how to write a high school job resume

Build my resume

• Resume builder
• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

16 High School Student Resume Examples Created for 2024

High School Student Resume

• High School Student Resumes by Experience
• High School Student Resumes by Role

High school is one of the best times of your life, but it can also be one of the most difficult when looking for your first or second job. You’ve got to fill out applications, prep for interviews, and write your resume.

Using ChatGPT for resumes  is a cool idea, but can still feel daunting and overwhelming. We’ve all been there, and up until now, there hasn’t been a good resource for high schoolers to help  craft compelling resumes or student cover letters .

We’ve analyzed countless high school resumes to discover  what would get students job interviews in 2024 . While you may want to start with a simple  resume outline , keep reading to find 16 high school resume samples (plus writing tips) that are jam-packed with essential techniques and tricks.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you choose to use a template, make sure you adjust the  resume’s formatting  so that your text is big enough to read with one-inch margins on the side.
• However, you should write your bullet points like you would for a job. Highlight any responsibilities and accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for now.
• For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales, emphasize your ability to work in groups and create a good customer experience.

High School Student No Experience Resume

• If you don’t have work history, include projects and volunteer work instead. Treat them like a job and write bullet points according to your responsibilities.
• Make sure you start every bullet point with active verbs, and always double-check for typos. You’ve got this!
• Include your unique skills, your desired position, and the company you hope to work for to make your objective stand out from the rest!

First Job High School Student Resume

• To remedy that problem, add a  skills section on your resume  to give hiring managers an important overview of your strengths.
• To really highlight your abilities, incorporate the same skills in your work experience, too. Demonstrate how you used your skills to better your workplace, and you can’t go wrong!
• Adding stylistic elements like color and different fonts can help you show a bit of your personality (and make your resume more fun to read). 

Experienced High School Student Resume

• Remember, your resume is a highlight reel, so you need to include what’s most important (like your achievements and relevant metrics). 
• You can adjust your layout, font sizes, and margins, but keep it easy to read. 
• Use a bit of color and some fun fonts, provided it still looks professional. You’ve got this!

High School Senior Resume

• This statement must align with the potential employer’s needs, proving you understand the job requirements and have gone the extra mile to address doubts about your capabilities. As for experiences that might have prepared you for the job, workshops and volunteering programs you’ve participated in are prominent candidates.

Out of High School Resume

• Leisure activities range from soccer, hiking, drawing and sketching, robotics, and photography to journalism. But how do they fit in the picture? Well, a penchant for drawing and sketching could reflect creativity and an eye for detail, while journalism stints could hint at strong communication and critical thinking.

High School Graduate Resume

• Right from the first line of the career objective, you can see the candidate’s passion and willingness to work in this field. Notice how Serai’s love for photography is clearly backed by a previous project for a school newspaper.
• These details will be perfect when Serai’s ready for the AI cover letter generator to bring her application to perfection.

High School Student Scholarship Resume

• Your high school student scholarship resume should vividly show your positive contributions to noble causes, such as offering ADLs to seniors, and emphasize your impact on society.

High School Student College Application Resume

• Ensure your high school student college application resume shows your practical and classwork achievements that emphasize your grand vision to make a positive contribution to society.

High School Student for College Resume

• Before hitting “submit,” always  check your resume  for typos and other minor errors. It’s amazing what you can miss during your first few reviews.
• A good GPA can demonstrate, at least in part, your willingness to work hard. We’d recommend including your GPA only if it’s above 3.5, but anything above a 3 is a good average.

High School Student for Customer Service Resume

• Including projects, volunteer work, or club memberships is a great way to add value to your resume.
• Your resume should focus on your abilities and other activities you’ve engaged in that will show your value.
• Read the responsibilities and qualifications to look for key skills and tasks. Then, incorporate some of those skills and responsibilities into your high school student customer service resume.

High School Student Internship Resume

• For example, if the job description lists responsibilities like writing and analyzing data, include “written communication” and “data analysis” in your skills section.
• One easy way to customize your resume is by focusing your  resume skills  on things that apply to the internship. 
• Make sure you keep your resume professional and to the point. You don’t want to include anything too personal about your beliefs, religion, politics, or personal information.
• For example, you can list “volunteering at local church,” but avoid saying “fasting every weekend.” It doesn’t show off relevant skills and is a bit too forward for a resume.

High School Student Office Worker Resume

• Good projects include anything that demonstrates your leadership abilities or desire for knowledge. Senior projects, personal blogs, or even being on a sports team are all good examples to include!
• Add work experience directly under your contact information and name, then add any relevant projects if you’re low on space. 
• While there are plenty of  resume writing tips , your resume should be as unique as you. Don’t get so caught up in what you think you “should” do that your resume is bland and cookie-cutter. 

High School Student Sales Resume

• Numbers demonstrate your value, and they’re useful tools for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that hiring managers use to sort through job applicants.
• Trust us, and incorporate metrics into at least 80% of your bullet points!
• For example, you know that different  resume templates  can change your resume’s appearance, but different templates can also stretch or streamline your content. 
• Mess with multiple templates to see what your content will look like—you may find a template that allows for more room, or one that allows you to highlight your skills better.

High School Student Athlete  Resume

• Think of a time you proved you were the MVP on your team—Did you lead your team to a championship? Perhaps you made the game-winning shot in a crucial, nail-biting game?

High School Student Music Resume

• When you include hobbies like songwriting or your interest in classical music in your high school student music resume , it conveys to your recruiter that you’re super dedicated and passionate about your craft.
• You can also include hobbies that are different, too. For example, if you enjoy experimenting with new recipes from around the world, that can show you’re ready to give new genres a whirl or that you understand that music—while art—is still supposed to be fun and adventuresome.

Related resume guides

• Entry Level

Tips for Writing a High School Resume [Guide + Examples]

Show employers you’re a high school student ready for a real job with a resume highlighting your achievements and skills.

Forget about worrying about a lack of experience or your age. You can easily overcome these obstacles by crafting an effective resume that convinces employers you’re serious and mature enough to handle any job.

This high school resume writing guide will show you essential tips to create a resume that showcases your potential as a high school student. Additionally, with the help of high school resume examples, you can learn what achievements you should include to get called back for an interview.

Here’s what we’ll discuss in this resume for a high school student writing guide:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What to include in a high school student resume
• Tips for preparing to write your high school resume
• Resume examples for high school students
• Best format for a high school resume

How to format your contact information

• How to write a resume objective
• How to list skills on a high school resume
• How to write a work experience section
• How to write an education section
• How to customize a high school resume with extra sections
• How to connect with employers using a cover letter

What to include in a high school student resume?

Contact information.

Your resume header should include the following:

• Phone number
• A professional email address
• City and state of residence

Resume objective

As a high school student with limited professional experience, you should write a resume objective .

• Share your career goals with the employer.
• Be clear about what you aim to achieve in this job.
• Mention two or three skills that equip you for the role.
• Include any job-relevant accomplishment or qualification.

If you’re applying for a job and have plenty of experience, you can consider opting for the more widely accepted professional summary .

Even without formal work experience, you have acquired many skills throughout your education and extracurricular activities. Make sure your skills section includes the following:

• Six to eight skills listed in bullet points.
• A mix of soft skills and hard skills .
• Skills that are relevant to the job you want.

Work experience

Try to include a work experience section to show employers you have experience following through on a professional commitment.

Some experiences you can include in your work experience section are:

• Seasonal jobs in retail
• Lifeguard shifts at the community pool
• Babysitting services
• Helping out a family business
• After-school tutoring

Always include an education section, even if you still haven’t graduated from high school. Share the following information in your education section:

• Expected graduation date
• Name of your high school
• Any relevant academic achievement, such as being an Honor Roll student

Build my resume now

4 tips for preparing to write your high school resume

1. Make a list of things you’re proud of.

Before writing your resume, prepare a list of accomplishments you’re proud of. If it’s your first time writing a resume, brainstorming achievements from your high school career will help you choose the top achievements for your resume.

Think back and pinpoint circumstances where you’ve excelled, such as:

• Sports competitions
• Winning a student council election
• Participating in a dramatic play
• Volunteer work
• Debate team competitions
• Part-time jobs after school
• Science project showcase
• Dance recitals
• Any school project you aced

Create a document with a list of these and any other achievements you’d eagerly share with others. This document will serve as a base for your resume.

2. Pick information that’s relevant to your desired job.

Once your list of proud achievements is ready, you’ll want to determine which deserves a spot on your high school resume. How can you decide? Easy. If the achievement demonstrates skills and knowledge directly related to your desired job, you should consider including it in your resume.

Tailoring your resume for a specific job ensures your best chances of getting an interview. Your high school resume shouldn’t be a general overview of all your skills and qualifications. It should be a curated selection of qualities that demonstrate you’re the ideal candidate for that role.

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job as a restaurant waiter. You have experience helping at your family’s sandwich shop, cleaning pools in the neighborhood, and working summers preparing and selling seafood at the pier. Out of these three experiences, you should focus on your work at a sandwich shop and the seafood stand on your high school resume because they require a similar skill set.

3. Consider including a work experience section.

Because work experience is one of the five essential resume sections, we always recommend including it. For high school students, including a traditional work experience section, can seem impossible if they’ve never had a formal job.

Remember that you can include some informal jobs in your work experience, such as:

• Babysitting
• Informal work at a family business
• Seasonal or part-time jobs

If you can’t think of an experience that would fit in a work experience section, you can replace it with another section where you can share your unique accomplishments.

Some sections you can replace the work experience with on your high school resume are:

Volunteer Experience

• Extracurricular Activities
• Hobbies & Interests
• Freelance Work

4. Don’t stress about graduation dates.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include graduation dates on your resume to avoid hiring bias from employers. However, if you’re a high school student under 18, an employer must know your age before hiring you because of child-labor laws . As a minor high school student, you should include your expected graduation date in your education so employers know you’re working toward that goal.

Remember, certain employers like fast food restaurants and retail stores expect to receive applications from high school students, so don’t think of your age as a setback for your chances of getting a job.

High school student resume examples

Check out these resume examples for high school students to see how other students would build their resumes for various jobs. Remember to customize your resume to fit your needs and the job requirements. These high school student resume examples can serve as inspiration.

What is the best resume format for a high school student?

A key component of writing a resume is picking a format that brings out your best qualities. There are three recruiter-approved resume formats you can use to organize the layout of your resume: chronological, functional and combination. Which one is right for you?

Chronological

Combination

You can easily recreate all these resume formats inside our Resume Builder and get automatic formatting so everything fits neatly into one page. Ready to start applying for jobs?

Build my resume

The first section on your high school resume is the contact information. This section remains the same in all resumes and should include the following:

• Name: Include your first and last name.
• Phone number: Include your cell phone number or the telephone where employers can most easily reach you.
• Email: Use a professional email address free of nicknames that can be exclusively associated with you.
• Location: Share the city and state where you reside so employers know you can reach your place of employment.
• Links to social media accounts: Although optional, you can include your LinkedIn profile or social media accounts relevant to your role (a Facebook Business account, for example).

Make sure you leave out this information from your contact information:

• Residential address: Never include your full street address for security reasons. As a minor, this can pose a big risk to your safety.
• Photo or headshot: Including a profile photo or headshot in your resume is an ongoing debate. Some corporations are wary of resumes with headshots in the United States because of potential discrimination lawsuits. However, including a headshot in your CV is standard practice for jobs outside the U.S.

How to write a resume objective that impresses recruiters

The opening section of your resume is the professional summary or the resume objective. Both of these sections serve as a brief introduction to your most relevant professional information, skills and qualifications.

The resume objective is ideal for high school students with little or no formal experience. Resume objectives focus on what you wish to accomplish in this new position and your career. In tandem with this objective, you’ll want to highlight the skills and experiences that equip you to excel in the role.

Pro tip : If you have quite a few years of experience, you’ll want to consider writing a professional summary instead.

Resume objective example for high school resume

“Motivated and dependable service industry professional eager to contribute cash handling, stocking and kitchen prep skills to a reputable dining establishment. Possess training in various knife techniques and maintains a spotless kitchen environment. I am quick on my feet, a fast learner, and a respectful crew member.”

Want more ideas of what to write in your resume objective? Find dozens of pre-written phrases you can copy-paste to your resume objective and edit to fit your unique characteristics when you use our Resume Builder .

How to write a work experience that shows off your achievements

Your work experience section includes a list of jobs organized in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent job first and work your way backward to the first jobs you had.

Every work experience entry should have the following information:

• Your job title
• The company or employer name
• Dates of employment
• Basic location (city and state)

You should also include some bullet points to describe various accomplishments you achieved in that role, in the case of chronological and combination resumes.

The key to writing an impressive and informative work experience section is to favor accomplishments over job responsibilities . You may instinctively write your job duties instead of being specific about your achievements. Any other applicant might have the same job responsibilities as you, but no one has the same accomplishments.

Work experience example for high school resume

Work Experience

Babysitter 01/2022 – Present Orange Theory Gym | Pasadena, CA

• Supervised play area with 6-10 children ages 3+ up for four-hour shifts.
• Organized different recreational and educational activities for toddlers and grade school children, ensuring friendly social interactions. Constantly updated these activities to prevent boredom in kids and keep them engaged while parents exercise.
• Effectively de-escalated tantrums and conflicts between children quickly to ensure pleasant experiences for all children and avoid interrupting clients’ workout sessions.

