Creating a resume as a high school student can feel overwhelming — especially if you have little to no work experience. Whether you're applying for a part-time job, summer internship, or just trying to build your college application, a strong resume can make a big difference. The key is to highlight your strengths: academic achievements, volunteer work, extracurriculars, and transferable skills.
In this post, we'll break down exactly what goes into a great high school resume and provide a full, manually written example that shows how to craft a polished, professional-looking document — even if you're just starting out.
SAMPLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RESUME
Name: Jamie Carter
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jamiecarter@email.com
City, State: Springfield, IL
Career Objective:
Motivated and reliable high school junior seeking a part-time position in customer service or retail to gain real-world experience and contribute positively to a team. Known for being dependable, friendly, and quick to learn.
Education:
Springfield High School — Springfield, IL
Expected Graduation: May 2026
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Public Speaking, Intro to Business, Computer Applications
Work Experience:
Volunteer Sales Assistant
Springfield Thrift Store – Springfield, IL
June 2024 – Present
Greeted customers, organized merchandise, and managed the cash register during weekend shifts
Assisted with pricing items and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment
Helped increase donation intake by promoting the store's mission to visitors
Extracurricular Activities:
Student Council Member
Springfield High School
2023 – Present
Collaborated on school event planning, fundraising, and student feedback initiatives
Spearheaded a campus clean-up campaign that involved 100+ students
Varsity Soccer Team
Team Member, 2022 – Present
Practiced discipline, teamwork, and leadership on and off the field
Balanced athletic and academic responsibilities successfully
Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication
Time management and multitasking
Basic Microsoft Office and Google Workspace proficiency
Comfortable interacting with diverse people and solving minor customer issues
Awards & Recognition:
Honor Roll Student, 2022–2025
Perfect Attendance Award, 2023
References:
Available upon request
PRACTICAL RESUME TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Start With a Clear Objective: If you’re new to the job market, your career objective should reflect your goals, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
Use Volunteer Work as Experience: Don’t worry about not having a job title — unpaid experiences show responsibility and initiative.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on soft skills like communication, reliability, and teamwork. Employers hiring teens value attitude over experience.
Keep It One Page: As a student, your resume should be concise but packed with relevant details.
Tailor Each Resume: Adjust your resume slightly for each application to match the role’s requirements.
FAQ: EXAMPLE RESUMES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
1. What should a high school student put on a resume with no experience?
Focus on education, volunteer work, extracurriculars, awards, and soft skills. Every bit of responsibility — even babysitting — counts.
2. How long should a high school resume be?
One page is ideal. Keep it focused, readable, and easy to scan.
3. Can I include hobbies on my resume?
Yes — especially if they relate to teamwork, leadership, or creativity. Just keep them brief and relevant.
4. Do I need a cover letter with my resume?
While not always required, a brief cover letter can help you stand out by showing personality and interest in the role.
This guide on example resumes for high school students is designed to help you build a solid foundation for your job search or college prep. Every experience counts — it’s all about how you present it.
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