts at [Company Name or Organization].”

Hospitality and Event Planning Role

“Outgoing and detail-oriented high school student with passion for creating memorable experiences, looking to support event planning team at [Company Name].

What are some high school resume skills examples?

Including high school skills on your resume can be helpful if you’re early in your career or have limited or no work experience. Here are some examples of high school skills that can make your resume stand out:

Academic Achievements

Highlight any high grades, honor roll mentions, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses you’ve completed.

Leadership Skills

Mention any leadership roles you’ve held, such as being the captain of a sports team, president or treasurer of a club, or organizer of a school event.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Discuss instances where you worked on group projects, participated in team sports, or collaborated with others for school events, demonstrating your ability to work well with others.

Communication Skills

Highlight experiences where you demonstrated strong verbal or written communication skills, such as debate club participation, theater roles, or contributions to the school newspaper.

Problem-solving and Critical Thinking

Mention any scenarios where you had to solve complex problems or think critically, such as in mathematics competitions, science fairs, or coding hackathons.

Time Management and Organization

Provide examples of how you’ve effectively managed your time and stayed organized, especially if you balanced school with extracurricular activities, a part-time job, or volunteer work.

Technical Skills

Include any computer skills you have, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, basic coding languages (HTML/CSS, Python), or graphic design software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator).

Volunteer Work and Community Service

Highlight any volunteer work or community service you’ve done, as it shows your willingness to contribute and work for the benefit of others.

Language Skills

If you’re fluent in languages other than English or have taken several years of a foreign language in high school, be sure to list these skills.

Soft Skills

Soft skills like adaptability, creativity, and emotional intelligence are increasingly valued by employers. Reflect on your high school experiences to find examples that demonstrate these qualities.

When listing these skills on your resume, try to provide specific examples or achievements that demonstrate each skill. For example, rather than writing “excellent communication skills,” write something like “Delivered over 30 presentations to groups of 100+ students and faculty as debate club chair.”

Giving an example of how you have used a skill can help potential employers better understand your capabilities and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a resume sample for high school students.

A high school student resume can include many categories besides work experience. The typical headings to include in your high school resume are: personal contact information, a summary or objective statement, education details, including relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and any relevant part-time work or volunteer experience.

How long should a resume sample for high school students be?

It is recommended to keep a high school student resume concise and limit it to one page. Focus on highlighting the most relevant information and experiences that showcase your skills and accomplishments.

Are there any specific formatting guidelines for a high school student resume?

When formatting a high school student resume, use a clean and professional layout. Choose a legible font, use bullet points to organize information, and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document. It’s also important to proofread for any grammatical or spelling errors before submitting.

Lee Cristina Beaser

Lee brings over two decades of expertise in guiding individuals towards career success. During her tenure at San Jose State University, she helped thousands of students write compelling resumes to land their first jobs and internships. More recently, Lee founded The Career Counter, a platform dedicated to providing job seekers with tools and services tailored to their unique fields and career goals.

Leave the first comment (Cancel Reply)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Articles

Student teacher resume examples.

Top Teacher Resume Templates

Top 10 Student Resume Skills (with Examples)

Top Resume Templates With No Work Experience

Top Functional Resume Example for Students

Best Career Change Resume Template

Best Preschool Teacher Resume Template

Homeschool Mom Resume Example

BC.EDU LINKS

• Boston College
• Campus Life
• Jesuit, Catholic
• Academic Calendar
• BC Magazine
• Directories
• Offices, Services, Resources
• Agora Portal
• Maps & Directions
• Cover Letter
• Online Presence
• Career Closet
• Photo Booth
• Interviewing
• Using AI Tools
• Praxis Summer Program
• Develop Key Skills

Craft a Strong Resume

A resume is a tailored document highlighting your skills, education, goals, and experience. It is a summary of qualifications for a job, internship, scholarship, or other opportunity. Employers will often spend far less than 30 seconds looking at each resume, so yours needs to stand out. The resources below will help guide you through the process.

Get Started with Your Resume

Use these resources curated by the Career Center to help you craft a strong resume.

Resume Writing Editable Worksheet

Use this worksheet to help you plan and develop your resume content.

Resume Editable Template in Word

Download this template and tailor your content to specific opportunities.

