Resume Builder for High School Students
Why a high school resume is different
Most high school students don't have formal work history yet, and that's completely normal. Instead of past jobs, your resume showcases what you've done in school, activities, sports, volunteering, and the skills you've picked up along the way.
Keep it honest and to one page. You'll use the same core resume for part-time jobs, college and scholarship applications, and summer programs, tweaking it slightly for each.
What to put on a high school resume
- Contact info: your name, phone, and a professional email so employers and programs can actually reach you.
- Objective (1 line): what you're applying for, so the reader instantly knows your goal.
- Education: your school, expected graduation year, and GPA if it's strong (roughly 3.5+), since this is your main credential right now.
- Relevant coursework: AP, honors, or classes tied to the job or major, to show you have related knowledge.
- Extracurriculars and sports: clubs, teams, and any leadership roles, because they prove commitment and teamwork.
- Volunteer work: service hours and causes, which show responsibility and initiative outside of class.
- Jobs and informal work: babysitting, tutoring, lawn care, or a first part-time job, to demonstrate real reliability.
- Awards and skills: honor roll, competitions, languages, and tech tools (Excel, Canva, coding) that set you apart.
High school resume bullet examples
- Tutored 5 middle school students in algebra weekly, helping two raise their grades by a full letter.
- Organized a school food drive that collected over 300 canned items for a local shelter.
- Balanced varsity soccer and a part-time job at 15 hours per week while maintaining a 3.7 GPA.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a resume in high school?
Yes, if you're applying for part-time jobs, internships, competitive summer programs, or scholarships. Many college applications also let you attach one to highlight activities and awards.
What if I have no work experience?
That's expected, and employers know it. Fill your resume with school achievements, clubs, sports, volunteering, and informal work like babysitting or tutoring, all of which show reliability and skills.
How long should a high school resume be?
One page, always. At this stage you don't have enough experience to justify more, and a tight, focused page is easier for a busy employer or admissions reader to scan.