high school resume

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

18 High School Student Resume Examples Created for 2024

High School Student Resume

• High School Student Resumes by Experience
• High School Student Resumes by Role

High school is one of the best times of your life, but it can also be one of the most difficult when looking for your first or second job. You’ve got to fill out applications, prep for interviews, and write your resume.

Using ChatGPT for resumes  is a cool idea, but can still feel daunting and overwhelming. We’ve all been there, and what you really need is a free AI resume builder and solid student cover letters to get you on your way.

We’ve analyzed countless high school resumes to discover  what would get students job interviews in 2024 . While you may want to start with a simple  resume outline , keep reading to find 18 high school resume samples (plus writing tips) that are jam-packed with essential techniques and tricks.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you choose to use a template, make sure you adjust the  resume’s formatting  so that your text is big enough to read with one-inch margins on the side.
• However, you should write your bullet points like you would for a job. Highlight any responsibilities and accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for now.
• For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales, emphasize your ability to work in groups and create a good customer experience.

High School Student No Experience Resume

• If you don’t have work history, include projects and volunteer work instead. Treat them like a job and write bullet points according to your responsibilities.
• Make sure you start every bullet point with active verbs, and always double-check for typos. You’ve got this!
• Include your unique skills, your desired position, and the company you hope to work for to make your objective stand out from the rest!

First Job High School Student Resume

• To remedy that problem, add a  skills section on your resume  to give hiring managers an important overview of your strengths.
• To really highlight your abilities, incorporate the same skills in your work experience, too. Demonstrate how you used your skills to better your workplace, and you can’t go wrong!
• Adding stylistic elements like color and different fonts can help you show a bit of your personality (and make your resume more fun to read). 

Experienced High School Student Resume

• Remember, your resume is a highlight reel, so you need to include what’s most important (like your achievements and relevant metrics). 
• You can adjust your layout, font sizes, and margins, but keep it easy to read. 
• Use a bit of color and some fun fonts, provided it still looks professional. You’ve got this!

High School Senior Resume

• This statement must align with the potential employer’s needs, proving you understand the job requirements and have gone the extra mile to address doubts about your capabilities. As for experiences that might have prepared you for the job, workshops and volunteering programs you’ve participated in are prominent candidates.

Out of High School Resume

• Leisure activities range from soccer, hiking, drawing and sketching, robotics, and photography to journalism. But how do they fit in the picture? Well, a penchant for drawing and sketching could reflect creativity and an eye for detail, while journalism stints could hint at strong communication and critical thinking.

High School Graduate Resume

• Right from the first line of the career objective, you can see the candidate’s passion and willingness to work in this field. Notice how Serai’s love for photography is clearly backed by a previous project for a school newspaper.
• These details will be perfect when Serai’s ready for the AI cover letter generator to bring her application to perfection.

High School Diploma Resume

• In the education section of your high school diploma resume, include your diploma, the school’s name, and your start and end date. Add some useful software skills to the mix to secure your seat in any undergraduate program.

Recent High School Graduate Resume

• Begin with clearing which stream and degree you want to pursue. Next, follow suit with your mission and what you hope to gain by completing the program. Try some more personalization by linking your career goal with the college’s agenda.

High School Student Scholarship Resume

• Your high school student scholarship resume should vividly show your positive contributions to noble causes, such as offering ADLs to seniors, and emphasize your impact on society.

High School Student College Application Resume

• Ensure your high school student college application resume shows your practical and classwork achievements that emphasize your grand vision to make a positive contribution to society.

High School Student for College Resume

• Before hitting “submit,” always  check your resume  for typos and other minor errors. It’s amazing what you can miss during your first few reviews.
• A good GPA can demonstrate, at least in part, your willingness to work hard. We’d recommend including your GPA only if it’s above 3.5, but anything above a 3 is a good average.

High School Student for Customer Service Resume

• Including projects, volunteer work, or club memberships is a great way to add value to your resume.
• Your resume should focus on your abilities and other activities you’ve engaged in that will show your value.
• Read the responsibilities and qualifications to look for key skills and tasks. Then, incorporate some of those skills and responsibilities into your high school student customer service resume.

High School Student Internship Resume

• For example, if the job description lists responsibilities like writing and analyzing data, include “written communication” and “data analysis” in your skills section.
• One easy way to customize your resume is by focusing your  resume skills  on things that apply to the internship. 
• Make sure you keep your resume professional and to the point. You don’t want to include anything too personal about your beliefs, religion, politics, or personal information.
• For example, you can list “volunteering at local church,” but avoid saying “fasting every weekend.” It doesn’t show off relevant skills and is a bit too forward for a resume.

High School Student Office Worker Resume

• Good projects include anything that demonstrates your leadership abilities or desire for knowledge. Senior projects, personal blogs, or even being on a sports team are all good examples to include!
• Add work experience directly under your contact information and name, then add any relevant projects if you’re low on space. 
• While there are plenty of  resume writing tips , your resume should be as unique as you. Don’t get so caught up in what you think you “should” do that your resume is bland and cookie-cutter. 

High School Student Sales Resume

• Numbers demonstrate your value, and they’re useful tools for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that hiring managers use to sort through job applicants.
• Trust us, and incorporate metrics into at least 80% of your bullet points!
• For example, you know that different  resume templates  can change your resume’s appearance, but different templates can also stretch or streamline your content. 
• Mess with multiple templates to see what your content will look like—you may find a template that allows for more room, or one that allows you to highlight your skills better.

High School Student Athlete  Resume

• Think of a time you proved you were the MVP on your team—Did you lead your team to a championship? Perhaps you made the game-winning shot in a crucial, nail-biting game?

High School Student Music Resume

• When you include hobbies like songwriting or your interest in classical music in your high school student music resume , it conveys to your recruiter that you’re super dedicated and passionate about your craft.
• You can also include hobbies that are different, too. For example, if you enjoy experimenting with new recipes from around the world, that can show you’re ready to give new genres a whirl or that you understand that music—while art—is still supposed to be fun and adventuresome.

Related resume guides

• Entry Level

High School Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a High School Student Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

High School Student Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Brenda Martin (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Tampa, FL 33601 | www.linkedin.com/example

Reliable high school student with strong recent sales experience at a major clothing retailer. Committed to providing positive service experiences to new and returning customers. Motivated and adaptable to new work schedules, challenges, and conditions.

• Creative problem-solving
• Customer service and relations
• Inventory monitoring and control
• POS systems
• Product sales and merchandising

Work Experience

Sales Associate, XYZ Clothing, Tampa, FL | May 2022 to September 2022

• Provided high-quality service to new and repeat customers of this popular clothing store
• Greeted and directed store visitors to their desired apparel section
• Assisted customers with sizing and product choices
• Efficiently operated cash register to process order payments
• Tagged and displayed incoming merchandise and performed markdowns on previous season styles
• Maintained a clean and tidy work area at all points

Highlight :

• Won “Employee of the Month” in August 2022 for outstanding customer service

Assistant, Paw Plus Pet Shop, Tampa, FL | June 2021 to September 2021

• Gained a strong foundation in customer service, helping visitors find their desired products
• Stocked shelves and maintained inventory
• Worked the cash register and helped other retail associates as needed

Candidate: Diploma, Tampa High School, Tampa, FL | expected June 2025

Michelle Hamilton (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/example

High school student with recent volunteer work at a veterinary clinic. Naturally curious and motivated to learn about new health care procedures and equipment. Passionate about supporting the health and well-being of all types of animals.

• Data gathering and entry
• Filing and documentation
• Microsoft Word, Excel
• Task prioritization
• Team collaboration
• Veterinary procedures and equipment

Volunteer Experience

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic , Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to Present

• Assist veterinarians and staff with various daily tasks such as animal feeding, walking, and cage cleaning
• Facilitate phone, mail, and email communications with pet owners
• File and maintain information on over 150 clients and their pets
• Help maintain an adequate inventory of pet medications
• Refill paper towels and other exam room essentials as needed

Candidate: College Prep Diploma, Sacramento High School, Sacramento, CA | expected June 2024

High School Honors & Activities

Member, Debate Team | August 2022 to Present

• Collaborate closely on a 10-person team to form and organize compelling debate arguments

Attendee, National Honors Society Conference | May 2022

Aliya Jackson (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/example

High school student with recent formal experience helping care for toddlers. Dedicated to providing children with fun, educational indoor and outdoor activities. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Childcare Provider, Sacramento, CA | January 2021 to August 2022

• Assisted and collaborated with parents of two children, ages 4 and 6
• Created engaging, educational indoor and outdoor activities for each child
• Organized and cleaned the play area regularly
• Provided meals and snacks and assisted with nap times
• Candidate: Diploma, Texas Preparatory School, Austin, TX | expected June 2023
• 3.9 GPA and perfect attendance record to date
• Taking advanced core curriculum classes in math, science, and language arts for college credit
• Voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by the student body in 2022

High School Athletics

Member, Volleyball Team | August 2021 to present

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for the Spring 2022 season
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and adaptability in a high-pressure setting

Fluency in Spanish

If you’re a high school student searching for a job, having a well-crafted resume can help you find potential opportunities. But you may be unsure where to start, especially if you’ve never written your resume. How do you present your education when it’s still underway? And how do you get interviews with little or no work experience?

