Due to your limited work experience, you’ll likely need to go beyond your job history, and include related coursework, school activities, and volunteer experience. It’s helpful to look at student and resume examples to get some ideas about what a good one contains. Learn about the best information in your resume, the best format to use, review examples, and get a template to use as a starting point for your own resume.
What to Include in Your Resume
When you are writing a high school resume, it’s important to make sure you include all the pertinent information in an acceptable standard format. At a bare minimum, your resume should include your contact information along with your experience and education. Beyond that, most sections are optional—you can include a skills section or objective, but it’s not required. Highlight academic accomplishments. As a student, a lot of your experiences are in the classroom. Emphasize achievements like a high GPA or any academic awards. If you have taken courses related to the job you’re applying for, list those as well. Emphasize extracurricular activities. Since you likely have limited work experience, emphasize your non-work activities. These might include clubs, sports, babysitting, or volunteer work. All of these activities can show your skills and abilities. Note any leadership experience. Have you held a position in a club or student government, or been a captain on a sports team? Be sure to list this experience, as it highlights your leadership ability.
Tips for Writing a Resume for Teenagers
You want your resume to clearly show the employer what kind of employee you’ll be. You don’t want them to have to waste their time deciphering your experiences. Here’s how to do that: Use a simple format and font. Use a resume template to guide your writing. Looking at examples can help you decide what kind of content you should include, as well as how to format your resume. A font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri looks good and will make your information stand out to the hiring manager. Think about what the employer wants. Make sure to tailor your resume to fit your own experiences, and the requirements of the position you’re seeking. For example, if you are applying for a job as a camp counselor, highlight any experience you have working with children. If you are applying to be a waiter, emphasize experience in customer service, or working (or playing) on a team. Use action words. When describing your achievements, use action words. Words like led, researched, tutored, and created emphasize the value of your experiences rather than just listing what you did. Proofread and edit. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. A clean, error-free resume will show you off as a polished candidate. Ask a friend or family member to read the resume for you as well. It can be tough to spot your own typos and grammatical errors.
Part-Time Job Resume Example for a Teenager
The following is a resume for a teenager seeking a part-time job or internship that involves working with children. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
More Resume Examples for Teens
High School Resume Example High School Resume Template High School Graduate Resume Example Student Resume Examples, Templates, and Writing Tips
CHILDCARE WORKER Building positive learning outcomes and life skills with children and students Hard-working, responsible student with experience taking care of young children. Key skills include:
Spanish—intermediate levelFrench—beginner levelFirst Aid, CPR, AED certificationsAdobe Photoshop & InDesignMicrosoft Office SuiteExperience with children
PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE SMITH HOUSEHOLD, Philadelphia, PANANNY (February 2022—Present)Plan, organize, and implement fun and educational activities for three children younger than 6. BEACON PROGRAM, Philadelphia, PACOUNSELOR (Summer 2021)As co-leader for a group of 10 first-graders, implemented games designed to encourage creative problem-solving in science and engineering. Notable Accomplishment:
Named “Counselor of the Week” twice for leadership skills.
MAPLE STREET CONVENIENCE STORE, Philadelphia, PACASHIER (Summer 2020) Managed cash register, restocked shelves, and assisted customers with locating items. Notable Accomplishment:
Awarded for “Best Customer Service,” June 2020.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS MAIN STREET HIGH SCHOOL, Philadelphia, PAHonor roll each semester, diploma expected 2021 Related Coursework & Activities Early Childhood Development • Urban Education • Urban Education—Psychology • Urban Education—Instructional Leadership • Modeling Club • Fundraising chair, JROTC Drill Team • Vice president, Drama Club • Cheerleading
