Creating your first resume as a highschool student can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for a part-time job, internship, volunteer opportunity, or even a college program, a well-written resume can make you stand out — even without professional work experience.
This guide walks you through how to build a strong resume from scratch, even if you’re still in school. You’ll also find a realistic sample resume for highschool students that you can use for inspiration. Let’s help you make a lasting impression with confidence.
REALISTIC SAMPLE RESUME FOR HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS
Name: Jordan Lee
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jordanlee@email.com
City, State: Austin, TX
Objective
Motivated highschool student seeking a part-time retail position to gain hands-on customer service experience. Eager to contribute strong communication skills and a positive attitude to a team-oriented environment.
Education
Central High School, Austin, TX
Expected Graduation: June 2026
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Business Fundamentals, Speech and Debate, Computer Applications
Skills
Strong written and verbal communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Basic cash handling
Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Experience
Library Assistant (Volunteer)
Austin Public Library – Austin, TX
June 2024 – August 2024
Helped organize books, shelve materials, and assist library patrons with general inquiries
Maintained clean and organized reading areas
Assisted with children’s storytime events and summer reading programs
Babysitter
Self-Employed – Austin, TX
2023 – Present
Cared for two children ages 4 and 7, ensuring safety and engaging in educational play
Communicated effectively with parents to report progress and behavior
Extracurricular Activities
Member, Student Council (2023–Present)
Varsity Soccer Team (2022–Present)
Community Volunteer, Food Bank of Austin
Awards
Perfect Attendance Award (2023)
Honor Roll (2022–2024)
PRACTICAL RESUME WRITING TIPS FOR HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS
Lead with a Clear Objective – Use this to show your goals and enthusiasm, especially when you don’t have much experience.
Highlight School Achievements – Projects, leadership roles, or awards demonstrate initiative and reliability.
Include Volunteer Work – Even unpaid roles show responsibility and a willingness to contribute.
List Transferable Skills – Skills like communication, problem-solving, or being bilingual are valuable across industries.
Keep It One Page – Focus on relevance and clarity. A single-page resume is ideal for students.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do highschool students need a resume for part-time jobs?
Yes. Even if you have no formal job experience, employers value resumes that show responsibility, skills, and interests. It shows you’re serious about the opportunity.
2. What should a highschool student put under experience?
Include volunteer work, babysitting, tutoring, school projects, or any activity where you were responsible or worked with others. These all count as relevant experiences.
3. How long should a highschool resume be?
Your resume should be one page. Focus on quality over quantity and keep everything relevant to the job or opportunity you’re applying for.
4. Can I include hobbies on a highschool resume?
Yes, especially if the hobbies reflect leadership, commitment, or creativity. For example, playing team sports, blogging, coding, or participating in clubs.
With the right approach, even a beginner resume can leave a strong impression. This sample resume for highschool students shows how to present yourself with confidence and clarity, no matter where you’re starting from.