These concerns shouldn’t keep you from writing a great resume for high school jobs. Chances are, even at a young age, you have experiences you can translate into strong resume content. The trick is focusing on the relevant skills like foreign languages, writing, or leading groups you’ve gained through work, educational, and volunteer experiences. Read on for tips and examples that will help focus your high school resume.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

In a brief paragraph, your profile summary should describe your top three to five qualifications for your target high school job. You may think this resume section isn’t necessary for young job seekers and entry-level positions. Yet, at every career level, the profile section improves your resume by focusing the hiring manager’s attention on whatever makes you a great fit.

If you’ve worked before, you may want to base your profile points on that job experience. But you could also base them on your high school experience or other activities. It just depends on what’s relevant to the role you’re pursuing. For instance, maybe you have volunteer experience that overlaps strongly with your target job duties. Or you’ve excelled in an AP class at school that relates to your goal. Maybe you have advanced skills in a foreign language and would like to use those in a work setting. Whatever your top qualifications, feature them in the profile, and you’ll ensure your resume makes a great first impression.

Profile Example 1

Profile example 2, 2. add a pertinent experience section.

Your resume’s experience section should center on your relevant duties, skills, and highlights. By focusing on your relevant background (whether in or outside high school), you can give hiring managers a clear view of how you fit their needs.

You don’t need directly related work experience (or any experience) to draft a solid high school resume. But you must brainstorm how you’ve applied yourself in other ways and write how those experiences helped prepare you for the job you’re seeking. This may sound tricky, but you can use details about your high school activities, volunteering, or any other area of your life so far.

Below is a list of experience areas you might develop for your high school resume:

• Community service
• High school athletics
• High school clubs and societies
• Hobbies and interests
• Internships
• Leadership experience
• Personal accomplishments
• Research experience
• Summer camps or coursework
• Travel or study abroad experience
• Volunteer experience
• Work experience

For each of the above areas you have experience in, take 10 minutes or so to brainstorm answers to these questions:

1. What were your primary roles, duties, or focus areas? 2. What are you most proud of about this experience? 3. What general skill areas did you develop (e.g., teamwork, efficiency, customer service)?

Next, determine which of your answers overlap with the key skills required for the job you’re now pursuing. Include on your resume anything that overlaps and leave out anything that doesn’t. With this approach, you can show the most relevant aspects of your life and give hiring managers a better sense of the skills you offer. For instance, say you’re applying to be a pizza delivery driver. In citing any high school sports on your resume for this job, you could focus on the relevant skills you gained, such as teamwork or adaptability.

Work Experience Example

Volunteer experience example.

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic, Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to present

High School Athletics Experience Example

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for Spring 2022 season

3. Include your high school education and certifications

You may wonder how (or whether) to give education details when you’re still working toward your diploma. It’s actually pretty simple – see below for a template you can use to accurately show your in-progress high school education and a template for any certifications you’d like to add as well. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• Candidate: Diploma, High School Name, City, ST | expected graduation date
• [academic awards or distinctions]

Certification

• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
• Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List key skills and proficiencies

Include a “key skills” section to help further focus your resume on your relevant background. For many high schoolers (especially those with limited work experience), this section should include “soft skills” like problem-solving and collaboration. But also feel free to add specific software programs you’ve used, or other technical skills you’ll need in your target job. Below are some common key skills for high school resumes:

How To Pick the Best High School Student Resume Template

A clear and straightforward resume template is usually best for high school students. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most relevant information. Use a simple resume font , and avoid any template that has an overly colorful or elaborate design.

Frequently Asked Questions: High School Student Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for high school student resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by using a good mix of action verbs in your experience section. The following verbs list will help you brainstorm and capture the various ways you’ve applied yourself so far:

How do you align your high school student resume with a job posting? -

As of 2021, more than 36% (or 6 million) of U.S. teens held jobs for at least part of the summer season. This was the highest rate of summer employment for teenagers since 2008.

You can get more interviews for high school jobs if you tailor your resume to each application. Look at the job post text and highlight words or phrases that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these highlighted phrases against the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, look for ways to align your resume language with the job post (while not copying phrases or misrepresenting your background).

For example, if the employer is looking for someone collaborative, you can name that aspect of your experience with a profile line as simple as “Thrive in team-oriented work settings.” Or say the organization has many non-English speaking customers. You could highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each new opportunity.

What is the best high school student resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your relevant skills and experience. It’s also simplest for you to modify based on your job goals.

With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience section(s) and an intro section. (This combination of experience and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also include an awards or career highlights section.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

To increase your chances of an interview, write a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our high school cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our student and internship cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

College Student Resume Examples and Templates

Internship Resume Examples and Templates

Student Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Build a Resume for College Applications Learn More
• How To Put an Expected Graduation Date on a Resume Learn More
• Resume Length: Should Your Resume Be One Page? Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

5 High School Resume Examples for Your 2024 Job Search

High school is a time of exploration and defining your path—much like crafting your first resume. As a high school student, your resume is your personal brand, a snapshot that showcases your achievements, interests, and aspirations. Dive into our guide for standout high school resume examples that will help you make your mark and impress potential employers or admissions officers in 2024.

Resume Examples

Resume guidance.

• High Level Resume Tips
• Must-Have Information
• Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important
• Writing an Exceptional Resume Summary
• How to Impress with Your Work Experience
• Top Skills & Keywords
• Go Above & Beyond with a Cover Letter
• Resume FAQs
• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on High School Resumes:

• Develop and implement lesson plans that meet state and school curriculum standards
• Teach subjects according to the educational needs, abilities, and achievement levels of students
• Grade student assignments and exams, providing feedback to promote learning and improvement
• Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development
• Prepare students for standardized tests and college entrance exams
• Manage classroom behavior and discipline to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
• Communicate with parents or guardians about students' progress and potential issues
• Participate in faculty meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops
• Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or detention
• Collaborate with other teachers, staff, and administrators to develop and coordinate educational programs
• Guide and mentor students with their academic and personal development

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

High School Resume Example:

• Revamped the science curriculum to incorporate STEM-focused projects, resulting in a 40% increase in students' standardized test scores and a 25% rise in college STEM program enrollments.
• Integrated smart classroom technologies which enhanced interactive learning, leading to a 30% improvement in student engagement as measured by class participation and feedback surveys.
• Developed and led a teacher mentorship program that improved novice teacher retention by 50% and increased the overall teaching quality as evidenced by student academic performance metrics.
• Orchestrated the launch of a school-wide digital literacy initiative, increasing students' proficiency with technology by 45% and enabling the successful adoption of a 1:1 device-to-student ratio.
• Collaborated with local businesses to create a career exploration program that provided internships for 60% of the senior class, enhancing college and career readiness.
• Implemented a comprehensive assessment strategy that reduced grading time by 20% while providing more detailed feedback, contributing to a 15% improvement in student revision and resubmission rates.
• Curriculum Development
• STEM Education Integration
• Classroom Technology Implementation
• Teacher Mentorship and Training
• Student Engagement Strategies
• Digital Literacy Advocacy
• Partnership Development with Local Businesses
• Career and College Readiness Programs
• Assessment and Feedback Optimization
• Project-Based Learning Facilitation
• Behavior Management System Design
• Culturally Responsive Teaching
• Professional Development Leadership
• Data Analysis and Academic Performance Evaluation
• Strategic Planning and Initiative Management

High School Graduate Resume Example:

• Streamlined data entry processes for a local non-profit, enhancing data accuracy by 15% and reducing time spent on data input by 20% through the creation of a custom spreadsheet template.
• Coordinated a community event that attracted over 300 attendees, managing logistics and volunteers, which resulted in a 50% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year.
• Developed and delivered a presentation on community engagement strategies that was adopted by the school's leadership team, leading to a 25% increase in student participation in extracurricular activities.
• Revamped the filing system at a small business office, increasing document retrieval efficiency by 30% and reducing misfiled documents by 90% within the first three months.
• Handled customer service inquiries with a 95% satisfaction rate, resolving issues promptly and improving the company's reputation for excellent customer support.
• Assisted in managing the company's social media accounts, growing the follower count by 40% and enhancing online engagement by creating content that resonated with the target audience.
• Data Entry and Spreadsheet Management
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Presentation Development and Delivery
• Organizational Systems Improvement
• Customer Service Excellence
• Social Media Management and Content Creation
• Bookkeeping and Financial Processing
• Volunteer Management and Retention
• Digital Tools Proficiency for Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Efficiency Optimization
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Leadership and Team Building
• Effective Communication
• Project Management

High School Senior Resume Example:

• Orchestrated a community service project that engaged over 50 student volunteers, resulting in 200+ hours of service and a 15% increase in local park revitalization efforts.
• Secured a competitive internship with a local law firm, contributing to case research that aided in a 10% increase in successful case resolutions over a 3-month period.
• Developed and led a student-run tutoring program that improved participating students' average test scores by 20% across core subjects within one semester.
• Initiated and managed a fundraising campaign for the school's athletic department, raising over $5,000, which funded new equipment and uniforms, increasing team morale and performance by 25%.
• Successfully balanced a part-time job at a retail store with academic responsibilities, achieving a promotion to shift supervisor within 6 months due to exemplary leadership and customer service skills.
• Implemented a peer-mentoring initiative within the National Honor Society, increasing membership retention by 30% and fostering an environment of academic excellence and collaboration.
• Community Engagement
• Research and Analysis
• Program Development
• Fundraising
• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Peer Mentoring
• Academic Tutoring
• Problem-Solving
• Artistic Curation
• Event Planning
• Workshop Facilitation
• Team Building
• Public Speaking
• Collaboration
• Strategic Planning
• Data Interpretation
• Adaptability

High School Student First Job Resume Example:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently greeting and assisting an average of 50 customers per day, leading to a 10% increase in positive customer feedback within three months.
• Streamlined the checkout process by efficiently operating cash registers and handling financial transactions, contributing to a 15% reduction in average customer wait time.
• Maintained a 98% accuracy rate in financial transactions over a six-month period, demonstrating strong attention to detail and reliability in handling cash and card payments.
• Proactively restocked shelves and managed inventory, resulting in a 5% decrease in out-of-stock incidents and contributing to a smoother shopping experience for customers.
• Implemented a new organization system for the work area, which improved overall store cleanliness and efficiency, leading to a 20% increase in store audit scores.
• Assisted with the launch of a promotional sales campaign that boosted store traffic by 30% and increased sales by 25% during the event period.
• Cash Handling
• Transaction Accuracy
• Inventory Management
• Organizational Skills
• Sales Promotion
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Professionalism
• Product Knowledge

High School Student with No Experience Resume Example:

• Streamlined the administrative process by organizing over 1,000 student records and documents, resulting in a 30% improvement in retrieval time for the school staff.
• Coordinated and executed setup for 15+ school events, contributing to a 20% increase in student participation and community engagement.
• Implemented a peer tutoring schedule that matched 40 students with tutors, enhancing academic support and contributing to a 10% rise in average test scores.
• Assisted in the school library by cataloging over 500 books and resources, improving the book retrieval system efficiency by 25%.
• Supported the IT team in resolving 100+ student and staff computer issues, increasing the overall technology uptime by 15%.
• Contributed to the school's newsletter with 10+ articles and photographs, leading to a 35% increase in readership among the student body.
• Peer Tutoring and Academic Support
• Library Cataloging and Resource Management
• Technical Support and IT Troubleshooting
• Written Communication and Journalism
• Photography
• Volunteerism and Community Service
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Data Entry and Record Keeping

High Level Resume Tips for High Schools:

Must-have information for a high school resume:.

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies
• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for High Schools:

High school resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• These headlines are compelling because they immediately convey the candidates' specialized roles within a high school setting and highlight measurable achievements. They reflect a blend of experience, dedication, and innovation that directly aligns with the core objectives of high school education—academic excellence, student guidance, and inspirational teaching. Such headlines are likely to resonate with hiring managers who are looking for professionals with a proven track record of contributing positively to the educational environment.

Weak Headlines

• The provided headlines are generic and lack the distinct details that make a resume stand out. They do not quantify experience or achievements, nor do they specify any unique skills or programs the candidates have implemented or contributed to. Additionally, they fail to mention any accolades or recognitions that could differentiate the candidates from others in the field.

Writing an Exceptional High School Resume Summary:

High school resume summary examples:, strong summaries.

• These summaries are strong because they concisely articulate the professionals' specialized experience, their achievements, and the positive outcomes they have driven in their roles. They provide quantifiable results such as improved test scores, increased college acceptance rates, and scholarship awards, which are key metrics of success in high school education. Additionally, they reflect the candidates' commitment to student development and educational excellence, qualities that are highly valued by employers in the education sector.

Weak Summaries

1. High School educator with years of experience in teaching various subjects, looking to continue fostering a positive learning environment and contributing to student success at a new school. 2. High School professional skilled in classroom management and curriculum development, seeking to utilize my teaching abilities and knowledge to impact students' academic growth. 3. Dedicated High School teacher with a passion for student engagement and educational technology, aiming to bring my expertise to a school that values innovation in teaching methods.

• The provided resume summaries are weak because they are generic and lack specificity. They do not mention any measurable achievements, such as improvements in student test scores or successful program implementations. Additionally, they fail to highlight any unique skills or experiences that set the candidate apart from others in the field, which is crucial for making a strong impression on hiring managers.

Resume Objective Examples for High Schools:

Strong objectives.

• These resume objectives are strong for high school students because they highlight the candidates' academic achievements, leadership qualities, and eagerness to apply their skills in a real-world setting. They also demonstrate a balance between personal development and a desire to contribute to the success of a potential employer, which are key traits hiring managers look for in less-experienced candidates.

Weak Objectives

• These objectives lack specificity and fail to highlight the candidate's unique strengths or interests. They are too broad and do not target any particular industry or job type, which makes it difficult for employers to see the value the student can bring to their organization. Additionally, they do not mention any skills, achievements, or extracurricular activities that might make the candidate stand out from other applicants.

Write a More Targeted Resume with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your high school work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Highlight any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work: Even if the experience isn't in a professional setting, emphasize responsibilities and skills learned that are transferable to the workplace, such as customer service, time management, and teamwork.
• Focus on leadership roles and responsibilities: Whether in sports teams, school clubs, or group projects, describe any leadership experience, what you learned, and how you contributed to the group's success.
• Include achievements in academic projects or extracurricular activities: Detail any significant projects or activities where you demonstrated skills relevant to the job you're applying for, such as problem-solving, creativity, or initiative.
• Emphasize soft skills developed: Communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are highly valued by employers. Provide examples of how you've developed and used these skills in various settings.
• Describe any entrepreneurial endeavors: If you've started a small business, a blog, or an online store, discuss what you did, how you managed it, and any successes you had.
• Include certifications or additional training: Mention any relevant courses, workshops, or certifications you've completed that demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth.
• Quantify your impact when possible: Use numbers to illustrate your impact, such as funds raised during a charity event, the number of participants in a club you led, or the growth of a social media page you managed.
• Use action verbs to start bullet points: Words like "organized," "led," "developed," "coordinated," and "managed" can make your experiences sound more dynamic and impactful.
• Proofread for clarity and accuracy: Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that all information is accurate and up-to-date.

Example Work Experiences for High Schools:

Strong experiences.

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive student success program that increased graduation rates by 15% over three years by providing targeted academic support, career counseling, and mentorship opportunities.
• Orchestrated a school-wide initiative to integrate technology in the classroom, resulting in a 40% increase in student engagement and a 25% improvement in standardized test scores within two academic years.
• Managed the school's annual budget of $5 million, achieving a 10% cost reduction through strategic negotiations with vendors and the optimization of resource allocation, while maintaining high educational standards.
• Revitalized the school's extracurricular program, leading to a 60% increase in student participation and the establishment of 5 new student-led organizations that fostered leadership and community service.
• Collaborated with local businesses and educational partners to secure $500,000 in grants and donations for STEM programs, enhancing the school's curriculum and providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
• Championed a teacher professional development plan that improved instructional practices, evidenced by a 20% increase in teacher retention and a notable rise in student satisfaction and performance.
• Launched a district-wide anti-bullying campaign, reducing reported incidents by 30% and creating a safer, more inclusive school environment as measured by annual student and parent surveys.
• Directed the successful accreditation process for the high school, ensuring compliance with all regional and national standards and securing the institution's academic reputation for the next 10 years.
• Forged partnerships with cultural and academic institutions, enriching the curriculum with diverse programs that led to a 35% increase in student cultural awareness and global perspective.
• These work experiences are impactful because they demonstrate the ability to create positive change within the educational environment, showcase the successful management of resources, and highlight the development of programs that directly benefit student growth. Each example includes quantifiable results, reflecting the professional's effectiveness in addressing key areas such as student engagement, academic performance, and operational efficiency.

