How to Make a Resume for a High School Student

Making a resume in high school? It might seem like a big deal. But trust me, it's super important. Think about it. You need a resume for part-time jobs, internships, volunteering, even scholarships! A good resume shows off what you're good at. It helps you stand out. This guide will show you how to make a great high school resume. I'll give you tips, examples, and even templates. Let's show them what you've got!

Why Even Bother with a High School Resume?

Don't have much work experience? No sweat! A resume still shows you're ready to go. It's helpful for a lot of things:

• Jobs: Places like stores or restaurants often want to see a resume, even for your first job.
• Internships: These are awesome for getting real-world experience. They can help your future career.
• Volunteering: Shows you care about your community. Plus, you learn new skills!
• College: Some colleges might want to see a resume with your application.
• Scholarships: Scholarship folks like to see what you do outside of school.
• Meeting People: A resume is a great way to start a conversation with someone who could help you.

What Should Go in Your Resume?

Here's what a basic high school resume usually has:

1. Your Info: Name, phone number, email. Maybe a link to your LinkedIn, if you have one.
2. Short & Sweet: A quick sentence or two about your skills and goals. This is optional, but a good idea if you don't have a lot of experience.
3. School Stuff: Your high school, when you'll graduate, your GPA (if it's good!), and classes that matter.
4. Work: Any jobs, internships, or volunteer work. Use action words! More on that later.
5. Activities: Clubs, sports, anything you do after school.
6. Skills: What are you good at? Computer stuff? Languages? Talking to people?
7. Awards: Did you win anything? Academic awards? Sports awards? Put 'em here!
8. Volunteer Work: If you didn't put it in "Work," list it here.

Let's Make a Resume! Step-by-Step

1. Pick the Right Look

There are different ways to set up your resume. If you've had a job or two, use the "reverse chronological" format. That means put your most recent job first. No work experience? No problem! Try a "functional" resume. This focuses on your skills. Or, you can do a mix of both!

2. Write a Killer Intro

This is your first impression! Make it count. Keep it short and sweet. And make sure it fits the job you want.

Summary: For People With Some Experience

A summary tells what you're good at and what you've done.

Example:

"I am a hardworking high school student. I have one year of experience in customer service. I'm good at talking to people and solving problems. I want a part-time job at [Company Name]. I can help you give great customer service!"

Objective: For People Just Starting Out

An objective says what you want to do and what you hope to learn.

Example:

"I am a motivated high school student. I want a part-time internship at [Company Name]. I want to learn about [Industry/Field]. I'm excited to learn new skills and help your team!"

3. Talk About School

This is important, especially if you don't have a ton of work experience. Include:

• Your high school's name
• Where it is (city, state)
• When you'll graduate
• Your GPA (if it's above 3.5)
• Good classes you took (like AP classes)
• Awards you won

Example:

[High School Name], [City, State]

Graduation: June 2024

GPA: 3.8

Cool Classes: AP Calculus, AP English

Awards: Honor Roll, National Honor Society

4. Show Off Your Work Experience

Even if you just walked dogs for your neighbor, put it on your resume! The trick is to focus on what you did and how you helped. List:

• Your job title
• The company name
• Where it was (city, state)
• When you worked there
• What you did (use bullet points!)

Example:

Cashier, [Restaurant Name], [City, State]

June 2022 – Now

• Helped over 50 customers every day.
• Took money and gave people their change.
• Kept my work area clean.
• Helped customers with their questions.

Action Words to Use:

Use strong words! Here are some ideas:

• Helped
• Talked
• Made
• Fixed
• Ran
• Taught

5. Extracurriculars!

What do you do outside of school? This shows you're interesting and involved. List:

• The activity
• The group or club
• What you did
• When you did it
• Your responsibilities

Example:

Debate Club, [High School Name], [City, State]

Member, September 2021 – Now

• Debated current events every week.
• Did research for debates.
• Got better at public speaking.

6. Skills, Skills, Skills!

What are you good at? Think about both "hard" and "soft" skills. Hard skills are things you learn (like computer programs). Soft skills are how you work with people.

• Hard Skills: Computer programs, languages, using tools.
• Soft Skills: Talking to people, working on a team, leading people, solving problems, being on time.

Example:

Skills: Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Talking to People, Teamwork, Being a Leader, Solving Problems

7. Awards and Honors

If you won anything, put it here! This shows you're awesome.

Example:

Awards: National Honor Society, Student of the Month, Academic Award

8. Make It Fit the Job

This is super important. Don't just send the same resume to everyone. Read the job description. What are they looking for? Change your resume to show you have those skills!

9. Check for Mistakes!

Typos are bad. They make you look sloppy. Read your resume carefully. Ask a teacher or parent to read it too!

10. Pick a Nice Template

You can find free resume templates online. Pick one that's easy to read and looks professional. Don't use crazy fonts or designs!

Resume Examples

Here are a couple of examples to get you started:

Example 1: Someone With Work Experience

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn (If You Have One)]

Summary

Hardworking high school student with customer service experience. Good at talking to people and solving problems. Looking for a part-time job at [Company Name].

Education

[High School Name], [City, State]

Graduation: June 2024

GPA: 3.8

Cool Classes: AP Calculus, AP English

Awards: Honor Roll, National Honor Society

Work Experience

Cashier, [Restaurant Name], [City, State]

June 2022 – Now

• Helped over 50 customers every day.
• Took money and gave people their change.
• Kept my work area clean.
• Helped customers with their questions.

Extracurricular Activities

Debate Club, [High School Name], [City, State]

Member, September 2021 – Now

• Debated current events every week.
• Did research for debates.
• Got better at public speaking.

Skills

Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Talking to People, Teamwork, Being a Leader, Solving Problems

Awards and Honors

National Honor Society, Student of the Month, Academic Award

Example 2: Someone With Limited Work Experience

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn (If You Have One)]

Objective

Motivated high school student looking for an internship at [Company Name]. Eager to learn new skills and help your team.

Education

[High School Name], [City, State]

Graduation: June 2024

GPA: 3.9

Cool Classes: AP Biology, AP Chemistry

Awards: Honor Roll, Science Club President

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer, [Organization Name], [City, State]

June 2022 – August 2022

• Helped with organizing donations.
• Answered phones.
• Gave customer service.

Extracurricular Activities

Science Club, [High School Name], [City, State]

President, September 2022 – Now

Member, September 2021 – August 2022

• Led science club meetings.
• Planned science projects.
• Got new members for the club.

Skills

Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Lab Skills, Research Skills, Talking to People, Teamwork, Being a Leader, Solving Problems

Awards and Honors

Science Fair Winner, Honor Roll, Academic Award

Don't Make These Mistakes!

Watch out for these common resume mistakes:

• Typos: Check, check, and check again!
• Boring Language: Use action words! Be specific!
• Stuff That Doesn't Matter: Only include things that fit the job.
• Too Long: Keep it to one page!
• Bad Email: Use a professional email (not iluvpuppies69@...).
• Messy Look: Keep the formatting the same throughout.

You Got This!

Making a good high school resume is totally possible. Just follow these tips. Show off your skills. And remember to check for mistakes. With a great resume, you'll be ready to get that job or scholarship! Good luck!