resume for high school student with no job experience

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20 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 what you really need is a free AI resume builder and solid student cover letters to get you on your way.

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 20 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!

Beginner High School Student Resume

• But here’s the deal, schools won’t provide funds like candy—so convey why exactly you need a scholarship using the career objective. In Morwenna’s case, her pursuit of gaining knowledge to make societal changes is a compelling argument that no school can ignore. Basically, make them think, “We need this future reformer in our school.”

High School Internship Resume

• You ideally want key industry-proof skills that can work in any internship such as Google Sheets, Adobe Lightroom, and Todoist. These also become a testament to not just your super-fast learning ability but also your tech-savviness with current software!

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 Diploma Resume

• In the education section of your high school diploma resume, include your diploma, the school’s name, and your start and end date. Add some useful software skills to the mix to secure your seat in any undergraduate program.

Recent High School Graduate Resume

• Begin with clearing which stream and degree you want to pursue. Next, follow suit with your mission and what you hope to gain by completing the program. Try some more personalization by linking your career goal with the college’s agenda.

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

How to Write a High School Resume (Template and Examples Included!)

As a student trying to land your first job , you've probably heard how important it is to have a good resume . But writing a strong high school resume isn't always easy when you have little to no work experience .

It’s not always easy—but it is possible.

The secret is to leverage any professional-like experience (such as community or volunteer services) you've gained, plus your skills and academic accomplishments. Since you're likely applying for entry-level jobs , most recruiters won't expect a huge professional background but will look for a good set of skills and strengths .

In this article, we'll cover how to write a high school student resume, and provide practical tips and examples of what to write in each section. Plus, you'll get two templates that you can easily adapt to make your own.

Why is a high school resume important?

A well-crafted high school resume can set the stage for your future career experiences. Even if you have no formal work experience, recruiters still want to see your skills, education, and potential certifications laid out on paper.

Writing a resume also helps you organize your achievements, identify your strengths, and lessons you learned from past experiences, such as extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and AP courses.

Though your resume might be short—which is normal for a high schooler—a thoughtful and tailored presentation can make your application stand out. Especially considering that you're likely to be competing with other high school students, so your chances might be higher than you'd think. Get that resume out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find work that’s right for you »

How to write a high school student resume in 6 steps

Resumes are all about presenting your qualifications strategically and authentically to grab the recruiter's attention and land an interview . Here's how to write one as a high school student:

1. Start with your contact information

Needles to say, your resume should have your contact information so the recruiter can identify it and contact you to schedule an interview. It's the first section of the resume and should be placed at the top of the page.

Follow this structure:

Name: [Full Name]

Address: [City, State]

Phone: [Phone Number]

Email: [Email Address]

Media (optional): [Linkedin and/or Portfolio link]

2. Write a resume summary or objective

A resume summary is a short statement that highlights your top skills, qualifications, and aspirations for a specific job in two to three sentences. This section is placed right below your contact information.

Though it's optional, a resume summary helps showcase who you are—especially if you don't have much work experience and would benefit from highlighting skills and positive traits. It should be brief and to the point.

Similarly, the objective statement also has two to three sentences in which you highlight your qualifications and directly state your interest in that position and why. Though it's considered outdated, an objective statement is still welcomed by some recruiters if it is well-crafted.

High school student resume summary examples:

“Driven high school student with a passion for software development and a proven track record in coding and robotics competitions. Skilled in HTML, Java, and C with certifications in data analysis and project management.”

“Ambitious high school student with strong communication skills and proven leadership skills in extracurricular activities. Skilled in advanced Excel, Figma, and fluent Spanish.”

High school student resume objective example:

“Detail-oriented high school student with a passion for design and proven experience creating visual content for social media platforms. Seeking opportunities to leverage design skills in a dynamic internship setting.”

3. List your education

This section should be the first thing the hiring manager sees after the summary because “it shows them what you’re looking for—an internship , a part-time job , or a full-time job—after graduation,” says career coach and speaker Anne Ryan .

Here, you should add your current or completed academic background. Ryan also says that if you are dual-enrolled in a college program (especially ones where you may receive an associate degree as well as your high school diploma), you might want to add that in this section as well.

Adding your high school GPA can also be a good move. It'll help you stand out if your score is high—3.5 or above for high school students—and show hiring managers you did well in classes, showing commitment and effort.

Here's an example:

High School Diploma

New York Preparatory High School

New York, NY

Graduation date: November 2024

Below high school, you could add some other extra classes you’ve taken that are relevant to the application, “but you may want to put AP classes and awards further down the page to direct more attention to your experience section,” Ryan says.

4. List your relevant experiences

Next section is the experience section . As a high school student, it's likely that you had few professional experiences in life, but there are multiple activities that can count as experience in this context. For example:

• Extracurricular activities
• Community service
• Personal projects
• Volunteer work
• Programs or applications you manage
• Academic clubs you’ve been part of
• Part-time jobs
• Internships

You don't need to include all of that in your resume. Instead, pick the experiences that are relevant for the job. For instance, if you're applying for a sales position, an experience in volunteer work where you've dealt with the public is more relevant than being the organizer of a book club.

The idea is to show hiring managers how you could fit a position based on what you did and achieved in all these experiences. These experiences should be listed in two to four bullet points , always highlighting key actions and potential accomplishments.

For example:

Food Bank Volunteer

May 2022 – July 2024

• Stocked shelves and maintained inventory in order to reduce waste
• Organized my team's shift and tasks to improve our productivity

Note: You may find examples of resumes with volunteer experience and other experiences in separate sections. That's also correct and OK to do if you think it'll improve readability.

5. Create a skills section

The skills section demonstrates what abilities you have that makes you qualified for the job. You can add both hard skills (technical knowledge and the certifications you have to perform that job) and soft skills (the way you behave and interact with others when working).

Think about tasks or projects you've done in the past that required some of the skills you'll also use in the job you're applying for. For instance, organizing a charity event requires planning, teamwork, and leadership, which are valuable skills in any professional context.

High school student resume skills examples:

• Content writing
• Written and verbal communication
• Software development
• Social media management
• Translation
• Transcribing
• Planning and organizing
• Image editing
• Video editing

6. List your relevant certifications

Finally, the certifications section , which is the last one in your high school resume. This section usually is written with bullet points showcasing each certification and the year you achieved it.

Remember that you don't need to list every single certification you have, but only the ones that are relevant to the job you want. For example, if you're applying for a social media management internship, a creative writing and digital marketing certification is more relevant than a coding certificate in this context.