Weak Experiences

• Assisted in developing and implementing lesson plans for a variety of subjects, ensuring they align with educational standards.
• Managed classroom behavior by applying standard disciplinary measures, maintaining a controlled and focused learning environment.
• Participated in faculty meetings and contributed to discussions about school policies and student engagement strategies.
• Coordinated with other teachers to organize school events such as science fairs and art exhibitions, overseeing logistics and student participation.
• Monitored student progress through regular assessments and provided feedback to help them improve academically.
• Engaged with parents during parent-teacher conferences to discuss student performance and address any concerns.
• Implemented technology in the classroom by using educational software to enhance student learning experiences.
• Contributed to the school's extracurricular programs by supervising a student club and organizing activities.
• Attended professional development workshops to stay updated on teaching methods and curriculum changes.
• The examples provided are weak because they are vague and do not convey the full scope or impact of the high school professional's responsibilities. They lack measurable achievements, detailed contributions to student success, or the educational environment, and do not highlight the individual's initiative or innovation in their role. To strengthen these bullet points, the high school professional should include specific examples of how they enhanced student learning, improved school programs, or contributed to the school's overall performance, using precise metrics and action verbs to demonstrate their effectiveness and value to the institution.

Top Skills & Keywords for High School Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for high schools, hard skills.

• Classroom Management
• Lesson Planning
• Educational Technology Integration
• Student Assessment and Evaluation
• Special Education
• Subject Matter Expertise (e.g., Mathematics, Science, English)
• Behavioral Management Techniques
• Instructional Design
• Fluency in Multiple Languages (for language teachers)
• Standardized Test Preparation
• Data-Driven Instruction

Soft Skills

• Classroom Management and Student Engagement
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Patience and Empathy
• Adaptability and Flexibility in Teaching Methods
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Organization and Time Management
• Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
• Mentoring and Coaching
• Teamwork and Collaboration with Faculty
• Creative Problem-Solving
• Active Listening and Responsiveness to Student Needs
• Leadership and Role Modeling

Go Above & Beyond with a High School Cover Letter

High school cover letter example: (based on resume), resume faqs for high schools:, how long should i make my high school resume.

An ideal high school resume should typically be one page in length. This is because high school students generally have less professional experience compared to adults who have been in the workforce for years. A one-page resume encourages students to focus on their most relevant experiences and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader with too much information. Here are a few reasons why a one-page resume is suitable for high school students: 1. Conciseness: High school students are at an early stage in their careers, so they usually have fewer experiences and achievements to list compared to more seasoned professionals. A one-page resume helps them to be concise and to the point. 2. Relevance: It encourages students to only include experiences and skills that are relevant to the position or opportunity they are applying for, such as part-time jobs, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and academic achievements.

What is the best way to format a High School resume?

The best way to format a high school resume is to keep it clear, concise, and organized, with a focus on showcasing the student's achievements, skills, and potential. Here's a breakdown of an ideal high school resume format: 1. Header: At the top, include the student's name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure the email address is professional. 2. Objective or Summary (optional): A brief statement that outlines the student's goals and interests. This can be helpful for students with specific objectives, but it's not mandatory. 3. Education: Since the student is still in high school, this section should come first. Include the name of the high school, expected graduation date, and GPA (if it's strong). Mention any honors or AP courses if applicable. 4. Experience: This section can include part-time jobs, internships,or any other volunteer work you've done up to this point.

Which High School skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

When high school students are preparing their resumes, it's important to highlight skills that demonstrate their readiness for the workforce or further education. Here are some key skills that high school students should consider featuring on their resumes, along with explanations for each: 1. Academic Competence: Highlighting strong performance in relevant subjects can show potential employers or colleges that a student is prepared for the intellectual demands of a job or higher education. 2. Communication Skills: Both written and verbal communication skills are critical in almost every field. High school students should showcase experiences that demonstrate their ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, such as participation in debate clubs or writing for the school newspaper. 3. Teamwork and Collaboration: Employers and colleges look for individuals who can work well with others. Participation in team sports, group projects, or clubs can illustrate a student's ability to collaborate. 4. Leadership: Experience in leadership roles, such as being a team captain, student council member, or club president, can be very appealing to those reviewing the resume. It shows initiative and the ability to manage and inspire others.

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a High School?

When high school students are writing a resume and they have no formal work experience, they can focus on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any skills they have developed that are relevant to the job or opportunity they are seeking. Here's a guide on how to write a resume under these circumstances: 1. Contact Information: At the top of the resume, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure your email address is professional. 2. Objective or Summary Statement: Write a brief statement that outlines your career goals and what you aim to achieve with the resume. This should be tailored to the specific job or opportunity you are applying for. 3. Education: Since you're still in high school, your education is one of your main assets. List your high school name, expected graduation date, and GPA if it's strong. You can also include relevant coursework, honors, or awards.

Compare Your High School Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the High School job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for High Schools:

High school resume example, high school graduate resume example, high school student first job resume example, high school student with no experience resume example, high school senior resume example, more resume guidance:.

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Examples
• High School Student

High School Student resume examples & templates

Include your contact information

Make use of a summary, outline your work experience or extracurriculars, include the relevant key skills that make you a great employee, detail your education & relevant certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for a high school student resume, great first jobs, high school student resume, text only.

Congratulations! You've decided to take your first steps toward getting a job. Chances are this is your first high school student resume. You may not realize it, but you already have some accomplishments and achievements that will make your high school student resume shine. 

This high school student resume example and writing guide will show you how to capitalize on your experience, skills and knowledge even if you've never held a "real" job!

Resume guide for a high school student resume

Landing your first job can feel daunting, but Resume.io is here to help. Even if you're just starting out, our collection of 350+ resume examples and writing guides (like the one you are reading), along with professional resume templates, a resume builder tool and expert advice, can help you craft the perfect resume with ease.

This writing guide, along with the corresponding high school resume examples, will show you how to capitalize on your experience, skills , and knowledge even if you've never held a "real" job! These are the topics we'll cover.

How to write a high school student resume

Choosing the right resume format for a high school student.

• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the entry-level market looks like, and what salary you can expect

Let’s get started! 

Lack of work experience need not stop you from creating an impressive high school student resume! Generally, it should be structured to include the following key sections: 

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

We’ll be taking a closer look at each of these resume components after covering some general considerations.

Optimize your high school student resume!

Employers receive hundreds of high school resumes for each open position. They don’t have time to look through them all, so they use ATS software to do the initial sorting. That's why most employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

This means you have to know how these algorithm-based systems work and how to get your high school resume past the digital filter. Employers program the software to screen for certain skills and attributes reflected in keywords and phrases. 

The ATS scans resumes on that basis, and then scores and ranks them. Your resume will only make the cut if it is in the top-ranking range. 

Unless you already have some work experience, the most commonly used chronological format may not be suitable for structuring your high school student resume. 

It’s the most straightforward way for job candidates to organize their experience and qualifications below employer headings and dates, in order from most recent to earliest.

But for high school students or recent graduates with little or nothing to list in a traditional employment history section, other resume formats can be ideal. The format you choose should depend on the type of job and industry, and how best to present yourself as an ideal match. 

In cases where specialized knowledge and skills, and possibly extracurricular activities, are relevant to prospective employers, a functional resume may be your best bet. It offers greater flexibility to emphasize your most relevant strengths up front in a section labelled “Experience.” 

A hybrid, or combination, resume format offers even more versatility. You can integrate chronological and functional elements in the most applicable manner, and perhaps even put your education section higher up on the page to emphasize your school interests and accomplishments. 

Let us do the hard work for you! 

Check out the many resume templates in our resume builder and choose the format that best suits your situation. We have a wide variety available as resume examples .