High School to College Resume Sample

Learn how to transition your resume format to make it career ready.

Sample Resumes by Career Cluster

Review three different sample resumes from each of our career clusters.

• Communication, Arts, and Marketing
• Consulting, Finance, and Business
• Education, Nonprofit, and Social Impact
• Government, Law, and Public Policy
• Healthcare, Nursing, and Counseling
• Science, Technology, and Engineering

Why Do You Need a Strong Resume?

• Your resume is a tailored document that conveys to a potential employer the skills, experiences, and qualifications you have for a position you are interested in pursuing.
• In most cases, your resume will be part of every job, internship, or graduate school application you submit.
• Your resume—along with your cover letter—is what will determine whether you are invited for an interview.
• Your resume is one of the few parts of the job search process over which you have 100% control. The effort you put into your resume also sends clues to potential employers about the level of effort you put into your work. If your resume looks like it was put together quickly with little attention to detail, what message might you be sending? Make sure your resume is excellent!

Drop-in Sessions

Once you have a draft of your resume, stop by our office for a 15-minute resume review.

Get immediate feedback on your resume as a supplemental resource to drop-ins.

Get Started

• Content and formatting matter. If you have great content, but your reader can’t easily make sense of it or find it, you won’t get invited for an interview. Likewise, if you have a beautiful document, but don’t articulate your skills and experiences effectively, you won’t get invited for an interview. 
• If you're an advanced graduate student, you may, at times, submit a resume of no more than 2 pages.
• Learn more about Applicant Tracking Systems here . 
• Use this article to learn how to write an resume that gets through applicant tracking systems. 
• Your resume is a dynamic document.  Continue to add to and edit your resume on a semesterly or annual basis as you gain more experience. If your career interests change, it is recommended you rethink how you convey your experience on your resume to align with your new field of interest.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, can be used to enhance your resume. Read our best practices for appropriately leveraging AI in your application materials.

How to Write a Strong Resume

Start with a blank document or our ATS-friendly, editable template . We don’t recommend using templates from sites such as Pinterest or Canva as they become restrictive when you are trying to adjust formatting later. Then add each of the sections detailed below.

Use this worksheet to help you plan and develop your resume content. 

1. Contact Information

First, add your contact information at the top of the page

Your name should be large (e.g. 14 pt font or larger)

Your contact information should include your email address, phone number, city and state (street address is not needed), and a personalized link to your LinkedIn profile.

To personalize your LinkedIn profile link, click on ‘Edit Public Profile & URL’ in the top right corner of your profile page. Edit your custom URL to your name.

Baldwin Eagle

Chestnut Hill, MA | 617-552-XXXX | baldwin@bc.edu | linkedin.com/in/baldwineagle

2. Education

Next, as a current student, your education section should be listed at the top under your contact information.

Information that should be included: 

• Institution name, city, and state
• School or college, including study abroad institutions and graduate schools, where relevant
• Date of graduation (month and year)
• Major, if known
• GPA, if above a 3.0 or if required by an employer

Other optional information:

• Relevant coursework: You can share up to 5 classes that are relevant to the position to which you are applying. This is a great way to tailor your resume to a specific position and to show content knowledge that may not be reflected in your major or elsewhere on your resume.  
• Academic honors or awards: e.g. Dean’s list (with dates) or other academic recognition can be included here
• High school can be included through your second year of college if space permits unless there is a compelling reason to keep it there (e.g. for networking purposes). 

3. Experience

For most students, your experience section(s) will come after Education. An exception would be if the position description calls for key technical skills.

• Keep in mind that your experience is not just your paid experience. It can include jobs, internships, research, volunteer work, leadership, or campus involvement. You can choose how you title your experience section(s). Some ideas include: Relevant Experience, Volunteer Experience, Leadership & Involvement. 
• Since you want your most relevant experience closer to the top of your resume, consider how you want to represent your various experiences. What experiences are most relevant in terms of skills gained and content learned to the positions to which you are now applying? 
• Within each section, list your experiences in reverse chronological order by end date. 

How to write strong bullet statements for each experience:

Great bullet statements will describe your achievements rather than tasks.

Start each bullet with an action verb, then demonstrate the value you added to your work by stating what you did (Project), how you did it (Action), and why you did it (Result).