Here's an how this section should look like:

Certifications

• Creative Writing Masterclass Certification - AlphaCom (2024)
• Digital Marketing Certificate - HubSpot Academy (2024)
• Content Management - HubSpot Academy (2023)

Note: If you don't have many certifications or skills, you can combine those sections into one. Some resume templates also have an “Awards & Honors” section after skills and certifications. If you have earned relevant academic awards and honors, you can and should use this section.

Extra high school resume writing advice

Here, we'll cover formatting and tricks that can make your resume stand out from the bunch. Check it out:

Use keywords to match the job description

If you're applying for a job online , you'll come across descriptions that list tasks, skills, and essential information about the company, and keywords that appear repeatedly are likely important to recruiters.

Incorporating relevant keywords into your resume not only demonstrates alignment with the job but also helps applicant tracking systems (ATSs)—which recruiters use to filter candidates—select your resume.

However, don’t stuff your resume with keywords that don't make sense. Instead, pick out the ones that match your own experiences, certifications, and skills, and naturally add them in sections where it makes sense. For internships and entry-level jobs, you're not expected to meet every requirement, so be honest and strategic when selecting relevant keywords.

(Need help with that? Here's how to pick resume keywords that'll get your job application past the ATS .)

Use action verbs and quantifiers

As the name implies, action verbs are verbs that express an action that can be mental or physical. Basically, they describe and express something that you did or are currently doing. In resume writing, action verbs are a powerful way to express your involvement in an activity or project.

Examples of action verbs

• Collaborated
• Implemented

On the other hand, quantifiers are anything you can measure within your tasks and results that demonstrate the impact of your work, the scope it had, and the frequency of the activities. Together, action verbs and quantifiers are a great way to demonstrate your qualities and skills as a professional.

For instance, you could write:

• Worked for four months as a barista, serving more than 100 clients per evening
• Participated in my school's green committee team and organized 10 activities during the school year
• Developed and organized a book donation campaign for my local library and received 150+ donations

Choose a simple format for your resume

When it comes to formatting, keep your resume as simple as possible. A simple format makes your resume much easier to read and easily scannable for ATS. By simple formatting, we mean standard fonts, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and regular size, like 11 or 12.

Be consistent and stick to the chosen format throughout the entire resume. Avoid overly complex designs with colors, images, or fancy fonts that can hinder readability and ATS compatibility.

As former Google VP of People Operations Lazlo Bock said on LinkedIn, “unless you're applying for a job such as a designer or an artist, your focus should be on making your resume clean and legible.”

Finally, save your resume in Word and PDF and send in the format asked by the recruiter in the job listing. Although the standard is PDF, because it can't be edited and keeps the integrity of the file, some companies prefer Word.

Proofread, proofread, proofread

Always double check your resume to ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos. Instead of immediately sending it to a recruiter, review it a couple of minutes after writing and/or ask for a friend or family member to proofread it for you.

Tools like Grammarly , Google Docs, and even Chat-GPT can also help you refine your text, trim words that aren’t needed, and point out grammatical errors and typos you missed.

High school resume examples

Here are two high school resume examples that you can use as a reference when crafting yours.

Example #1: Resume for high school student with volunteer experience

[email protected]

(917) 274-7398

linkedin.com/in/jenadams

Proactive high school student with volunteer and leadership experiences in content writing, news reporting, event planification, and team collaboration. Eager to start a communications career in a local setting while finishing studies.

Holy Trinity Diocesan High School

Hicksville, NY

Sep 2022 – Present

Graduation date: Jun 2025

EXPERIENCES

Book Club President

Jun 2023 – Present

• Managed reading materials for monthly reading sessions for +20 students, expanding the club from 8 to 22 students in a year.
• Promoted analytic reading among teenagers through games and educational contests, which led to 10 books read in a school year.
• Contacted 2 local bookstores to organize book club special events within their stores.

Co-Editor-in-Chief (Volunteer)

Holy Trinity Newspaper

Feb 2023 – May 2024

• Joined as a freshman staff writer and was promoted to Co-Editor-in-Chief in sophomore year
• Delegated articles about school events, creative pieces, & editing tasks to a diverse staff of 25+ students
• Designed print layouts with Adobe Pagemaker & wrote monthly editorials about current world events

CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Google Workspace

Adobe Suite

Example #2: Resume for high school student with work experience

CHRISTIAN WOLF

[email protected]

(555) 274-8248

Santo Domingo High School

Weekend Receptionist

Fresno Art Museum

Ago 2023 – Present

• Answered & transferred over 25 calls per day quickly & accurately to on-duty staff.
• Greeted over 50 visitors per day and responded to questions about scheduling & events.
• Collaborated with the HR team distributing +15 internal mail campaigns using specialized project management and CRM softwares.

Bishop’s Altar Server (Volunteer)

St. John's Cathedral

Downtown Fresno

Sep 2021 – May 2023

• Worked in teams of seven highly trained servers during liturgical prayer (services, weddings, & funerals).
• Trained +5 new volunteers over the course of 4 months to assist high demand in a fast paced environment.

Languages: English (native) | Spanish (beginner)

Office skills: Google Workspace (advanced), Microsoft Excel (intermediate)

Social media: HootSuite (beginner), Mailchimp (beginner)

CERTIFICATIONS

Inbound Sales Certificate - HubSpot Academy (2023)

Email Marketing Certificate - MailChimp (2024)

AWARDS & HONORS

Month Employee: Fresno Art Museum (2024)

Gold medal: CIF State Swimming Championships (2022)

High school resume template

Ready to make yours? Here are two resume templates for high school students you can edit including your own experiences. Don't be afraid to make the necessary changes to better showcase your skills, accomplishments, and education.

Template #1: High school student resume with no work experience

Resume Summary (optional): 1-2 sentences paragraph about your skills, interests, and motivations for the job.

High School Name

City, State

Graduation Date: [Month, Year]

GPA: [3.5 or above]

• Skill 3 (you can add more, but don’t over do it.)
• Certification 1
• Certification 2
• Certification 3

AWARDS & HONORS (optional; if it’s career or academic-related, the better)

• Title of Achievement 1
• Title of Achievement 2
• Title of Achievement 3

Template #2: Resume template for high school students with volunteering experience

Address: [Address]

Resume Summary: 1-2 sentences paragraph about your skills, interests, and motivations for the job.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer Position, Organization Name

Dates of service: [Month, Year] – [Month, Year or present]

• Responsibility 1 (use action verbs and quantifiers)
• Responsibility 2

How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

It’s time for your first job hunt !

You need to write a resume , which can be nerve-wracking if you don’t have any real-life work experience.  

You don’t know where to start, what to include, or which resume format to choose.

