Diving into the job market straight out of high school, or even while still juggling classes, might seem scary, but it's ripe with opportunities. Engaging in work early in life equips you with invaluable experience, secures industry positions, and builds a professional network.
It’s about more than a paycheck—it’s learning to manage life and work with youthful adaptability. And you don’t have to be a wonder child!
Take it from Aleks, our Head of Product, who started working at Enhancv when he was still in high school:
I didn’t begin programming at a very young age like some peers, but my enthusiasm and readiness to learn filled that gap. Being in a work environment meant I had to tackle problems head-on and learn quickly. Working teaches you how to find a solution to every problem—and if you can’t find the answer on your own, you can rely on your team.
Aleksandar Ginovski, Enhancv’s Head of Product
Let this guide be your compass, helping you chart a course to a high school resume as compelling as your future.
Key takeaways
- Balance academic achievements and skills by using a functional format that shows both your school involvement and experience.
- Use a modern resume template and ensure readability with a two-column format, legible font, and subtle colors.
- Highlight volunteer work, school projects, and club memberships that demonstrate your adaptability and relevant skills.
- Include technical skills and competencies, such as software proficiency or experience with specific equipment.
- Use examples to demonstrate soft skills like communication or organization, detailing instances where these skills were effectively utilized.
- Provide insight into your personality and interests through additional sections on projects, hobbies, or extracurricular activities.
Let’s see how it all plays out with a resume sample.
High school student resume sample
It’s only natural a teen resume will look a bit different than a standard one. While it still contains several of the main components, in this document, experience is measured differently. Consider including examples such as leadership roles in clubs, achievements like awards in competitions, or a capstone project.
Take a look at the example below. You can use it as a template and fill in your own info. Or, create a new one with the Enhancv resume builder!
Kate Nash
High School Student, Aspiring Computer Scientist
katenash@example.com | LinkedIn | Boston, MA | (555) 555-5555
Summary
Highly motivated high school student with a strong passion for computer science and technology. Proven track record of academic excellence, leadership in extracurricular activities, and hands-on experience in coding projects. Seeking to apply my skills and knowledge in an internship or part-time position in the tech industry.
Skills
- Python: Developed a Python script to clean and visualize data for a school science project using Pandas and Matplotlib, enhancing the presentation of experimental results.
- Java: Created a simple online bookstore backend for a computer science class project using Java and Spring Boot, focusing on basic e-commerce functionalities.
- HTML/CSS: Designed and built a website for a school club using HTML and CSS, ensuring it was responsive and accessible on multiple devices.
- Time management and organization: Organized a school event over two months using Trello to track all activities and deadlines, ensuring successful coordination and execution.
- Team collaboration and leadership: Led a school group project that involved students from different classes, coordinating efforts and roles to complete a shared goal on time.
- Public speaking: Presented a school project on the impact of AI on modern industries at a student-led conference, engaging peers through interactive discussions and Q&A.
Volunteer Experience
Coding Instructor Volunteer
Girls Who Code, Boston, MA
June 2022 – Present
- Taught a group of 15 middle school girls the basics of Python programming.
- Developed lesson plans and hands-on projects to enhance understanding of coding concepts.
- Mentored students in developing their own final coding projects, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Community Service Volunteer
Boston Food Bank, Boston, MA
September 2021 – May 2023
- Assisted in organizing and distributing food to families in need, serving over 200 families weekly.
- Managed inventory and ensured the timely restocking of essential items.
- Collaborated with a team of volunteers to improve efficiency in the food distribution process.
Education
Boston Latin High School
Boston, MA
Graduated: June 2024
- GPA: 3.9
- Relevant Coursework: AP Computer Science, AP Calculus, Honors Physics
- Honors: Honor Roll (2021 – 2024), National Honor Society (2022 – 2024)
Honors and Activities
- National Honor Society, Member (2022 – 2024)
- Varsity Soccer Team, Captain (2023 – 2024)
- Debate Club, Vice President (2022 – 2024)
- School Science Fair, 1st Place for Robotics Project (2023)
Projects
Personal Finance App Development
- Developed a mobile app using Python and JavaScript to help high school students manage their personal finances.
