How to Write a Resume for High School Students

How to Write a High School Resume: A Guide for Students

Landing your first job? It can be scary, especially in high school. But a great resume? That's your secret weapon. This guide will help you build one that really shines.

Why a High School Resume Matters

Think resumes are just for grown-ups? Think again! A strong resume shows employers you're:

• Hardworking: You're dedicated and reliable.
• Skilled: You've got talents they need.
• Experienced: Even volunteer work counts!
• Responsible: You can handle things.
• Organized & Communicative: Your resume shows it.

It's your ticket to jobs, internships, and volunteering. It's all about building your professional brand – even now!

What to Put on Your Resume

Keep it short and sweet. Quality over quantity. Here's what to include:

1. Contact Info: Name, phone number, email, maybe your LinkedIn (if you have one). Keep it clean and professional.
2. Summary/Objective (Optional): A quick blurb about you and what you want. Helpful if you lack work experience. Example: "Highly motivated student seeking a part-time retail job to build customer service skills."
3. Skills: List both "hard skills" (like typing, using Microsoft Office) and "soft skills" (like teamwork and communication). Match them to the job you want.
4. Experience: Even small things matter!
   • Part-time Jobs: Use action verbs (like "managed," "assisted," "organized"). Example: "Managed the cash register, handling over 100 transactions daily."
   • Volunteer Work: Show what you did and what you learned. Example: "Raised $500 for [Charity Name] through a fundraising event."
   • Extracurriculars: Club president? Sports team captain? This shows leadership and teamwork. Use numbers when you can! Example: "Increased club membership by 20%."
   • Internships/Shadowing: Describe your role and what you contributed.
   • Projects: Especially important for STEM fields – show off your skills!
5. Education: High school name, city, state, graduation date, and GPA (only if it's good!). Mention any honors or special classes.
6. Awards & Honors (Optional): Scholarships, awards, etc.
7. References (Optional): Just say "References available upon request."

Tips for a Winning Resume

Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with strong verbs (like "managed," "created," "solved"). Avoid weak ones like "helped."

Use Numbers: Show your impact. Instead of "Improved customer service," say "Improved customer satisfaction by 15%."

Tailor It: Change your resume for each job. Read the job description carefully and use their keywords.

Keep it Short: One page is best. Employers are busy!

Proofread!: Check for mistakes. Have a friend or teacher look it over too.

Look Professional: Use a clean font (like Times New Roman or Arial) and a professional format.

Use a Template: There are tons of free templates online.

Resume Examples

Part-time Job Example:

• Managed the cash register and processed over 100 transactions daily at [Company Name].
• Helped customers find what they needed and solved problems quickly and politely.
• Kept my work area neat and organized for a great customer experience.

Volunteer Work Example:

• Organized a fundraising event for [Charity Name], raising over $500.
• Volunteered 10 hours a week at [Organization Name], helping with [specific tasks] and learning teamwork.
• Helped clean up after community events, making our town better.

Extracurriculars Example:

• Was Treasurer of the Debate Club, managing the club's money.
• Was on the robotics team, helping design and program our robot for competitions.
• I'm in the National Honor Society, showing my dedication to school and community.

Applying for Jobs

Use your resume to apply online, in person, or through networking. Many websites have jobs for high school students. Remember a good cover letter helps too!

Beyond the Resume

Your resume is important, but so are cover letters and interview skills. A cover letter explains why you want the job. Practice answering common interview questions – be confident and honest!

Helpful Resources

Lots of websites offer resume help and templates (like Indeed and LinkedIn Learning). Your school counselor can also help – they're a great resource!