On top of that, most advice you find online isn’t relevant because it focuses on emphasizing professional background.

Chances are, you’re straight out of college with no experience to speak of. 

Or maybe you're a high-school student applying for a part-time job.

Whichever the case may be, you’re probably having trouble filling in the blank space on your resume that’s supposed to be the work experience section.

Worry not, though. In this guide, we’re going to help you create an AMAZING resume, no work experience is needed.

• How to format your resume with no work experience
• 4 sections to replace work experience (that help you stand out)
• 2 no-work experience resume samples (guaranteed to land you the job)

How to Format Your Resume [with No Work Experience + Examples] 

A resume format is the layout of your resume .

The ideal resume format usually depends on how much work experience you have. 

But what happens when you have none?

For a no-experience resume, we recommend that you use the reverse-chronological format . 

It’s the most popular format amongst applicants and a recruiter favorite.  

The sections in your reverse-chronological resume will be: 

• Header : Contact Information and Resume Statement
• Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work  (These sections will replace your work experience)

In this article, we’ll walk you through each of these sections, and explain how to write them in a way that you stand out from the crowd.

Let’s dive in.

Start With Your Resume Header

Your resume header includes your contact information and your resume statement.  

Below, we’ll show you how to write both of these elements and how to include them in your header section.

Put Down Your Contact Information

Just like the name suggests, the first thing you add to your header is your personal and contact information.

It’s the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point.

In your contact information section, mention the following:

• First and Last Name
• Phone Number
• E-mail Address
• A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn ) or personal webpage (if you have one)

Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

I.e. something along the lines of “[email protected].” 

You’re sure to leave a wrong impression if you use an email you created back in preschool ( “[email protected]” ).

Make sure to double-check, triple-check your contact information. After all, the recruiter can’t contact you if you have a typo in your phone number.

(Optional) Write Your Resume Objective

A resume objective is a short heading statement in your resume, where you describe your professional goals and aspirations.

Fun fact - hiring managers look at your resume for 5-6 seconds max .

Yep, that’s right. In most cases, the hiring manager is literally drowning in resumes. So, they have a couple of seconds to skim each one.

Well, this section is your chance to catch their attention (and let them know you’ve got what it takes).

A resume objective is usually 3-4 sentences max and includes information on:

• What your field of study is;
• What your skills and experiences are (ones that are relevant to the job );
• Why you’re applying for this position and/or this company.

As with contact information, you don’t need to label your resume objective with a title. Just write it underneath your contact information section.

Here’s an example of what a resume objective looks like:

“ Recent Communications graduate looking to apply for the role of Secretary at XYZ inc. Extremely organized with good writing and multitasking skills. Practical experience in management gained through several university projects, which involved coordinating tasks between different team members and ensuring that everyone was in sync with the latest information. ”

Emphasize Your Education

In your average resume, the first section would be work experience.

Since you don’t have any, though, you’ll want to omit that and replace it with the education section.

This way, you bring a lot more attention to your education, which is one of your main selling points. 

What should you include in the Education section? 

List the following features in this order:

• Name of the degree
• Name of the institution
• Years attended
• Location of the institution (optional)
• GPA (optional)
• Honors (optional)
• Relevant coursework (optional)
• Exchange programs (optional) 

As a general rule, if you studied in a prestigious university, you can add the name of the institution before the degree . This way, you will catch the recruiter’s attention faster.

Now, let’s go through some real-life examples:

BA in Computer Science

Tufts University

Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts

10/2015 - 06/2018

Magna Cum Laude

• Exchange Program in Greenville, NY

University of the Arts London

BA in Interior Design 

10/2017 - Ongoing

Westwood High

Boston, Massachusetts

Class of 2018 

Education Section Q&A

Still have some questions about the education section? Worry not, we’re about to give you all the answers!

Do I include my GPA?

• The answer here is a “maybe.” We’d recommend including a GPA if it’s higher than 3.5. Anything lower than that, and you might be underselling yourself. Keep in mind, though, that most employers don’t care about your grades.

Should I include my coursework?

• Yep, but just as long as it’s relevant. If you have no work experience, including courses can help establish your expertise in a field. Feel free to skip out on any basic courses, though. No one cares about your Maths 101 course.

Do I mention my degree if I dropped out?

• If you studied for more than 2-3 years, yes. A half-finished degree is still better than no degree. If you dropped out after a semester, though, that doesn’t really mean much.

Do I mention my high school degree?

• Only if it’s your only degree. If you have any higher education, your high school degree will only take up space.

4 Sections to Replace Work Experience [With Examples]

Now that you’ve listed your education, it’s time to fill that work experience gap in your resume.

You aren’t still worried about your lack of experience, right?

Because here are four sections you can use instead:

1) Internships

Have you done an internship that is relevant to the position you are applying for?

Now’s the time to mention it. 

Here is how you add an internship to your resume:

First , place the Internship section right after the education section. 

Title it: Internships

Second , write your internship title and role . Be specific.

If your internship was in the marketing department, instead of just “Intern”, say “Marketing Intern”. 

Third , put down the company name , location , and duration of the internship - in that order.

Marketing Intern

Full Picture

New York, NY

09/2019 - 12/2019

Easy and straightforward, right?

One more step:

Last , add a list of responsibilities you had as an intern in bullet point form. 

If you have any tangible achievements , even better! Write those in as well.

Finally, tailor both the responsibilities and achievements to the role you’re applying for.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

You used to be an Advertising Intern .

You’re applying for the position of Social Media Assistant . 

Here’s how you would put down your internship entry:

Internships

Full Picture Company

• Analyzed various social media platforms for trending content
• Managed company social media accounts
• Posted interested content on company Facebook page, increasing engagement by 25%

The listed responsibilities and achievements are directly connected to the Social Media Assistant job requirements.

You’re applying for a Content Writer position. Take a look at the same entry now:

• Assisted the Marketing Manager in writing press releases and new blog posts , which increased web traffic by 25%.

Notice how the internship title remains the same. 

But in this case you’re applying for a Content Writer position, so you are highlighting your writing experience instead.

For more examples, check out our full guides to an internship resume and how to write a cover letter for an internship .

2) Extracurricular activities

Still have a ton of empty space in your resume?

Extracurricular activities are always a great addition!

Whether they’re related to the job you’re applying for or not, they still show one thing:

You’re hard-working and motivated.

Imagine you’re the HR manager, and you can pick between these 2 candidates:

• Josh Johnson. Studied at Massachusetts State. 4.0 GPA, but that’s all he did in college - no extracurricular activities, internships, or anything else.
• Suzie Activeson. Also studied at Massachusetts state. 3.2 GPA. Vice-president of the business club. Served as a student government senator for 2 semesters. Organized several events as part of the marketing club.