Our Builder can automatically generate a work experience like this one, personalized to your specific requirements. Simply type in your desired job and years of experience, and our Resume Builder will create a custom work experience section for you.

How to add relevant skills

The skills section is one of your resume’s fundamental sections, and fortunately, formatting it is pretty straightforward.

Your resume skills section should include six to eight professional skills and a balanced mix of soft and hard skills.

The most important thing to remember when writing your skills section is that you can’t arbitrarily add the first skills that pop into your mind. Gain the most out of this section by choosing skills the employer explicitly requires from you in the job description.

All job advertisements include requirements and responsibilities so you can determine if this is the type of job you can excel in. These skills and qualifications found in job ads are called resume keywords , and you should include as many as you can throughout your resume, especially in the skills section.

Skills section example for high school resume (Hostess)

• Dining room management
• OpenTable expertise
• Excellent verbal communication
• Knowledge of POS systems (Clover, Lightspeed)
• Complaint resolution
• Friendly demeanor
• Flexibility
• Multitasking

Find hundreds of skills just like this in our Resume Builder’s database. Type in your desired job title and years of experience, and the Resume Builder will suggest the most in-demand skills that best fit someone like you.

How to showcase your education

Another section where high school students can shine is the education section, where you can go beyond your high school diploma.

Because you haven’t graduated yet from high school, your education section should look like this:

Education example for high school resume

High School Diploma – Expected graduation: June 2024 Sacred Heart Preparatory School | Atherton, CA

Some additional information you can include in your education section is:

• Your GPA : Include your GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher.
• Honor roll status : “High Honors Grades 9, 10 & 11”
• Class rank : This is your position in class based on your GPA and a class member’s GPA. Mention your class rank if you’re in the top 25% of your class.

Customize your resume with additional sections

After completing your main resume sections, consider adding extra sections to showcase achievements beyond skills, education and experience.

Below we’ll share some custom sections standard in high school students’ resumes and how to write each of them.

Honors and awards

An Honors and Awards section is a classic addition to many high school resumes. This section allows students to show they excel in their studies, which can also make you an appealing potential employee.

Some honors and awards you can include are:

• Being an Honor Roll student
• President’s Award for Educational Excellence
• President’s Award for Educational Achievement
• Advanced Placement Scholar Award
• Scholar of National Merit
• Class rank acknowledgment
• Award for Perfect Attendance
• Awards for excelling in specific school subjects
• Awards for academic competitions
• Prizes for National Forensic League competitions
• Awards for Sports competitions

Honors and awards example for high school resume

Honors and Awards

AP Scholar Award with Honor (2022)

1st Place Award – Regional Forensic League Competition (2020)

2nd Place Award – Regional Forensic League Competition (2021, 2022)

President’s Award for Educational Achievement (2012) – 8th Grade Graduation

Including a Volunteer Experience section can show employers that you have acquired some real-life professional skills and savviness. Volunteering also looks great on college applications , so having a solid set of volunteering hours is a big plus.

Some places where you can volunteer are:

• Animal shelters
• Women’s and children’s shelters
• Environmental preservation organizations
• Children’s hospitals
• Veterans’ hospitals
• Homes for senior citizens
• After-school daycare/tutoring

Volunteer work example for high school resume

150 Hours – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

50 Hours – After School Supervised Studies, Central High School

Extracurricular activities

Sharing activities and other experiences beyond your academics tell employers of your areas of interest. Focus primarily on extracurricular activities that directly relate to your desired job. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service or retail position, sharing your long career as a Girl Scout can be a great way to validate your sales and organizational skills.

Some other extracurricular activities you can include are:

• Student body council
• Individual or team sports
• Robotics club
• Environmental Club
• Domestic sciences club
• National Honor Society

Extracurricular activities example for high school resume

Vice President – Stuyvesant High School Student Council (2022-2023)

Treasurer – Stuyvesant High School Student Council (2021-2022)

Mathletes Club Member (since 2021-Present)

Language skills

If you have multiple language competencies, share them on your high school resume. Sharing your various language skills is an excellent addition to your resume if you’re applying for jobs that require you to interact with all kinds of people, such as retail, customer service, receptionist work or even government.

Language skills example for high school resume

English : Native Language

Spanish : Advanced

Mandarin : Elementary

Free resume templates

Download these free resume templates and use the instructional content in each section to craft a resume that will wow recruiters.

Build a better resume faster with our Resume Builder!

Save time from writing your high school resume from scratch and let our Resume Builder do the work for you. All you have to do is tell us your desired job, and the Builder will generate personalized content for all your resume sections. Just remember to go in and tweak the info with your details!

Connect with employers with a cover letter

A great way to increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and landing an interview is by including a cover letter in your job application. The cover letter benefits high school students with limited work experience who want to showcase other achievements and convey their commitment to the job.

Create a personalized cover letter in minutes with our Cover Letter Builder!

Benefits of using a cover letter:

• Allows you to share even more professional accomplishments.
• It lets you contextualize how and where you developed your skills.
• It helps you connect on a personal level with employers.
• It gives you a chance to sell yourself as the ideal candidate.
• Offers the opportunity to share the positive side of perceived shortcomings as a high school student.

Build my cover letter

Key takeaways for writing a high school student resume

• Pick the combination or functional resume format if you have limited work experience.
• Focus on achievements demonstrating your abilities to excel in your desired job.
• Write a summary objective showcasing relevant skills and career goals.
• List various soft and hard skills relevant to the role.
• Share unique achievements instead of generic job responsibilities in your work experience section.
• Highlight your academic achievements in your education, and share your expected graduation date.
• Customize your resume with additional sections like Honors and Awards, Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work.
• Use a cover letter to show employers all the ways you’re a valuable candidate, even as a high school student.
• Use a Resume Builder like ours to make the process easier and quicker for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a high school resume be.

Your high school resume should be one page long. One-page resumes are the preferred length for most recruiters because it allows them to easily scan your resume in seconds and get through as many applicants as possible quickly. The golden rule of resume length is to have one page for every 10 years of experience. If you’re having trouble formatting your resume , try using our Resume Builder , which automatically organizes your resume to fit neatly onto one page.

What’s the best way to create a high school resume?

The best way to create a high school resume that gets you interviews is to:

• Edit your resume with relevant achievements for each job application.
• Include keywords from the job description that recruiters want to see on your resume.
• Use a professional resume template that’s organized and visually appealing.
• Reap the benefits of using a Resume Builder that offers pre-written phrases and a database of 100+ in-demand skills.

How do I write a resume with no experience?

When writing a resume with no experience, compensate with a diverse skill set, a strong education, academic achievements and any certifications that can validate your specialized knowledge.

In our no-experience resume writing guide , learn every tip for creating a genuinely impressive resume, even if you haven’t had an extensive career.

Is it OK to put your high school diploma on a resume?

You can include your high school diploma on your resume if you’re a recent high school graduate or college student. However, suppose you’ve already graduated from college. In that case, it’s best to leave your high school diploma out, and any other academic achievements from your high school career since these can seem outdated.

Learn more in our article on how to list education on a resume .

Should high school jobs be on a resume?

It depends. If you had jobs during high school unrelated to your career, you’re better off leaving those jobs out of your resume. You should only include jobs directly related to your career or desired role on your resume. However, suppose you had a retail job in high school and are currently a college student looking for a job in the same field. Then, you should add this job to your resume so employers know you have that relevant experience.

See more on our FAQ page

More resources

How to Write a Resume When You Have No Work Experience

How to Choose the Right Resume Format

How to Write a Cover Letter + Examples

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez • CPRW, Career Advice Expert

Gabriela Hernandez is one of LiveCareer's resident writers. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Journalism. Throughout her career, she has tackled copywriting, blog articles, journalistic writing, academic writing, resume writing, and even prose and verse.

Please rate this article

As seen in *

*The names and logos of the companies referred to in this page are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with LiveCareer.

High School Student Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips for 2024

by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW | Career Advice Expert

Last Updated: March 13, 2024

Table of contents

High school resume example

High school student resume template [text version], how to write a resume for a high school student, should a high school student write a cover letter.

• Key takeaways

For high school students, the idea of entering the job market can be scary, especially when you’re crafting a resume with little or no experience. You may be wondering, “How can I stand out?” or “Why would anyone hire me when I don’t have many skills or much experience?”

Don’t worry! You have more skills than you realize. The key is to package your abilities with an excellent resume.

But you may need guidance. This is where we can help.

Our comprehensive guide will show you:

• Successful high school resume examples.
• A copy-and-paste high school resume template.
• How to write a resume when you’re in high school.
• How to write a resume when this is your first job or you have no experience.
• Whether you should write a cover letter.
• Key takeaways from a high school resume.

Do you need to make your resume today? Check out our Resume Maker , where you’ll find resume examples and have your pick of industry-appropriate resume templates that have proven to help in the job hunt.

Creating a resume while in high school might feel intimidating. After all, you have to fill up a page when you haven’t even started your career. How do you bridge this gap?

The goal is to reframe your experiences, whether they involve summer jobs, volunteering or schoolwork, into a coherent, engaging story.

This high school resume is a perfect example:

What makes this a great high school resume sample:

Starting with a clear objective tells employers what you’re looking for. You can express your career goals while showing employers what you can bring to the table.

Instead of the traditional work experience section, this functional resume format includes two extra sections focused on skills — “Professional Skills” and “Summary of Qualifications.”

To round out their application, this candidate included a community food drive and assisting senior citizens in a section covering volunteer work, a great addition to any resume.

If you’re looking for something you can copy and paste, here’s a high school resume in text format.

Santa Clara, CA 95050 | 555-555-5555 | [email protected]

Results-oriented high school student passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and with a proven track record as a sales associate. With a GPA of 3.8 and a commitment to positively impacting the community, I am eager to contribute my abilities while gaining valuable professional experience in a sales-driven environment.

• Organized and patient individual polished in handling customer complaints and replenishing stock.
• Flexible and outgoing team player commended for demonstrating honesty and integrity with customers, team members and supervisors.
• Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Effective Communication

• Participated in weekly debates, honing persuasive communication and critical thinking skills in the high school’s Debate Club.
• Won the regional competition and advanced to the state level by effectively presenting arguments and countering opponents.
• Demonstrated exceptional articulation, logical reasoning and the ability to think on one’s feet.

Organizational Excellence

• Managed rigorous tutor lessons and volunteering jobs while maintaining a GPA of 3.8.
• Exhibited strong time management skills by balancing sports commitments, academic responsibilities and personal development.
• Served as the high school’s soccer team captain, displaying leadership through effective communication and fostering team cohesion.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

• Completed coursework and personal projects utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Achieved a typing speed of 60 words per minute, ensuring efficient and accurate document creation and data entry.
• Developed proficiency in formatting documents, creating spreadsheets and designing engaging presentations.
• Community Food Drive: Collected and sorted food donations, resulting in the distribution of 2,000 meals to underprivileged families.
• Senior Center Assistance: Assisted with organizing activities and providing companionship to senior citizens, fostering a sense of community.

Sales Associate Old Navy Santa Clara, CA | June 2024 – September 2024

Tutor Self-employed Santa Clara, CA | June 2022 – May 2024

High School Diploma Santa Clara High School Santa Clara, CA Expected in June 2024

resumes made with Resume Now!

So you’re ready to learn how to write a resume ? We’ve got exactly what you need. A step-by-step guide that will increase your chances of landing a great job, fully customized for high school students.

Choose the best format

There are three different ways to organize a resume, and these are called resume formats . Each format serves a different type of job seeker.

If you’re in high school, you probably don’t have much professional experience. For you, the functional resume format , or skills-based resume, would be the best choice. This layout plays down your work experience in favor of skills you might’ve picked up in school.

Here’s why a skills-based resume is perfect for high school students:

• Your skills are emphasized.
• You can downplay your work history.
• Work experience is off to the side.

Yes, there are other ways to organize your resume — combination resume format and chronological resume format are the two most popular. You’ll get to know those when you’re more experienced.

Select a template to showcase your personality

You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, the opposite is true when it comes to your resume.

Your resume’s design is the first thing the hiring manager sees, so you want it to be good.

What does good mean to you? It could be a creative template that instantly grabs your eye with unique features or a modern design that’s cool and fresh. Perhaps you want to start off with a simple template focused on the basics.

No matter your style, there are a few rules for choosing a high school resume template:

• Play it safe: While it may be tempting to go for the most vibrant design you can find, you never know if the employer will like it. Picking a more neutral design will guarantee your resume is considered professional.
• Make sure there’s white space: As a high schooler, you don’t have much work experience, so you should choose a spacious design. At the same time, you don’t want your document to seem empty, so go with one that uses white space effectively.
• Organization is key: When you’re looking for your first job, you should choose a template that is clean and easy to understand at a glance. Keep it simple and make sure you’re following all the formatting rules .

Consider checking out templates for Word or Google Docs if you’re confident you can make an excellent resume using either of those word processors.

Also, don’t forget to choose a resume font that’s clear and easy to read.

Okay, next up — it’s time to hone your objective statement.

Write a great resume objective for a high school student

First thing’s first — you need a resume profile . A profile is an introduction that sits at the top of your resume. There are two types of profiles: a professional summary and a resume objective .

Here’s how each applies to a high school student:

• Job seekers with workplace experience should go with a professional summary , which combines experience with skills and accomplishments to create a career overview.
• Job seekers who are new to the workforce should choose a resume objective , which focuses on the applicant’s career goals and how they can contribute to the bottom line of the company.