• What was the project or task?
• What actions did you take? (think specifically about your individual contributions)
• What was the result or outcome of your contribution?

Cite numbers whenever possible to demonstrate the scope of your work (e.g. number of people supervised, number of children in classroom, size of event, budget you oversaw, etc.).

• Example Action Verbs

4. Additional Sections to Consider

Following are some additional sections you may include on your resume:

Objective or Summary: For most students, this is unnecessary and simply takes up space. However, if you are looking to enter a field in which you have very limited experience, it can be helpful to include a short objective that articulates what you are seeking and can show that you are applying to a role with intent and purpose. 

Skills/Interests: It is strongly encouraged to include a section on skills such as computer skills, languages, laboratory skills. For most students, this section will appear at the bottom of your resume, but for students interested in science and technology, see specific tips in the next section. Personal interests such as hobbies can be included if space permits.

Career Field-Specific Resume Tips

Creative fields.

• When applying for a creative position, such as a graphic designer, web designer, or creative manager, it can be appropriate to have a creative resume designed in a program like Adobe InDesign.
• While a creative resume can include graphics and colors, it should still look professional and be easy to read. 
• It’s a good idea to have a traditional version of your resume along with the creative one. Applicant Tracking Systems cannot always pull information from graphics or heavily designed resumes, so use a traditional resume when applying for a position online and save your creative resume to be emailed directly or to give to someone in-person.
• See more information here about how to design a resume for the creative fields.
• When applying to positions in the federal government, it is appropriate to submit a federal resume. Federal resumes are generally 2-5 pages in length and include more required information, including U.S. citizenship status, veteran status, the address and contact information for prior employers and supervisors, and specific USAJobs.gov job identification number.
• As the large majority of federal jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov, we recommend using the website’s resume builder for a step-by-step guide to craft your federal resume.
• List the number of hours worked during clinicals.
• List any non-clinical work or volunteer experiences you have had. This shows the recruiter that you are well rounded.
• It is critical to keep your Nursing resume to 1 page only.
• Additionally, if you have worked with any data entry system such as EPIC, list it under the skills section.
• Prioritize key technical skills, such as laboratory (e.g. PCR, gel electrophoresis, western blot, etc.) and statistical analysis software (e.g. R, SPSS, STATA, etc.), in the top half of the resume. This is especially important if the position description explicitly calls for them.
• Include a research experience section that outlines any on- or off-campus research you have been involved with. Be sure to include relevant achievements in the bullet statements.
• If applicable, include a publications section following the citation style most commonly used in that field of research.
• For teaching in the public schools, create a Licensure and Certifications section, just below your Education section. The title and contents of this section depend on the norms for the state in which you are seeking work. For Massachusetts, include your SEI Endorsement; your 51A Mandated Reporter Training; your MTEL results (if you have passed all of them, you do not need to list each one); and any other endorsements or certifications you have achieved. 
• Create a category for Teaching and Related Experience, or break it up between two categories, such as Practicum Experience and Other Teaching Experience.
• Emphasize experiences with children with special needs; with English Language Learners; communicating with parents; using technology in the classroom, including remote teaching; using assessments to modify your teaching and improve student learning; and/or developing curriculum.
• Emphasize positive outcomes for your students - e.g. “collaborated with teachers to design and teach math units with an emphasis on encouraging students to build a strong foundation, explore the topics, and enjoy math.”
• View sample resume one and sample resume two .
• Prioritize key technical skills, such as programming languages (e.g. Python, C++, JavaScript, etc.) and analytical software (e.g. SQL, Spark, Hadoop, etc.), in the top half of the resume. This is especially important if the position description explicitly calls for them.
• Include a projects section that outlines any personal or group projects you have been involved with to develop your coding skills. Be sure to include relevant achievements in the bullet statements.
• If applicable, include a link to your GitHub in the contact information section.
• In your heading beneath your name, include any theatre-related professional organization memberships such as SAG and AFTRA.
• For actors, include your physical description—height, weight, hair and eye color, and vocal range. Actors should also include a color 8 x 10 headshot with their resume. Singers should specify their notes.
• Column One: Name of play or movie.
• Column Two: Role you played.
• Column Three: Name and location of the theatre, the director’s name. You can save space by abbreviating "director" to Dir."

