How to Make a Resume for a High School Student

Crafting Your High School Resume: A Simple Guide

Want that awesome summer job or to get into your dream college? A great resume is key! It's tricky for high schoolers, since you don't have years of work experience. But don't worry – this guide will help you make a killer resume that shows you're ready for anything.

Why a High School Resume Matters

A high school resume isn't like your parents'. It's all about showing potential, not just past jobs. Think of it as a snapshot of your awesomeness – academics, skills, and all the cool things you do. It's your ticket to summer jobs, internships, and even college!

What Makes a Resume Shine?

Here's what you need:

1. Your Contact Info: The Basics

• Your Full Name (Use a nice font!)
• Phone Number
• Email Address (Use a grown-up-sounding one)
• Mailing Address (Maybe – depends on the application)
• LinkedIn Profile (Optional, but really helpful!)

2. A Summary or Objective (Optional, but Good!)

This part is optional, but it can make a big difference. A summary is a quick overview of your skills. An objective clearly states what you want (like a specific job or type of internship). Keep it short and sweet – two or three sentences max.

Example Summary: Hardworking high school student with great grades and leadership experience in [club name]. Looking for a summer internship to learn more about [area of interest].

3. Education: Show Off Your Smarts

• High School Name
• Expected Graduation Date
• GPA (If it's above 3.5, definitely include it!)
• Relevant Courses (If they connect to the job or college)
• Awards and Honors (Bragging rights!)

4. Work Experience: Even Small Jobs Count!

Did you babysit? Walk dogs? Work at a store? It all counts! Use the STAR method to describe your accomplishments:

• Situation: Describe the situation (e.g., busy Saturday at the ice cream shop).
• Task: What was your role? (e.g., Taking orders and serving customers).
• Action: What did you do? (e.g., I learned to multitask and handle difficult customers).
• Result: What happened because of your actions? (e.g., I consistently received positive customer feedback).

5. Extracurriculars and Volunteering: Show Your Passion

This is HUGE for high school resumes. Think clubs, sports, volunteering. Show how you made a difference:

• Example: "Debate Team Captain – Led our team to victory in three competitions!"

6. Skills: What You Can Do

• Hard Skills: Computer programs (Microsoft Office, coding), specific skills (e.g., data analysis).
• Soft Skills: Teamwork, communication, leadership – those are important too!

7. Awards and Honors: Your Achievements

List any awards or recognition you've received – academic or extracurricular.

8. References: Who Can Recommend You?

You can say "References available upon request" or give a separate reference sheet.

Tips to Make Your Resume Pop

1. Tailor it: Change your resume for each job or college application. Highlight what's important for that opportunity.
2. Strong Verbs: Use action verbs like "managed," "led," "developed," and "achieved."
3. Numbers: Use numbers to show your impact (e.g., "increased sales by 15%").
4. Proofread!: Check for typos! Ask a teacher or parent to look it over, too.
5. Professional Look: Use a clean template. Keep the font consistent.
6. Keep it Short: One page is perfect. Don't add unnecessary info.
7. Keywords: Look for keywords in job descriptions and use them!

Resume Examples

Here are a couple of examples to get your creative juices flowing. Remember, adapt these to your experiences!

Example 1: Academic Focus

Jane Doe
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 91234

Summary: High-achieving student with a passion for science. Seeking a research internship.

Education: Anytown High School, Expected Graduation: June 2024, GPA: 3.8, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus

Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Data Analysis, Scientific Research Methods

Example 2: Extracurricular Focus

John Smith
(987) 654-3210 | [email protected]
456 Oak Avenue, Anytown, CA 91234

Summary: Dedicated student with leadership and community service experience. Seeking a job that uses my communication skills.

Extracurricular Activities: Debate Team Captain (2 years), National Honor Society, Volunteer at Local Animal Shelter

Skills: Public Speaking, Teamwork, Communication, Leadership

Your High School Resume: Your First Step to Success

Putting together a strong resume is an investment in your future. By following these tips and making it specific to each application, you'll show off your skills and potential. Remember, your resume is your first impression – make it count!