Nearly all high school students or recent graduates would be wise to go with a resume objective. In a few years, when you have a work history, switch to a professional summary.

Resume objective example — high school student

As a hard-working high school graduate, I’d like to contribute strong communication skills and attention to detail to the desk clerk position at Ocean View Condominium. I aim to effectively manage the reception area, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and maintaining compliance with building policies and fair housing regulations. My commitment to providing excellent service will enable me to assist in maintaining accurate records and upholding a welcoming environment for tenants and visitors. I am eager to apply my skills in a professional setting and gain valuable experience in property management.

Next, we’ll explain how you can elevate the experience you’ve picked up outside the workplace.

Focus on volunteer work and other unique experiences

As a high school student looking for a job, you can’t rely on your professional experience to power your resume. What do you do instead?

Here are alternatives to work experience that look great on your resume:

• Extracurricular activities: Do you belong to any clubs, school groups or athletic programs? Add them to your resume!
• Part-time or summer jobs: You don’t need to be full-time at your job for it to count as work experience. The time you spent working at the water park qualifies.
• Online courses or certifications: Have you earned any certifications by taking online courses? Those show employers you’re willing to go the extra mile to learn new skills.
• Academic achievements: Build out your education section with your GPA (if it’s a 3.5 or higher) and any other academic achievements (like advanced placement [AP] courses).

Ultimately, as a high schooler, education will play a huge role in your resume, so let’s tackle that next.

Make your education section shine

When you have more experience in the classroom than in the workplace, your education section takes on greater importance.

That’s why you should make the most of it. First, you’ll want to list the basics like your high school diploma, the name of your school and your graduation or expected graduation date.

Then, there are other opportunities to give the section extra oomph. Consider adding:

• GPA (if it’s above a 3.5)
• Relevant coursework
• Special projects
• Academic achievements
• Study abroad experiences

Certifications

Check out the following example for inspiration.

High school student education section sample

Riverside High School, Jacksonville, FL High School Diploma, Expected Graduation: June 2024 Cumulative GPA: 3.9/4.0 Relevant coursework: AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, Economics Extracurriculars: Member of the Chess Club, Captain of the Debate Team

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, Google Digital Garage, 2024 First Aid and CPR Certified, American Red Cross, 2024

Add skills throughout your high school resume

If your resume were a billboard, then your skills would be the content that engages the audience and gets them to buy your product.

When you first start your career, you may feel your billboard is a bit blank. But you probably have more to showcase than you realize. From internships to part-time jobs to relevant courses and projects, you have the skills employers want.

But the best resumes don’t simply list skills. The skills are added to your resume objective, work experience bullet points and across multiple skills sections.

Remember there are different types of skills. Here are the two main categories:

• Soft skills are intangible qualities and interpersonal strengths. Whether you’re a natural-born leader, highly empathetic or happen to be an excellent speaker, these all count as valuable skills.
• Hard skills are concrete, measurable abilities and knowledge. For example, maybe you’re a pro with Adobe Creative Suite, or you’re fluent in a foreign language. (Note: Technical and computer skills are subsets of hard skills.)

By the way, it’s not really a showdown — hard skills vs soft skills — they work together to create a compelling advertisement. So, make sure you add both types of skills throughout your resume.

Extra sections that belong on a high school resume

• Student government
• Student newspaper or yearbook
• The arts, like drama club, dance or band
• Math or science olympiad
• Honor societies
• Language club
• Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts
• Athletics, like football, basketball, soccer, tennis and track

Read the job listing closely and list all the skills you can identify. Those are probably keywords the employer entered into the applicant tracking system (ATS) to help them screen out candidates.

Represent your extracurricular activities

When you think you’re done putting together your resume, there’s one last thing you must do — proofread!

Proofreading is important because simple grammar and spelling mistakes could cause a recruiter to toss your application. After all, you can’t write that you’re “detail-oriented” while you misspell several words or make obvious grammatical mistakes.

Sure, anyone can make a mistake — but you want to do everything you can to craft a mistake-free resume. How can you make sure your resume is perfect?

First, use spell check. Then, proofread your resume yourself. Finally, ask your most meticulous friends and family members to review it.

The bottom line: taking these precautions will improve your chances of getting an interview.

Writing a resume for your first job

Your first job probably won’t be your dream job, but that’s okay! You still want to put your best foot forward.

How do you do that?

Here are three tips for a high schooler writing a resume for a first job:

• Highlight volunteer work : Any volunteering or summer work is super valuable. You can include those types of gigs in your “Work Experience” section.
• Write a clear objective: When you don’t have a work track record, you should write an enthusiastic and specific objective statement explaining what you want to accomplish at the job to show them what you have to offer.
• Focus on transferable skills : Without a doubt, you’ve picked up impressive skills through extracurricular activities. Many of those will transfer into a range of other jobs.

Writing a high school resume with some experience

Maybe you’ve got some professional experience you want to flex. That’s great! You’re one step closer to making a killer work experience section.

Here are three tips for a high schooler writing a resume with some experience:

• Use bullet points to highlight work tasks: Bullet-point lists are easier to read than long paragraphs. It’s as simple as that!
• Do more than list job duties: You can read someone’s job duties in a job listing. What makes you exceptional is the impact you had in each role. For example, rather than say you “served customers,” it would be better to say you “served X number of customers daily.”
• Start with your most recent job: If you’ve held multiple jobs, you’ll want to list your most recent job first. Generally, the employer likes to see what you’ve done most recently because it’s fresher in your mind.

Don’t forget to proofread your resume before turning it in. We always suggest giving it to a friend or family member to review, too, to increase your chances of catching mistakes.

High school students should 100% write a cover letter.

When you apply for a job, there’s usually competition. The employer might have to sort through dozens, sometimes hundreds of resumes.

Imagine the hiring manager swimming in a sea of resumes. Wouldn’t you appreciate someone who threw you a life preserver by adding a cover letter to their application?

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a whole list of reasons why writing a cover letter can be your secret weapon:

• It gives you an edge over others who might have skipped the cover letter.
• It’s your chance to explain why you and the company are the perfect match.
• It’s a platform to let your personality shine and convey your enthusiasm for the job.
• It’s the perfect space to address any elephants in the room, like a lack of relevant experience.

If you’re wondering how to write a cover letter , you’re not alone! We suggest reading some cover letter examples . When you’re ready to make one, our Cover Letter Builder will offer some written suggestions and cover letter designs that might match your resume.

Before we sign off, let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways.

Key takeaways for a high school resume

Who said you need job experience to make a great resume? Shift the focus to achievements from your schoolwork.

In your resume objective, be clear and straightforward about what you hope to achieve at the job you’re applying for. Show them you’re goal-oriented.

Your resume isn’t one-size-fits-all. Pay attention to the skills in the job listing of the role you want. These are the keywords that will get you noticed.

Whether you’re on a sports team or edit the yearbook, don’t overlook the power of extracurricular activities. You’ve picked up more skills than you realize.

At the beginning of your career, take the step of writing a cover letter. Employers always appreciate the extra effort.

You wouldn’t want your awesome resume trashed for a silly typo, right? The only way to avoid that fate is through proofreading.

Was this information helpful? Let us know!

Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Read more articles by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

More articles

180+ Skills to Put on a Resume in 2024 [Examples for Most Jobs]

A well-written skills section can have a powerful effect on a ...

How to Use Transferable Skills to Write a Job-winning Resume

Write a resume that stands out by making the most of your tran...

How to Make a US Resume (Format, Template + Examples)

Making an American resume is a big step when you’re trying t...

Environmental Engineer Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips for 2024

Cultivate a sustainable future for your 2024 environmental eng...

Construction Manager Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips for 2024

Set the foundation for a successful 2024 in your construction ...

Customer Service Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips

Make a customer service resume that gets interviews. Use our w...

• English (UK)

You control your data

We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Find more information on our Cookie Policy . Tap "Settings” to set preferences. To accept all cookies, click “Accept”.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

• Resume Examples
• High School Graduate Resume: Template & 20+ Examples

High School Graduate Resume: Template & 20+ Examples

Our customers have been hired by:

Yesterday you were throwing your cap into the air, today you’re tossing yourself into the job-hunting pool.

Yeah, the competition is fierce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 60% of young people are participating in the workforce each summer. You need a killer resume.

But that cursor is just flashing at you as you imagine a long, stuffy document full of fancy words and sharp bullet points.

That’s scary. How in the world are you going to write a great resume and get a good job when you have no experience? 

Whether a bookworm or a total dudebro, a great high school graduate resume will change your job hunt to achievement unlocked.

This guide will show you:

• A high school graduate resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a high school graduate resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a high school graduate resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a high school graduate to get any job you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Here are some other guides for high school students:

• High School Student Resume
• High School Resume for College Application
• Student Resume
• College Freshman Resume
• College Student Resume
• First Resume with No Work Experience
• Resume for Part-Time Job
• All Resume Examples

High-School Graduate Resume Example

Paisley Andrews

High School Graduate

123-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/paisley.andrews

Enthusiastic and dedicated high school graduate seeking to leverage customer service and retail knowledge in a Sales Associate role at ShopSmart Emporium. Aiming to boost customer satisfaction scores, utilizing communication and problem-solving skills. Winner of the 'Best Volunteer Award' for consistently providing excellent customer service at the school cafeteria.

Sales Associate

School Cafeteria, Orem, UT

August 2018–May 2022

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Served over 100 students daily, ensuring timely and efficient service.
• Assisted in inventory management, reducing food waste by 30%.
• Resolved conflicts effectively, ensuring complete customer satisfaction.
• Maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 95%.

Key Achievement: 

• Won the 'Best Volunteer Award' for consistently providing excellent customer service.

High School Diploma

Orem High School, Orem, UT

Relevant extracurricular activities

• Vice President, Student Council, 2020-2022
• Member, Debate Club, 2018-2022

Academic achievements:

• Maintained a GPA of 3.8 throughout high school.
• Awarded 'Best Debater' in the state competition in 2021.
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Multitasking
• Problem-solving
• Time Management
• Cash Handling
• Basic Computer Skills
• English—Native
• Volunteering at the local animal shelter.
• Participating in debate competitions.

1. What’s the Best Format for a High School Graduate Resume?

Writing a resume isn’t that different from any other writing assignment—format is key.

The best resume templates will urge the recruiter to give it a read in the first place.

So how do you keep your high school graduate resume from looking like the dog chewed it up and having it thrown in the trash?

Use 1.15 line spacing and a spiffy, modern, 12 point resume font . Add in headings to help navigate between resume sections. 

Also, go for the reverse-chronological format .

This format gets its long-lettered name from putting things that happened most recently at the top and things that happened later below. 

It brings your skills to the forefront, so it’s super helpful when you don’t have any work experience yet. It keeps things neat and tidy and recruiters are used to seeing it.

Here’s what sections should be included in your high school graduate resume from start to finish:

High School Graduate Resume Template

• Contact Information
• Resume objective
• Work experience (if you have any)
• “Extra” sections: awards, certifications, volunteering experience, or hobbies & interests.

Not convinced using the reverse-chronological format is right for your high school graduate resume? You’ve got options! See our guide on the best resume formats: Resume Formats: 10+ Samples & Templates for All Types of Resumes

2. Put Contact Information on a High School Graduate Resume

Now you’re probably thinking this is going to be a cinch. No such luck, my friend!

Put a typo in your name or number or accidentally link to a drunk pic and your chances of getting your first job are that of a snowball in hell.

Here’s a clear list of what you need to include:

Resume for a High School Graduate: Contact Information Section

• First and Last Name

Use your actual name, for real. Add your middle name only if you use it on a daily basis.

• Phone Number

Mention the number recruiters can actually reach you at during most of the day (most likely your mobile number).

• Professional Email

Now [email protected] might seem cool to your friends, but recruiters are going to beg to differ. 

Create a polished email address using your name along with a professional email provider. For example: [email protected] . Much better.

• Social Media Sites

Yes and no. 

Should you  put a LinkedIn profile on your resume ? Yes, and if you don’t have one, create it. Have any blogs or online portfolios that are relevant to the position you’re applying for? Add those too.

What about other social media like Facebook or Instagram? Well, let’s put this way—if you wouldn’t show it to your mother, then you don’t want to show it to a recruiter. 

Here’s a good example of contact information in a high school graduate resume:

High School Graduate Resume—Header

Keith Mathers

456 E. Bellow Drive

Denver, CO 80203

(720) 447-3749

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/keithmathers

keithsphotography.com

Pro Tip : Whether you link to your social media in your resume or not, make sure your online presence is clean at least set to super private. It’s a digital age and recruiters are going to Google you.

3. Add a High School Graduate Resume Objective

You know that infamous clickbait title on every other YouTube video? That’s sort of what you’re trying to do here.

You want the hiring manager to take a quick look at the top of your resume and think “hey, this looks interesting, what’s next?”

How do you do that, especially with no job experience? Write a resume objective . 

The objective is a short, snappy blurb that mentions your career goals and the relevant skills you have to become their next employee of the year. 

Put it right below the contact information section so it’s one of the first things the recruiter sees.

But what does a high school graduate resume objective contain?

• Start with your strongest character trait.
• Mention how your education will help you perform well in your job.
• Name the company and position you’re applying for.
• Express the value you want to add to the company.

Here are two high school graduate resume objectives in practice:

High School Graduate Resume Objective

See the difference? The right example has mentioned relevant knowledge and traits with numbers to back it up. That candidate looks pretty dope.

