high school resume examples

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15 Impressive Resume Examples for High School Students

Put your best foot forward.

Many professionals struggle to write a strong resume, even after years in the workforce. It’s not surprising, therefore, that it’s even harder for those with limited work experience. That’s why we put together this list of resume examples for high school students. They need it!

According to a Pew Research Center analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics , teens are experiencing the highest employment rate since 2008. In May 2022, 5.5 million U.S. teens ages 16 to 19 held jobs, and by summer 2023, analysts predict “that the share of 16- to 19-year-olds working this season will rise to 33.6 percent, from 32.7 percent last year.” Use these templates, which are perfect for students applying f or jobs, college admissions, or scholarships, to edge out the competition!

What To Include on High School Students’ Resumes

When you don’t have years of work experience to showcase, what should you include on your resume? Here are some ways to put your best foot forward.

• Highlight academic strengths.
• Mention extracurricular activities including clubs, sports, and volunteerism.
• List any honors, awards, or other achievements.
• Emphasize leadership experience.
• Share projects or gigs, including any internships.
• Include a “Skills” section and list computer skills, soft skills, or language skills.
• If your hobbies and/or interests are relevant to a job, include those as well. 

Resume Examples for High School Students

High school student resume templates and examples.

These helpful resume templates and examples are perfect for high school students trying to land their first job or internship. This resource shares tips on how to make a great impression. 

Resume with no experience: first job examples

Trying to land a job with no work experience? No problem! This template offers an ideal resume for high school student applicants who are entering the workforce for the first time.  

Resume for a part-time job

For students looking for a part-time job, their high school resume needs to reflect their availability. This sample offers guidance for creating a resume that sends the right message. 

Experienced high school student resume

Multiple work experience examples should be listed on an experienced high school student resume, so you might need to change the layout to make everything fit nicely.

McDonald’s resume

While this resume specifically highlights McDonald’s, it could easily be modified for any fast-food chain. The important thing is that students’ work history includes customer service and interpersonal skills and the ability to take orders, prepare food, accept payments, keep a restaurant clean, and more. 

Customer service resume

Hiring supervisors are aware of and anticipate the fact that you may not have much work experience as a high school student, but this template will help tailor your resume to the demands specified in the customer service job description.

Camp counselor resume

If you’ve ever worked as a camp counselor (or similar leadership role), you likely have a well-rounded set of skills. This resource provides tips and examples of how to list your achievements and abilities in a way to stand out above the competition. 

High school student sales resume

Writing a high school student sales resume can be challenging, especially if you have little professional experience. One solid strategy is having numbers on your side. This great template will help you get started!

Athlete resume

Depending on the student, athletics can make up a huge part of their high school experience. Should athletics be mentioned on a resume? If it’s relevant to the job or if a student was a stand-out athlete, gained leadership skills, or was recognized for their great attitude and/or outstanding abilities, this guide will show you how to include it.

High school graduate resume

Once students graduate, they’ll either be continuing their education or heading into the workforce (or both!). This great, straightforward high school resume is perfect when applying for their first real job. 

College resume for high school students

The future is bright, which is why high school students need to focus on creating a college admissions resume that will really make an impression. These tips and samples offer clear guidance on how to make a college application truly shine. 

High school student office worker resume

It’s alright if a high school office worker resume isn’t packed with noteworthy achievements. Instead, list any project that highlights your leadership qualities or relevant skills you’ve acquired along the way!

Scholarship resume

You already know that college tuition is expensive. There are plenty of scholarships out there, but the competition is fierce. This high school resume template focuses on academic achievements while highlighting skills, professional experience, and career objectives to help students stand out from the crowd. 

High school student music resume

Of course you want to highlight any musical work you’ve done, whether it’s in school or professionally. Also highlight lessons, achievements, and interests that showcase your love and passion for music. This template will give you a good idea of where to begin!

Internship resume

It can be tough to find a decent internship as a college student, which is why high school students should start looking before they graduate. These types of jobs might not come with a paycheck, but the rewards are immeasurable in terms of experience. This template offers tips for writing a strong resume for an internship position. 

