Writing a resume as a high school student can feel like a big task. I know that starting out with little or no work experience can make the idea seem overwhelming, but a resume is more than just a list of jobs.
It is a tool that shows your achievements, skills, and potential to teachers, employers, or college admissions teams. A good resume can be your ticket to internships, part-time work, and even college opportunities.
In this post, I’ll share my tips and tricks for creating a resume that truly represents who you are and what you can offer.
Why Your Resume Matters
You might wonder why you need a resume at this point in your life. A resume isn’t just for adults with long work histories—it’s a way to show off your skills, school projects, volunteer work, and other experiences that make you unique.
It gives you a chance to tell your story, even if you don’t have years of professional experience. By starting to build your resume now, you are practicing how to present yourself professionally, which is a skill that will help you throughout your life.
For example, a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that early preparation for future job searches can increase your chances of success when you finally enter the job market. Taking the time to craft a solid resume in high school can set you apart when applying for internships, part-time positions, or even college scholarships.
What to Include on Your Resume
When you start your resume, think of it as a snapshot of your life so far. Here are some sections you might include:
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Contact Information: At the very top, add your full name, phone number, email address, and if you have one, your LinkedIn profile or personal website.
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Objective or Summary: Write a short statement that outlines your goals and what you bring to the table. Keep it clear and direct.
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Education: List your high school, any honors or awards, and your expected graduation date. If you have a good GPA or relevant coursework, consider adding that here.
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Experience: Even if you haven’t held a formal job, include volunteer work, internships, or leadership roles in school clubs and sports. Explain your responsibilities and any accomplishments.
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Skills: Highlight both hard skills (like computer skills or foreign languages) and soft skills (like communication or teamwork).
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Extracurricular Activities: List clubs, sports, or organizations you are part of. This shows you have interests and skills beyond the classroom.
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Awards and Honors: Mention any recognition you’ve received. This could be academic, athletic, or community-based awards.
How Do I Build My Resume?
1. Start with a Template
Using a resume template can simplify the process. There are many free templates online. For example, Indeed offers a range of samples that are easy to customize. Templates help you keep your resume organized and ensure that you include all the important sections.
2. Write a Clear Objective
Begin with a brief statement that explains your career or educational goals. Even a simple line like, “Hardworking high school student seeking opportunities to develop skills in customer service and teamwork,” can work well.
3. List Your Education
This section should include:
- Your high school name and location
- Expected graduation date
- Any special programs or honours you’ve received (like Honor Roll or National Honor Society)
4. Detail Your Experiences
Even if you haven’t had a formal job, you likely have experiences that demonstrate responsibility and skills. Include:
- Volunteer work: Explain your role and any impact you made.
- School projects: Describe any group projects or significant assignments.
- Extracurricular activities: Mention leadership roles or important contributions to clubs or sports.
5. Highlight Your Skills
Include a mix of technical and personal skills. For example:
- Computer skills (like proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace)
- Languages you speak
- Communication and teamwork skills
6. Add Additional Sections
If applicable, consider adding sections for:
- Certifications: Any extra courses or certifications, like CPR training or online courses from platforms like Coursera.
- Interests: List hobbies that show your personality, such as creative arts, coding, or community service.
7. Proofread and Edit
After putting everything together, review your resume carefully. Look for any spelling or grammar mistakes and ask a teacher, family member, or friend to take a look. A fresh pair of eyes can help spot errors you might have missed.
Tips and Tricks for a Standout Resume
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Be Concise: Keep your resume to one page. Use clear, straightforward language.
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Use Action Words: Start bullet points with strong action verbs like “organized,” “led,” or “developed.” This makes your contributions clear and dynamic.
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Focus on Impact: Instead of just listing duties, explain how your actions made a difference. For instance, instead of saying “volunteered at the local shelter,” you might say “helped organize food drives that collected over 500 items.”
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Tailor Your Resume: If you’re applying for a specific job or opportunity, adjust your resume to highlight the most relevant experiences and skills.
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Keep It Updated: As you gain new experiences, add them to your resume. This way, you’ll always have an up-to-date record of your accomplishments.
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Stay Simple: Avoid over-complicating your resume with fancy fonts or too many colors. A clean, professional look is best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Typos and Grammatical Errors: Mistakes can give a poor impression. Take your time to proofread.
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Too Much Information: Stick to relevant experiences. Don’t include every small detail from your school life.
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Overuse of Jargon: Use simple language that anyone reading your resume can understand.
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Neglecting Layout: Make sure the resume is easy to scan. Use bullet points and clear headings.
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Forgetting Contact Information: This might seem basic, but it’s essential. Make sure your contact details are correct and current.
FAQs
How long should my resume be as a high school student?
Aim for one page. Keep it concise and focus on the most important details.
What if I don’t have any work experience?
Include volunteer work, school projects, extracurricular activities, and any responsibilities you have taken on. Employers and colleges understand that high school students are still building their experience.
Should I include a photo on my resume?
Generally, no. A resume should be professional, and including a photo might distract from the information. Save photos for social media profiles or portfolios if needed.
How can I make my resume look more professional?
Use a simple layout, clear fonts, and avoid too many colors or graphics. Consistency in formatting goes a long way.
Do I need to include references?
It’s not necessary to list references on your resume. You can simply state “References available upon request.”
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for more guidance or examples, here are a few resources that have helped me:
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Indeed’s Resume Samples for High School Students: A collection of examples that show you what works well. Check it out here.
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The Balance Careers: Offers advice on resume writing along with examples tailored for various experience levels. Visit their site.
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Monster’s Resume Writing Guide: Contains tips and real-life examples to help you build your resume. Learn more.
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Local Career Centers or School Counselors: Don’t forget that people around you, like your school counsellor or local job centre, can offer personalized help.
Conclusion
Building your resume as a high school student is a learning process that sets the stage for future success. It allows you to think about your achievements and the skills you want to grow.
Taking the time now to create a well-organized resume can make applying for jobs, internships, or colleges much easier down the line. I hope the tips in this guide help you feel more confident about putting your story on paper.
How will you put together your unique experiences to create a resume that truly stands out as you step into your future?
Just Before You go
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