The wrong example? Well, they’re going nowhere in a big hurry.

Pro Tip : Don’t turn your resume objective into a copy of Moby Dick. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point like an awesome Tweet.

Not much to write up? Go for a resume headline . Jot down your job title, years of experience, and a huge achievement.

Need some more advice on writing career objectives on resumes for a recent high school graduate? Check out our guide:  How to Write a Resume Objective: 50+ Examples for All Professions .

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our online resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

4. Is Your Education Section Making You Look Like a Fool?

You’re never going to be happier that you went to school than you are now. Why?

Your education is going to be the section that is going to make your resume sick.

Especially if you’re writing a high school grad resume with no experience to boast about.

In a case like this, put your educational background above your work history.

So what exactly do you list in the education section?

Sample Education Section for High School Graduates Resume

Peoria High School

Relevant coursework : Food & Nutrition, Home Economics

Graduated:  2019

Membership : PHS Cooking Club

It may not look like much at first, but take a closer look.

You have all the necessary information such as school name and your graduation date. 

But there are also some cool mods added on for that extra boost. If you’re applying for a job in food service, like in this example, the relevant food, cooking classes, and club show that food is definitely a passion of yours. 

Pro Tip : Thinking about adding a GPA to your resume ? If it doesn’t impress the letters off someone’s varsity jacket, then leave it out.

Got another educational scenario? Check this guide out:  Education Resume Section: How to List High School & College Education

5. Describe Experience on a High School Graduate Resume

And now you’re probably stumped. You’re a recent high school grad with no work experience. 

You might feel like you have nothing to include here, but look at it more like a clown car—you can fit more in here than you think.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re applying for an internship, part-time gig, or looking for a full-time job, the examples below work for every situation.

First, let’s take a look at what to do if you have any work experience at all.

Resume for High School Graduate With Work Experience—Example

You have everything you need to convince a recruiter you’re gold in the right example: detailed job duties and a specific achievement .

The wrong example just looks like someone wrote it for the lulz.

Have you done some online work or a couple of freelance gigs? Add those to your work experience section as well. 

But what if you have no paid work experience like volunteering?

Check it—that actually counts as job experience!

High School Graduate Resume With No Paid Work Experience—Example

You can see the difference. The right example proves that you’re responsible and take your job seriously and that’s what recruiters want to see.

Don’t have any work experience at all ? 

It’s all good. Just move on directly to the skills section.

Want some more information on adding volunteer work or freelance work to your high school graduate resume? These guides will help you out:  How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume and How to List Freelance Work on a Resume

6. Put Skills on a High School Graduate Resume

No, not skillz. 

The Washington Post reported that knowing your way around an iPhone and picking the best emojis just doesn’t cut it when looking for a job .

But that list of skills your dream job requires is seriously messed up. And there are tons of people much more qualified, right?

The trick here is to realize what skills you do have and tying that in with what’s mentioned in the job description.

Although finding experienced candidates gives recruiters a major migraine, more than 30% say that finding qualified entry-level hires also gives them a headache. 

So this is your chance to really nail your skills section and shine like a Twix wrapper.

Now, there are two types of skills:  hard skills and soft skills . 

Hard skills are more technical and things you can easily learn (Microsoft Office, Photoshop). 

Soft skills are more a part of your personality and how you approach things (communication skills, teamwork).

Here’s a list of the most popular skills on high school graduate resumes:

Most Common Skills for High School Graduate Resumes

Hard Skills:

• Writing Skills
• Computer/IT Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Computer Skills
• Microsoft Office
• Foreign Languages
• Fund Raising
• Presentation Skills

Soft Skills:

• Creative Thinking Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Teamwork / Collaboration
• Problem Solving Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Stress Management
• Verbal & Nonverbal Communication Skills

Now, lots of candidates bend over backwards to list technical skills, but soft skills are just as important. A recent federal study noticed that it’s actually a lack of appropriate soft skills that leads to teens and high school grads being passed up for jobs.

But don’t just copy the entire list and expect anyone to believe you have all those skills. Keep it 100.

Use the job ad as a cheat sheet for the skills that you should include and can prove.

Here’s an example of a job description for a records administrator position for high school graduates:

• Self-motivated, reliable, responsible, and accountable.
• Ability to work well within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Planning and organizational skills necessary to coordinate workload around multiple assignments and clients.
• Identifies own learning needs and seeks appropriate assistance from Manager/Supervisor.
• Excellent computer skills including: proficient typing skills, MS Office, and data entry.

Now here’s how you can tailor your skills to match the recruiter’s expectations:

High School Graduate Resume—Skills Section 

The right example is specific and can easily be matched with the requirements for the job. That’s a resume skills section tailored to the job description.

And hey, that’s important not only to get the hiring manager on the phone with you, but also to breeze through the ATS. 

This is a tracking system used by many companies to filter through the hundreds of resumes they get. The system uses resume keywords to spot potential hires and suggests these to the hiring manager. Keeping your resume skills in line with the job ad wording scores you major brownie points.

TL;DR- resume keywords. Use them. Straight up.

Want to beef up the skills section of your high school graduate resume even more? Take a look at this guide: 99 Key Skills for a Resume (All Types of Professional Skills with Examples Included!).

7. Add Other Sections for an Effective High School Graduate Resume

Take a long, hard look at all the things you did outside of just going to class. This is the spice you can add to your high school grad resume to give the recruiter the whole enchilada and not just a bland corn tortilla.

But hold up.

According to a government study, most youth engage in extracurricular activities even when employed . That makes for stiff competition.

Add things that are relevant. Don’t mention that you like cats or Star Wars is the best movie ever. Ain’t nobody got time to read that.

Here are some great extras to add to your high school graduate resume:

Resumes for a High School Graduate—Extra Sections

Awards and Honors

Here’s where you can mention any honors or awards that you’ve been given, such as scholarships, making Honor Roll, or being in the NHS. 

Have you taken part in any advanced classes, academic fairs, bees, or other competitions? Note those down too.

Language Skills

Knowledge of any foreign language, especially as a recent high school graduate, really stands out like bling bling. Make sure to use a standardized scale to rate your language knowledge. 

Hobbies and Interests

This is the section where you can show off your hard and soft skills in action instead of just listing them. 

It should also be easy peasy to write given all the interests and activities you have outside of class (just remember to match them to your future company’s work culture).

Here’s a good example of an additional interests section in a high school graduate resume:

Resume Sample for High School Graduate: Extra Sections

Achievements:

NHS Member 2007-2009

Spanish (C1), French (B1)

Additional Activities:

Eastie News, Writer 

Reported and published articles on relevant school news and events.

JROTC Cadet

Remember to include all necessary sections in your high school graduate resume. What are they? Here’s a guide to answer that question:  What Categories to Put on a Resume: Examples and Guide

8. How About a High School Graduate Cover Letter?

You’re about to get some mad knowledge dropped on you. 

Yes, you’ll need to write a cover letter . You don’t want to go out on the job hunt all skillz and no swag, do you?

Most experts say that the cover letter shows that you’re really invested in getting the job and it’s a chance to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

Here are the things to include in a high school graduate cover letter that will have them asking for an amen:

• Start with an attention-grabbing cover letter introduction that addresses them by name. “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”?—ditch ‘em.
• Tell them why they absolutely need you for the role.
• Add achievements from past work or school to prove your skills. Don’t just list them again. They already have it on your resume; add a little meat to those bones.
• Mention something about the company that you relate to. This will show you took time and energy to get to know the company and its values.
• Finish your cover letter with a powerful ending statement.

Remember, a great high school graduate cover letter + best high school graduate resume = most likely to succeed.

See theory put into practice in our dedicated guide:  Entry-Level Cover Letter (Example and Guide) .

Pro Tip : If there’s no way to upload a cover letter through the application system, then just apply without. It doesn’t make sense to try to cram it in and potentially ruin your resume.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Want to know more high school graduate cover letter tricks that always do the trick? See these articles:  35+ Best Cover Letter Tips, Advice & Guidelines and  How to Write a Job-Winning Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps (12+ Examples)

Key Takeaway

Entering the workforce may be cray, but writing a resume doesn’t have to be.

Let’s recap what it takes to have your high school graduate resume blow minds:

• Start with a killer objective . A professional career objective is tailored to the company, tells them your background, and summarizes your candidacy for the job.
• Zero in on your education . You might not have work experience, but you do have a high school education. Mention your academic achievements and relevant coursework and use them to your advantage!
• Add your work experience . Part-time, freelance, online, unpaid—put them all in there pointing out the relevant responsibilities and accomplishments.
• Highlight relevant skills . Include both hard skills and soft skills and use resume keywords.
• Include extra sections . Add volunteer work, languages, hobbies, interests, and extracurricular activities to show them you’ve got ambition.
• Edit and proofread . Go through it at least twice. Use Grammarly if you’re unsure about something or want to triple check.

Now you have a high school graduate resume that is FTW in a crowd of IDK *drop the mic*.

Got any questions on how to write resumes for a high school graduate? Not sure how to talk about your young adult job skills or high school achievements? Get at us in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends/2019/talent-acquisition-trends-strategies.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3567440/
• https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Similar articles

50+ Best Resume Tips to Help You Land a Job in 2024

Don’t have much time, but need a good resume ASAP? Here’s a master list of the best resume tips out there, plus a bonus to make your life easier.

How to Send an Email Cover Letter (Samples & Tips)

Want to send a cover letter along with your resume? You've got two options: email your cover letter as an attachment, or write an email cover letter. We'll show you how to do both.

15+ Blank Resume Templates & Forms to Fill In

Check out the best blank resume templates with free download. Just pick a blank resume form & fill it in with your information. A fillable blank resume template can save you time.

Your Trusted Advisors for Admissions Success

Admissions and test prep resources to help you get into your dream schools

How to Write an Impressive High School Resume 

A section-by-section guide to creating a stand-out high school resume, plus a personalized resume template .

Introduction

If you’re a student sitting down to write your high school resume, you might be feeling a little lost. Where do you start? What should you write? Creating a resume isn’t easy for anyone, but it can be especially tricky when you’re a high school student without much work experience.

Maybe you need a high school resume to submit for a job or internship application. Or perhaps the college or scholarship you’re applying to requires a resume. Whatever your situation, you want to put your best foot forward on your high school resume. 

A strong high school resume gives potential employers and colleges a quick but detailed and accurate snapshot of who you are and why they should be interested in getting to know you better. On the other hand, a weak or sloppy high school resume will end up in the waste basket in ten seconds flat. You’re hoping for the first option, of course.

If you’re asking yourself, “What skills can a high school student put on a resume?” or “How do you write a high school resume with no experience?” we’re here to answer those questions and more. Continue reading to find a step-by-step guide on how to create a stand-out high school resume, as well as a personalized high school resume template to give you a jumpstart on your resume writing process.

Want to know exactly what it takes to get into America’s most selective colleges?

Get the free 110-page guide we use to help our students routinely get admitted to schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford: How to Get Into America’s Elite Colleges: The Ultimate Guide

100% privacy. No spam. Ever.

Thank you! Your guide is on its way. In the meantime, please let us know how we can help you crack the college admissions code . You can also learn more about our 1-on-1 college admissions support here .

How to format a high school resume

Let’s start with the basics—formatting your high school resume. The good news is, you don’t have to start from scratch. We’ve created a modern high school resume template for you that’s perfectly suited to showcase your skills and experiences at any level. And if you’re a creative type looking to add extra personality to your resume, you might consider exploring the high school resume template options on sites like Canva.

What makes a good high school resume template, anyway? Here are a few of the most important formatting rules your resume should follow:

Limit your high school resume to one page.

Ensure your resume is skimmable by using big headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space.

Use classic and easy-to-read fonts, such as Cambria, Calibri, Georgia, Helvetica, or Garamond, to name a few.

Save your high school resume as a PDF file so the formatting won’t change when someone views or downloads it.

Once you’re set with a great high school resume template following these guidelines, your first step is to add your contact information. Here are a few tips on what to include:

Your first and last name. Don’t use a nickname here—you can get more casual after you’ve secured the job or internship.

A professional email address. The best email address is something simple, such as [email protected]. A silly, cute, or edgy email will not be impressive to potential employers or colleges.

The best phone number to reach you. Make sure you have a professional voicemail greeting in case you miss their call.

Your home address. While a potential employer is unlikely to send you a piece of mail, they might consider the length of your commute to the business location when reviewing your high school resume.

Optional: your LinkedIn profile or personal website . You might not have these yet, and that’s fine. If you do have a LinkedIn profile or personal website you’d like to share, make sure it’s professional and only contains information that will impress colleges and employers.

Once you’ve expertly added and arranged your contact info, you’re ready to move on to the next part of the high school resume—your objective statement.

How to write an objective statement for a high school resume

The objective statement on your high school resume is quite literally answering the question, “What is the purpose or objective of this resume?” While on the surface it may seem obvious—you want to get hired for a specific job or accepted to a specific college—you’ll need to dig deeper in order to write an impressive objective statement. 

Your objective statement should provide three important pieces of information:

Why do you want this specific job or why do you want to attend this specific college?

What makes you the best candidate for this position or school?

How can this company or college help you reach your larger goals?

Oh, and you only have one or two sentences to share this important information. Piece of cake, right? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think if you use a specific formula for writing your objective statement:

[Insert characteristic] student seeking to [insert specific goal] with [insert skills] gained from [insert experience or achievement].