Sure, Josh is probably qualified, but we don't know anything about him, other than that he studied a lot.

Suzie, on the other hand, can manage a team (business club VP), organize events (marketing club), and is passionate about making a change (student government).

So, which one would you pick?

Now, let’s explain how to list extracurricular activities on your resume:

• Title of the section: Extracurricular Activities
• Name of the organization and/or team 
• Your role in the organization
• Time period
• Noteworthy awards or achievements

Extracurricular Activities

Public Speaking Club

Vice-President

09/2018 - 09/2019

• Organized 10+ public speaking lectures
• Brought in speakers from all over the state
• Conducted public speaking workshops

3) Volunteering Experience

Volunteering shows dedication and passion to apply yourself. 

And there’s nothing recruiters love more than a committed employee.  

Whether you spend your free time in a soup kitchen, or you helped collect trash in the countryside, you can mention it in your resume!

But how do you list volunteering experience?

Well, it follows the same logic as your internship and extracurriculars:

• Title of the section: Volunteering Experience
• Name of the organization
• Relevant tasks and achievements (bullet points)

Volunteering Experience

Grand Archive Library Volunteer

Washington, D.C

08/2017 - 02/2019

• Performed secretarial activities, such as sorting mail, filing documents, answering phone calls, and taking messages. 
• Led a poetry reading event twice a month. 

4) Projects

In this section, you can add any relevant projects you were part of during your time in school or at an internship.

Your capstone project, graduation thesis, or research project go here. 

No need for work experience!

You can also mention any other type of project you’ve worked on in school, including:

• Business project for a real-life client
• Mock website you created in Web Design 101
• Fake magazine you created as a capstone project
• Market research you did as part of your graduation thesis
• Software you developed in Software Engineering class

...And so on!

Here’s how you put them down:

• Title of the section: Projects
• Project name
• Project type
• Related organization 
• Relevant responsibilities and achievements (optional)

And now, for some practical examples. Here’s what a journalism student project could look like:

Online Privacy and Social Media: a Journalistic Study of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica

Journalism Capstone Project

Harvard University

09/2018 - 11/2018

And here’s a law school example:

In-House Pro Bono Project

Columbia Law School

11/2018 - 03/2019

• Completed a full petition for U nonimmigrant status, interviewed legal persons and drafted affidavits.

If you have anything physical to back up your project with, feel free to include a link.

For example, if you’re a developer, you could include a link to your GitHub profile.

Stand out with your Skills 

There are two types of skills you can include on your no-experience resume: 

Soft skills and hard skills. 

What’s the difference? 

Soft skills are attributes or habits that describe how you work. They are not specific to a job, but indirectly help you adapt to the work environment. 

Here are some of the most popular ones: teamwork, responsibility, leadership, creativity, etc.  

Hard skills , on the other hand, refer to specific tools, technical knowledge and training and other work-specific skills. They apply directly to the job. 

Technical writing, C++, financial accounting, etc. are all examples of hard skills.

So, which of these skills should you include? 

That depends on a lot of factors, but as someone with no work experience, you should opt more for hard skills .

See, you could write all the cool buzzwords like “Critical Thinking” and “Leadership,” but the recruiter won’t believe you.

Fun fact - that’s what 90% of students do.

Instead, you should focus on skills that make you stand out , and in most cases, those are hard skills.

So, how do you decide which hard skills to mention? Easy! Just check the job ad you’re applying for.

Let’s say you’re applying for an entry-level creative internship, and you find these requirements in the job description: 

• Video editing experience (Premiere, After Effects)
• UI design experience
• Photo editing experience (Photoshop)
• Photography experience
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator

You’d transfer this into your skills section:

• Premiere & After Effects - Expert
• Photoshop - Expert
• UI Design - Intermediate
• Adobe Illustrator - Intermediate
• Photography - Intermediate

Not sure which skills to mention? Check out our article on 150+ must-have skills for all sorts of professions !

Other Sections You Could Include in a No-Experience Resume

A resume without experience does have one advantage: extra space . 

You can use this space to create other sections that highlight how awesome you are!

Here are some sections you could include:

• Hobbies and Interests . Add flair to your resume by showing your genuine passion and interest in the industry.
• Languages. Do you know a second language? Or even a third? Awesome! Most companies these days are pretty international and appreciate an extra language skill or two. Be mindful not to over-exaggerate your proficiency, though. Only knowing how to ask “¿Donde está la biblioteca?” doesn’t warrant a Spanish entry on your resume.
• Awards & Certifications . Do you have any fancy pieces of paper that show you’re smart? Maybe it’s an award for a terrific essay in a competition, or a certificate from an online course . Whichever the case may be, awards and certifications show that you’re a winner, so definitely include them in their own respective section.

Need Inspiration? 2 No Work Experience Resume Samples

Do you still have questions or don’t know where to begin?

That’s when a resume sample comes in handy. 

It provides you with a predetermined format.

It also helps you picture how your no-experience resume is supposed to look like. 

As Picasso put it: Good artists copy; great artists steal! 

Here are 2 no work experience resume samples you can borrow ideas from:

Business Student Resume Sample

High-school Student Resume Sample

Create a Matching Cover Letter

All done with your resume?

It’s not over yet. You need to write a cover letter to go with it.

A cover letter is a single-page letter that accompanies your resume and is part of your job application.

Look at it this way: your resume describes your experiences, and your cover letter explains (in simple words) how they’re relevant to the job.

Now, here’s a quick infographic on what to include in a cover letter:

Finally, as with everything else in your resume, make sure to keep your cover letter relevant, short, and concise.

The hiring manager doesn’t have time to read an autobiography, they’ll only review your cover letter for a few minutes. 

There’s a lot more to creating a good cover letter than what we just explained.

For a complete, all-you-need-to-know walk-through, check out our Complete Guide on How to Write a Cover Letter !

Key Takeaways

...and that’s a wrap!

At this point, you should know everything there is to know about writing a killer no-experience resume.

Just to keep things fresh, though, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned so far:

• When creating your no-experience resume, use the reverse-chronological format.
• You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects.
• Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.
• Keep all the content on your resume clear, precise, and relevant. Use bullet points for all your descriptions.
• After you’re done with your resume, you want to write an awesome cover letter that goes with it. The cover letter is a one-page letter that tells the story behind your resume content and reemphasizes why you’re a great fit for the job.

