High school resume templates
On the hunt for your first job? That means it's time to create your first resume! Learn what high school students should have in theirs to stand out against the pack.
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If you're in high school and on the search for your first job, it's time to write your first resume. Even if you have zero experience, there are a few ways you can make yourself stand out against the pack. We'll dive into what your first resume should look like and what to include in it to help you nab that job and start earning some cash.
What should a resume look like when I'm in high school?
A high school resume is where you showcase all your accomplishments, extracurricular activities, interests and work history where applicable. Think of it as a marketing tool that shows employers why they should hire you. It's where you dust off your bragging skills, show your best self, ultimately show what a great employee you would be.
Whether you're applying for a part-time job, scholarship or academic program, your resume is meant to give the recruiter basic information about who you are and reveal why you would fit it perfectly within the organisation they represent.
High school resume samples
Gone are the days where you whip up a bland resume on Microsoft Word. Nowadays, it's all about clever design that draws the eye to your skills and achievements. Here's a few templates we found that perfectly illustrate what a high school students resume should look like. Take note of the work experience, education history, achievements, and personal strengths sections. Also note how each section is extremely short so the reader can quickly skim the page and get an idea of what you're about.
Canva offer some great resume templates, all completely free. They're easily customisable to your history and your strengths, and are bound to make you stand out.
Download this template at Canva
Download this template at resume.io
What are the features of a high school resume?
To help you put your best professional foot forward, a high school resume should be:
- Concise – don't include information that isn't pertinent for the employer only for the sake of length;
- Tailored for the position – check the job description carefully and make it a point to incorporate relevant keywords in your resume;
- Nice to look at – you can impress by using a creative resume format like an infographic.
What should I include in a high school resume?
When creating your high school resume, look back on everything you've accomplished in recent years, both in and outside of school.
Did you do any extracurricular activities at school like a sports team or the debating club? Have you had a side-gig tutoring? Maybe you won some awards at school. Rack your brain and try and make a list of every achievement you've had during high school - even if it might seem small. Remember that not all relevant work experience happens in the confines of a traditional job.
Then, sit down and brainstorm the best way to present these achievements in a succinct, yet engaging way. Here's what your resume should cover:
- Personal information like your name and email
- Objective - worded so that it closely fits the employer's needs
- Education - high school details, including your expected graduation date
- Any academic awards or achievements (prizes, scholarships, GPA, honour roll etc.)
- Relevant coursework (think summer programs, college-level courses, workshops, seminars)
- Extracurricular activities – quantify results where possible ('elected student body president,' 'helped increase bake sales by 40% through an ad campaign')
- Volunteer experience
- Work experience - informal gigs like lawn mowing or pet sitting count!
- Special skills (fluency in foreign languages, computer knowledge, leadership abilities)
- Interests (e.g. literature, classic films, travelling)
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Bottom line
Having an attention-grabbing resume is crucial when preparing to enter the workforce. Not only that, but it will come in handy when you're applying to college as well. Shaping your resume teaches you how to draw upon all aspects of your life that prove you have the character and work ethic to succeed in your endeavours.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my high school resume be?
Employers will only glance at your resume for a few seconds to determine if you're a good fit for them, so keep it short and sweet. One page is enough.
What should I NOT include in my high school resume?
When writing your resume, it's important to know what to keep out as well. The list includes an unprofessional email address and any irrelevant social media profiles. A headshot is also unnecessary, depending on the kind of job you're applying to. You don't need to list references either, but you can mention they are available upon request.
Do I need a cover letter as well?
Including a cover letter with your application helps you explain things your resume can't – like how excited you would be to join the organisation and why you're so interested in the position in the first place. It's a smart idea to write one as long as the employer doesn't specify otherwise.
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