How to Make a Resume for a High School Student

Making a High School Resume: It's Easier Than You Think!

So, you need a high school resume? Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. This guide will walk you through it, step by step. A great resume can help you land that part-time job, internship, or even get into college!

Why Bother with a Resume in High School?

Seriously, why? Because it shows you're proactive. It shows you have skills and you're ready to work. It's like your personal advertisement, showing off everything awesome you've done. Think of it as your personal marketing document. It's not just a list of things – it's a story about you.

What Goes Into a High School Resume?

It's simpler than you think. Here's what you need:

1. Your Contact Info

• Full Name: Keep it clear and easy to read.
• Phone Number: Make sure it works!
• Email Address: Use a professional one – no silly nicknames.
• Address (Optional): City and state are fine. You don't need to share your exact street address.
• LinkedIn (Optional): If you have one, link it!

2. Summary/Objective (Optional)

This part is optional, especially if you don't have much work experience. A summary highlights your best skills. An objective statement says what you want to do. Keep it short and sweet – two or three sentences, max.

Example Summary: Hardworking and organized high school student with great communication skills. Looking for a part-time job to learn and contribute.

Example Objective: To get a part-time job at [Company Name] to use my organizational skills and learn about [Industry].

3. Education

• School Name: Your high school.
• City, State: Where your school is.
• Graduation Date: When you graduate (e.g., June 2024).
• GPA (Optional): Include it if it's above a 3.5. Otherwise, skip it.
• Relevant Courses (Optional): List any courses related to the job you're applying for. For example, if it's a marketing job, list Marketing, Business, etc.

4. Skills

This is huge! Show off what you can do. List both hard skills (like using software) and soft skills (like teamwork).

Examples:

• Hard Skills: Microsoft Office, Data Entry, Social Media, Web Design, Coding (specify language), Foreign Languages
• Soft Skills: Teamwork, Communication, Problem-solving, Time Management, Leadership

5. Experience

List your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, jobs – anything relevant! Start with the most recent.

For each experience:

• Role: (e.g., Team Captain, Volunteer, Cashier)
• Organization: (e.g., Debate Team, Animal Shelter, Store Name)
• City, State:
• Dates: (e.g., September 2022 – Present)
• What you did: Use action verbs! Show results. (e.g., "Increased sales by 15%," "Led team to victory," "Mentored 10 students.")

6. Awards and Honors (Optional)

Any awards or scholarships? List them here!

7. References

Just say "References available upon request," or make a separate sheet.

Tips for a Killer Resume

1. Tailor it: Change your resume for each job. Highlight what they want to see.
2. Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong verb (managed, led, developed, etc.).
3. Use Numbers: Show your impact with numbers (e.g., "Increased sales by 15%").
4. Proofread: Seriously, have someone else check it for typos.
5. Keep it Short: One page is perfect for high school.
6. Professional Look: Use a clean font (Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri).
7. Keywords: Use words from the job description.
8. Get Feedback: Ask a teacher or counselor to look it over.

Examples

Look online for "high school resume examples." Use them as inspiration, not as something to copy word-for-word. Make it yours!

Extracurriculars Matter!

Being in a club or on a team shows you're involved and dedicated. Highlight your role and accomplishments!

What if I Don't Have Much Experience?

Focus on your skills and schoolwork. Volunteer work and personal projects count too! A portfolio of your work can also be really helpful.

The Bottom Line

A great resume takes time, but it's worth it. Follow these tips, and you'll be ready to impress!