Action Verbs and Keywords

Can one word make a difference? Yes! Choose your words carefully when writing a resume. Strong action verbs provide power and direction. Start each line of your resume with an action verb instead of more passive words. Use keywords to make sure your resume gets noticed. 

Management Skills

• administered
• consolidated
• coordinated
• prioritized
• recommended
• strengthened

Communication Skills

• corresponded
• interpreted

Clerical or Detailed Skills

• implemented
• systematized

Research Skills

• interviewed
• investigated

Technical Skills

Teaching skills.

• communicated
• facilitated

Financial Skills

Creative skills.

• conceptualized
• established
• illustrated
• revitalized

Helping Skills

• demonstrated
• familiarized
• rehabilitated
• represented

Keyword Strategies

• When you’re applying for a position, be sure to include keywords or skills from the job listing in your resume.
• Browse online job listings in your field. Words that appear consistently in a variety of ads are your "key" words. Company pages on LinkedIn are another good resource.
• Talk to professionals in your industry.
• Include at least four industry- or job-specific keywords in your resume. The ideal number is 12.

Keyword Examples*

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: Award-winning corporate controller with more than ten years’ experience in two $500 million corporations. Impressive record implementing financial record database architecture that saved over $2 million annually. Proficient in Oracle, Prism, Red Brick, and SAP systems, as well as MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and FrontPage.

SKILLS Languages: C, SQL, C++, Assembler, Pascal Software: Oracle Developer 2000, Informix NewEra, FoxPro OS: UNIX, Windows NT/95/3.11, MS-DOS RDBMS: Oracle7, Informix 7

*Pam Dixon,  Job Searching Online for Dummies

Resume FAQs

What are the exceptions to the “one-page resume” rule.

Undergraduate students should keep their resume to one page, although there are some career fields for which a two-page resume is acceptable (e.g. teaching and federal government). Longer resumes (up to two pages) are acceptable for graduate school applications as well. 

What is an applicant tracking system? How do I know if a company is using one?

Because companies receive so many resumes for each job, applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen resumes electronically are commonly used. Over 98.8% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS while 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations rely on them ( Jobscan ). Given that so many companies use this technology, assume that your resume will be screened by an ATS and create an ATS-friendly resume.

The ATS will screen your resume and cover letter for keywords that match the job description, so make sure to use keywords from the job description in your resume and your cover letter.

What will make my resume stand out to employers?

• Putting keywords on your resume that match the job description (as long as they make sense). 
• Making sure your resume is readable, neat, and free of typos and spelling or grammatical errors.
• Dividing your experience into Relevant Experience and Additional Experience with Relevant coming first.
• Using bullet points rather than blocks of text to describe your experiences. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb, and show the result or purpose of what you did in each bullet point.
• Using numbers to quantify achievements when possible (e.g. served over 100 customers per day during a three-hour shift).
• Having a well-rounded variety of experiences and activities.

Should I use a resume template?

While it might be tempting to use a resume template from sites such as Pinterest or Canva because it is predesigned, it is best to stay away from resume templates and create a Word document from scratch. Resume templates are often not compatible with ATS and could render your resume unreadable by many employers. See our editable resume template for ATS-friendly formatting. 

You should avoid using graphics and colors in your resume unless you are applying for a creative position, such as a graphic designer, web designer, or creative manager. For these roles it may be appropriate to have a creative resume designed in a program like Adobe InDesign, however you should still avoid using a template. See more information here about how to design a resume for the creative fields.

Can ChatGPT write my resume? How should I use it?

ChatGPT and other AI tools can be used to enhance your resume, but should not be used to write one for you! AI should not replace your own creativity and perspective and the results generated are meant to provide suggestions rather than to be copied and pasted word-for-word. Think of these ChatGPT resume prompts as a supplement to your own ideas and insights, not a replacement.

When using AI to help with your application documents, submit prompts that are specific to the role for which you are applying. This will help you create materials that are tailored to the position and demonstrate your relevant skills and experience.

Just like any other writing, edit and proofread anything generated by AI before submitting. Make sure the content flows well, the wording is typo- and error-free, and the metrics are accurate. You should be able to speak to every bullet point on your resume if asked about it in an interview.