Do you have more great resume examples for high school students? Share them in the comments below.

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High School Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Registered Nurse Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

How to write a high school resume, how to pick the best high school student resume template, frequently asked questions: high school student resume examples and advice.

• Downloadable Examples

As a high school student, this is likely your first time building a resume. With little or no formal work experience, the writing process can be extremely challenging. That said, there are many ways to create an impactful resume that stands out to potential employers even when pursuing your first job.

The key is to find other ways to demonstrate your compelling skills and personal strengths, such as featuring academic projects, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips and insights to help you create a high school student resume that stands out to potential employers.

Key takeaways:

• Emphasize your skills: Present your personal strengths and competencies, such as customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Highlight academic projects and extracurricular activities: Showcase your academic achievements, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities to potential employers to demonstrate your work ethic and character traits. 
• Incorporate keywords for the ATS: Achieve compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS) by mixing in relevant keywords from the job description.
• High school student
• High School Student
• High school student with first job

1. Select a suitable layout and design for your high school student resume

The first step in writing a great high school resume is finding a template that organizes and presents your content effectively. Opt for an elegant, clean layout that makes it easy for the hiring manager to navigate your skills and qualifications. Be aware that you may need to make strategic adjustments, such as replacing professional experience with a volunteerism or academic project section.

2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your high school student qualifications

Lead your high school student resume with a summary that provides a concise overview of who you are and what you bring to the table. Start with a strong opening sentence that captures three of your most valuable skill sets and personal traits. For instance, you could highlight interpersonal, organizational, or even technical skills.

In the remaining sentences, feature something notable you’ve achieved during your high school career. You might emphasize a particularly challenging academic project, an athletic achievement, or a volunteer event you helped organize. While these may not be explicitly relevant to the role you’re targeting, they can help give the hiring manager a better sense of what your strengths are.

Strong summary example for a high school student

A motivated high school student with a strong history of academic success, specializing in communication, creative solution-seeking, and team collaboration. A proven track record of coordinating with the school librarian as a volunteer to support students and daily library operations.

Weak summary example for a high school student

A high school student who consistently receives high grades and positive feedback from teachers for academic work. Looking for a part-time opportunity with your store to gain valuable customer service skills and experience.

3. Incorporate a results-focused professional experience section for your high school resume

This section of the resume can be especially daunting for high school students entering the workforce for the first time. Without professional experience to draw from, how can you show employers that you have what it takes to succeed in the position? In this situation, take time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished thus far in your high school career.

Have you sustained a consistently high GPA? This speaks to your work ethic and detail-oriented nature. Are you a member of an academic club or sports team? This shows you can commit yourself to your endeavors. If you have participated in any volunteer initiatives, this illustrates your personal character and interpersonal skills. As you build your resume, focus on your qualifications rather than worrying about the experience you currently lack.

Strong experience example for a high school student

Cashier | Subway Restaurant | Los Angeles, CA | June 2023 – August 2024

• Delivered outstanding service to customers, assisted patrons with menu selections, provided recommendations and knowledge on ingredients, and ensured accurate order entry 
• Managed and processed cash transactions and balanced the register at the end of each shift with a 100% accuracy rate
• Organized the food preparation area, stocked inventory, and maintained compliance with sanitation protocols and cleanliness standards

Weak experience example for a high school student

• Provided customer service to patrons, answered various questions, and put orders into the computer system 
• Took orders and returned exact change to customers at all times 
• Made sure the food preparation was clean and ready for use

4. List your education and academic awards

As a high school student, you won’t have any degrees or industry certifications to display. Instead, use this section to exhibit any notable academic insights that might draw the hiring manager’s interest, such as your GPA or awards. You could also feature coursework, especially if it lends itself to the job role. For instance, demonstrating an Excel class you completed shows your technical acumen, whereas an English course can show that you’re creative and analytical.