Related Resume Examples

• Internship Resume
• High School Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• College Resume
• Students and Graduates Resume
• Teacher Resume

Recommended Readings:

• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024
• 20+ One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]
• 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers [Complete List]

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High School Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a High School Student Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

High School Student Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Brenda Martin (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Tampa, FL 33601 | www.linkedin.com/example

Reliable high school student with strong recent sales experience at a major clothing retailer. Committed to providing positive service experiences to new and returning customers. Motivated and adaptable to new work schedules, challenges, and conditions.

• Creative problem-solving
• Customer service and relations
• Inventory monitoring and control
• POS systems
• Product sales and merchandising

Work Experience

Sales Associate, XYZ Clothing, Tampa, FL | May 2022 to September 2022

• Provided high-quality service to new and repeat customers of this popular clothing store
• Greeted and directed store visitors to their desired apparel section
• Assisted customers with sizing and product choices
• Efficiently operated cash register to process order payments
• Tagged and displayed incoming merchandise and performed markdowns on previous season styles
• Maintained a clean and tidy work area at all points

Highlight :

• Won “Employee of the Month” in August 2022 for outstanding customer service

Assistant, Paw Plus Pet Shop, Tampa, FL | June 2021 to September 2021

• Gained a strong foundation in customer service, helping visitors find their desired products
• Stocked shelves and maintained inventory
• Worked the cash register and helped other retail associates as needed

Candidate: Diploma, Tampa High School, Tampa, FL | expected June 2025

Michelle Hamilton (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/example

High school student with recent volunteer work at a veterinary clinic. Naturally curious and motivated to learn about new health care procedures and equipment. Passionate about supporting the health and well-being of all types of animals.

• Data gathering and entry
• Filing and documentation
• Microsoft Word, Excel
• Task prioritization
• Team collaboration
• Veterinary procedures and equipment

Volunteer Experience

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic , Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to Present

• Assist veterinarians and staff with various daily tasks such as animal feeding, walking, and cage cleaning
• Facilitate phone, mail, and email communications with pet owners
• File and maintain information on over 150 clients and their pets
• Help maintain an adequate inventory of pet medications
• Refill paper towels and other exam room essentials as needed

Candidate: College Prep Diploma, Sacramento High School, Sacramento, CA | expected June 2024

High School Honors & Activities

Member, Debate Team | August 2022 to Present

• Collaborate closely on a 10-person team to form and organize compelling debate arguments

Attendee, National Honors Society Conference | May 2022

Aliya Jackson (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/example

High school student with recent formal experience helping care for toddlers. Dedicated to providing children with fun, educational indoor and outdoor activities. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Childcare Provider, Sacramento, CA | January 2021 to August 2022

• Assisted and collaborated with parents of two children, ages 4 and 6
• Created engaging, educational indoor and outdoor activities for each child
• Organized and cleaned the play area regularly
• Provided meals and snacks and assisted with nap times
• Candidate: Diploma, Texas Preparatory School, Austin, TX | expected June 2023
• 3.9 GPA and perfect attendance record to date
• Taking advanced core curriculum classes in math, science, and language arts for college credit
• Voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by the student body in 2022

High School Athletics

Member, Volleyball Team | August 2021 to present

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for the Spring 2022 season
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and adaptability in a high-pressure setting

Fluency in Spanish

If you’re a high school student searching for a job, having a well-crafted resume can help you find potential opportunities. But you may be unsure where to start, especially if you’ve never written your resume. How do you present your education when it’s still underway? And how do you get interviews with little or no work experience?

These concerns shouldn’t keep you from writing a great resume for high school jobs. Chances are, even at a young age, you have experiences you can translate into strong resume content. The trick is focusing on the relevant skills like foreign languages, writing, or leading groups you’ve gained through work, educational, and volunteer experiences. Read on for tips and examples that will help focus your high school resume.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

In a brief paragraph, your profile summary should describe your top three to five qualifications for your target high school job. You may think this resume section isn’t necessary for young job seekers and entry-level positions. Yet, at every career level, the profile section improves your resume by focusing the hiring manager’s attention on whatever makes you a great fit.

If you’ve worked before, you may want to base your profile points on that job experience. But you could also base them on your high school experience or other activities. It just depends on what’s relevant to the role you’re pursuing. For instance, maybe you have volunteer experience that overlaps strongly with your target job duties. Or you’ve excelled in an AP class at school that relates to your goal. Maybe you have advanced skills in a foreign language and would like to use those in a work setting. Whatever your top qualifications, feature them in the profile, and you’ll ensure your resume makes a great first impression.

Profile Example 1

Profile example 2, 2. add a pertinent experience section.

Your resume’s experience section should center on your relevant duties, skills, and highlights. By focusing on your relevant background (whether in or outside high school), you can give hiring managers a clear view of how you fit their needs.

You don’t need directly related work experience (or any experience) to draft a solid high school resume. But you must brainstorm how you’ve applied yourself in other ways and write how those experiences helped prepare you for the job you’re seeking. This may sound tricky, but you can use details about your high school activities, volunteering, or any other area of your life so far.

Below is a list of experience areas you might develop for your high school resume:

• Community service
• High school athletics
• High school clubs and societies
• Hobbies and interests
• Internships
• Leadership experience
• Personal accomplishments
• Research experience
• Summer camps or coursework
• Travel or study abroad experience
• Volunteer experience
• Work experience

For each of the above areas you have experience in, take 10 minutes or so to brainstorm answers to these questions:

1. What were your primary roles, duties, or focus areas? 2. What are you most proud of about this experience? 3. What general skill areas did you develop (e.g., teamwork, efficiency, customer service)?

Next, determine which of your answers overlap with the key skills required for the job you’re now pursuing. Include on your resume anything that overlaps and leave out anything that doesn’t. With this approach, you can show the most relevant aspects of your life and give hiring managers a better sense of the skills you offer. For instance, say you’re applying to be a pizza delivery driver. In citing any high school sports on your resume for this job, you could focus on the relevant skills you gained, such as teamwork or adaptability.

Work Experience Example

Volunteer experience example.

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic, Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to present

High School Athletics Experience Example

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for Spring 2022 season

3. Include your high school education and certifications

You may wonder how (or whether) to give education details when you’re still working toward your diploma. It’s actually pretty simple – see below for a template you can use to accurately show your in-progress high school education and a template for any certifications you’d like to add as well. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• Candidate: Diploma, High School Name, City, ST | expected graduation date
• [academic awards or distinctions]

Certification

• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
• Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List key skills and proficiencies

Include a “key skills” section to help further focus your resume on your relevant background. For many high schoolers (especially those with limited work experience), this section should include “soft skills” like problem-solving and collaboration. But also feel free to add specific software programs you’ve used, or other technical skills you’ll need in your target job. Below are some common key skills for high school resumes:

How To Pick the Best High School Student Resume Template

A clear and straightforward resume template is usually best for high school students. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most relevant information. Use a simple resume font , and avoid any template that has an overly colorful or elaborate design.