Should I include things I did in high school on my resume?

Yes, you may include extracurricular activities, sports, jobs, internships, and volunteer roles on your resume up through your second year in college or until you start replacing your high school involvement with activities you are involved in at Boston College. You may still keep work experiences from high school on your resume if you have space and/or they are relevant to your future career interests.

What document format should I use when applying for jobs online?

There are pros and cons to submitting your resume either as a PDF or Microsoft Word document. Read more here . Either way, follow the format instructions on the employer’s website or in the job description, if they provide them.

Should I include my pronouns on my resume?

Some people choose to put their personal pronouns at the top of their resume after their name. This is entirely optional. Do what feels most comfortable for you.

What is a CV? How is it different from a resume?

A curriculum vitae (CV) contains significantly more information and is more detailed than a standard resume. Unlike the one-page rule for resumes, there is no page limit for a CV. The CV includes your career history as well as your education, awards, special honors, grants or scholarships, research or academic projects, and publications. You might also include professional references, coursework, fieldwork, descriptions of dissertations, and a personal profile that lists your relevant skills and attributes. 

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Writing a CV  and a video overview of putting together your first CV .

Is there a difference between an undergraduate CV versus a graduate CV?

There are no formatting differences between an undergraduate and graduate CV except that a graduate CV might be longer because graduate students typically have more experience.

When would I use a CV? When would I use a resume?

CV’s are primarily used when applying for faculty positions in higher education or high-level positions in the sciences. CV’s are also often used in countries other than the U.S., but they can vary by country so make sure to research each country’s specific guidelines ( Interstride’s country insights can be helpful here). Resumes are used when applying for most other types of positions in the U.S.

Quick Links

Eagle Exchange

Career Clusters

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources

Now Playing

How to Create a Scientific Resume

Representatives from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard share their tips on how to create a scientific resume. 

Resumes for Nurses Workshop

Representatives from Boston Children's Hospital share their tips on what a strong nursing resume should look like, what they are seeking when they review resumes for nursing positions, and how to make your resume stand out.

How To Prepare for College: The Ultimate Guide for High School Students

College prep steps, research colleges you may be interested in, understand each college’s admission requirements, take standardized tests, participate in extracurriculars, take a variety of high school courses, save for college, attend college fairs, talk to your guidance counselor, round up application materials, consider financial aid options, visit campus if possible, tips for preparing for college, stay organized, build good study habits, take ap or dual-credit courses, practice your writing, build your leadership skills, ready to start your education, related blogs.

Essential Tips for College Success

Can You Go To Med School With Any Degree?

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Acceptance Rates

Cookie notice.

What To Do After High School

Graduating high school can provide you with an exhilarating sense of freedom: Finally, it’s up to you to choose how to spend your time. But this freedom can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to do after high school. Understanding more about your choices and learning ways to navigate the uncertainty of this process could make it seem less intimidating. 

Options for recent high school graduates

There are many different options for what to do next after you graduate high school. If you’re looking to consider various paths, you might think about the following.

Going to college

After high school, many students choose to go on to college or university. College degrees are required for certain types of jobs, and college can be a place to explore career paths, build connections, and learn about yourself. 

That said, college isn’t a desirable choice for everyone. Plus, college can be expensive—especially colleges that aren’t public or colleges located outside of your home state. That’s why it’s usually important to research your financial aid options, look into scholarships, and make sure you understand the impact of student loans before committing to a university.  

If you’re torn on the choice between going to a university or taking another path, community college could be a helpful option. Community colleges are typically far less expensive than traditional universities, so attending one could be a way to “test out” college without a major financial commitment. Community colleges also often offer courses related to certain trade certificates.  

Going to trade school or vocational school

Getting a college degree is not the only option for furthering your education after you graduate high school. They may not be talked about as often, but trade schools and vocational schools are ways to learn technical skills to work at well-paying jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree. These jobs include:

• Medical assistant
• Electrician
• Home health aide
• Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
• Construction worker
• Truck driver

Taking a gap year

As a 17- or 18-year-old high school graduate, it can feel overwhelming to try and figure out what you want to do with your life next. It may be helpful to take some time to engage in meaningful self-reflection and learn more about yourself and the world. Taking a “gap year” after high school—in which you might travel, study abroad, volunteer, or work to save up money—could give you an idea of which path you want to go down. 