You’ll understand this formula best if we use an example. Let’s say you’re applying to a graphic design internship at your local newspaper. You have a keen eye for detail, your goal is to tell impactful digital stories, you’re already skilled at using Adobe to create page layouts, and you have design experience from working on your school yearbook. Here’s an example objective statement for your high school resume:

Detail-oriented student seeking to amplify The Daily City Newspaper’s influence through digital storytelling. Gained expertise using Adobe Creative Suite while designing 25 page layouts and 12 advertisements for the Daily High School Yearbook.

Stating your goals, qualifications, and experiences in your objective statement lets the potential employer or college rep reading it know that your resume deserves their attention. And after piquing their interest, you can continue to impress them with your remaining high school resume sections.

What to include in the education section of a high school resume

Since you haven’t graduated high school yet, you might be feeling a little lackluster about writing the education section of your high school resume. But rest assured, there are plenty of enticing details you can include in this section to help you impress employers and colleges. Here’s a list of information you might add to your education section:

High school name and location.

Expected graduation date —the month and year will suffice.

Weighted GPA. This is an optional item to include if your GPA will impress the person reading your high school resume—a 3.5 or above, for example.

Class rank. Again, if it is impressive—the top 20% of your class, for example.

SAT or ACT score. Only include your scores in high school resumes for college and scholarship applications—potential employers won’t know what a good SAT score is (and likely won’t care too much, either).

Especially challenging and relevant coursework. Don’t include the standard high school curriculum, but you can list IB or AP classes you’ve taken that relate to the job or internship you’re applying for.

Leadership roles in clubs or sports—for instance, “Team Captain, Varsity Soccer.” Especially mention your extracurriculars that are relevant to the position you’re seeking.

Academic memberships. You can include your involvement in a college preparatory program or selective honors societies, if applicable.

We hope you’re pleasantly surprised that you can write more than, “high school diploma in progress” on your high school resume. Just by digging a little deeper, you’ll find plenty of information to include in your education section to help you stand out as the ideal job, internship, or college applicant.

How to write the work experience section of a high school resume

As we arrive at the biggest, most stressful section of a high school resume, we have to address a question we commonly get from students: 

“How do you write a resume with no experience?” 

Many students think because they haven’t worked an official job, they lack experience. But it isn’t true. Unless you’ve been sitting in a box for your entire life, you’ve earned experience worth putting on a high school resume—we just need to dig a little deeper to find it.

So what types of experiences can you include on your high school resume? Of course, if you have work experience—even if it’s for your family business and you weren’t an “official” employee—you should showcase it. But if not, don’t worry. Instead, you can share information about your high school internships , volunteer work, community service, club involvement, participation in sports, leadership positions, and even the challenging academic summer programs you’ve attended. 

These types of activities are impressive to potential employers and colleges, so don’t be nervous if you’re writing a high school resume with no work experience. Be proud of the unique experiences you’ve had. You can even change the title of the section from “Work Experience” to “Relevant Activities” or “Major Achievements.” 

How to write descriptions for your experiences on a high school resume

Once you’ve identified two to four experiences or activities to showcase on your high school resume, you face the challenging task of describing your involvement and duties. This is one of the most difficult and crucial parts of writing your resume—how you represent your experience can be the difference between securing a position or continuing your job search. 

You want to use between three and five bullet points to describe each experience. Remember, your high school resume is limited to one page, so be strategic with every word. Illustrate your most recent or most relevant experiences in greater detail than your older or less-applicable experiences. For example, if you’re applying for a business internship, you should emphasize your experience as treasurer or marketing manager of a school club.

And what should each bullet point description contain? Here are a few guidelines to ensure your experience descriptions have the greatest impact:

Begin each bullet point with an action verb —such as created, completed, or managed . And you want to be careful not to use the same verb more than once. If you’re struggling to find the right words, use a list of resume action verbs to give you ideas. 

Use condensed language. Exclude pronouns, conjunctions, and any unnecessary words. It’s not the style you’d use to write college essays , but it will make your high school resume more skimmable and effective. (Suggested reading: our college essay ebook )

Tailor your descriptions by using specific keywords. If your high school resume is for a job application, sprinkle in keywords used in the job description to represent yourself as the ideal employee for the position. If you’re applying to a college or scholarship, add keywords from their mission and values statements to prove you’re exactly the type of student they want.

Add numbers and results whenever possible. You might include the hours per week you devoted to the activity, how many customers you served, or the number of products you created. If you measurably impacted productivity or efficiency (for example, reduced paper waste by 20%), be sure to include it, too.

If you follow these guidelines, your high school resume will stand out from the crowd and dazzle every manager and admissions rep who reads it.

An example experience entry for a high school resume:

Retail Associate — Old Navy, Inc.

November 2018 - January 2020

Provided exceptional customer service to 200 guests daily, which included giving tailored product recommendations and answering questions about store policies.

Processed cash and card payments for products equalling over $3,000 per shift, while maintaining a balanced register.

Designed, executed, and maintained attractive product displays that increased sales of featured items by 15%. 

What to include in the skills section of a high school resume

If you search for general resume examples online, you might feel overwhelmed and perhaps a bit discouraged when you look at sample “Relevant Skills” resume sections. But what you’re probably looking at are sample resumes for mid-career professionals. When you’re still in high school, you’re not expected to have the same advanced career skills as someone in their thirties does. This leaves you with the question, “What skills can a high school student put on a resume?”

The answer is: more than you think! When evaluating what skills you might be able to add to your high school resume, it’s helpful to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills. 

Hard skills refer to a person’s abilities gained through technical knowledge or training. These can range from technology or software skills to interpersonal skills such as public speaking or customer service. As a high school student, your hard skills may be limited, if you haven’t gained much work experience or training, but you’ve probably still acquired a few through school and extracurriculars. 

Here are examples of hard skills you might be able to add to a high school resume. You should choose which skills to include based on the type of job, scholarship, or college you’re applying to.

Customer service

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

Graphic design

Social media 

Fundraising

Soft skills , on the other hand, are personality traits that empower a person to be an exceptional employee or student. These types of skills can be gained in any setting, meaning you don’t need work experience to possess them. And while hard skills can be taught on the job, it’s much harder to teach a person to have good character, so you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of having soft skills. 

Here are a few examples of soft skills that could be included on a high school resume.

Resolving conflict

Communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Collaboration

To strike an impressive balance on your high school resume, aim to include three or four hard skills and four or five soft skills—all relevant to the position or school to which you’re applying. 

What additional sections to include on a high school resume

After you’ve completed the above sections, you might find you still have some space on your high school resume—and that’s good! It gives you an opportunity to further impress potential employers and colleges. Let’s explore the different types of sections you can add to round out your resume.

Honors and Awards. Many students will include this section in their high school resume because it’s the perfect way to showcase their academic, sport, and extracurricular achievements. You might include being on the Honor Roll, having perfect attendance, winning a sports championship, placing first in a robotics competition, or receiving a scholarship, to name a few examples. 

Relevant certifications. If you’ve had the opportunity to complete training and earn certifications relating to the position you’re applying to—for instance, a CPR certification for a lifeguard or preschool assistant job—you might want to devote an additional section to those. 

Portfolio or published works. If you’re an artist, writer, or other type of creative, you can add a section to your high school resume that specifically highlights your best creative achievements. For example, you can share the artwork you’ve publicly displayed, the poems you’ve had published, or the musical pieces you’ve performed. 

Hobbies and interests. When submitting your high school resume with your college or scholarship applications, you might choose to add a section about your interests to come across more holistically or help the committee know you better. You can even present your hobbies in a fun and interesting way. For example, you might share your love of ice cream with a statement like, “Visited 40+ family-owned ice cream shops in my surrounding area.”

Remember, your high school resume is all about you . So tailor the focus of your additional sections to showcase your uniqueness and bring you closer to the job, internship, scholarship, or college you’re pursuing.

High school resume template

Final thoughts

Your high school resume will evolve over time as you gain new experiences, qualifications, and skills. But you have to start somewhere, and now’s the time to begin. We’ve provided all the information, tools, and ideas you need to create a high quality, professional-looking high school resume. With a resume like this in your pocket, many promising career and educational doors will open for you. 

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.

Ivy League Acceptance Rates: What You're Up Against

The Best Summer Programs for High School Students

Extracurricular Activities for College Admissions: The Ultimate Guide (Examples Included)

10+ Free High School Resume Templates for 2024

Writing your high school resume is already hard as it is - you shouldn’t have to spend hours working on your resume layout and format.

Want to fast-track your resume-creation process?

Use one of these 10+ free high school resume templates!

All you have to do is pick a template that resonates with you and fill in the contents. Zero formatting hassle is required!

10+ Free High School Resume Templates [Pick & Download]

#1. simple resume template.

This timeless layout works for everyone - highschoolers and seasoned professionals alike. 

The understated design and clean look put equal emphasis on all parts of your resume.

#2. Professional Resume Template

The Professional template puts more emphasis on your work experience and skills. Don’t have much work experience? You can always replace it with some other relevant section like extracurricular activities or volunteering experience.

#3. College Resume Template

Created with recent graduates in mind, this template is also suitably structured for any applicant with little to no work experience. 

#4. Creative Resume Template

If you’re looking for a job in the creative industry or want to try something a bit bolder, the Creative template is right for you. It’s guaranteed to stand out in any resume pile with its light on dark header and circle style skill graphs. 

#5. Modern Resume Template

The Modern template is a step up from the more basic designs. It has an organized look featuring brackets and squares.

#6. Functional Resume Template

The Functional Resume template puts more emphasis on your educational background, making it a perfect fit for highschoolers or just about anyone with no work experience.

#7. One Color Resume Template

This template is quite simple and to-the-point. The sections are clearly separated, and the resume objective is located top and center. Bonus points: you can even personalize this high school resume template by customizing the color scheme.

#8. Two-Column Resume Template

The template has a rather unique two-column resume structure . It is easy to skim and pleasant to look at. 

It also has a very compact look, making it perfect for job-seekers with no work experience.

#9. Vertical Header Resume Template

What’s interesting about this template is the vertical layout in the header section. It looks refreshing and straight-up cool. However, it’s a hit or miss kind of situation. The recruiter will either be intrigued by it, or be bothered by having to turn the page to the side. Use at your own risk.

#10. Infographic Resume Template

Infographic resume templates in general use graphs and charts to illustrate the information. This template in particular uses bubbles to portray skills and level of competence, as well as icons to illustrate interests. This makes the resume quick to skim through and the information easy to understand. 

How Long Should a High School Resume Be?

The resume length discussion has been going on for ages and typically, the answer tends to vary depending on industry and years of experience. 

When it comes to a high school resume, however, there’s no room for discussion: your resume should be one-page max. 

It’s justifiable to have a two-page resume in case you have, say 10+ years of experience in the industry (which you don’t).

If your draft resume ends up being longer, revise your content with a critical eye and cut out anything that’s not relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Remember: the recruiter wants to know what your top skills and experiences are, not your entire life story!

What Should I Include In My High School Resume?

In your high school resume, include the following sections:

• Contact Information - This consists of personal and contact information like first and last name, phone number, e-mail address, or links to other profiles. Make sure everything is written correctly so the recruiter can reach you back.
• Resume Objective - This is a 3-4 sentence statement that describes your career goals and aspirations as well as mentions your skills and achievements. It’s used to grab the recruiter’s attention and ensure that they read the rest of your resume.
• Education - You can already guess what this one’s about, right? You should list down your education institution (high school) as well as any academic-related certifications or achievements.
• Extracurricular Activities - This is your resume’s selling point. The equivalent of work experience, if you will. Your extracurriculars are usually participation in high school clubs or various events and they show the recruiter you’re a competent and engaged individual.
• Projects & Gigs - In this section, you’d mention any independent projects you’ve worked on outside of academics. For example, a side-gig or your own blog - anything that shows you’re a self-starter.
• Work Experience (optional) - If you have any, you can list your work experiences. An internship or volunteer work also qualifies for this section.
• Languages - An extra language or two will definitely give you an edge over the other candidates. So, if you’re good at languages, make sure to list a dedicated section for that!
• Hobbies & Interests - Choose a few things that will give the recruiter some insight into your personality. Bonus points if these hobbies and interests are related to the industry where you’re applying - they’ll show you’re passionate and genuinely interested in the job.

And that’s about it!

How to Create a High School Resume With No Work Experience?

You’ve probably heard of the famous trope:

“You need work experience to get a job, but a job to get work experience.”

Fortunately, it’s not actually true.

If you’re applying for an entry-level position in any field, no one’s actually expecting you to have work experience.

Instead, you can focus on the experiences you do have to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Some things you can include in your resume are:

• Extracurricular activities
• Projects & gigs
• Hobbies & interests
• Internships

Key Takeaways

And that’s about it on high school resume templates!

If you want to know more about what to write and how to write it, check out our in-depth guide to writing a high school resume .

Before you go your way, let’s go over the main points of this article one more time:

• Always use a high school resume template instead of working on your resume from scratch - trust us, it’s going to save you a lot of time.
• Stick to the one-page resume limit. The recruiter wants to know about your work experience, not about your entire life story.
• Instead of work experience, focus on alternative sections like extracurricular activities, projects, volunteering experience, and so on.

Discover More Resume Templates

• Word Resume Templates
• Google Docs Resume Templates
• Chronological Resume Templates
• One Page Resume Templates
• Combination Resume Templates
• Creative Resume Templates
• 2 Page Resume Templates
• Minimalistic Resume Templates

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• English (UK)
• Resume Examples

High School Graduate Resume Examples [2024 ready]

It’s time to leap into the unknown and start your life for real. Build yourself a solid pair of wings and nail the interview with this on-point high school graduate resume sample.