Frequently Asked Questions: High School Student Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for high school student resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by using a good mix of action verbs in your experience section. The following verbs list will help you brainstorm and capture the various ways you’ve applied yourself so far:

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

As of 2021, more than 36% (or 6 million) of U.S. teens held jobs for at least part of the summer season. This was the highest rate of summer employment for teenagers since 2008.

You can get more interviews for high school jobs if you tailor your resume to each application. Look at the job post text and highlight words or phrases that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these highlighted phrases against the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, look for ways to align your resume language with the job post (while not copying phrases or misrepresenting your background).

For example, if the employer is looking for someone collaborative, you can name that aspect of your experience with a profile line as simple as “Thrive in team-oriented work settings.” Or say the organization has many non-English speaking customers. You could highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each new opportunity.

What is the best high school student resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your relevant skills and experience. It’s also simplest for you to modify based on your job goals.

With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience section(s) and an intro section. (This combination of experience and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also include an awards or career highlights section.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

To increase your chances of an interview, write a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our high school cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our student and internship cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

College Student Resume Examples and Templates

Internship Resume Examples and Templates

Student Resume Examples and Templates

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• How To Build a Resume for College Applications Learn More
• How To Put an Expected Graduation Date on a Resume Learn More
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• How to Write a Resume Learn More
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High School No Experience Resume Examples and Templates

This page provides you with High School (No Experience) resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a High School (No Experience) resume.

If you’re a high school student stressed about writing your first ever resume, don’t worry – it’s not just you! When you’re young and inexperienced, resumes can seem like a serious challenge. All you want is to land your first ever part-time job – but how do you fill all that space, when you’re totally new to the world of work?

Don’t give up hope! You probably have more relevant experience than you think, even if it isn’t directly related to work. As a high school student, employers will expect you to include things like club activities, school-based responsibilities, and even volunteering work on your high school resume.

To give you a head start, we’ve written up a helpful guide to writing your first ever resume. We’ve put together examples of what a good resume should look like, hints on what to do (and what not to do) when writing, and advice on what to expect from the job application process – including some tips you may not get from your school’s careers counselor. Read on, and you’ll be sending out your first resume in no time!

How to Write Your High School No Experience Resume

As a high school student with no work experience, it’s unlikely that youve never had to write a resume before. Don’t let it scare you – it’s not as complicated as you might expect! In general, most resumes will contain the following sections:

• A summary and/or objective
• A record of your past work experience
• A list of your qualifications, certifications, and licenses
• A list of your relevant skills

Your resume needs to show a hiring manager two things, especially when you have no previous work experience. The first is that you have relevant qualifications for the role you want – whether that’s an academic qualification in a relevant field, or just some relevant experience that may not have anything to do with work. The second is that you have the skills that will allow you to excel in the role.

This means that it’s okay if you don’t have much to fill out your experience section. As a high school student, new to the workforce, you won’t be expected to bring any real professional experience to the table. The more important thing is how you present yourself in your resume – which means calling attention to the skills, qualifications and experience that you do have, so hiring managers know why they should give you the opportunity you want.

We’ll cover each section of your resume one by one, so you can build it one step at a time.

The Best Format for a High School No Experience Resume

Before you actually write your resume, you’ll need to choose the right layout! The format of your resume dictates what hiring managers will notice first when they see your job application. The right format will draw their attention to your best qualities, and draw it away from the areas where you know you aren’t as strong as you would like.

This is something to keep in mind when you choose your professionally-designed resume template from our selection. As you won’t have any previous work experience, you will benefit from choosing a format that will highlight your skills instead. That way, recruiters can see what you bring to the table, rather than what you don’t!

Remember, this is only your first resume – when you have more work experience behind you, you’ll be able to create a brand new resume for future job applications. After you’ve built up a stronger work history, you will benefit from choosing a resume format that balances your skills and qualifications with your work experience. When that time comes, our resume guides for a wide range of different industries will help you make the best and smartest choices!

• Applicant Tracking Systems

Some companies use an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to sort through the job applications they receive for each open position. ATS software filters resumes based on keywords (usually taken from the job description) to help weed out resumes that are generic, not qualified for the role, or otherwise unsuitable to progress to the interview stages. This is really useful for hiring managers – it allows them to speed up the hiring process, which saves them a lot of time.

But for candidates, it isn’t such good news! If your resume doesn’t get through the ATS software’s filtering system, it is likely to be rejected before a human gets to see it at all. That can be upsetting, especially if you’ve put a lot of time and effort into your resume.

You can boost your chances of getting through the ATS software by paying close attention to the requirements of the job description. Wherever possible, you should use the exact words used in the job description when describing your skills: for instance, if a job description asks for ‘high levels of personal organization,’ use that exact phrase when writing about your experience of balancing multiple AP classes at school. Treat the job description as your guide, and you can maximize your chances of success.

ATS software can sometimes get confused by complex resume formatting. But don’t panic – all of VisualCV’s resume templates are designed to make your resume easy for ATS software to read. That means you don’t have to worry about the software being confused by the format of your resume – you can focus on your resume’s content, instead.

How to Write a Summary for Your High School No Experience Resume

Most resumes open with a summary, which means it’s the first thing most recruiters will see when they pick up your resume. A summary is meant to give recruiters a short, clear description of your best qualities. The key to a good summary is keeping it brief – think about the three main reasons why you are qualified for the job you want, and write them down in three sentences or less.

It’s important to remember that your summary should be specific to the role you’re applying for. You can’t get away with reusing the same summary for multiple applications! Recruiters will notice, and it will affect your chances of getting hired.

Since you’re applying for your first ever job, you can’t talk about your past work experience in your summary. However, you can bring up your educational background, your skills, your best qualities, and any relevant non-work experience you have. Later in your career, you can use your summary to lay out your career journey so far, so recruiters can easily see where you’re coming from and what you bring.

• 3 High School No Experience Summary Examples:
• Junior year student at William McKinley High, achieving a 3.5 GPA. Student editor of the school magazine, with experience of teamwork and project management. A fast learner with a strong work ethic.
• Senior year high school student maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Active member of the school field hockey team, bringing my drive to succeed and my passion for teamwork to everything I do.
• Current student at West High School, maintaining a 3.6 GPA. Three years of volunteer experience at a local animal shelter. I deliver great customer service, compassion and care in all areas of my life.
• How Not to Write a High School No Experience Resume Summary

You might be tempted to use your summary as a second cover letter – a longer piece of writing telling the story of why you want the job you’re aiming for. In fact, this is the number one thing you shouldn’t do when writing your summary!