Tips for making your decision

The above options are not the only choices for post-school life. You could also start your own business, volunteer with a charitable organization, or any number of other choices. The possibilities are endless—so much so that it can be complicated to narrow down your options.

You might talk to your family, friends, and loved ones about your future, as they know you well and may have helpful suggestions. There are also a number of tests and assessments, like the ACT Student Interest Inventory , that can help you determine what you are interested in and offer potential paths to take.

Managing uncertainty

Knowing all of your options may not make your choice for what to do after high school seem any easier; in fact, it can make the whole process more overwhelming. It’s important to keep in mind that almost nothing you choose is set in stone, which is true at any point in your life. Many people change their careers later in life or choose to go back to college or learn a trade when they are well past their teens and 20s.

When your family disagrees with your choice

For some people, what they want to do after high school is clear. The problem can sometimes lie in moving forward with their choice when their family members and loved ones want them to take a different path.

It can be difficult for family members to watch a child turn into an adult who makes their own choices, but you are the only one who can decide how to live your life. Explaining your decisions to your loved ones—and being patient when they disagree with you—may help them to better understand and respect this.

Caring for your mental health during this time

The time right after high school can be a formative period full of decisions to be made. You may also face challenges related to the transition itself—going from the structure of high school and the social groups you may have belonged to there to suddenly being in charge of your own time and watching your friends go separate ways. As a result, you might feel anxiety, confusion, frustration, uncertainty, and other challenging emotions. Here are some tips for managing them.

Lean on your support system

Whether you’re looking for support, validation, advice, or even a distraction, leaning on those you love can be helpful. Research suggests that having a strong support system is linked to better mental and emotional health and stress resilience. Tapping into your support system when you need a little extra help can be beneficial in a number of ways. 

Take time for yourself

If you are always listening to what other people want for you, it may be harder to get in tune with yourself and what you really want to do. That’s why it can be helpful to take some time away from others during this period to engage in contemplative solitude. You can go for long walks or drives around your city, spend quiet time in nature, or take a moment to journal. 

Practice basic self-care

The time period after graduating high school can be hectic, especially if you’re not sure what’s next for you. Making sure you engage in basic self-care like eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a sleep schedule can help you keep your body and mind functioning well during what can be a high-pressure time. 

Resources for support for recent high school graduates

All of the choices and pressures facing recent high school grads can take a significant toll on a person’s mental health. There are a number of resources and support services available:

• Your high school counselor: High school counselors can often offer both career advice and mental health support.  
• National organizations: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and other mental health organizations are resources for information about mental health and stress as well as ways to connect with people to care. 
• Crisis helplines: If you need immediate support, the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988) are available. You can also visit our Get Help Now page for additional resources.
• Online therapy: Online therapy through a service like BetterHelp can allow you to connect with a therapist virtually for a lower cost than traditional in-person sessions without insurance. 

If you’re not sure where you’ll be in the next few months, it can be complicated to commit to traditional in-person therapy in your area. With online therapy, however, you can communicate with your therapist from anywhere you have an internet connection. This flexibility can be ideal for recent high school grads. 

Plus, research indicates that, in many cases, online therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy when it comes to promoting positive mental health outcomes. For example, one study suggests that symptoms of depression and anxiety—conditions that can be associated with times of upheaval and change in life— were reduced in people who completed a course of online therapy . 

Graduating high school can be both exciting and scary. Figuring out your next move can seem complicated, but it can help to remember that almost nothing you choose will be set in stone. Knowing that you can change your mind, seeking support from friends and family, and meeting with a therapist to cope with uncertainty can all be helpful during this time.

• How To Make Friends At School: Tips For Expanding Your Social Circle As A Student Medically reviewed by April Justice , LICSW
• What To Do After College: Figuring Out Your Professional Life Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant , LMHC
• Relationships and Relations

The Fall cohort application deadline is August 25, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

Featured Posts

10 Engineering Camps for Middle School Students

Duke University's Summer Programs for Middle School Students - Our Review

10 Business Project Ideas for High School Students

8 Business Extracurriculars for High School Students

With colleges going test-optional and test-blind, there’s a lot you can do to improve your chances and strengthen your profile while still in high school apart from your test scores. One way to do this is by conducting an independent business project. These projects can help bolster your resume and enhance applications for research programs and internships by showcasing your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Business projects help develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills. They also provide tangible outcomes that stay on your profile as a mark of competence and initiative.