A distinctive resume header sets you apart from other candidates by ensuring your resume gets noticed for the right reasons. An eye-pleasing design will make it inviting to read, while also readily identifying who your resume belongs to and how you can be reached for an interview. Here's what yours needs to include: 

• Full name & title. Simply include your first and last name, along with the role for which you are applying. Tailor this each time.
• Professional email address. Employers won't think highly of an address like [email protected] . Your best bet is the golden standard format of first name (or initials) + last name: [email protected] or [email protected] .
• Phone number. Include a number where you can be reached. You can also include when you are available at the given number.
• Location. You don't need to include your full address. However, you should highlight your location — i.e. your state and city.
• LinkedIn. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is active and highlights your expertise. If that is the case, you can include it on your high school student resume.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth. This move could lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details. Relationship status, social security number, passport number , etc.

Mary Smith  Barista  [email protected] 0811 992 1182 New York, New York

High School Student  [email protected] 0811 992 1182 Apartment 22, Victoria Building, New York In a relationship.

Describing yourself can be tough, but don't hold back. You have many of the qualities employers want. Here's where your personality can shine. 

The 2-3 sentence resume summary (also known as the profile or personal statement ) is the first section, directly under your contact information. It allows you to exhibit a bit of personality while you explain the qualities that will make you a great employee. 

Here are some sample questions to ask yourself when writing your summary:

• What makes me a good student, friend, teammate, family member?
• Which of my skills or personal qualities have helped me in school? Am I organized, creative, responsible?
• What activities, projects, and interests could I describe that translate into job skills?

You can find an adaptable high school student resume examples summary below:

Resourceful and dedicated high school student with excellent analytical skills and a demonstrated commitment to learning. Strong organizational abilities with proven success managing multiple academic projects . Well-rounded and professional team player dedicated to continuing academic pursuits at a collegiate level.

Driven and proactive high school student with top-notch time management and organizational skills. Previous experience working with CareKittens charity as a volunteer over two summers. Committed to supporting important causes, furthering education, and learning while on the job.

Before you give up on the work history section, don't forget that your high school experience includes a wealth of opportunities to draw from. 

Give yourself credit for jobs you've done for classes or community service points as a high school student. All positions of responsibility count! Maybe you have had a paying job. If so, that's great! Here are some examples to consider: 

• Voluntary experience. Whether you have volunteered at a charity or helped out at an event, now is the time to shout about it. Focus on your transferable skills here.
• Part-time jobs. Did you have a part-time job during high school? If so, you should include it as part of your work experience. You may have worked in a store, in a restaurant, or even babysat for the neighbors.
• Teams and clubs. If you don't have any work experience but are part of a sports team or club, you should add this here. Being a team-player is considered to be a high-level skill, and so it's an easy way to wow the hiring manager.

Jobs or work experiences to consider listing

Any volunteer work or projects for social or community groups are a great addition to your high school student resume, whether in the past or continuing now. 

List each item in your experience section as any other job applicant would in the conventional employment history format —  in reverse chronological order. That means you start with the current or most recent listing and work backward to the earliest, by date.

Look for job referrals! Ask friends who already have a job where you're interested in working for a referral. Some companies have referral programs that reward current employees when their referral is hired. Employers like referrals, because they eliminate some of the unknowns of hiring. Few people would recommend a person they did not think could do the job.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a high school student resume.

Sales Associate at B&B Booksllers, New York  September 2022 - Present 

• Feed animals and made sure they had access to fresh water at all times.
• Answer customer questions and reported issues in person or by phone.
• Help customers select products that best fit the needs of their pet.
• Keep the selling floor clean and maintained neat and orderly product displays.
• Maintain accurate work logs.
• Recognize for my reliability and zero absence work record.

How to write a high school student resume with no experience

Let's say you have no direct work experience on your resume . One way to approach this conundrum is to focus on either voluntary experience or your extracurriculars.  As a high school student, you may be putting a lot of time and effort into extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to showing up and participating. These may be especially relevant if they illustrate an interest related to the job you are applying for. 

Creating a master list of your extracurricular activities is a worthwhile exercise in its own right. It can reinforce your choices of which skills and personal attributes to highlight in other resume sections. It may also clarify the type of job you want, and lead you to consider targeting your job search to a field that fits your extracurricular interests. 

Any master list — be it for skills, activities or jobs — can be useful for your own reference and convenience. It’s a visual tool that highlights what you are looking for at a glance, then makes it easy to cherry-pick the most appropriate resume samples for your current resume version.

If you are a go-getter who participates in multiple activities outside of school and work, perhaps associated with accomplishments , consider adding a separate resume section for extracurricular activities. 

These show your talents, determination, and time-management skills. This is another way to inject a little personality into your resume. 

Science Honor Society, Callaway High School, Jackson  2019 - Present  National Honors Society, Callaway High School, Jackson  2019 - Present  Participated in several volunteer activities, including:

• Built a house for Habitat for Humanity
• Collected supplies Stewpot Community Services
• Organized food drive & fundraiser for Cascades Humane Society   

Volunteer, Cascades Humane Society Jackson  Aug 2019 - Aug 2020 

• Performed various administrative and clerical tasks as needed.
• Served as a support for the entire office staff.
• Monitored & observed animals for signs of illness & reported symptoms to superiors.
• Created online pet profiles for potential adopters.
• Collected and recorded adoption fees.

Employers willing to hire inexperienced workers are looking for signs of responsibility, initiative, and desire to learn.  What you do need are soft skills, also known as interpersonal, social or people skills. Examples include communication — including listening, courtesy and ability to take direction — as well as dependability, punctuality and being well-organized. 

Of course, hard skills have a place on your resume too. these are pragmatic skills necessary or valuable for certain jobs, tools or programs or sciences. Examples for a high school student might include computer programming or child care expertise. 

With ATS likely to be scanning your high school student resume (unless you are applying to work for an individual or at a very small company, you need to know what keywords will help get your resume in the hands of hiring managers.  Respondents to a Society for Human Resource Management survey ranked these as the most important skills for entry-level employees:

• Dependability and reliability (think being at work on time or fulfilling promises) — a whopping 97% said these were a must!
• Integrity — 87%.
• Respect (towards clients and co-workers) — 84%.
• Teamwork — 83%.

You probably have all of these skills to one degree or another. So, make sure you list them on your high school student resume. 

Check out a high school student resume skills sample below.

• Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Advanced Computer System Skills

Think of it this way: your career right now is your experience as a high school student. It's probably more important than your employment history if you have any work experience at all, so treat the education section of your high school student resume as a higher priority. 

Expand on your high school "career" achievements and focuses, starting with a list of classes that are relevant to the job you seek. Looking to work with children? Highlight your early childhood education class. Here are some examples of relevant certificates: 

• Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) : If you undertook this certificate while in high school, you don't want to leave it out. It shows that you have digital media skills, which is a real asset if you are applying for jobs within the creative fields.
• Certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) : Most hiring managers will expect you to be confident using Microsoft Office. However, if you happen to have this certificate, you can show that you are a cut above the rest.
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate: Interested in a career in IT? You might find that having this Google-certified qualification gives you the gravitas you need.
• Food Safety Certification : Hospitality roles are highly popular among high school students and graduates. If you want to show that you are serious about this role, you should let the hiring manager know that you have a Food Safety Certificate.
• Language proficiency: Speaking a second language is always going to be a valuable skill. Let the hiring manager know if you can and provide details of your certificates.

Also, mention any accolades and honors, or even your grade point average (SAT/ACT/GPA Scores) if they shine. Should your scores be high, you can elevate your resume above the competition. You can also use the education section to describe projects you are proud of and how they reflect your skills.

Choose a structure that works for you! Your resume sections do not have to be in the same order as they are listed in this high school student resume sample. Put the section you think is most important and impressive first and go from there. Just remember, the summary must remain at the top. 

High Honors, Callaway High School Jackson  Aug 2019 - Present 

• Academic High Honor Roll 2015 - 2017
• Presidential Award for Academic Excellence 2016

Are you itching to show off your artistic bent here? You may be tempted to try standing out from the crowd with a strikingly colorful high school student CV design. 

But unless you are applying for a graphic design job or other position in a creative field, it's in your best interest to keep the look of your resume simple, streamlined, and polished. Strive for a first impression that's as legible and inviting to read as it is eye-catching.

Simple doesn't rule out creative choices when it comes to the layout, design, and formatting of your high school student CV.

Why use a template?

Unless you've already developed a great eye for graphic design and the computer skills to match, a resume template may be your best bet to create an eye-pleasing resume without much difficulty.