A summary needs to be clear and to-the-point, focused on what you can offer your employer. You need to keep it focused, professional, and short. If you want to talk more about yourself, you can do that in your cover letter instead – your resume simply doesn’t have the space to accommodate it.

We know that summaries can be tough to pin down. Some recruiters don’t think you need a summary at all – in fact, opinion is divided – so don’t feel too bad if you’re having a hard time! Leave it out for now, and think about coming back to it later on.

• For the past three years, I have worked as a volunteer at the Soft Paws Animal Shelter, cleaning the animals’ environments and providing enrichment activities. I believe this history of taking responsibility for my surroundings will give me a head start in the role of Part-Time Janitor, as I already know the best cleaning and sanitation techniques.

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

By now, you should be pretty clear on what a summary is – but what about your resume objective?

When you’re just starting out on your career journey, an objective is a great way to give hiring managers more information about your long-term plans. Your objective should be a one-sentence statement about where you want to work or what you want to do in the future. While it might sound obvious, you do need to make sure that your objective is relevant in some way to the role you’re applying for!

You won’t always need a resume objective. They’re much less useful when you already have an extensive work history, because your career so far can tell a hiring manager a lot about your long-term goals. But when you’re applying for a first job, most recruiters agree that an objective is a smart thing to include.

• High School No Experience Resume Objective Example:
• Current student at William McKinley High, hoping to build experience in the food service industry.

How to Describe Your Experience on Your High School No Experience Resume

We know you don’t have any previous experience of holding down a paid job – after all, this is your first ever resume! But you almost certainly have more relevant experience than you think you do. Here are just a few things you might be able to include in this section of your resume:

• High school clubs and extracurriculars
• Sporting activities
• Volunteering experience
• Work experience placements
• Relevant hobbies and achievements

As long as you can use the experience to show how it has prepared you for the role you want, you can include it! Try taking the time to list all of the skills you have used or learned during your non-work experience. Then you can include any experience where those skills match up with the skills listed on the job description.

Remember, you don’t have to add everything you’ve ever done to your resume! If you’ve participated in a lot of extracurriculars, be selective about which ones you include. On the flip side, if you don’t have much experience, don’t lie to pad it out – you will probably get caught, and it will throw up some serious red flags for any recruiter or hiring manager.

• Describe Your Experience Effectively

Each ‘item’ of experience on your resume should come with a bullet-pointed list of things you achieved while doing it. But as you’ll see in the example we’ve provided, it’s not always that straightforward! Every bullet point should prove that you have a skill or quality listed in the job description.

That’s why you should do your best to write about what you actually achieved – not just about the basics of what you did every day. Instead of ‘cleaned floors,’ try ‘maintained a clean and sanitary work environment in accordance with health and safety guidelines.’ Doesn’t that sound more professional?

Generally, hiring managers want to see evidence that you were able to succeed in your previous work. If you can show the results you achieved by completing each task, hiring managers will be more likely to believe that you can get those results again in a future job.

Do: Volunteer, Soft Paws Animal Shelter | 2019-21

• Provided a clean and sanitary environment for employees and animals by participating in a regular cleaning rota
• Delivered great customer service and well-researched advice to members of the public looking to rescue a pet
• Participated in a volunteer dog-walking and play rota, delivering enrichment and stimulation to animals in the shelter’s care
• How Not to Describe Your Experience

You should never write a simple list of the tasks you completed! Without any context, a basic list of responsibilities assigned to you won’t tell a hiring manager anything. They won’t have any reason to believe that you did a good job when you carried out those tasks, or that you might do them just as well in a new job.

The most important thing about writing a resume is showing hiring managers that you have the skills to succeed. Be explicit about those skills and how you have applied them in the past! You can’t afford to assume that they will make those connections without your input.

Don’t: Volunteer, Soft Paws Animal Shelter | 2019-21

• Cleaned work areas
• Greeted the public
• Walked dogs

How to List Skills on Your High School No Experience Resume

Your resume’s skills section is a list of your skills – specifically the ones that will help you in the role you’re applying for. You can refer to the job description to find out what those skills are! Most of the time, job descriptions include a list of qualities that applicants should have, so use that as a guide for this section.

It will help to know the difference between ‘hard skills’ and ‘soft skills.’ Hard skills are the practical skills you’ll use in your role – like the use of particular tools or equipment, or the ability to use a certain software package. If you don’t have all the hard skills necessary for the role you want, don’t give up – you can let hiring managers know, either in your cover letter or as part of your skills section, that you’re keen to learn on the job.

Meanwhile, you definitely have some relevant soft skills already! We’ll cover those in more detail in the next section.

For general information about skills on your resume, check out our resume skills guide here!

Important Soft Skills for Your High School No Experience Resume

Soft skills are the skills you rely on in every aspect of your professional life. Skills like communication, organization and attention to detail are vital in almost every line of work, and will help you navigate a new job more easily. When you don’t have any past work experience, a good list of soft skills can show an employer that you have the tools to succeed.

Whatever the nature of the job you’re applying for, certain soft skills are always useful. Here are some of the most important soft skills to include on your high school no experience resume!

• Communication

Can you share information clearly and appropriately in person, in writing, and over the phone? Communication is absolutely critical in most jobs. Being able to communicate well will bolster your customer service skills, as well as your ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Organization

You might get away with disorganization in high school, but the world of work is a lot less forgiving. You’ll need to be able to balance your various obligations, show up on time, and look put-together. If you can show that you’re an organized person, you’ll stand a better chance of landing almost any job!

• Willingness to Learn

For high school students looking for their first job, this one is vital – you’re likely to need more on-the-job training than more experienced candidates, after all. Being willing to absorb and adapt to new information is an important skill that will stand you in good stead with hiring managers!

There are very few jobs that will let you work independently of a larger team. Having a job means getting on effectively with people from all backgrounds, regardless of whether or not you actually like them. Teamwork also means taking on your fair share of responsibilities in partnership with the rest of your team.

Final Thoughts

Writing your first resume can be an intimidating prospect, especially when you’re young and inexperienced. But we’ve given you all the tools you will need to write a well-constructed resume, regardless of your experience level. Remember, it’s not about what you don’t have – it’s about how you present what you do have!

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How to Write a High School Student Resume with No Work Experience

Writing your resume for the first time can be a daunting experience – especially if you’ve never held a job before. But if you’re trying to get your first job or internship, where do you start? Resist the urge to make something up or spin your babysitting experience into a buzzy description of your experience as a “small animal behaviorist and personal chef.” You can be honest about your background and still present yourself as an ideal candidate.

