How to Create a Resume as a Teenager

Making a resume as a teen can feel like a big deal. You might not have tons of job experience. But guess what? A great teen resume can really help you get that part-time gig, internship, or volunteer spot you're after. This guide will show you how to make a resume that shines. Even if you haven't worked a lot. We’ll go over everything. From picking the right layout to showing off your skills. Ready to make a resume that impresses? Let's do this!

Why Do Teenagers Need a Resume?

Why bother with a resume anyway? Good question. A resume is like a quick look at what you can do. It shows employers your skills and what you've done. Even if it's not a "real" job. It's important because:

• Shows you're serious. It means you're ready to work hard.
• Keeps things organized. It's easy for people to read.
• Highlights what you're good at. Even if it's from clubs or volunteering.
• Gives you an edge. You'll stand out from other kids.
• Prepares you for later. You'll use resumes your whole life.

Choosing the Right Resume Format for a Teenager

Picking the right resume format is important. It decides how people see your info. If you don't have much work history, try the functional or combination formats. The chronological format can work if you have some job experience.

1. Chronological Resume

This lists your jobs starting with the newest one. It's good if you've had a few jobs. And they relate to the job you want now. Less common for teens, but still usable!

When to Use:

• You have good work experience.
• You want to show how you've grown.

Example Sections:

• Contact Information
• Summary/Objective
• Work Experience (newest first)
• Education
• Skills
• Awards & Recognition (if you have them)

2. Functional Resume

This puts your skills first. Not your job history. Great if you haven't had many jobs. But you're good at other things. Like volunteering or clubs. Perfect for a first resume!

When to Use:

• You don't have much work experience.
• You want to show off your skills.
• You want to hide gaps in your job history.

Example Sections:

• Contact Information
• Summary/Objective
• Skills Summary (your best skills)
• Experience (projects, volunteering, clubs)
• Education

3. Combination Resume

This mixes the two! It shows your skills and your work history. Good if you have some jobs. And want to show what you're good at, too.

When to Use:

• You have some work experience and skills.
• You want to show how they fit the job.

Example Sections:

• Contact Information
• Summary/Objective
• Skills Summary (your best skills)
• Work Experience (newest first)
• Education

Essential Sections of a Teen Resume

No matter which format you pick, here are the must-have sections.

1. Contact Information

Super basic. But super important. Include:

• Full Name: Make it look professional.
• Phone Number: One you actually check.
• Email Address: Something like [email protected]. Not ilovepuppies@.
• Location: Just city and state. No need for your street.
• Optional: LinkedIn (if you have one) or website.

2. Summary or Objective

A quick peek at what you're good at. And what you want. Use an objective if you don't have much experience. Use a summary if you do.

• Objective Statement: "I want a job at [Company] to use my customer service skills."
• Summary Statement: "I'm a hard worker. Good at customer service. And learn fast."

3. Education

Important for teens! Show off your smarts. Include:

• High School Name: The full name.
• Location: City and state.
• Expected Graduation Date: Month and year.
• GPA: If it's good (over 3.0).
• Relevant Coursework: Classes that fit the job. Like computer science.
• Academic Achievements: Awards or scholarships.

4. Skills

What you can do! Split them into two types:

• Hard Skills: Stuff you can measure. Like typing speed. Or computer programs.
• Soft Skills: How you work with others. Like teamwork. Or talking to people.

Examples of Skills to Include on a Teen Resume:

• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office. Google Docs. Social media. Coding.
• Language Skills: If you speak another language.
• Customer Service Skills: Talking to people. Helping them solve problems.
• Technical Skills: Video editing. Graphic design. Web stuff.
• Soft Skills: Teamwork. Talking. Leading. Solving problems. Being on time.

5. Experience

Where you've worked. Volunteered. Or done clubs. Even if it's not a job. It still counts!

• Work Experience: List your jobs. Newest first. What you did. What you learned.
• Volunteer Experience: What you did to help. What you learned.
• Extracurricular Activities: Clubs. Sports. What you did. What you learned.
• Personal Projects: Did you make a website? An app? Write a blog?

6. Awards and Recognition (Optional)

If you've won anything. Put it here! Shows you're awesome.

Tips for Writing a Strong Teen Resume

Want a really good resume? Try these tips:

• Make it fit the job. Change it for each job you want.
• Use strong words. Like "Managed" or "Helped."
• Use numbers. "Increased sales by 15%."
• Check for mistakes. Have someone else read it, too.
• Keep it short. One page is best.
• Use a good font. Like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Make it easy to read. Use space.
• Save it as a PDF. So it looks the same everywhere.

Teen Resume Examples

Here are a few examples to help you out.

Example 1: High School Student Seeking Part-Time Retail Job (Objective Statement Focus)

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your City, State]

Objective

I want a part-time job at [Store]. Where I can use my customer service skills.

Education

[High School Name], [City, State]
Expected Graduation: [Month, Year]
GPA: 3.8
Relevant Coursework: Business, Marketing

Skills

• Customer Service: Good at talking to people. Solving problems.
• Communication: Good at writing and talking.
• Teamwork: Good at working with others.
• Technical Skills: Microsoft Office.

Experience

Volunteer at [Charity], [City, State] | [Dates]
Helped sort donations.
Helped customers.
Helped with events.

Extracurricular Activities

[Club Name], [High School Name] | [Dates]
Role: [Your Role]
Responsibilities: [What you did].

Example 2: High School Student Seeking Summer Internship (Skills-Based Focus)

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your City, State]

Summary

I'm a hard-working high school student. I'm interested in [Field]. And want to learn more this summer.

Skills

• Technical Skills: [Software or Programming].
• Analytical Skills: Good at seeing patterns.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Good at finding answers.
• Communication Skills: Good at talking and writing.
• Teamwork Skills: Good at working with others.

Education

[High School Name], [City, State]
Expected Graduation: [Month, Year]
GPA: 4.0
Relevant Coursework: [Classes]

Experience

[Personal Project] | [Dates]
[What you did and what you learned].

[Volunteer Experience], [Organization], [City, State] | [Dates]
[What you did and what you learned].

Final Thoughts on Creating a Teenager Resume

Making a resume is a big step. Follow these tips. And you'll make a great one. Show off your skills. And your potential. Good luck with your job hunt!

This guide has shown you how to make a teen resume. Pick the right format. Include the right sections. And follow the tips. You can make a resume that shines. Even if you don't have much work history. Focus on your skills. Your clubs. And your volunteering. Your first resume is a start. Use it to show what you can do. And make a good first impression.