Here comes a job-winning resume for a high-school graduate. But first—

You have to impress the recruiter. One false move can ruin your career plans. Next thing you know you’re working in a dead-end job and wondering what hit you.

We can’t let that happen. Your high school graduate resume has to land you a job you’ve dreamed of.

In this guide:

• A high school graduate resume template better than most.
• How to write a resume for high school graduates that get interviews.
• What to put in a recent high school grad resume so they can’t ignore you.
• How to format your high school graduate resume perfectly.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

Create your resume now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Looking for other advice? Check out our guides:

• High School Student Resume
• College Application Resume
• Cosmetology Resume Examples
• Recent College Graduate Resume
• Undergraduate College Resume
• College Student Resume
• Student Resume
• Medical Student Resume
• Graduate School Resume/CV
• Internship Resume
• Scholarship Resume
• Resume for Teens
• Entry-Level Resume
• McDonald's Resume
• No Experience Resume
• Music Resume
• Landscaping Resume
• Logistics Resume
• Maintenance Resume
• Forklift Operator Resume
• Lifeguard Resume
• Virtual Assistant Resume

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our  Resume Samples.

Sample Resume for a High School Graduate You Can Copy and Use

Cara Beldad

Phone: 607-301-7378

Email: [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/carazbeldad

twitter.com/carazbeldad

Driven high-school graduate with exceptional communication and organizational skills. Eager to join Aardvark Inc. as a Sales Associate. As leader of the Furry Angels Fundraising Group, helped save the lives of 1,500 animals, raising $2,000+ annually.

2015–2019

John Jay High School, Katonah, NY

GPA:  3.8

SAT:  1350

ACT:  30

President, High School Yearbook Committee

• Led team of 8 to source 750+ photos of 253 senior students, plus 100+ memorable quotes and other memories.
• Worked with vendors to secure a 15% cost-savings.
• Created marketing plan that raised sales 20% over previous year.

Excelled in Business Coursework

• Enrolled in 5 business classes through the school's young business leader program, including accounting, business law, and marketing.
• Maintained 4.0 GPA in all 5 core business classes.

Captain of Debate Team 2 Years

• Led team to 3rd place in New York State debate tournament.
• Coached and mentored 5 debate team members in best practices to improve debate scores by 20% in 3 months.

Furry Angels Animal Fundraising Group

Co-Founder, Leader

2016–present

• Created crowdsourced animal fundraising group with 2,500+ members.
• Raised $2,000+ annually for homeless animals.
• Assisted with saving the lives of 1,500 dogs, cats, and a llama.

Barvel's Corner Store

Counter Clerk, Cook

2017–2019

• Opened and closed store, operated cash register, made sandwiches, and provided exemplary customer service in a busy sandwich shop.
• Commended 5x by manager for attention to detail.

Lacrosse Team Co-Captain

2016–2019

• Led team to 2 winning seasons in highly-competitive state.
• Mentored 5 players to increase cradling and passing skills 30%.
• Led daily stretches, drills, and workouts with 30+ members.
• Organized video recording and analysis that raised performance 20%.

Hard Skills:  marketing, strategy, mathematics

Soft Skills:  interpersonal skills, collaboration, communication, time management, problem-solving

Languages:  Spanish (Advanced)

1. Select the Best Resume Format for a High School Graduate

You only get one shot.

Your first impression is precious in a high school graduate resume.

Don’t blow it with frazzled resume formatting .

Use these tips:

Recent High School Grad Resume Format

• Add one-inch margins and some white space for ease-of-use.
• Use a dedicated resume font like 11–14pt Lato or Book Antiqua.
• Write resume sections for Heading, Objective, Education, and Activities.
• Put your items in reverse-chronological resume order.
• Stick to a resume length of a single page.
• Save it as a PDF resume so they can view it even on mobile.

Expert Hint: Recruiters spend about 7 seconds initially scanning a resume. Make sure yours is formatted in a way that highlights all the important stuff in very little time.

2. Write a High School Graduate Resume Objective

The recruiter just deleted your high school graduate resume.

You just seemed a little mediocre for the job.

How can you drop jaws instead?

Write an educated resume profile in the form of a  resume objective .

• An adjective (driven, hard-working)
• Who you are & how you’ll help (High-school graduate with great communication and organizational skills. Eager to join the Aardvark Inc. as a Sales Assistant.)
• Your best resume accomplishments (helped save the lives of 1,500 animals...)

Write it at the end so you don’t struggle with the material.

On a side note—

You may have come across the term resume summary as well.

Generally, resume summaries serve the same purpose as resume objectives, but are suitable for experienced candidates who have several years of professional experience under the belt.

Now, see these high school graduate resume examples:

High School Graduate Resume Objective

The second of those samples of resume for a high school grad says, “I can get the job done.” 

The first gives proof with a shining fundraising achievement.

Don’t have one like that? You don’t have to. I’m about to show you how to find your most attractive features.

3. Don’t Waste Your Precious Education Section

Oh, if only I could go back in time.

My high school graduate resume education section was a travesty.

I listed my substandard GPA scores and my relevant corsework . Plus I said, “Oh yeah, and I was on the swim team.”

Dumb, dumb, dumb!

I can’t go back and change that now. But I can keep you from making a costly mistake.

Take my word for it—

Break your resume education section into sections with accomplishments .

Learn from these sample high school graduate resumes:

High School Graduate Resume Example—Education

SAT Score:  1450 (750 Verbal, 650 Math)

• Developed plan to include underrepresented groups 50% more.
• As business management class project, created team that raised concessions sales at all home football teams by 25%.
• Co-captain of school track team

Get the point?

You don’t have to use those exact high school graduate resume examples.

Don’t just slap your GPA in there, plus a team sport.

If you’ve got projects, classes, or high school achievements that’ll wow them, show them.

And if not?

Don’t sweat it. Just fill your high school graduate resume with no work experience with other high-flying moments from your life.

Expert Hint: Include your GPA only if it’s 3.0 or above . Otherwise you might hurt your chances.

4. Add Experience to Your Resume for a High School Graduate

Do you know what keeps hiring managers up at night?

You’d better.

Otherwise, you won’t know how to write a recent high school grad resume that works.

Here’s what worries hiring teams: finding applicants who’ll really get the job done.

You can prove that’s you by adding relevant experience section to your resume. Think volunteering, internship, freelancing, projects.

Work it like this resume sample for high school graduates:

Sample High School Graduate Resume—Experience 

2016–Present

That entry-level resume for a high school graduate shows a passionate, competent candidate. She probably finishes what she starts, with flying colors.

Expert Hint: Studies show that employers give preference to candidates with previous work experience . To boost your chance of getting hired, dig deep to find your most impressive moments. Then spotlight them in your resume for a high school graduate.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

5. What About Athletics in a Resume for a High School Graduate?

Do you need sports in a high school graduate resume?

If you’ve rocked the gridiron, court, or pool, let your dedication shine.

Do it like this no work experience resume for high school graduate:

I don’t see a run-of-the-mill job applicant when I read that.

I see a hard-working leader who makes good things happen.

6. What Else Can Go in a Recent High School Graduate Resume?

You don’t have to put anything else in your fresh-out-of-high-school resume.

But think of it this way—

You’ve got a finite amount of space.

This is your chance to impress them. To show what you’ve achieved .

Pack your resume for high school graduate with the best and coolest things you’ve done.

List things that show you can:

• Set goals and reach them
• Get along with others
• Overcome adversity
• Care about important things

Choose carefully, but—

Only add your most impressive bullet points.

• Certifications
• Volunteering you’ve done
• Freelancing
• Personal projects
• Associations or groups you belong to ( BSA , 4-H )
• Foreign languages you speak

See these examples:

High School Graduate Resume Examples—Other Sections

Volunteer Work

• Volunteer fundraiser, National Breast Cancer Foundation. Facilitated 5 fundraisers that took in $5,000+ for research.
• Day laborer, Habitat for Humanity. Worked 35+ days to help the homeless.
• Young Business Leaders Award for leadership excellence
• Upstate New York Outstanding Service Project Award
• Self-taught violin. Learned 15 concertos, 10 symphonies, and 12 sonatas.
• Avid rock climber. Climbed The Eagle’s Gift 5.9 in Maine, Lonesome Dove 1.10 in NY, and dozens more.

Additional Activities

• Playing Minecraft

What’s wrong with the second of those high school grad resumes?

It’s vague.

Instead of hiking , it could say, “Hiked 20+ 4,000-foot peaks in 2 years as member of Peak Bagger’s Club.”

That’s wow-worthy.

Finally—

What high school graduate resume skills do you need in your application?

See this list of skills to put on a resume :

High School Graduate Resume—Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Computer Skills

Don’t list them all. That’s fudging.

Only list skills you can prove in your high school graduate resume.

Expert Hint: Write a cover letter for your high school grad resume. Talk about how much you like the company, why, and how the job fits your goals and passions.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Haven't written your cover letter yet? See:

• Cover Letter for Graduate School Application

Here’s how to write a resume for a high school graduate:

• Start with a good high school graduate resume template . Fill it with your best accomplishments.
• Split your resume education section into subsections for classes you excelled in, groups, and other school accomplishments.
• Add interests, hobbies, and athletics that show off your passions.
• Write a high school graduate resume objective for the top that puts your best school moments in a nutshell. (But write it last!)

Write a scholarship cover letter to stand out from the crowd.  

Need more career resources? Check these out:

• What Should you Include in your Resume Header?
• A Complete Guide on How to Build a Resume.
• Free Google Docs Resume Templates
• Free Microsoft Word Resume Templates
• How to Choose the best Resume Layout

Got questions on how to write good resumes for high school graduates? Not sure how to choose what to put in your resume objective for high school graduates with little experience? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Having published over 200 career-advice articles, Tom Gerencer is a career expert who covers the whole array of job-seeking topics for people at all career stages, from interns to C-suite members. His insights, commentary, and articles reach over a million readers every month. With inside knowledge of key industry players and in-depth research, Tom helps job seekers with advice across all professions and career stages. Tom holds a degree in English from Colby College.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

How to Start a Cover Letter: 6 Best Introductions Examples

How to start a cover letter? Just follow our guide and write a cover letter introduction that will sweep your future boss off their feet.

Career Expert

What Does a Resume Look Like in 2024 (+Actionable Tips)

To land a perfect job, you need the best-looking resume. This guide will show you what should a good resume look like, and what you need to do to have one.

Maciej Duszyński, CPRW

What Does a Cover Letter Look Like? (With Proven Examples)

Long story short: if your cover letter looks bad, it will generate zero interest. And there’s more to making it look great than setting the right margins and picking good fonts.

How to Make a High School Resume for a College Application

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Your high school resume is the first glimpse admissions officers get of your accomplishments, extracurricular activities and potential as a student. 

But how do you create a resume that stands out from the crowd? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including: 

• How important is a resume for a college application
• What to include in your college application resume
• Expert tips on how to write a standout high school resume
• High school resume for a college application sample

Save time and use our Resume Builder to craft a standout high school resume for your college applications in a matter of minutes.

How important is a resume for a college application?

While not required by all colleges, a strong student resume can be a valuable addition to your college application and help you present yourself in the best possible light to admissions officers.

Additionally, a resume can demonstrate your ability to manage your time, prioritize tasks and work independently — all valuable skills for college success. We recommend exploring our library high school resume templates to get started. 

Even if the colleges you are applying to do not require a resume, there are additional reasons you may choose to make one:

• To share with a teacher who is writing you a letter of recommendation
• For scholarship applications
• To bring with you to a college admission interview

Make a resume with My Perfect Resume

Our Resume builder can help you write the perfect resume. Start Now!

What to include in a high school resume for college applications

The goal of your high school resume is to showcase your potential as a college student and to provide admissions officers with a well-rounded view of who you are as a person and a student. 

Here are some key items to include on a high school resume for college applications: 

• Contact information: Full name, address, phone number and a professional email address. See our resume examples for ideas on how to display your contact details. 
• Education: High school name, location and expected graduation date, as well as any academic honors or awards you’ve received.
• Extracurricular activities: Clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, internships or other organizations you’ve participated in.
• Leadership positions: Any roles you’ve held in clubs or organizations, such as president, captain or editor.
• Work experience: Add any work experience , such as part-time or summer jobs you’ve had, including job title, company name and dates of employment. 
• Volunteer experience or community service: Volunteer or community service experience, including the organization, your role and the number of hours you contributed. 
• Skills: Any technical skills or soft skills you’ve developed, such as proficiency in a foreign language, computer programming or public speaking.
• Awards and honors: Any academic or leadership awards you’ve received, such as National Honor Society, AP Scholar or Eagle Scout.

See our guide on what to put on a resume for additional tips from career advice experts. 

Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of each college you are applying to, and seek feedback from an advisor or mentor to make your resume as strong as possible.

How to write a high school resume for college applications

1. use a professional format.

Using a professional resume format is essential in order to make a good impression and showcase your achievements in the best possible way. Here are some tips for creating a professional format for your resume:

• Use a consistent format throughout your resume, including headings, font size and spacing. This will make your resume easy to read and help highlight your achievements.
• Use headings to separate different sections of your resume, such as education, extracurricular activities and work experience.
• Choose a readable resume font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid using decorative or unusual fonts that can be difficult to read.
• Use white space effectively to make your resume visually appealing and easy to read. For instance, margins of at least 0.5 inches prevent overcrowding your resume with too much information.

