How To Write A Resume For A High School Student: Land Your First Job

Crafting a resume as a high school student might seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step towards securing your first job, internship, or even volunteer opportunity. This guide will walk you through every element needed to create a compelling resume that showcases your skills, accomplishments, and potential, even if you have limited work experience. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Purpose of a High School Student Resume

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what a resume for a high school student is actually for. Unlike seasoned professionals, you likely won’t have years of work history to draw upon. Instead, your resume should highlight your potential, demonstrating your skills, personality, and willingness to learn. It’s a marketing document designed to get you noticed and, ultimately, an interview. It tells the employer: “This is why you should hire me.”

Essential Sections of a High School Resume

A well-structured resume is key. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections you should include:

Contact Information: Making it Easy to Reach You

This is the most fundamental section. Make sure this information is accurate and professional. Include:

  • Full Name: Use your full, legal name.
  • Phone Number: Provide a reliable phone number where you can be reached.
  • Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid anything with nicknames or unprofessional language.
  • Optional: You can include a link to your LinkedIn profile, if you have one.

Objective or Summary Statement: Your Elevator Pitch

This section provides a brief overview of your career goals and what you can bring to the table. Choose either an objective or a summary statement.

  • Objective: This is a concise statement (1-2 sentences) outlining your desired job and what you hope to achieve. It’s best if you’re applying for a very specific role. Example: “Seeking a part-time cashier position at [Company Name] to utilize strong customer service skills and contribute to a positive team environment.”
  • Summary: This is a more general overview of your skills and experiences, highlighting your key strengths. It’s a good choice if you have a range of skills or are applying for multiple positions. Example: “Enthusiastic and responsible high school student with proven leadership skills, strong communication abilities, and a commitment to teamwork, seeking an opportunity to apply these skills in a challenging and rewarding role.”

Education: Showcasing Your Academic Achievements

This section is crucial for high school students. Include:

  • School Name: Your current high school.
  • Expected Graduation Date: Month and year of graduation.
  • GPA (Optional): Include your GPA if it’s strong (e.g., 3.5 or higher). If you don’t have a strong GPA, consider omitting it.
  • Relevant Coursework (Optional): List any courses that are relevant to the jobs you are applying for.
  • Honors and Awards: Include any academic achievements, such as honor roll, scholarships, or awards.

Skills: Highlighting Your Capabilities

This section is where you showcase your skills, even if you don’t have extensive work experience. Focus on both hard and soft skills.

  • Hard Skills: These are technical skills that you’ve learned. Examples include: software proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Suite), foreign language fluency, typing speed, or specific technical skills.
  • Soft Skills: These are interpersonal skills that are valuable in any workplace. Examples include: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, leadership, organization, and customer service. Tailor your skills section to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

Experience: Showcasing Your Achievements (Even Without Traditional Work)

This section is all about showcasing your experience, which doesn’t always mean paid employment.

  • Paid Work Experience: List any previous jobs, including the job title, company name, dates of employment, and responsibilities.
  • Volunteer Experience: Include any volunteer work you’ve done. This demonstrates your commitment and willingness to contribute.
  • Extracurricular Activities: List any clubs, sports, or other activities you’ve participated in. Highlight any leadership roles or significant achievements within these activities.
  • Projects: Include any school projects, personal projects, or hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills.
  • Responsibilities: Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Focus on what you did and what you achieved.

Formatting Your High School Resume for Success

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

  • Choose a Clean and Professional Font: Common options include Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use a font size of 10-12 points for readability.
  • Use Clear Headings and Subheadings: This makes it easy for the reader to scan your resume.
  • Use Bullet Points: Bullet points make your information easier to digest.
  • Keep it Concise: Aim for one page.
  • Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors are a big turnoff. Proofread your resume multiple times and ask someone else to review it as well.
  • Use a Resume Template: Many free resume templates are available online, making the formatting process easier.

Writing Action Verbs: Making Your Resume Dynamic

Action verbs are essential for making your resume more dynamic and engaging. They bring your accomplishments to life. Instead of saying “Responsible for customer service,” use “Provided excellent customer service, resolving inquiries and exceeding customer expectations.” Here are some examples of action verbs to use:

  • Managed
  • Led
  • Organized
  • Developed
  • Created
  • Implemented
  • Collaborated
  • Communicated
  • Achieved
  • Improved

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job: The Key to Landing an Interview

Never send out a generic resume. Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Modify your objective or summary statement to align with the specific requirements of the role. This shows the employer that you’ve taken the time to understand the job and are a good fit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your High School Resume

Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Including Irrelevant Information: Focus on information that is relevant to the job.
  • Using Excessive Jargon or Slang: Keep your language professional.
  • Lying or Exaggerating: Be honest about your skills and experience.
  • Poor Formatting or Presentation: Make sure your resume is easy to read and visually appealing.
  • Not Proofreading: Ensure your resume is free of errors.

Building a Strong Resume with Limited Experience: Tips and Tricks

If you have little to no work experience, focus on these strategies:

  • Emphasize Your Skills: Highlight your transferable skills (communication, teamwork, etc.) in your skills section.
  • Showcase Your Volunteer Experience: Volunteer work demonstrates responsibility and a willingness to contribute.
  • Highlight Extracurricular Activities: These activities show your interests and abilities.
  • Include Relevant Projects: Any projects you’ve completed in school or on your own can showcase your skills.
  • Focus on Your Potential: Emphasize your eagerness to learn and your strong work ethic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal length for a high school student’s resume?

One page is the ideal length. It’s unlikely you’ll have enough experience to fill more than one page. Focus on quality over quantity.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

Unless specifically requested by the employer (which is rare in the U.S.), it is generally not recommended to include a photo on your resume. It can introduce potential biases.

How do I list references on my resume?

You don’t typically include references directly on your resume. Instead, you can write “References available upon request.” Be sure to have a list of references ready to provide if the employer requests them. It’s courteous to ask your references for permission before listing them as a reference.

What if I don’t have any experience at all?

Don’t worry! Focus on your skills, education, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experience. Tailor your resume to emphasize your potential and eagerness to learn. Highlight any relevant skills you have, even if they are acquired through hobbies or school projects.

How can I make my resume stand out from the crowd?

Make your resume unique by tailoring it to each job, using strong action verbs, and quantifying your accomplishments whenever possible. Consider adding a brief “Projects” section to showcase your initiative or any creative endeavors. Proofread meticulously.

Conclusion: Your Resume is Your First Impression

Writing a resume as a high school student is a crucial step towards securing your first job. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a compelling resume that highlights your skills, achievements, and potential. Remember to focus on what you can offer, even if your experience is limited. Tailor your resume to each job, use strong action verbs, and proofread carefully. With a well-crafted resume, you’ll be well on your way to landing that interview and launching your career. Good luck!