Landing your first job as a high school student can feel overwhelming. Whether you're applying for a part-time position at a retail store, a summer internship, or a volunteer role, your resume needs to make a solid first impression. The resume objective is a great place to start—it sits right at the top of your resume and gives employers a quick idea of who you are and what you’re aiming for.
In this guide, we’ll walk through resume objective examples for highschool students, show you how to write your own, and provide a complete sample resume tailored to this stage in your career.
WHY THE OBJECTIVE MATTERS ON A HIGH SCHOOL RESUME
As a high school student, you may not have years of work experience, but you do have enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and personal strengths. A resume objective lets you put those qualities front and center. It communicates your goals and what you can offer the employer—even if you’re just starting out.
Employers hiring high school students look for basic skills like communication, punctuality, customer service, and reliability. They also value school involvement, leadership in clubs, and community service. Your objective should hint at those strengths in a short and meaningful way.
REALISTIC RESUME SAMPLE FOR A HIGHSCHOOL STUDENT (WITH OBJECTIVE)
Name: Jordan Taylor
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jordan.taylor@email.com
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Objective
Motivated and responsible high school junior seeking a part-time retail associate position to gain real-world experience and contribute strong communication skills and a team-focused attitude. Eager to learn and deliver excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment.
Education
Westview High School — Los Angeles, CA
Expected Graduation: June 2026
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Business Essentials, Public Speaking, Intro to Marketing
Experience
Volunteer Assistant, Westview Library
Los Angeles, CA — Sept 2024–Present
Assisted with organizing and shelving books, improving categorization efficiency by 15%
Helped patrons locate resources and answered basic questions in a friendly and professional manner
Participated in weekly team meetings to improve service delivery
Club Treasurer, Student Environmental Club
Westview High School — Aug 2023–May 2024
Managed club budget and tracked monthly expenses
Organized a successful fundraising drive that raised $600 for local clean-up projects
Skills
Excellent verbal communication
Dependable and punctual
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Comfortable handling money and working with customers
Extracurricular Activities
Soccer Team (2023–Present)
Debate Club (2022–Present)
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING A RESUME OBJECTIVE AS A HIGHSCHOOL STUDENT
Keep it short but impactful. Aim for 1–2 sentences that highlight your goal and what you bring to the table.
Tailor it to the job. Mention the job title or type of work you’re applying for.
Highlight soft skills. Focus on transferable traits like teamwork, motivation, communication, or attention to detail.
Show enthusiasm. Employers want to see you're excited to learn and grow.
Examples:
“Hardworking and friendly student looking for a part-time cashier role where I can apply my organizational skills and positive attitude to support daily operations.”
“Energetic 12th-grade student with a passion for customer service and experience in school leadership roles, seeking a position as a barista to develop professional skills.”
FAQ: RESUME OBJECTIVE EXAMPLES FOR HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS
1. What should a high school student include in a resume objective?
Focus on your career goal, the role you’re applying for, and key soft skills you offer. Even if you don’t have formal job experience, highlight personal traits, school involvement, or volunteer work.
2. Can I write a resume objective without any job experience?
Yes. Emphasize your willingness to learn, your enthusiasm, and transferable skills like teamwork, time management, or communication.
3. How long should my resume objective be?
Keep it concise—1 to 2 sentences is perfect. You want it to be easy to read while making a strong impression.
4. Should I write a new objective for each job?
Absolutely. Tailoring your objective for each role shows the employer that you understand their needs and are genuinely interested in the position.
With the right resume objective, even high school students with little to no work experience can stand out. Use the tips and examples in this guide to confidently start your job search journey.
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