2. Keep it concise

A resume for a college application should generally be one page in length. Admissions officers review many applications and resumes, so it is important that your one-page resume is concise and highlights the most important information about yourself. 

Focus on including your most significant academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experiences and other accomplishments that are relevant to your college application. 

If you have a lot of relevant information to include, consider prioritizing the most important information and leaving out less important details. 

3. Tailor it to the college

Admissions officers want to see applicants who have done their research and are genuinely interested in their school or program. Here are some tips on how to tailor your resume:

• Research the program: Look up the specific requirements for the program or major you are interested in and identify how your skills, experiences and achievements would make you a great fit. 
• Highlight relevant experience: For example, if you are applying to a business program, highlight any relevant coursework, internships or work experience in the business field.
• Use relevant language: Use keywords and language that are specific to the program or major you are applying to. 
• Consider including a section on relevant coursework: If you have taken coursework that is relevant to the program or major, consider including a separate section to highlight these courses.

4. Include extracurricular activities 

Extracurricular activities can demonstrate your leadership skills, community involvement and passion for certain activities. 

Choose the extracurricular activities that are most relevant to your college application and showcase your strengths. 

Focus on activities that you have been committed to over a period of time and that demonstrate your leadership or involvement in the community.

Provide specific information about your involvement in each activity, such as the number of hours per week, the length of time you were involved and any specific accomplishments or projects you worked on.

5. Use strong action verbs

Using strong action verbs in your college application resume is important because it can help you stand out and make a strong impression on admissions officers. 

Admissions officers are looking for applicants who are motivated, driven and capable of making a positive impact on their college community. Here are a few examples:

• Organized fundraising events for the volleyball team, raising over $5,000 for charity.
• Led school debate team to win regional championship for three consecutive years.
• Created and managed the school newspaper, increasing readership by 30% in one semester.

Notice that in addition to action verbs, these examples use numbers and percentages to convey accomplishments in a meaningful and impactful way.   

Action verbs and measurable achievements show that you are a dynamic and proactive individual who has achieved significant results in your academic, extracurricular or work experiences.

6. Highlight skills you didn’t cover previously 

If you have skills and achievements that you didn’t cover in your admissions essays, your college application resume is a great place to highlight them. 

Focus on the skills that are most impressive or demonstrate your unique strengths. Be specific and use numbers and metrics to quantify your impact whenever possible.

By highlighting your unique strengths and accomplishments, you can make a strong impression on admissions officers and increase your chances of being accepted to your dream school.

7. Be honest and accurate 

Being honest and accurate in a high school resume for a college application is extremely important. Admissions officers expect applicants to provide truthful and reliable information about their academic achievements, extracurricular activities and other experiences. 

Admissions officers are experienced in reading resumes and evaluating applicants, and they can easily spot inconsistencies or inaccuracies. They may also conduct background checks or follow up with your references to verify the information you provide. 

By providing truthful information, you can increase your chances of being accepted to your dream school and set yourself up for success in college and beyond.

8. Proofread carefully and get feedback

After you have written your resume, make sure to proofread it carefully and get feedback from others, such as friends, family members, teachers or guidance counselors. 

Spelling and grammar errors, typos and formatting inconsistencies can make your resume appear unprofessional and may lead admissions officers to question your attention to detail.

You can use our ATS resume checker tool to scan for 30+ common errors. You’ll get a personalized resume grade and actionable tips on how to improve your score.

Getting feedback from others can help you improve the quality and effectiveness of your resume. They can help identify areas where you may be underselling yourself or provide constructive criticism on areas that need improvement.

How far back should a college application resume go?

A college application resume should typically go back to your freshman year of high school.

This means that you should include information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships and other experiences from your freshman year through your senior year.

Admissions officers are looking for quality over quantity, so make sure to prioritize experiences that demonstrate your strengths and fit with the college or program you are applying to.

When should you write a college application resume? 

You should start writing a resume for college applications at least a few months before the application deadline to ensure that you have enough time to identify your experiences and get feedback from others. 

By starting early and taking the time to create a strong resume, you can increase your chances of getting accepted to your dream school.

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume and our expertly crafted high school graduate resume examples for additional guidance. 

Where do you submit a college application resume? 

The submission process for a college application resume may vary depending on the college or university that you are applying to. Here are some common ways to submit a college application resume:

It is important to check the application requirements for each college or university that you are applying to and follow their instructions carefully to ensure that your college application resume is submitted correctly and on time.

Example high school resume for a college application

Here is a sample high school resume for a college application that demonstrates how to organize and present your experiences effectively:

This example showcases the student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities and work experiences in a clear and organized manner. 

It uses bullet points and concise language to highlight accomplishments and responsibilities, making it easy for admissions officers to quickly understand the student’s strengths and interests. 

Additionally, the resume includes relevant details such as GPA, test scores and leadership positions, providing a comprehensive overview of the student’s qualifications for college.

Key takeaways

• A high school resume for a college application gives admissions officers an overview of your achievements, extracurricular activities and potential as a student.
• Your resume should include relevant information such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities and volunteer experience. 
• Use a professional format for your college application resume to ensure that it is engaging and easy to read.
• Tailor your resume to the college or the program or major that you are applying for.
• Be honest and accurate on your resume.
• Proofread carefully and get feedback from friends, family members, teachers or guidance counselors.

Do all colleges require students to submit resumes?

No, not all colleges require students to submit resumes as part of their application. In fact, many colleges may not even consider them as part of the application process. 

However, some colleges may request or recommend that students provide a resume, especially if they are applying to a particular program or major.

It’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements of each college you are applying to in order to determine whether or not a resume is necessary. 

How can you use LinkedIn to supplement your high school resume for college applications?

LinkedIn can be a great tool to supplement your high school resume for college applications. Here are some tips on how to use LinkedIn effectively:

• Create a professional profile: Create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills, achievements and experiences. Use a professional profile picture and include a headline that summarizes your skills and goals.
• Highlight academic achievements: List your academic achievements, such as your GPA, standardized test scores and any academic awards or honors.
• Showcase extracurricular activities: Highlight your extracurricular activities and any leadership roles you have held. Include any volunteer work, internships or part-time jobs you have had.
• Connect with alumni: Reach out to alumni from the colleges you are interested in and ask for their advice and insights. This can help you learn more about the college and potentially make valuable connections.
• Research colleges: Use LinkedIn to research colleges and learn more about their programs, alumni and career outcomes. This can help you make a more informed decision about where to apply and what programs to pursue.

Overall, LinkedIn can be a great way to supplement your high school resume and showcase your skills and achievements to college admissions officers. 

How do you address gaps in your high school resume for college applications?

You might have gaps in your high school resume due to COVID-19 or other disruptions. Here are some tips on how to address this in your resume: 

• Explain the reason for the gap: If there is a gap in your high school resume, be honest and explain the reason for the gap. 
• Highlight other accomplishments: If there is a gap in your high school resume, focus on highlighting other accomplishments that you have achieved during that time. For example, you may have taken online courses, volunteered or pursued a passion project.
• Be concise: When addressing gaps in your high school resume, be concise and to the point. Don’t dwell on the gap, but instead focus on how you have grown and developed during that time.
• Seek guidance: If you are unsure how to address gaps in your high school resume, seek help from your guidance counselor or a college admissions counselor. They can provide valuable advice and help you craft a strong application that highlights your strengths and accomplishments.

Should you put your GPA on a college application resume?

The decision to include your GPA on your college application resume will depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the colleges you are applying to. 

However, it is generally a good idea to include your GPA on a college application resume, especially if it is strong. Your GPA is an important academic indicator for college admissions officers, and they will likely want to see it as part of your application.

If your GPA is not very high, you may want to consider leaving it off your resume or providing additional context to explain why it is lower than you would like. For example, if you had a difficult freshman year but improved significantly in subsequent years, you may want to explain this in your application.

Be sure to carefully review the application guidelines for each college and tailor your resume accordingly. Take a look at these resume tips for teenagers for additional guidance. 

Should your college application resume include personal interests or hobbies?

Including personal interests or hobbies on a college application resume is optional, but it can be a good way to showcase your personality and provide admissions officers with a more well-rounded view of who you are. 

However, when deciding whether to include personal interests or hobbies on your college application resume, it is important to consider the relevance of these activities to your academic and career goals. 

If your hobbies are related to the field of study you plan to pursue in college or demonstrate skills that are relevant to your intended career, then they can be particularly valuable to include.

How do you write a resume for an Ivy League college?

When writing a resume for an Ivy League college, it is important to focus on highlighting your achievements, skills and experiences in a way that showcases your potential for academic and extracurricular success. 

Here are some tips on how to write a resume for an Ivy League college:

• Tailor your resume to the college: Each Ivy League college is unique, and it is important to tailor your resume to the specific college you are applying to. Research the college’s programs, values and culture to get an idea of what they are looking for in applicants and tailor your resume accordingly.
• Focus on achievements: Ivy League colleges are highly competitive, and admissions officers are looking for students who have achieved excellence in their academic, extracurricular and personal pursuits. 
• Showcase your interests and passions: Highlight your interests and passions, such as volunteering, research or creative projects, to demonstrate your potential for intellectual curiosity and engagement.

For a detailed example, take a look at our Harvard resume template and guide. 

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• The Princeton Review. Article. Write a High School Student Resume for College Applications
• BestColleges. Article. How to Write a Resume for College Applications
• CollegeAdvisor. Article. Babbs, Claire. How to Write a Resume for College –  A CollegeAdvisor Guide 

Rate this article

4.5/5 stars with 100 reviews

Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.

Related Content

How to Write an Internship Resume (Examples & Templates)

By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

March 14, 2024

How to Make a Resume With No Experience (Examples & Tips)

By Kellie Hanna, CPRW

November 15, 2023

Essential Resume Skills: Key Examples for Various Professions

By Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW

February 28, 2024

Explore 100+ Resume Objective Statement Examples

How to Write a Resume (Examples & Guide)

April 02, 2024

Crafting the Perfect Resume Follow-Up Letter: A How-To Guide

September 02, 2022

‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

Shop for Car Insurance

Other Insurance Products

Types of mortgages

Calculators

Find & Compare Credit Cards

Cards with Rewards

Cards for a Purpose

Cards for Building Credit

Credit Card Reviews

Understanding Credit & Score

Student Loans

Paying for College

Personal Finance for College Students

Life Events

How to Craft a Winning Resume: Step-By-Step Guide

A standout resume showcases your fit for the role and reflects your professional narrative and brand, emphasizing your qualifications, experience and the unique value you bring to the position.

Quality Verified

Updated: April 5, 2024

On This Page:

• Why Your Resume Matters
• Step 1: Job Description
• Step 2: Format
• Step 3: Objective
• Step 4: Work Experience
• Step 5: Skills
• Step 6: Education & Credentials
• Step 7: Optional Sections
• Step 8: Proofread

Additional Resources

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

An effective resume is much more than a simple list of skills and career history. Your resume often makes the first impression on potential employers and is vital to securing an interview during a job search . When crafted correctly, it's a tool that reflects your qualifications, experiences and compatibility with the position you're applying for.

Importance of a Well-Crafted Resume

A well-crafted resume does more than state your work history — it's a strategic way to present your professional narrative in the most compelling light. Here's why a resume is vital in your job application process:

Step 1: Carefully Read the Job Description

The first step in crafting a compelling resume is a thorough understanding of the job description. It sets the direction for how you'll customize your resume to meet the specific needs and requirements of the role. Here's how to approach it:

Read Attentively

Begin by reading the job description carefully. Pay attention to the language used and the listed responsibilities and requirements. This will give you a clear idea of what the employer values most.

Highlight Key Skills and Qualifications

As you read, underline or highlight the essential skills and qualifications mentioned. These are usually listed under sections titled "Requirements," "Qualifications," or "Skills."

Match Your Skills

Compare your experiences and skills to those in the job description. Identify where your background aligns with the job requirements. This step is crucial for tailoring your resume to show you're an ideal fit.

Incorporate Keywords

Integrate keywords and phrases found in the job description throughout your resume. Use them in your summary, work experience and skills sections. This shows that your qualifications match the role and helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which screen resumes based on specific keywords.

Step 2: Choose the Best Resume Format

Choosing the right resume format ensures that your application captures the attention of hiring managers by presenting your background in the most effective and relevant way. Below are the three most commonly used resume formats, along with guidance on who should use each and why:

Chronological Resume

This format arranges your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job at the top. It's ideal for individuals with a solid and steady work history. The chronological resume highlights career progression and is particularly effective for those looking to advance in the same field.

Best for: Seasoned professionals with consistent employment in their field.

Example: A marketing manager with 10 years of experience seeking to become a marketing director.

Functional Resume

This format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than the chronological chronology of your professional experience. It's beneficial for those with career gaps in their employment, newcomers to the workforce or career changers, as it allows them to highlight how their skills transfer to the position they're applying for.

Best for: Career changers, individuals with employment gaps or those with diverse skill sets not tied to specific roles.

Example: A professional transitioning from a teaching career to a corporate training position, emphasizing skills in curriculum development, presentation and educational technology.

Combination Resume

A hybrid of the chronological and functional formats, this style allows you to showcase your relevant skills and work history. It's perfect for those with a solid employment record who also want to highlight specific skills that are particularly relevant to the job they're applying for.