In today’s blog, we’ve listed ten business project ideas that you can consider undertaking to expand your horizons and gain valuable experience:

1. Conduct a market research study

What to do:  Identify a product or service of interest and design a market research study to assess consumer preferences and market viability. Begin by defining your target demographic and constructing a survey that includes a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions . Utilize digital tools like Google Forms  or SurveyMonkey  to distribute your survey online, and consider setting up interviews or focus groups for more in-depth data collection. Analyze the data using software like Excel to identify trends and consumer preferences that can inform business strategies.

Skill sets:  Analytical thinking, data collection, and interpretation skills.

Ideal if:  You have an interest in marketing, data analysis, or entrepreneurship.

Drawbacks:  Can be time-consuming and requires access to a target audience.

Tips:  Utilize online survey tools and social media to reach a broader audience; clearly define your research questions before you begin.

2. Develop a business plan

What to do:  Choose a business idea, then research and develop a detailed business plan. Start by conducting a market analysis to assess the demand for your product or service.  Outline your business structure, design a marketing strategy, and develop an operations plan that details the logistics of how your business will run. Prepare financial projections including an income statement, cash flow forecast, and a break-even analysis. Use business planning software like LivePlan   to structure your plan and ensure all critical elements are included.

Skill sets:  Strategic thinking, financial planning, and creative marketing.

Ideal if:  You’re an aspiring entrepreneur or are interested in learning about the startup ecosystem.

Drawbacks:  Requires a deep understanding of various business aspects and can be complex.

Tips:  Use business plan software or templates to guide your structure; seek feedback from business educators or mentors.

3. Run a social media marketing campaign

What to do:  Select a business or create a hypothetical product and plan a comprehensive social media marketing campaign. It’s even better if you can get your hands on a real brand’s social media back end, like a business run by your guardian(s) or a teacher or mentor ! Identify which platforms are most popular with your target market, such as Instagram for a younger audience or Facebook for an older demographic. Develop a content calendar, and create engaging posts that include images, videos, and hashtags. Use scheduling tools like Buffer   or Hootsuite   to maintain a consistent posting routine. Analyze engagement through platform analytics to adjust strategies and improve interaction rates.

Skill sets:  Digital marketing, content creation, data analysis.

Ideal if:  You are serious about making a career in marketing, advertising, or digital communications.

Drawbacks:  Success heavily depends on an understanding of platform algorithms and audience behavior. You also need to execute campaigns (which requires funds) to truly learn what strategies work and which fail.

Tips:  Keep up-to-date with trends on each platform; use free analytics tools to track your campaign’s performance.

4. Conduct a financial literacy workshop

What to do:  Develop a series of financial literacy workshops aimed at educating peers about personal finance management. Topics can cover things like budgeting basics, the importance of saving, how to use credit responsibly, and the fundamentals of investing. You’ll need to prepare interactive presentations and hands-on activities like budgeting exercises or simulations of investment scenarios. You’ll also have to promote the workshop through school channels and social media and consider inviting a financial expert to provide additional insights.

Skill sets:  Public speaking, educational content creation, financial knowledge.

Ideal if:  You have a solid foundation in finance and are equally passionate about finance and education.

Drawbacks:  Requires an extremely thorough understanding of financial concepts, as well as the ability to break complex terminology down and explain it simply to a layman's audience.

Tips:  Use interactive tools like games or simulations to make learning more engaging.

5. Setup your e-commerce store

What to do:  Establish an e-commerce store by selecting a niche product line you are passionate about. Research potential suppliers or decide on making your products if feasible. Set up an online store using a platform like Shopify, which provides customizable templates and integrated payment systems.  Develop a marketing strategy that includes SEO optimization, email marketing campaigns, and social media advertising.  While you don’t have  to have a real, physical product to sell, your learning will be significantly greater if you do. It’ll also teach you to manage customer orders, track inventory using the platform’s built-in tools, and understand how logistics and supply chains work.

Skill sets:  E-commerce management, digital marketing, customer service.