Resume.io offers four categories of resume templates, any of them suitable for a high school student to personalize for a professional and beautiful result. Start by choosing one of these style categories before drilling down to select the right layout: simple, professional, modern or creative. 

One benefit of using a resume template is that you can avoid formatting errors that make your resume look sloppy or incomplete. Using the Resume.io builder tool makes every step of creating your resume a breeze. 

Don't lose your hard work!  If you are cutting and pasting your resume into a computer program, first save it as a text file to eliminate odd formatting marks.

Personalization

As emphasized already, the rule of thumb for resume layout, design and formatting is: keep it clean and organized! Working with one of our templates and the builder tool takes away any guesswork. Yet, you still have room to make your high school student resume stylishly unique. 

Contrary to popular wisdom, Times New Roman is not the only professional-looking font that will serve you well. Try Garamond, Georgia, Helvetica, Cambria, or Calibri. 

If your resume template of choice uses a color, feel free to change it. But resist any urge to add more color. One small splash is all you need. And don't use a color other than black for your text. The rule of thumb for layouts is: keep it clean and organized!

Job market and outlook

Many high school students ask themselves, "How will I get a job without experience?" Guess what: Everybody who is now working started out in a first job without having any employment history. You have to start somewhere. A little time and research can be all it takes to find a job that adds to your skills list while putting some money in your pocket!

You have already made the decision to look for work. Now, with Resume.io's collection of tools at your fingertips, we'll walk you through everything you need in the first steps to success. It all starts with getting your foot in the door. 

More than half of young people have jobs! 

Thinking of getting a first job? You're not alone. As of July 2023, 55% of people aged between 16 and 24 had jobs. Often enough, these roles are part-time and fit around the young person's studies. Look for a flexible option that suits your schedule.

Being in demand means you have choices. Your first job probably won't be the job of your dreams, but you can target work that will lead you in the right direction for your future. This can apply in almost any type of work that high school students are typically hired to do.

About one-quarter of working teens have jobs in food preparation or service, according to BLS data. And there is plenty of room to be selective and forward-looking in this industry. Even if you end up at a fast food restaurant, you can choose which one it is. 

With a little research, you can pick a company that offers management training, flexible hours or other benefits that appeal to you. More than 10% of working high school students have jobs in these fields:

• Sales and sales support
• Office and administrative support
• Personal care and service.

This does not mean you are restricted to these industries, but they are examples of areas you're likely to be qualified for. 

Resourceful and dedicated High School student with excellent analytical skills and a demonstrated commitment to providing great customer service. Strong organizational abilities with proven successes managing multiple academic projects and volunteering events. Well-rounded and professional team player dedicated to continuing academic pursuits at a collegiate level.

Employment history

Key takeaways for a high school student resume

An effective high school student resume can make finding your first job much easier. So, what are you waiting for? Employers understand your lack of experience and instead are interested in the soft skills you are likely to have.Highlight these soft skills, along with any hard (practical) skills you have, in the summary section of your high school student resume.

It doesn't end there. You should also use keywords that automated screening software will likely scan and score for. Remember, education has been your “career” up until now, so leverage your school experience when writing this section of your resume.

Use our resume builder to browse simple resume samples, then personalize the template that speaks to you. Make sure your resume writing is error-free and looks amazing.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

• • Managed a $10,000 digital ad budget, optimizing for a 25% increase in ROI.
• • Collaborated with the content team to produce 30+ pieces of content monthly, driving a 20% increase in website traffic.
• • Conducted market research on 200+ potential clients, resulting in a 15% increase in lead generation.
• • Implemented A/B testing strategies that improved email open rates by 10%.

High School Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your teens resume should emphasize any part-time work or volunteer experience you have. Showcase responsibilities that demonstrate your commitment and work ethic. Highlight your extracurricular activities, as they reflect your ability to manage time and prioritize. These experiences can illustrate valuable transferable skills such as teamwork and leadership.

All resume examples in this guide

High School Student No Experience

Experienced High School Student

High School Student Internship

First Job High School Student

High School Student For College

High School Student For Customer Service

High School Student Office Worker

High School Student Athlete 

High School Student Music

Resume guide, what you’ll learn here, how to write a high school resume, high school resume formats, high school resume header recruiters keep their eyes on, high school resume summary looking professional, straight to the point resume objective, admirable high school resume experience that leaves positive impression, high school skills that make you look like a pro, education section in high school resume, high school certifications and courses, day of high school student’s life section, key takeaways.

By Experience

You are young, motivated and full of energy but struggle to find a job/internship?

Yes, this paradox is something common for high schoolers.

After all, you are nothing more than a lad with big dreams for the recruiters.

But don't get upset! We are here to show you the right path to success. You might have little to no experience, but your approach matters.

Grab your pencil and take notes from this 2022 guide for building a breath-taking high school resume.

• How to describe your education and specific knowledge by providing vital skills, achievements and responsibilities
• How to include your previous experience no matter what it is
• The difference between summary and objective and the steps to write them
• What other resume sections will fit the high school resume and pro tips for building them

You know that amazing feeling when the school year ends knowing that you are lying in bed doing nothing for two months?

Of course, you do! However, this is not the vibe you want to radiate!

After all, you are just a student with almost no life experience! Why do you think employers can trust you?

If you play your cards well, you have the right to be confident in yourself!

The approach when building your high school resume is crucial:

The first thing to do is to tailor it to the job description .

Such action is what separates successful from unsuccessful candidates.

You should use keywords and skills that express confidence and eagerness to achieve goals and learn.

You are a teenager, not a chief manager. You are not expected to have deep expertise but to gain knowledge.

Remember that recruiters want to know how you could contribute to their business.

You should prove to them that you could apply all you’ve learned from schools/training/courses.

Emphasize skills and strengths like communication, self-motivation and time management.

References from your tutors will be a bonus!

Do you know any foreign languages-they are the golden ticket to landing a job as a youngster!

Do not hesitate to add extraordinary talents or achievements that make you different from your peers.

Continue reading the high school resume guide and make their jaw drop when they understand you are just a high school student!

You have three main options when it comes to resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Hybrid resume

Years of experience and industry expertise are the two key factors that define your choice of a resume format:

• Reverse-chronological resumes will give an advantage to people with some experience in a specific niche.
• Functional resumes are perfect for career changers and job seekers. Nevertheless, this format isn’t popular among employers.
• Hybrid resumes are suitable for all types of professionals-beginners and seniors.

Pay attention to the style and layout! Here are some resume tips :

• Utilize the 12p resume font size
• 10’ resume margins are your optimal choice
• If you have under 10 years of experience-use one-page resume, otherwise-two-page resume
• Pay strict attention to your grammar and spelling
• Use the PDF format

Add References and Languages if you want to increase the chances of landing your first internship/job.

Top resume sections:":

• As a youngster, a coherent Education section makes you stand out
• If you have any experience, you will mesmerize recruiters
• Your summary introduces your goals and intentions for the future
• Listing crucial skills and strengths should be your priority
• References from your teachers prove you are a smart and respectful young person

What recruiters want to see:

• How will you bring value to the recruiter’s business based on your previous experience?
• How can you apply learned from school/training/courses into practice? Do you share your knowledge with others?
• What are your personality traits? How do you see yourself in the big world? What do you want to accomplish?
• Are you a self-motivated and communicative student? How do you act in intense and stressful situations? Do you like working in a team?

Your name and contacts are the first things employers see in your resume.

However, do not naively expect recruiters to remember any of them.

Therefore, you should focus on building an attention-grabbing header section .

Here are some tips to secure that you’ve done your job well:

• Write down your first and last name: make sure that they are the same as on your ID card and social profiles
• Be creative with the title: it should show your intentions for the position and your out-of-the-box thinking
• Adding your phone number and email is a must
• A web portfolio address or social media account will provide extensive information about you as a person and go-getter

Read these examples and avoid common mistakes.

2 High School Resume Header Examples

The summary is not always the “let’s boast-off” section where you put facts like: 

“Graduated from Harvard and became a Vice President at Google!”

We wish you had similar professional results, but you most likely start from zero.

You’ve got no professional accomplishments and a multibillion-dollar company behind your back.

