How To Write A Resume As A High Schooler: Your Ultimate Guide to Landing That First Job

Getting your first job as a high schooler can feel like navigating a maze. One of the most crucial tools in your job-hunting arsenal is a well-crafted resume. It’s your introduction to potential employers, a snapshot of your skills and achievements, and a chance to make a positive first impression. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to write a resume as a high schooler and create a document that stands out from the crowd.

The Importance of a High School Resume: Why It Matters

You might be thinking, “I’m just a high schooler; what experience do I even have?” The truth is, you have more than you think! A resume helps employers see beyond your age and understand your potential. It allows you to showcase your skills, both hard and soft, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and work. A strong resume increases your chances of getting an interview and, ultimately, landing the job.

Crafting Your Resume: The Essential Sections

Your high school resume should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections:

1. Contact Information: Your Digital Footprint

This is the first section, and it’s critical to get it right. Include:

  • Your Full Name: Make it prominent.
  • Phone Number: Ensure it’s a reliable number where you can be reached.
  • Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address. Avoid nicknames or anything unprofessional.
  • Optional: LinkedIn Profile URL: If you have a LinkedIn profile, include the URL. This allows employers to learn more about you. (Make sure your LinkedIn profile is also professional and up-to-date!)

2. Objective (Optional): Setting Your Goal

An objective statement concisely states your career goals and the type of position you’re seeking. While not always required, it can be helpful if you are targeting a specific role. Keep it short and focused on what you can offer the employer. For example: “Seeking a part-time cashier position at [Company Name] to utilize customer service skills and contribute to a positive work environment.”

3. Education: Highlighting Your Academic Achievements

This section is crucial for high school students. Include:

  • High School Name: Include the full name of your high school.
  • Graduation Date: Or expected graduation date (month and year).
  • GPA (Optional): If your GPA is strong (3.5 or higher), include it. If not, it’s perfectly acceptable to omit it.
  • Relevant Coursework: List any courses that relate to the job you’re applying for (e.g., business classes, computer science, etc.).
  • Academic Awards and Honors: Include any awards, scholarships, or honors you’ve received.

4. Experience: Showcasing Your Skills (Even Without “Real” Jobs)

This is where you demonstrate your relevant abilities. Don’t worry if you don’t have extensive work history. You can include:

  • Volunteer Work: Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Highlight leadership roles, teamwork, and skills gained through participation in clubs, sports, or school organizations.
  • Projects: If you’ve completed any projects for school or independently, describe them and the skills you used.
  • Babysitting, Pet-Sitting, Yard Work: These are all valuable experiences that demonstrate responsibility and initiative.
  • Part-Time Jobs: List any jobs you’ve held, even if they were short-term.

For each experience, include:

  • Job Title/Role
  • Company/Organization Name
  • Dates of Employment/Participation
  • Responsibilities and Accomplishments: Use action verbs to describe your duties and the results you achieved. (See the next section for examples).

5. Skills: The Foundation of Your Resume

This is where you explicitly list your skills. Divide them into categories for clarity:

  • Technical Skills: Include any computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, social media management), software proficiency, or specific equipment you know how to use.
  • Soft Skills: These are your interpersonal and communication skills. Examples include: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, organization, leadership, customer service, and adaptability.

Pro Tip: Tailor your skills section to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Carefully read the job description and highlight the skills that the employer is looking for.

6. Awards and Achievements (Optional): Celebrate Your Successes

This section allows you to showcase any awards, honors, or accomplishments that you have achieved, both in and out of school.

Using Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Shine

One of the keys to a strong resume is using action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Action verbs make your descriptions more dynamic and engaging. Here are some examples:

  • Managed: Managed social media accounts, posting engaging content and increasing follower engagement by 15%.
  • Organized: Organized and maintained a filing system for the school library, improving efficiency by 10%.
  • Led: Led a team of five students in a fundraising project, exceeding the fundraising goal by 20%.
  • Assisted: Assisted customers with their inquiries, resolving issues and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Developed: Developed and implemented a new system for organizing club inventory, resulting in a 25% reduction in errors.
  • Created: Created marketing materials for a school event, resulting in increased attendance.
  • Volunteered: Volunteered at a local animal shelter, caring for animals and assisting with adoption events.
  • Communicated: Communicated effectively with customers, providing excellent customer service.

Resume Formatting: Making a Great First Impression

The way your resume looks is just as important as the content. Here are some formatting tips:

  • Choose a Clean and Readable Font: Use a professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
  • Use a Consistent Font Size: Keep the font size consistent throughout the document (typically 10-12 points).
  • Use White Space: Don’t overcrowd the page. Use white space to separate sections and make your resume easier to read.
  • Keep it Concise: Aim for one page. Most high school resumes shouldn’t exceed a single page.
  • Proofread Carefully: Proofread, proofread, proofread! Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Have a friend or family member review it as well.
  • Choose a Professional Template: Use a resume template to ensure a clean and organized layout. Many free templates are available online.

Tailoring Your Resume: Customizing for Each Application

Don’t just create one generic resume and send it to every job. Tailor your resume to each specific job application. This means:

  • Read the Job Description Carefully: Identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking.
  • Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences: Emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.
  • Adjust Your Objective (If Using One): Tailor your objective to reflect the specific role you’re applying for.

The Finishing Touches: Preparing for Success

Before submitting your resume, consider these final steps:

  • Save Your Resume as a PDF: This ensures that your formatting remains consistent across different devices and operating systems.
  • Write a Cover Letter (If Requested): A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself and explain why you’re a good fit for the job.
  • Practice Answering Common Interview Questions: Be prepared to discuss your skills, experiences, and why you want the job.
  • Get Feedback: Ask a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult to review your resume and offer feedback.

FAQs: Addressing Your Burning Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about writing a resume as a high schooler:

What if I have no work experience at all?

Focus on your skills, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, and any relevant projects you’ve completed. Highlight what you have done and how it demonstrates your abilities.

Should I include a picture on my resume?

No. Unless specifically requested by the employer (which is rare, and often discouraged in the US due to anti-discrimination laws), do not include a photo.

How long should my resume be?

For a high school student, your resume should ideally be one page long.

What if my GPA isn’t great?

It’s okay! You can choose to omit your GPA if you feel it doesn’t reflect your abilities. Focus on your other accomplishments and skills.

What format is best for a high school student’s resume?

The reverse-chronological format is generally recommended. This format lists your work experience and education in reverse chronological order, with the most recent information at the top. This is easy for employers to follow.

Conclusion: Your Path to Employment Begins Now

Writing a resume as a high schooler is an important step in your career journey. By following these guidelines and crafting a well-structured, skill-focused resume, you can make a strong impression on potential employers and significantly increase your chances of landing that first job. Remember to highlight your skills, tailor your resume to each job application, and proofread carefully. Good luck with your job search!