- Integrated features like budgeting tools, savings goals, and expense tracking.
- Successfully launched the app on the Google Play Store with over 500 downloads in the first three months.
School Robotics Project
- Designed and built a functional robot for the Boston Latin School Science Fair.
- Programmed the robot using Arduino to navigate through an obstacle course autonomously.
- Project won 1st place in the school’s annual science fair and was showcased at the Boston Regional Science Fair.
Certifications
- CPR Certified, American Red Cross (2022)
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel, Microsoft (2023)
Languages
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Intermediate)
Jumping from a sample to the real deal, let’s talk about how to format your resume like a pro.
How to format a high school student resume
If you’re applying for a job for the first time, you probably need some advice on how to write a resume.
Try to tackle this task step by step:
Step 1: Resume format and designs
At first, you might feel the urge to blend right in using the most popular resume format you see while searching online. However, keep in mind the functional resume format, which focuses on your skills and achievements over practical experience, is the best for a teen drafting their first application.
Choose a modern resume template to show you’re bringing novelty, and:
- Highlight your experience with a one-page resume. When it comes to length, less is more, especially if you’re just starting out.
- Keep margins between 0.5” and 1 for better readability. Our resume builder lets you adjust the margin size with a quick swipe of the slider.
- A single-column layout works great for people with limited or no experience. It allows you to present minimal content on the page in a way that looks substantial.
- Incorporate some color into your resume, potentially matching the colors of the company you’re applying to. Use easily readable fonts like Rubik or Lato, sized 10-12 pt.
Step 2: Top sections
Since your high school resume doesn't need to follow a standard format, you can organize the resume sections more flexibly. This allows you to include unique sections that might not typically appear on standard resumes and order those in the way that makes most sense for your experience.
However, ensure you still cover essential elements, such as:
- Personal information
- Objective statement
- Skills
- Education
- Experience or activities
We’ll review each of these below.
Step 3: Resume header
A well-structured resume header will make your resume look polished and professional.
Here’s the contact information you should include:
- Your name: first name and surname are enough.
- A title: you can get creative here. If you’re up for it, put something that grabs attention, like Visionary Scholar, Tech Wizard or Code Conqueror. Use your creativity to make your resume stand out.
- Professional email address: skip the “swiftie@email.com”. It’s best if you create a new one, such as firstname.lastname@email.com.
- Physical address: as a teen or a recent high school graduate, you’re probably considering workplaces close to where you live. Recruiters prefer to hire local candidates, so it’s a win-win!
- Phone number: while you might relish in exchanging voice messages, phone calls are still very much a thing in the professional world.
Consider creating a LinkedIn profile and starting to build your network from an early age. It’s going to be super helpful in finding jobs and staying with trends in the future.
Finally, to be sure if a photo is needed or not, check with the specific job ad requirements.
PRO TIP
By the way, have you heard of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)? These are automatic systems recruiters use in the hiring process. They serve as the initial scanner your application goes through. Despite the circulating myths, ATS won’t automatically reject your document. They just parse (analyze) information. Your resume will still be reviewed by recruiters. Fonts, colors, columns, and resume length don’t affect ATS parsing, but formatting details like dates and bullet symbols might, so be extra attentive.
Worried about inaccuracies or typos? Try our free AI resume checker to make sure your resume is ready to go!
Is your resume good enough?
Drop your resume here or choose a file. PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
Now that we’ve got the format figured out, let’s dive into beefing up your resume with some solid experience.
How to write your high school student resume experience
When putting together your teen resume, let's redefine what “experience” means. It's not just about jobs—it's a broad term for the different things you did. Even if you haven't been formally employed, it doesn't mean you're short on stories to impress potential employers with.
Here’s what you can list in your experience section:
- Volunteer work
- Academic achievements
- Extracurricular activities
- Sports and athletics
- Internships and apprenticeships
- Summer jobs
- Creative projects
- Part-time jobs
- Research
- Technical courses
- Cultural experiences
In fact, your experience entry could consist of several smaller sections. Use different resume headings, such as “Volunteer work”, “Projects”, etc., to separate information neatly.