However, the Summary section gives you the opportunity to:

• Introduce yourself as a self-motivated and ambitious youngster ready to learn
• Your intentions for the future and your personal goals
• What you’ve learned from school and our life experience so far

So, don’t lose hope and follow this advice to build a jaw-dropping summary section:

• Emphasize the knowledge you have in a specific subject
• Use quantitative data and action verbs to radiate dedication
• Mention skills that you acquired and how you could apply them in this particular position
• Include achievements and other accomplishments from authoritative institutions and people
• Add a foreign language that you can speak fluently
• Include say what you are looking for in the job you apply for

These tips are so powerful that they could sky-rocket your career.

Therefore, do not lose time and take notes from the examples below before writing your one-of-a-kind high school resume summary:

2 High School Resume Summary Examples

The following candidate made three crucial mistakes:

• The text is not tailored to the job description, and the candidate’s goals look vague
• It offers too general statements that bring no value
• Repetitiveness and starting almost every sentence with “I”

Therefore, you should research before writing your high school resume summary.

This one is way better as it follows all the tips above.

The applicant obviously did what’s expected from them:

• Offered a cohesive introduction that prove value to employers
• Outlines the student’s experience and positive personality traits

The alternative of a Summary section is a straight-to-the-point high school resume objective.

It’s brief, contains action verbs and reveals your intentions and goals.

You might include the position of the skills/strengths you want to acquire and excel.

Remember to add experience (if you have) like internships, previous summer jobs, competitions, conferences and similar events you took part in.

It’s vital to mention the exact position you are looking for and the company.

Below you can see a great example of a high school resume objective :

What is the synonym for the phrase "land a successful career"? 

The answer is a deep experience . 

So, it's simple to name it but so hard to gain it. 

Yes, even as a high school student, your expertise might play a crucial role. 

Not only jobs but internships also require some experience. 

But it's okay! 

With the right approach, you can move mountains.

Follow these steps and start building your high school Experience section:

• Try to use action verbs and quantitative data to support your statements
• Do not hesitate to mention your extraordinary achievements that made a positive impression
• Pay attention to skills you acquired and the way you applied them at work
• Give proof of work in a team and the outcomes from this collaboration
• Add duties and responsibilities that underline your self motivation, communication and organization skills

How did you utilize your communication skills and foreign languages at work?

Are your employers happy with your performance? How did you impress them? 

How did you manage to balance school and work? 

Did you work in a team, and did you make valuable relationships? 

High school resume experience examples

• • Supervised a lot of students
• • Delivered lectures to students
• • Prepared new course material
• • Fostered conversations with parents

You can try to give more detailed information about your work.

This candidate gives a bad example as they had a chaotic approach.

Recruiters do not care about what you did, but how you did it.

If you don't follow the advice and stick to mediocrity, you won't succeed.

• • Supervised 20+ 7–10-year-old students
• • Delivered 15 lectures on empathy and teamwork to 100+ students
• • Assisted in preparing the new course material for 4th-grade students
• • Fostered conversations with 10+ parents and received 98% positive feedback

Pro tip."

It's preferable to mention your age when listing your extraordinary achievements. Recruiters would love to invest in young talents like you.

Be so good they can’t ignore you.

Steve Martin, American Actor

You should list skills that you are confident you mastered. Just listing several skills won’t impress the recruiters. That’s why it’s a good idea to support and mention them in other sections of your high school resume.

You don’t have a second chance, so consider your skill choice carefully.

7 high school student soft skills:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration
• Self Motivation
• Time Management
• Fast Learning
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability

7 High school student hard skills for your resume

• Foreign Languages
• Basic Computer Skills
• Microsoft Office
• Google Drive
• Customer Service
• Public Speaking & PowerPoint Presentations

The Strengths section is an amazing opportunity to stand out from the competition.

Here you could list your talents or the skills that you excelled at.

Then, you can back them up with examples or quantitative data.

Of course, it’s crucial to focus on strengths related to the job description and focus on positive personality traits.

Take a deep breath and focus because the Education section will define the outcome of your job applications.

You can look at it as experience, as it:

• Offers proof of your self motivation and attitude toward learning and applying knowledge
• Shows your relationships with other students and feedback from your teachers
• Outlines your interests: employers will bet on candidates whose interests match the job offer

Do you get it now?

High school years are not just 5 years in which you party and drink.

It also shows your perception of the future.

So, to impress recruiters, follow these tips:

• List your favorite subjects and provide evidence for your top performance
• Mention achievements: awards or similar recognitions backed up with quantitative data
• Include extracurricular activities: competitions, conferences, and meetings you participated in. Emphasize teamwork.
• Add GPA (higher 3.6) and references from tutors  

There are countless courses to join and certifications to acquire.

However, the vital element here is to mention those that match the job description.

Otherwise, they will be useless.

Here are the most common and respected types of certifications to mention in your high school resume:

Top 4 high school student certificates:

• Foreign Language Certification
• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
• Google Certification
• First Aid Certification

Let us tell you one universal truth:

If you learn how to manage your time early in life, there is a 99% chance you will be successful.

And employers will be impressed by it.

A person who clearly understands the price of time also considers it the most vital asset.

Nevertheless, students make one crucial mistake.

They do not mention how the job/internship they apply for will fit their schedule.

Thus, employers feel uncertain whether you will give 100% attention and energy.

So, look at the example below and carefully consider what to add to the diagram.

• Focus on communication and self motivation skills: prove you are a go-getter and ready to learn
• Emphasize duties, achievements, awards and responsibilities
• Mention the skills and knowledge you acquired from school and how you apply them in real life
• Add References, Languages, Strengths and similar sections that build trust

Teens resume examples

Explore additional teens resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Teens resume?

• Resume Examples

How to Start a Resume (5+ Examples of Resume Introductions)

5 elements every cover letter outline needs, what is an unsolicited resume, resume for 10 years of experience, unlocking your career potential: the importance of personality tests in job selection, star interview questions.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

High School Resume Examples and Writing Tips

Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Cover Letters
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

What to Include in Your Resume

Tips for writing a high school resume, high school resume example.

• High School Resume Sample

More Resume Examples for Teens

Writing a resume when you're a high school student can seem daunting. How can you demonstrate your aptitude for the job when you don’t have much (or any) formal work experience?

Here's the good news: Even if you're writing your first resume, chances are that you have more work experience than you think. Experiences like babysitting, lawn mowing, and volunteering all help to show valuable work skills that employers want to see. Just because you haven’t had a job like the one you are applying for, doesn’t mean you haven’t acquired the skills necessary to succeed.

One of the best ways to get started on your resume as a high school student is to look at examples of student resumes and read tips on what to include and how to format your resume.

Informal Work Experience and Activities: If you have formal paid work experience, certainly include it. Otherwise, you can include informal work like babysitting, pet sitting, lawn mowing, shoveling snow, or anything else you've done to earn money. Even if you didn't collect a regular paycheck, informal work still displays skills and your reliability as an employee.

Since most high school students haven't held a lot of jobs, it is important to draw upon all aspects of your life that show you have the character, work ethic, skills, and personality to succeed in a job.

Mention your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, academics, and athletic pursuits.

List Leadership Roles: If you held any sort of leadership positions in these roles (such as secretary of a club or team captain), be sure to note this. For each item, include a bulleted list of your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Promote Your Attitude and Performance: Employers will be most interested in your work habits and attitude. They don't expect you to have a lot of experience. If you have perfect or near-perfect attendance and are punctual for school and other commitments, you might include language to that effect when describing an experience.

If supervisors, teachers, or coaches have recognized you for a positive attitude or outstanding service, mention it in your description of the activity.

Mention Your Achievements: Employers look for staff who have a history of making positive contributions. Review each of your experiences and ask yourself if there are achievements in class, clubs, sports, or the workplace that you can include. If so, use verbs like enhanced, reorganized, increased, improved, initiated, upgraded, or expanded to show what you accomplished. Include any challenging advanced academic projects since this shows employers that you are intelligent and a hard worker.

Make an Outline: Make a quick list or outline of all possible experiences, paid and unpaid, to include in your resume before you try to find the right language to describe them. Think of this as a brainstorming step and try to jot down as much down as you can. Your outline should include:

• Contact Information
• Summary of your qualifications
• Work experience
• Volunteering

Include Resume Skills: It's always a good idea to include skills related to the jobs for which you are applying. You probably have many skills that you can include that you acquired in school, sports, youth groups, extra-curricular activities, or volunteering.

Use Action Words: Use active language when describing your experiences, so you are portrayed in a dynamic way. Start the phrases in your descriptions with action words like organized, led, calculated, taught, served, trained, tutored, wrote, researched, inventoried, created, designed, drafted, and edited.