Education example for a high school student

Lincoln High School Chicago, IL | Expected Graduation: June 2024

• Relevant Coursework: English, Algebra II, Biology, History

5. Highlight your top skills and personal strengths as a high school student

When applying for your first job, it’s acceptable to not possess every skill listed in the posting. The goal of a high school student resume is to present the knowledge and strengths you’ve cultivated thus far. Whereas a seasoned professional should avoid terms such as problem-solving and attention to detail, it’s appropriate to list these types of skills at the entry level. Below are skill sets and personal attributes you can feature on your resume:

Resume.org offers free, HR-approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes.

Choosing the right resume template for your data analyst role is a crucial step in your job application process. The template you select should reflect your professional style and focus on your analytical skills and technical qualifications in a clear, organized manner. A well-chosen template ensures your most important skills and experiences, such as your ability to analyze data, use relevant tools, and generate insights, are easy to spot. This increases the likelihood that hiring managers will give your resume the attention it deserves.

Emily Parker (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Chicago, IL

• Organizational skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Communication
• Team collaboration
• Creative solution-seeking

Professional Experience

Library Assistant (Volunteer) Lincoln High School Library | Chicago, IL | September 2022 – present

• Supported the head librarian in organizing and cataloging over 1,000 books, improving accessibility for students
• Aided students in locating resources, logging into library computers and laptops, and registering books during the check-out and return process

Lily Martinez (555) 789-4567 | [email protected] | San Diego, CA

A dedicated high school student seeking an entry-level position with a focus on customer service and team collaboration. A strong communicator with excellent organizational skills, ready to contribute to a positive work environment while developing new skills.

• Customer service
• Problem-solving
• Time management

Team Member (Volunteer) Café on the Hill | San Diego, CA | June 2023 to August 2023

• Greeted and assisted customers with menu choices and ensured prompt service during peak hours
• Cleaned and organized the dining area, helping to maintain a welcoming environment
• Supported team members by restocking supplies and handling basic food preparation tasks

Westview High School San Diego, CA | Expected Graduation: June 2025 GPA: 3.6 Relevant Coursework: English, Algebra I, Computer Science

James Lee (555) 789-0123 | [email protected] | Los Angeles, CA

A dynamic high school student and cashier with one year of experience, specializing in customer service, communication, and cash handling. A proven track record of interfacing with diverse customers and collaborating with team members to maximize customer satisfaction.

Cashier with one year of experience, specializing in customer service, communication, and cash handling. Skilled in interacting effectively with diverse customers and collaborating with team members, resulting in consistently high customer satisfaction and smooth store operations.

Cashier Subway Restaurant | Los Angeles, CA | June 2023 – August 2024

• Delivered outstanding service to customers, assisted patrons with menu selections, provided recommendations and knowledge on ingredients, and ensured accurate order entry
• Cash handling
• Adaptability

West High School Los Angeles, CA | Expected Graduation: June 2025

• Relevant Coursework: Business, Math, Computer Applications

What are common action verbs for high school student resumes?

Incorporating action verbs into your high school student resume is a great way to add a unique and engaging element to your writing. This allows the hiring manager to better visualize your academic, extracurricular, and community service achievements. We’ve put together a list of action verbs you can use to craft your bullet points:

How do you align your high school student resume with a job posting?

Tailoring your high school student resume to the job description can give you an edge, as it shows that you’ve refined your application. As you begin writing your document, pay attention to what skill sets and traits the company is looking for.

For example, let’s say the company is seeking a candidate who has strong customer service skills. While you may not have hands-on experience in this type of role, you can make yourself a stronger match for the position by featuring your communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

What is the best high school student resume format?

A combination format is generally best suited for a high school student resume. This allows you to compensate for a lack of professional experience by highlighting your skills, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities. If you’ve already held an entry-level position, such as a cashier or retail job, you can consider a reverse chronological format.

Career Coach

Irina Pichura, founder of Resumeology, is a renowned career coach with over 10 years of recruiting experience at Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs and ADP, as well as startups such as Investopedia. With a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City, Irina offers a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.

Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.

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