Let’s take a look at a real job posting you can apply to with just your high school diploma.
We’ve bolded the parts we’ll target in an example experience entry below:
Junior IT Support Specialist
Job description
A junior IT specialist has to provide comprehensive technical support, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, assist in system administration tasks, and handle hardware and software setups. Additionally, they must manage user support tickets, create IT documentation, and offer basic training on IT tools to ensure high-quality customer service and timely resolution of technical issues.
Technical Support:
- Provide first-level technical support to end-users via phone, email, or in-person.
- Assist users with troubleshooting hardware and software issues, including desktops, laptops, printers, and mobile devices.
System Administration:
- Assist with system administration tasks, including user account management, access permissions, and software installations.
- Perform routine maintenance tasks such as system updates, patches, and backups under the guidance of senior IT staff.
Hardware and Software Setup:
- Assist with the setup and configuration of computer systems, peripherals, and software applications.
- Install and configure operating systems, office productivity software, and specialized business applications as needed.
Documentation and Training:
- Create and maintain documentation of IT processes, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.
- Provide basic user training and assistance with IT tools and applications as needed.
Ticket Management:
- Monitor and manage IT support tickets using a ticketing system, ensuring accurate documentation of user requests and resolutions.
- Prioritize and escalate tickets as necessary to ensure timely resolution of technical issues.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent. Additional coursework or certifications in IT are a plus.
- Basic understanding of computer hardware, operating systems (Windows, macOS), and office productivity software (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
- Familiarity with troubleshooting common IT issues such as network connectivity, software installation, and printer problems.
- Ability to learn new technologies and software applications quickly.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
- Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Create a targeted experience section
One of the best job hunt strategies to adopt early on is to tailor your resume specifically to each job posting. Include keywords from the job description in your application to immediately signal recruiters what a great fit you are.
We know you might feel like you’ve got to list everything you’ve got. Try to stay focused and keep your resume relevant to the position.
Take a look at this experience entry that targets the job ad above:
- •Provided first-level technical support to over 200 community center staff and visitors, resolving issues related to hardware setups, printer connectivity, and basic software troubleshooting.
- •Assisted in the maintenance and updates of 50+ computer systems, including software installations and conducting weekly system backups, resulting in a 30% reduction in recurring issues.
- •Created and distributed user-friendly guides and conducted four informal training sessions to enhance the staff's proficiency with IT tools and applications, improving overall tech usage by 25%.
- •Led a club of 30+ students, fostering an environment that encouraged the exploration of new technologies and practical problem-solving skills.
- •Organized 12 workshops and demonstrations that significantly enhanced peers' understanding of computer hardware assembly and software installation.
- •Developed and maintained a comprehensive digital library of tech resources and troubleshooting guides, accessed by 100+ club members, promoting self-led learning.
The resume effectively displays the candidate's impact with quantifiable successes. It highlights key responsibilities and leadership initiatives, such as leading a tech club and organizing workshops.
From listing experience to making it pop, let's learn how to quantify your achievements and make them count
Quantifying your experience
When you highlight your accomplishments, make sure you enhance them with measurable results. It makes your resume more engaging — visually and in terms of content.
Here are some ways to put numbers on your resume:
- Emphsize specific academic achievements.
- Mention measurable results from projects.
- Quantify involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Detail part-time job responsibilities.
- Show the direct impact of your volunteer efforts.
High school student resume objective
One of the first things recruiters scan your resume for will be your profile statement. It sits at the top of your document and gives essential information about what you can do, what you’re hoping to achieve, and why you want a job at the particular company you’re applying to.
For entry-level candidates, a resume objective is best. Here’s what to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Align with the employer's needs, focusing on job requirements and matching your skills accordingly.
- Include a succinct overview (up to 3 sentences) of your career goals, key skills from past experiences, and a value proposition that aligns with the company's mission and goals.
- Use action verbs and power words to strengthen your application.
PRO TIP
As a beginner, you can also try applying in person. For example, if you want to work at your local cafeteria, you could hand your resume to the manager directly. This gives you the chance to exchange a few words and make a lasting impression.
