How to Make a Resume for High School Students

Landing Your First Job: A High Schooler's Resume Guide

Getting your first job can be scary. Especially when you're in high school and don't have much work experience. But don't stress! A great resume is your secret weapon. This guide will help you build one that really impresses employers. You've got awesome stuff to show them, even without tons of past jobs.

1. Pick the Right Resume Style

There are different resume types, but a chronological resume is usually best for high schoolers. It lists your experience from newest to oldest. It's super easy to read – and it should fit on one page.

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

Start with your contact info at the top. Include your name, phone number, email address. A LinkedIn profile link is a plus if you have one. Use a professional-sounding email – no silly nicknames!

3. A Summary or Objective: (Optional, but Helpful!)

A summary (if you have some experience) or an objective statement (if you're just starting out) can make a big difference. A summary shows off your best skills and what you've done. An objective explains what you want to achieve and how you'll help the company. They’re optional, but they can really grab attention.

Example Summary: "Hardworking high school student with great customer service skills and teamwork experience. Looking for a part-time job to learn and grow."

Example Objective: "Wanting a part-time job in retail to learn customer service and teamwork in a fun environment."

4. Show Off Your Skills – Even if They're Not "Jobs"

This part is super important for high schoolers. You might not have a long work history, but you have skills! Think outside the box:

• Academic Skills: Mention relevant classes. If you're applying for a retail job, highlight business or marketing classes.
• Extracurriculars: Sports, clubs, volunteering—these show leadership and teamwork. Mention your achievements and responsibilities.
• Tech Skills: Good with Microsoft Office, graphic design, or coding? List them!
• Soft Skills: These are skills used in any job. Examples: communication, problem-solving, teamwork, etc. If possible, show how good you are (e.g., "Improved team communication, leading to a 15% boost in efficiency").

5. Your Experience: It Counts, Even if it Wasn't Paid!

Think about all your experiences, even unpaid ones:

• Volunteering: Describe your role and what you accomplished. Use numbers to show your impact.
• Internships: Highlight your successes and skills gained.
• School Projects: Show off projects that highlight your abilities. Explain the project's goal, your part, and the results.
• Even Babysitting or Pet Sitting: These show responsibility and work ethic! Focus on skills like time management and problem-solving.

6. Use Strong Action Verbs and Numbers

Use action verbs to make your accomplishments shine. Instead of "Worked at a store," try "Assisted customers, processed transactions, and organized displays." Use numbers to show your impact (e.g., "Increased sales by 10%", "Reduced wait times by 15%").

7. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

Before sending it, carefully check for typos and grammar mistakes. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to look it over, too. Errors make a bad first impression.

8. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

Don't use the same resume for every job. Customize it for each job description. Highlight skills and experiences that match the job. This shows you're interested and understand what they need.

9. Use a Resume Template (Optional)

Lots of free resume templates are online. They can help you create a professional-looking resume. Choose one that’s clean and easy to read, and remember: the template shouldn't be more interesting than your accomplishments.

10. Get Feedback and Make it Even Better

After you finish, get feedback from someone you trust, like a teacher or family member. Revise your resume based on their advice. Writing a resume takes time and revisions. Don't be afraid to make changes until it's perfect.

Keywords for Your Job Hunt

When searching online, use keywords to find the right opportunities. Think about the skills on your resume and use those words in your search. Helpful keywords include: part-time jobs, summer jobs, entry-level, internships, volunteer, student employment, after-school jobs, weekend jobs, and keywords for specific industries (like retail or food service).

Helpful Resources

Many online resources can help you write a great resume and find jobs. Check out websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Your school's career counselor can also give you advice. Remember, your resume is your first impression – make it a good one!