How To Write A Resume For A Teenager: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a resume can feel daunting, especially for teenagers. They often think they don’t have enough experience to fill even a single page. However, even with limited work history, a well-crafted resume can showcase a teenager’s skills, abilities, and potential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to help a teenager create a compelling resume that gets noticed.

1. Understanding the Purpose of a Teenager’s Resume

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the goal of a teenager’s resume: to demonstrate value. While the focus might differ from an experienced professional’s resume, the core principle remains the same: to convince a potential employer that the applicant is a good fit for the role. This means highlighting transferable skills, demonstrating a willingness to learn, and showcasing any relevant experience, even if it’s not traditional work experience.

2. Gathering the Right Information: What Belongs on a Teen Resume?

The content of a teenager’s resume will be different from an adult’s. The key is to be creative and think outside the box. Consider including the following sections:

2.1 Contact Information: Keeping it Professional

This section is straightforward but crucial. Include the teen’s:

• Full Name: Use a professional format.
• Phone Number: Ensure the voicemail is set up professionally.
• Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid using nicknames or overly casual addresses.
• Optional: LinkedIn Profile URL: If the teenager has a LinkedIn profile (even a basic one), include the link.

2.2 Objective or Summary: Setting the Stage

While an objective statement is becoming less common, it can still be helpful for teenagers. It should concisely state the job the teen is seeking and what they hope to contribute. Alternatively, a brief summary highlighting key skills and aspirations is also an excellent option. Keep it brief and tailored to the specific jobs being applied for.

2.3 Education: Highlighting Academic Achievements

Include the teenager’s school name, expected graduation date, and GPA (if it’s strong and they’re comfortable sharing it). Consider adding:

• Relevant Coursework: Mention any classes that relate to the job.
• Academic Awards or Honors: Showcase any academic recognition.
• Extracurricular Activities: These demonstrate skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management.

2.4 Work Experience: Even Without a “Job”

This is where creativity comes in. Even if the teenager hasn’t held a formal job, they likely have valuable experiences:

• Volunteer Work: Include any volunteer positions, detailing responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Babysitting/Pet Sitting: These are real jobs! Detail the responsibilities, such as managing schedules, providing care, and handling money.
• Yard Work/Chore Services: Mention any lawn mowing, snow shoveling, or other services provided for neighbors or family.
• Family Responsibilities: Did the teenager take care of younger siblings? Managed household tasks? These demonstrate responsibility and initiative.

2.5 Skills: Showcasing Abilities

This section is crucial. List a variety of skills, including:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.), social media management, or specific tools.
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, organization, and customer service.
• Language Skills: If the teenager is fluent in multiple languages, list them here.

2.6 Awards and Achievements: Recognizing Accomplishments

This section provides an opportunity to showcase any awards, honors, or recognitions the teenager has received, whether in school, extracurricular activities, or the community.

3. Formatting Your Teen Resume: Making it Look Professional

A well-formatted resume is essential. Here are some formatting tips:

3.1 Choosing a Template: Selecting the Right Design

Use a clean and simple resume template. Avoid overly elaborate designs that distract from the content. Free templates are readily available online through sites like Canva, Google Docs, and Microsoft Word.

3.2 Font and Formatting: Ensuring Readability

• Font: Use a professional and easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Font Size: Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the body text.
• Margins: Use standard margins (1 inch on all sides).
• White Space: Use white space to make the resume visually appealing and easy to read.
• Bullet Points: Use bullet points to highlight key information and make it easy to scan.

4. Crafting Compelling Bullet Points: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Instead of simply listing responsibilities, use action verbs and quantify accomplishments whenever possible. For example:

• Instead of: “Responsible for babysitting children.”
• Try: “Provided attentive care for two children, organizing engaging activities and ensuring their safety, resulting in positive feedback from parents.”

5. Customizing Your Resume: Tailoring it to the Job

Never send the same resume for every job application. Tailor your resume to each specific job by:

• Reading the Job Description Carefully: Identify the key skills and requirements the employer is looking for.
• Highlighting Relevant Skills: Emphasize the skills and experiences that match the job description.
• Adjusting the Objective/Summary: Customize your objective or summary to reflect the specific job and your interest in the position.

6. The Importance of Proofreading: Accuracy Matters

Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully. Check for:

• Spelling Errors: Use a spell checker, but also proofread manually, as spell checkers can miss errors.
• Grammatical Errors: Ensure your grammar is correct.
• Formatting Errors: Double-check the formatting to ensure it’s consistent.
• Ask someone else to proofread it: Another set of eyes can catch errors you might have missed.

7. Creating a Cover Letter: Adding a Personal Touch

A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you’re a good fit for the job. It should:

• Express Your Interest: State clearly which job you are applying for.
• Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience: Connect your skills and experience to the job requirements.
• Show Enthusiasm: Demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the company.
• Keep it Concise: Cover letters should be brief and to the point.

8. Building a Portfolio (Optional): Showcasing Your Work

If the teenager has creative work to showcase (e.g., writing samples, design projects, artwork), consider creating a portfolio (online or physical). This can be especially helpful for jobs in creative fields.

9. Practice Interview Skills: Preparing for Success

Once a resume is submitted, the next step is often an interview. Help the teenager prepare by:

• Researching Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers to common interview questions.
• Practicing Interview Skills: Practice answering questions out loud.
• Dressing Professionally: Encourage the teenager to dress neatly and professionally for the interview.
• Asking Questions: Advise the teenager to prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

10. Leveraging Online Resources: Tools and Websites

Numerous online resources can assist with resume writing:

• Resume Builders: Use online resume builders to create a professional resume quickly.
• Sample Resumes: Review sample resumes for teenagers to get ideas and inspiration.
• Career Websites: Explore career websites for tips, advice, and job postings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my teenager has no work experience?

That’s perfectly fine! Focus on highlighting volunteer work, extracurricular activities, family responsibilities, and any relevant skills. Emphasize what the teenager can do, even if it’s not traditional employment. Focus on transferable skills.

Should my teenager include a photo on their resume?

Generally, it’s best to omit a photo unless specifically requested by the employer. In many countries, it’s illegal for employers to discriminate based on appearance, so including a photo could inadvertently create legal issues.

Is it okay for a teenager to exaggerate on their resume?

Absolutely not. Honesty is crucial. Exaggerating or lying on a resume can lead to serious consequences, including being fired. Focus on presenting the teenager’s skills and experience accurately and honestly.

How long should a teenager’s resume be?

Ideally, a teenager’s resume should be one page long. It’s not necessary to fill a second page. Keep it concise and focused on the most relevant information.

What is a good way to follow up after submitting a resume?

If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, it’s appropriate to send a brief follow-up email. Express your continued interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications. Keep it polite and professional.

Conclusion

Writing a resume for a teenager doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on transferable skills, highlighting relevant experiences, and presenting information in a clear and concise format, you can help a teenager create a resume that makes a positive impression. Remember to customize the resume for each job application, proofread carefully, and practice interview skills. With a well-crafted resume, a teenager can confidently showcase their abilities and take the first step toward landing their first job.