How to Make a Resume for a Teenager

How to Make a Resume as a Teenager: It's Easier Than You Think!

Getting your first job is awesome, right? But it all starts with a great resume. It's a little different than a grown-up resume, though. This guide will walk you through making one that gets you noticed. We'll cover everything – from what to include to how to make it look great. Let's get started!

1. Picking the Right Resume Style: First Impressions Count!

Your resume's look matters. For teens, a chronological resume usually works best. This means you list your experience and education starting with the most recent. Keep it simple and easy to read. Don't go crazy with fancy designs.

Use a simple template. Lots of free ones are available online using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Canva. Choose a clear font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, and keep the size around 10-12 points.

2. Your Contact Info: Make it Easy to Find You

Put your contact info at the top. Include:

• Full Name: Use your real name.
• Phone Number: Make sure it's a number where you can be reached easily.
• Email Address: Use a professional email (not your gamer tag!).
• (Optional) LinkedIn Profile: If you have one and it looks good, add the link.

Important: Don't put your full address – it's good to keep your personal information private.

3. A Quick Summary: Show Off Your Best Stuff (Optional)

If you don't have much work experience, a short objective statement can help. This says what kind of job you want and what you're good at. Or, if you do have some experience, a summary statement is better; it highlights what you've already achieved. It's a subtle difference!

Example Objective Statement: "Hardworking high school student looking for a part-time job in retail to learn customer service and teamwork."

Example Summary Statement: "Enthusiastic student with experience in teamwork and customer service from volunteering at [Organization Name] and school clubs."

4. Work Experience: Even Small Things Count!

You might not have a "real" job, but you've probably got experience. Include:

• Part-time jobs: Describe your duties and what you accomplished. Use action verbs (like managed, assisted, organized).
• Volunteer work: What skills did you learn? Teamwork? Communication?
• Extracurricular activities: Did you show leadership? Responsibility?
• Chores/responsibilities at home: Taking care of pets? Managing household tasks? These show responsibility.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe what you did. It helps you show how great you are!

Example: Instead of "Worked at a fast-food restaurant," try "Assisted customers, improving order accuracy by 15% through careful order taking." See the difference?

5. Education: Show Your School Smarts

List your school and when you expect to graduate. If your GPA is good (3.5 or higher), include it. Mention any awards or honors, too.

6. Skills: What Are You Good At?

This is super important. List hard skills (like typing, using Microsoft Office, handling cash) and soft skills (like teamwork, communication, problem-solving). Match your skills to the job you want. Don't just list them; briefly explain how you used them.

7. References: Ready When Needed

Just say "References available upon request." Keep a separate list of references ready with their contact info.

8. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

Check for typos and grammar mistakes carefully. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to look it over, too. A clean resume shows you care about details.

More Tips for a Great Teen Resume

• Keep it short: One page is perfect.
• Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong verb.
• Use numbers: Show results ("increased sales by 10%").
• Tailor it: Change your resume for each job you apply for.
• Get feedback: Ask someone to review it before you send it.

Career Advice for Teens

Getting your first job is a big deal! Research different careers. Talk to people in jobs you like. Practice your interview skills – and be confident!

Resume Section Examples

Here are examples of how your resume sections could look:

Work Experience

• Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter, June 2022 – Present
  • Assisted with daily animal care (feeding, cleaning, exercising).
  • Kept accurate records of animal health and behavior.
  • Provided great customer service to visitors.
• Babysitter, August 2021 – Present
  • Cared for up to three children (ages 2-8).
  • Planned fun activities for the kids.
  • Kept a clean and safe environment.

Skills

• Hard Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Data Entry, Cash Handling
• Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Time Management, Responsibility, Customer Service

Your resume is your first impression. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to landing that job! Good luck!