Take a look at a well-written high school resume objective:
Now, let’s pivot to mixing the right hard and soft skills to really make your resume sing.
Skills on a high school resume
In a functional resume, position your skills section just below the header. Skills are usually separated into hard and soft. Hard skills encompass your specific knowledge, such as different types of software, programming languages, or blogging platforms.
These can be easily tested and measured, so don’t exaggerate your knowledge, even if you think this can get your application ahead. Honesty is always best on a resume.
Key hard skills for a teen can include:
Best hard skills for your high school student resume
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Coding (Python, Java)
- Graphic Design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Web Development (HTML, CSS)
- Database Administration (SQL, Oracle)
- Social Media Management (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Computer Hardware Troubleshooting
- Data Analysis (Excel, Google Sheets)
- Video Editing (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry)
- CAD Software
- Presentation Software (Prezi, Google Slides)
- Typing Speed
- Blogging Platforms (WordPress, Blogger)
- E-commerce (Shopify, Magento)
- Email Marketing (Mailchimp)
- Mobile App Development (Swift, React Native)
Soft skills are the ones you create and sustain relationships with. The best part about them is you develop them your entire life through interactions with others. So, you don’t need specific professional experience to gain them.
PRO TIP
To list soft, or people skills like a pro, illustrate them with specific examples, such as “Collaborated with peers in the environmental club to organize community clean-up events.”
Take your pick from our suggestions:
Best soft skills for your high school student resume
After skills, we’re schooling you on how to list your education and certifications to impress.
How to list your education and certifications on your resume
If you’re thinking, “Are people going to take me seriously with just a high school diploma?,” don’t panic. Any education listed will give recruiters an accurate representation of where you’re at right now, and what they can expect from you in terms of availability and experience.
When crafting your education section, follow these steps:
- List the full name of your school.
- Mention any relevant classes you took, or honors you received in the course of your tuition.
- If you want to give more weight to specific projects or volunteering you did in high school, consider adding those directly to your experience section.
- Add your GPA score, but only if it’s above 3.5.
Take a look at this example:
- •GPA: 3.7/4.0
- •Relevant Coursework: AP Computer Science, AP Calculus, Honors Physics
- •Honors: Honor Roll (2021 – 2024), National Honor Society (2022 – 2024)
This entry’seffective because it:
- Lists essential details like the degree, institution, and dates clearly and comprehensively.
- Shows a strong GPA, advanced coursework, and honors to highlight academic achievements.
- Provides a focused snapshot of educational accomplishments without unnecessary verbosity.
Certifications on your resume
Adding certifications and training to your resume is a smart way to catch the eye of employers, scholarship committees, or whoever else you want to impress. It’s like saying, “Hey, look what I can do!” without having to get a degree.
There are tons of free courses out there you can take from the comfort of your home. You can still be proactive, even if you’re on a pocket-money budget! Try platforms like Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, and Udemy. Some of the courses might have a fee for obtaining a certification, but even listing you’ve taken a course would be sufficient on a teen resume.
Consider adding some of these:
Best certifications for your high school student resume
Finally, let’s jazz up your resume with some additional sections that showcase your unique flair.
Additional sections for a high school student resume
Your teen resume already stands out from the rest, but you can make it even more impressive with a few optional sections:
- It’s a big plus to speak more than one language, especially if you're looking for a role where you’ll interact with people from different backgrounds.
- Including your hobbies or interests gives potential employers a glimpse into who you are outside of school and if you’re good fit for their team.
- Show your dedication and excellence by listing any awards you’ve received.
- Consider adding a portfolio or a personal website to show your projects.
Bonus: Why not create an additional section such as “Top 5 reasons to hire me”? This is a strategic way to present yourself as an ideal candidate by emphasizing your strengths and the unique contributions you can make. You can easily structure and customize this section with the Enhancv builder:
In conclusion
Imagine this guide as a compass for your resume journey, pointing you in the right direction as you navigate the path from high school achievements to a top-notch resume. With each step, you'll learn how to shape your experiences into something that guides recruiters straight to you.
Teens resume examples
Explore additional teens resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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