Ideal if:  You have a strong interest in retail, entrepreneurship, and online business, and want to test the waters with online sales.

Drawbacks:  Initial capital is required for buying inventory and setting up operations; managing logistics can be extremely challenging and is one of the hardest things to learn at a young age.

Tips:  Start small with a few products; utilize drop-shipping to minimize upfront costs.

6. Conduct a sustainability audit for a local business

What to do:  Approach a local business and offer to perform a sustainability audit. Assess their current operations with a focus on energy usage, waste management, and sourcing policies. Research sustainable practices relevant to their business type, such as switching to energy-efficient appliances, implementing a recycling program, or using local suppliers.  Prepare a report that outlines your findings and provides recommendations for improvements, including potential cost savings and environmental benefits.

Skill sets:  Environmental science, research, business analysis.

Ideal if:  You are looking to understand sustainability practices in business, their practicality, application, and implementation.

Drawbacks:  Requires knowledge of environmental practices and business operations. Also requires access to a local business that is willing and interested in sustainability operations.

Tips:  Partner with environmental organizations for guidance; focus on cost-effective solutions that can apply to even small businesses.

7. Create an investment portfolio

What to do:  Use a stock market simulation tool to create and manage a virtual investment portfolio. Begin by setting investment goals based on hypothetical scenarios like saving for college or starting a business. Research various investment options including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Allocate assets according to your risk tolerance and time horizon. Monitor the performance of your investments using the simulation tool’s analytics features, and make adjustments to your portfolio based on market conditions.

Skill sets:  Financial analysis, risk management, decision-making.

Ideal if:  You love finance, and economics, and want to understand how the stock market truly operates.

Drawbacks:  Has an extremely high learning curve if you’re unfamiliar with financial markets.

Tips:  Start with virtual trading platforms to practice without financial risk.

8. Conduct a business ethics case study

What to do:  Select a recent case involving ethical dilemmas in the business world. Research the background and the outcomes of the case.  Analyze the ethical issues involved, considering various stakeholders’ perspectives. Write a detailed report discussing the ethical, legal, and business implications of the case.  Consider presenting your findings to classmates or at a school conference to engage others in discussion about business ethics.

Skill sets:  Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, research.

Ideal if:  You have an interest in corporate law, ethics, or human resources.

Drawbacks:  Can be abstract and requires a nuanced understanding of ethical principles. There also may be a fair bit of legal research involved which can make for dry reading.

Tips:  Choose a relevant and timely issue; use real-world examples to ground your study.

9. Lead a customer service improvement project

What to do:  Identify a local business willing to collaborate with you to enhance their customer service. Start by gathering feedback from customers through surveys or direct interviews to identify areas for improvement. Analyze this data to develop actionable insights, such as streamlining the service process, enhancing staff training, or integrating new technologies for better service delivery. Implement the improvements and track changes in customer satisfaction.

Skill sets:  Analytical skills, customer relations, strategic planning.

Ideal if:  You’re interested in operational management and customer satisfaction.

Drawbacks:  Access to business and customer data might be restricted.

Tips:  Focus on businesses with which you or your family have a relationship to ease data access.

10. Create a nonprofit fundraising strategy

What to do:  Partner with a nonprofit organization to devise and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy. Start by understanding the organization's goals, budget, and previous fundraising efforts. Develop a mix of fundraising activities that could include online crowdfunding campaigns, charity events, and grant writing. Create promotional materials and utilize social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage donations. Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies and make recommendations for future campaigns based on your results.

Skill sets:  Event planning, persuasive writing, strategic thinking.

Ideal if:  You want to understand nonprofit management, event planning, or how fundraising works for different organizations.

Drawbacks:  Fundraising can be quite challenging and results may vary widely. It’s also not a one-size-fits-all approach and requires custom solutions and a lot of trial and error.

Tips:  Leverage community events and social media to maximize outreach and impact; be clear about how funds will be used to encourage donations.

These business projects offer a range of experiences that cater to different interests and skill levels, providing valuable learning opportunities and a solid foundation for future career endeavors.

If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you establish a developed startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab! 

The   Young Founders Lab   is a real-world start-up bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem.   You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. 

You can access the application link   here !

• pre-college program
• high school students
• leadership programs