Keep It Short (But Include All Necessary Information). Your resume doesn't need to be any longer than a page. Some sections of the resume—such as contact information and experience—are required. But others, such as an objective or career summary, are optional.

Tell a Story. Connect your experience and skills with the qualifications for the role. For example, if you’re applying for a cashier position , but haven’t yet held a job with that exact title, emphasize your customer service skills, facility with mathematics, work ethic, and ability to work as a team. Read the job description and match your experience with their requirements.

Proofread Your Draft and Print Copies: Review your draft very carefully before finalizing your document and make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Ask your guidance counselor, parents, or a favorite teacher to critique your resume.

This is an example of a resume for a high school student. Download the high school resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

High School Resume Sample (Text Version)

Steven Student 123 Forest Street, Charleston, WV 25329 Cell: (123) 555-5555 ▪ steven.student@email.com

Qualifications

Highly focused and responsible high school student guaranteed to contribute strongly within a customer service role requiring enthusiasm, charismatic communications skills, and an exemplary work ethic.

• Communications : Convey information persuasively both orally and in writing. Facility for building positive relationships with others with humor, helpfulness, and cultural sensitivity.
• Teamwork: Able to apply lessons learned as a lettered student athlete to motivate and support all team members in assigned tasks and projects.
• Mathematics : A+ math student, with ability to use superb mental math skills to ensure accuracy in order processing, cash handling, and credit transactions.
• Technical Proficiencies : Solid command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and of social media. Swift learner, easily mastering new software systems.

George Washington High School, Charleston, WV; 3.75 GPA Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Co-Captain, Boys Swim Team; Debate Team; Math Club; Student Math Mentor

Experience Highlights

Steve’s Lawncare Services, Charleston, WV Gardener , June 2020 to Present Provide ongoing lawncare services to 25+ regular clients. Communicate with customers to schedule services and define requirements; mow, weed, and rake lawns and gardens and shovel snow.

• Built a lasting clientele through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers.

Habitat for Humanity, Charleston, WV Volunteer , June 2019 to Present Team with fellow church youth group members to contribute to Habitat for Humanity projects. Work on construction teams to erect new housing for low-income families.

• Conceptualized and coordinated fundraising Christmas bazaar that raised over $5K for organization.

Review more resume examples for teen job seekers:

• Student Resume Templates and Examples
• High School Resume Template
• Sample First Resume
• Sample First Resume - No Work
• Sample Teen Resume

Key Takeaways

No Formal Work Experience? No Problem: Emphasize informal work, like babysitting, snow shoveling, volunteering, and school programs.

Tell a Story: Review the job description and look for experience that demonstrates your fitness for the role.

Don’t Forget Attitude and Performance: If you have excellent grades, perfect attendance, or other signs of maturity and dedication, be sure to mention them in your resume.

Proofread and Edit: Make sure your final product is error-free and professional in appearance. 

• College Student Resume Example and Writing Tips
• Lifeguard Resume and Cover Letter Samples
• Resume Examples Listed by Career Level
• Special Education Teacher Resume Example
• Resume Example for Childcare / Social Services Worker
• Summer Sales Associate Resume Example
• Law School Student Resume Example and Writing Tips
• Construction Resume Examples and Writing Tips
• Marketing Analyst Resume Example and Writing Tips
• Administrative Assistant Resume Example and Writing Tips
• Resume Example for an Hourly Position
• Help Desk Support Resume Example
• Sample Resume for a Marketing and Writing Professional
• College Graduate Finance Resume Example
• Android Developer Resume Example and Writing Tips
• Social Media Manager Resume and Cover Letter Examples

10+ Free High School Resume Templates for 2024

Writing your high school resume is already hard as it is - you shouldn’t have to spend hours working on your resume layout and format.

Want to fast-track your resume-creation process?

Use one of these 10+ free high school resume templates!

All you have to do is pick a template that resonates with you and fill in the contents. Zero formatting hassle is required!

10+ Free High School Resume Templates [Pick & Download]

#1. simple resume template.

This timeless layout works for everyone - highschoolers and seasoned professionals alike. 

The understated design and clean look put equal emphasis on all parts of your resume.

#2. Professional Resume Template

The Professional template puts more emphasis on your work experience and skills. Don’t have much work experience? You can always replace it with some other relevant section like extracurricular activities or volunteering experience.

#3. College Resume Template

Created with recent graduates in mind, this template is also suitably structured for any applicant with little to no work experience. 

#4. Creative Resume Template

If you’re looking for a job in the creative industry or want to try something a bit bolder, the Creative template is right for you. It’s guaranteed to stand out in any resume pile with its light on dark header and circle style skill graphs. 

#5. Modern Resume Template

The Modern template is a step up from the more basic designs. It has an organized look featuring brackets and squares.

#6. Functional Resume Template

The Functional Resume template puts more emphasis on your educational background, making it a perfect fit for highschoolers or just about anyone with no work experience.

#7. One Color Resume Template

This template is quite simple and to-the-point. The sections are clearly separated, and the resume objective is located top and center. Bonus points: you can even personalize this high school resume template by customizing the color scheme.

#8. Two-Column Resume Template

The template has a rather unique two-column resume structure . It is easy to skim and pleasant to look at. 

It also has a very compact look, making it perfect for job-seekers with no work experience.

#9. Vertical Header Resume Template

What’s interesting about this template is the vertical layout in the header section. It looks refreshing and straight-up cool. However, it’s a hit or miss kind of situation. The recruiter will either be intrigued by it, or be bothered by having to turn the page to the side. Use at your own risk.

#10. Infographic Resume Template

Infographic resume templates in general use graphs and charts to illustrate the information. This template in particular uses bubbles to portray skills and level of competence, as well as icons to illustrate interests. This makes the resume quick to skim through and the information easy to understand. 

How Long Should a High School Resume Be?

The resume length discussion has been going on for ages and typically, the answer tends to vary depending on industry and years of experience. 

When it comes to a high school resume, however, there’s no room for discussion: your resume should be one-page max. 

It’s justifiable to have a two-page resume in case you have, say 10+ years of experience in the industry (which you don’t).

If your draft resume ends up being longer, revise your content with a critical eye and cut out anything that’s not relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Remember: the recruiter wants to know what your top skills and experiences are, not your entire life story!

What Should I Include In My High School Resume?

In your high school resume, include the following sections:

• Contact Information - This consists of personal and contact information like first and last name, phone number, e-mail address, or links to other profiles. Make sure everything is written correctly so the recruiter can reach you back.
• Resume Objective - This is a 3-4 sentence statement that describes your career goals and aspirations as well as mentions your skills and achievements. It’s used to grab the recruiter’s attention and ensure that they read the rest of your resume.
• Education - You can already guess what this one’s about, right? You should list down your education institution (high school) as well as any academic-related certifications or achievements.
• Extracurricular Activities - This is your resume’s selling point. The equivalent of work experience, if you will. Your extracurriculars are usually participation in high school clubs or various events and they show the recruiter you’re a competent and engaged individual.
• Projects & Gigs - In this section, you’d mention any independent projects you’ve worked on outside of academics. For example, a side-gig or your own blog - anything that shows you’re a self-starter.
• Work Experience (optional) - If you have any, you can list your work experiences. An internship or volunteer work also qualifies for this section.
• Languages - An extra language or two will definitely give you an edge over the other candidates. So, if you’re good at languages, make sure to list a dedicated section for that!
• Hobbies & Interests - Choose a few things that will give the recruiter some insight into your personality. Bonus points if these hobbies and interests are related to the industry where you’re applying - they’ll show you’re passionate and genuinely interested in the job.

And that’s about it!

How to Create a High School Resume With No Work Experience?

You’ve probably heard of the famous trope:

“You need work experience to get a job, but a job to get work experience.”

Fortunately, it’s not actually true.

If you’re applying for an entry-level position in any field, no one’s actually expecting you to have work experience.

Instead, you can focus on the experiences you do have to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Some things you can include in your resume are:

• Extracurricular activities
• Projects & gigs
• Hobbies & interests
• Internships

Key Takeaways

And that’s about it on high school resume templates!

If you want to know more about what to write and how to write it, check out our in-depth guide to writing a high school resume .

Before you go your way, let’s go over the main points of this article one more time:

• Always use a high school resume template instead of working on your resume from scratch - trust us, it’s going to save you a lot of time.
• Stick to the one-page resume limit. The recruiter wants to know about your work experience, not about your entire life story.
• Instead of work experience, focus on alternative sections like extracurricular activities, projects, volunteering experience, and so on.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Word Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Chronological Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.