Best for: Professionals with a robust work history and specific, transferable skills directly applicable to the job opening.

Example: A software developer with extensive experience in project management looking to focus on agile project management roles.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

Your summary or objective should introduce your resume and encapsulate your professional identity and value proposition, making a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate for the position. Here's how to differentiate between the two and write them effectively:

Resume Summary

Ideal for experienced professionals, a summary provides a concise overview of your career achievements and key strengths. It highlights your experience, major accomplishments and the value you bring to a potential employer.

Example: "Customer Service Manager with over seven years of experience specializing in improving customer satisfaction and team performance. Achieved a 30% increase in customer satisfaction at XYZ Co., demonstrating proficiency in CRM software and effective team leadership."

Resume Objective

Best suited for those at the entry level, career changers or applicants with gaps in employment, an objective focuses on your career goals and how they align with the company's needs, emphasizing your enthusiasm and potential contributions.

Example: "Recent Computer Science graduate passionate about software development and problem-solving. Aiming to apply academic knowledge and innovative thinking in a Junior Developer role. Awarded university prize for excellence in project development, showcasing strong technical skills and creative solutions."

• Be Concise: Keep your summary or objective brief, targeting three to five lines.
• Showcase Your Value: Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, indicating how you can solve problems or add value to the team.
• Use Active Language: Start sentences with action verbs and use the active voice to convey dynamism and proactivity.

Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your resume is where you showcase your professional journey and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Here's how you can effectively list your work experience:

Chronological Order

Begin with your most recent position and proceed backward in time. This format allows employers to quickly understand your current level of responsibility and track your career progression.

Dynamic Action Verbs

Initiate each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., led, developed, increased, optimized) to capture attention and actively convey your role in each achievement.

Quantify Achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers, percentages and specific outcomes to quantify your achievements. This approach provides tangible evidence of your contributions and impact on your roles.

Beyond Duties

Focus on your achievements in each position rather than simply listing job duties. Describe how you added value, solved problems or improved processes. This distinction helps employers gauge your potential impact on their organization.

Tailor to the Job

Select experiences and accomplishments most relevant to the position you're applying for. Tailoring this section to the job description ensures you highlight the skills and experiences that align closely with what the employer is seeking.

Step 5: Highlight Your Skills

The skills section can be an opportunity to respond directly to the job description's call for specific competencies. Follow these steps to make your skills section stand out:

Inventory Your Skills

Compile a comprehensive list of your skills, including technical skills and interpersonal skills. No skill is too small to consider.

Prioritize Relevant Skills

From your inventory, select the skills that most closely match the job description. These are the ones you should highlight in your resume.

Balancing Hard and Soft Skills

A well-rounded candidate possesses hard and soft skills . Hard skills demonstrate your specific qualifications for the job, while soft skills illustrate how you interact with others and approach your work.

Presenting Your Skills

When listing your skills, consider using bullet points for clarity and ease of reading. Provide brief examples of how you've applied each skill in a professional setting, either within the skills section itself or elsewhere in your resume.

Integrating Soft Skills Throughout

While it's important to list soft skills, you can also integrate them into your work experience and achievements.

Step 6: Include Your Education and Credentials

This section should highlight your academic achievements and underscore your commitment to professional development. Consider the following tips to showcase your education and credentials effectively:

List Your Highest Education First

Begin with the most advanced degree you've earned, followed by others in reverse chronological order. For each, include the degree type, your major, the name of the institution and your graduation year (or expected graduation year if you're currently enrolled).

Certifications and Licenses

List any professional certifications or licenses you hold, especially those directly relevant to the job. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization and the date of attainment or expiration, if applicable.

Relevant Coursework, Honors and Awards

Mention any courses, honors or awards directly relevant to the job or that showcase exceptional achievement. Place these details under the appropriate educational entry, keeping the descriptions brief yet descriptive.

Formatting for Clarity

Use bullet points for each element to ensure the section is easily scannable. This helps potential employers quickly grasp your academic and professional learning achievements.

Prioritizing Information

Your educational background will be particularly important if you're starting your career or a recent graduate. In this case, consider placing your education section above your work experience. For those more advanced in their careers, education can follow the work experience section, focusing more on degrees and certifications than on coursework or honors.

• Master of Science in Data Analytics – XYZ University, 2023
• Specialization: Big Data Processing and Visualization Technique
• Honors: Received the Dean's Award for Outstanding Graduate Research

Certifications

• Certified Data Analyst – Data Science Institute, 2022

Step 7: Consider Optional Resume Sections

In addition to the essential components of your resume — such as your career summary, skills, work experience and education — consider including optional sections to further develop your brand, showcase a comprehensive skill set and stand out from other candidates. Select optional sections that add value and are relevant to the position you're applying for. Here are some possibilities:

Volunteer Work

Highlight significant volunteer roles and community service activities. These experiences can illustrate your commitment to social causes, leadership abilities and application of professional skills in a volunteer setting.

Detailing relevant certifications underscores your dedication to professional development and expertise in your field.

Share hobbies that reflect positively on your personality and offer insights into your soft skills, such as teamwork, creativity or leadership. Choose hobbies that are relevant or could contribute uniquely to the job.

Awards and Honors

Include professional or academic recognitions to emphasize your commitment to excellence and achievement in your career or field of study.

Listing language proficiencies can demonstrate your ability to communicate in diverse environments, an essential skill in many global or multicultural roles.

Professional Affiliations

Show your engagement with the professional community through memberships in associations, which can indicate a broader network and up-to-date industry knowledge

Step 8: Proofread and Format Your Resume

Errors, typos and inconsistencies in formatting can significantly detract from your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are some strategies to ensure your resume is polished and professional:

Be Consistent

Use a consistent format for headings, bullet points and fonts throughout your resume. This uniformity helps maintain a clean, professional look.

Choose a Professional Font

Use a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Maintain a font size of 10 to 12 points for body text and slightly larger for headings.

Bullet Points

Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, improving the document's readability and making it easier for employers to scan.

Margins and Spacing

Set your margins to 1" on all sides to create a balanced, uncluttered layout. Adequate spacing between sections further enhances readability.

Multiple Rounds of Proofreading

Go beyond a cursory spell check. Read your resume several times, each focusing on different elements — first for typos and grammar, then for consistency in formatting and finally for overall flow and persuasiveness.

Get a Second Opinion

Having someone else review your resume can provide valuable insights and catch errors you might have missed.

Use Digital Tools

Leverage grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word's Review features for an additional layer of error checking.

Here's a list of valuable resources for crafting a standout resume that effectively navigates modern job application processes. Each offers unique insights and guidance tailored to different aspects of resume writing and job search strategies:

• GCFLearnFree.org : Features a wide range of guides, including formatting resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems and tailoring resumes to specific job applications​​.
• U.S. Department of Labor : Shares tips for writing a federal resume, including tailoring your resume to the job's requirements and selecting the right format​​.
• Workshops for Warriors : Provides targeted advice for veterans transitioning to civilian work, focusing on showcasing military training, certifications and soft skills​​.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

Professional Farm Manager Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your farm manager cover letter must immediately demonstrate your capability to lead agricultural operations effectively. Highlight your experience with precision farming technology and sustainable practices in the opening statements. In the second paragraph, convey your interpersonal skills and how you successfully manage labor to maintain high productivity on the farm. Be sure to include specific achievements, such as yield improvements or cost reductions, that illustrate your hands-on expertise and strategic management.

Cover Letter Guide

Farm Manager Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Farm Manager Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting a farm manager cover letter can be as challenging as tending to a sprawling orchard. You've found the perfect job and your resume is polished, but now you're faced with the daunting task of capturing the essence of your career in just one page. It's not about rehashing your resume; it's about showcasing your crowning professional achievement and sharing the journey behind it. Striking the right balance between formality and originality, without resorting to clichés, can be the key to harvesting the interest of your future employer. Let's sow the seeds for a cover letter that grows into a job offer.

• Introduce your profile to catch recruiters' attention;
• Use professional templates and examples to make sure your farm manager cover letter follows the best industry standards;
• Settle on your most story-worthy achievement to shine a light on what makes your application unique;
• Write a farm manager cover letter, even when you lack professional experience.

Ready to start with the basics: upload your resume to Enhancv's AI, below, to see the farm manager cover letter it would write for you.

If the farm manager isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Farm Manager resume guide and example
• Manual Tester cover letter example
• Warehouse Manager cover letter example
• Factory Manager cover letter example
• Welder cover letter example
• Warehouse Associate cover letter example
• Logistics Coordinator cover letter example
• Inventory Supervisor cover letter example
• Cnc Machinist cover letter example
• Forklift Operator cover letter example
• Parts Manager cover letter example

Farm Manager cover letter example

Ava Johnson

Washington, D.C.

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing relevant experience in a specialized field — the cover letter references a decade-long expertise in hydroponic farming systems, which directly pertains to the organization's focus on sustainable agriculture.
• Quantifiable achievements — highlighting specific results such as a 20% increase in crop yield and a 15% reduction in resource requirements demonstrates the candidate's ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
• Alignment with the organization's mission — by mentioning their own experience with technology in agriculture as well as their passion for community empowerment, the candidate establishes a connection with the organization's goal of innovating efficient agricultural solutions.
• Offering to discuss compatibility — the candidate expresses an eagerness for further discussion about how their skills and achievements will benefit the organization, encouraging the hiring manager to engage in a conversation about potential collaboration.

Structuring and formatting your farm manager cover letter

Here's what the structure of your farm manager cover letter should include:

• Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
• Salutation (or greeting);
• Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
• Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
• Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
• Signature (that is optional).

Use the same font for your farm manager resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.

Your farm manager cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder .

When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).

On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your farm manager cover letter.

The top sections on a farm manager cover letter

• Header: The header of the cover letter should include the farm manager's contact information, which is crucial for the recruiter to quickly reach out and signifies a professional approach to the application process.
• Opening Greeting: Use a personalized greeting to address the recruiter or farm owner directly; this shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position at their specific farm.
• Introduction: In this section, briefly introduce yourself and express your enthusiasm for the farm manager role, highlighting experiences that directly relate to managing farm operations and your passion for agriculture.
• Professional Experience: Detail your relevant farming background, including any successes in crop management, livestock care, farm equipment operation, or staff supervision, as these are key skills that recruiters seek in a candidate for a farm manager position.
• Closing and Call to Action: Your closing should reiterate your suitability for the role and include a call to action, such as a request for further discussion or an invitation for an interview, to prompt the recruiter to engage with you.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Agricultural expertise: Demonstrating in-depth knowledge and experience in modern farming techniques, crop rotation, animal husbandry, and the use of agricultural machinery for efficiency underlines the candidate's capability to manage the diverse tasks on a farm.

Business acumen: Exhibiting strong business and financial management skills including budgeting, forecasting, and marketing strategies shows that the candidate can run the farm profitably and sustainably.

Leadership and personnel management: The ability to lead, direct, and motivate farmworkers ensures that farm operations are carried out effectively and that staff are productive and engaged.

Problem-solving skills: Highlighting instances of successfully dealing with unexpected issues (e.g., disease outbreaks, equipment failure, or extreme weather events) is critical, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

Technological proficiency: Familiarity with farm management software, GPS, and precision agriculture tools indicates that the candidate is well-prepared to embrace technology to improve farm efficiency and productivity.

Environmental stewardship: A commitment to sustainable farming practices and understanding of environmental regulations shows that the candidate can manage the farm in a way that balances productivity with ecological responsibility.

Personalizing your farm manager cover letter salutation

Always aim to address the recruiter from the get-go of your farm manager cover letter.

• the friendly tone (e.g. "Dear Paul" or "Dear Caroline") - if you've previously chatted up with them on social media and are on a first-name basis;
• the formal tone (e.g. "Dear Ms. Gibbs" or "Dear Ms. Swift") - if you haven't had any previous conversation with them and have discovered the name of the recruiter on LinkedIn or the company website;
• the polite tone (e.g. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear HR Team") - at all costs aim to avoid the "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as both greetings are very old-school and vague.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,
• Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
• Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,
• Dear [Department Name] Leadership,

Get creative with your farm manager cover letter introduction

Recruiters are going to assess plenty of candidate profiles for the role. Thus, anything you do to stand out will win you brownie points.

Use your farm manager cover letter introduction to share something memorable about your experience .

But before you go down the rabbit hole of creativity and humor, align your message with the company culture.

For example, if you are applying for a role in some startup, use those first two sentences to tell a funny story (about your experience) to quickly connect with the recruiter.

Choosing your best achievement for the middle or body of your farm manager cover letter

Now that you have the recruiters' attention, it's time to write the chunkiest bit of your farm manager cover letter .

The body consists of three to six paragraphs that focus on one of your achievements.

Use your past success to tell a story of how you obtained your most job-crucial skills and know-how (make sure to back these up with tangible metrics).

Another excellent idea for your farm manager cover letter's middle paragraphs is to shine a light on your unique professional value.

Write consistently and make sure to present information that is relevant to the role.

Time to wrap up your farm manager cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your farm manager cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your farm manager cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your farm manager cover letter?

Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your farm manager cover letter .

Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.

Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).

Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).

Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.

Key takeaways

Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise farm manager cover letter that:

• Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the farm manager resume;
• Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
• Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
• Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
• Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

How to Write a High School Resume

Curating github links on your resume: projects, seniority, and how to guide, short term job resume, nickname on a resume, what is your leadership style - interview question (+ answers), sick of dating apps see how the dating resume might change the game.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.