Although many entry-level jobs will ask you to complete an application, having a resume available will give you something to offer them proactively, either in person or online. Here are some of the main sections of a resume and how to complete them.

If you need more help even after reading our guide, consider our resume writing services designed to give your job application a competitive edge.

Contact information

If you are currently attending school, employers expect that your top priority will be your education, so make sure to put it at the top. You will want to list your school and your expected graduation date. For example:

“George Washington High School, Newark, NJ. Anticipated graduation date: June 2022”

Skills & Competencies

Since you don’t have a lot of experience to rely on, lead with any skills or qualities that will make you a good employee. If you are stuck, ask your friends and family members about how they would describe you and then tweak it a little. Your best friend may think you’re “laid-back,” but in resume terminology, that would be better phrased as “patient.” If your mom thinks you’re hilarious, you can refer to yourself as “outgoing and customer service-focused.”

Most entry-level jobs won’t require you to have a lot of hard or soft skills , but it never hurts to reference some technical competencies, such as “Proficient in Mac OS and Windows.” Unless you are applying for an internship that requires it, do not list that you are skilled on any social media platforms – most bosses will see this as a red flag that you are going to spend your entire time Snapchatting when they need you at the register.

Accomplishments/Experience

Okay, here’s the hard part – how do you list your experience or accomplishments when you don’t have any that relate to paying work? Before you skip this section entirely, really think about what you have done that could show a prospective boss that you would be a good employee. Have you done any babysitting, pet-sitting, car-washing, lawn-mowing at home or around the neighborhood? Do you participate in any after-school clubs or sports? As a student and entry-level employee, all of this counts. It demonstrates a level of responsibility, which will make your future boss feel more confident that they won’t have to explain some basic concepts to you, like showing up on time or calling if you are sick and can’t show up.

As long as your resume is still under one-page, you should feel free to add three people that a potential boss can contact to ask about you. These should not be family members but could be neighbors, family friends, or teachers. If you play sports, maybe ask your coach. Generally, you want someone who can speak to the fact that you are a responsible person. List the reference’s full name, phone number, email, and their relationship to you.

Before you list anyone as a reference available upon request , make sure to get their permission. Let them know what types of jobs you are looking for as well, so they can anticipate the questions they may get – and they may give you a lead on someplace that is hiring. It’s always a nice gesture, now and in the future, to let your references know when you are interviewing for a position and they may get a call or email. Also, let them know when you get the job and thank them for speaking to the hiring manager on your behalf.

A word about fonts

You’ve probably heard this before, but a resume is not a place to use creative fonts. The best fonts will be ones that are popular and easily skimmable. You can use a bigger font for headings, but most of your resume should be in a 10- to 12-point font and fit neatly onto one page.

Good luck writing your first resume. It can be difficult to get started, but it can act as a blueprint for future resumes as you get your first job and start racking up professional experience.

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Resume Summary with No Experience: Examples for Students and Fresh Graduates

By Biron Clark

Published: December 18, 2023

Recent Grads | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

If you’re looking for how to write a summary for your resume with no work experience , you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through exactly what to do, and then we’ll look at resume summary examples for entry-level job seekers, students and fresh graduates. 

How to Write a Summary For Your Resume With No Experience:

First, a resume summary is different than an objective . And it’s much better. Putting an objective on your resume is outdated and unnecessary. Resume objectives are useless because they don’t share anything the hiring manager doesn’t already know (such as “my goal is to obtain a position in the ___ industry”). So what we’re doing here is better and will help your resume stand out from people who simply put an objective. Whereas, the resume summary gives a quick highlight reel of your qualifications, education, and more. If you’re not sure what a resume summary actually is, check out this article on 10 resume summary examples . And while it’s easier to figure out what to put if you’ve built up some work experience, you can still write an effective resume summary with no work experience whatsoever.

So in this article, I’m going to show you how. What should go into your summary when you don’t have any work experience? 

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

What did you study? Did you just graduate with a degree? Mention that. If you took a leadership role in your class projects, or clubs/groups at your school, you can mention that too. Leadership doesn’t need to be in a job to get the hiring manager’s attention! Taking a leadership role in a sports environment is impressive as well. You’re not going to mention specific accomplishments in your resume summary usually (you can do that later in your resume), but you can say things like “proven leadership” or “natural leader”, etc.

2. Put your interests and passions

Are you passionate about startups and technology? Great, put that. Want to make a difference in the world, and focus your career on social impact? Mention that. This can include the grades you received, but also leadership positions you led, and clubs/groups you participated in.

3. Put “hard” skills

If you’re proficient in any tools, technologies, etc… you can include that in your resume summary. Don’t list 20 things. That’s what your “Skills” section is for. But pick the three or four things that are most relevant for the job you’re applying for.

Coming up in this article, we’re going to look at two resume summary examples for people with no experience. .. and in the second example, you’ll see how this would look.

4. Include soft skills

Are you great at analytical thinking? Do you love working as a part of a team? Are you great at multi-tasking and handling a fast-paced team environment? While these shouldn’t be the main focus of your resume summary section, they can be worth mentioning. It’s especially good to include soft skills that you see mentioned in the job description.

For example, if you see they mention wanting someone who’s great at multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment, and you feel that describes you well, then your resume summary is the perfect place to include this.

5. Put statements that will grab the employer’s interest and make them want to ask you questions!

If you mention leadership they’ll want to ask you more about your leadership experiences. That’s a good thing. Remember, whatever you put, they’ll probably ask you about. So as you write your summary for your resume, try to think about what you want them to discuss with you, and what you want a chance to talk about. And try to “tailor” your resume to fit the companies you’re applying to. If you’re applying to large corporations don’t start your summary by saying “Startup enthusiast”.

3 Resume Summary Example for Students, Fresh Graduates and Entry-Level Job Seekers:

In this section, I’m going to share three examples of how to write a summary for your resume with no experience. You can use these resume summary examples as a student, entry-level job seeker, or any job search where you don’t have experience:

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #1: Economics Student

Enthusiastic, highly-motivated Economics student with proven leadership capabilities, who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges.

In this example above, you’re showing that you completed your Economics degree and have an interest in the subject, and you’re mentioning leadership and making the reader want to learn more about this. You’re also making yourself sound ambitious and motivated at the end, which is always a good thing (I’m referring to the part that says “who likes to take initiative and seek out new challenges). Notice the format too. This is how I recommend phrasing it. Don’t say “I am a ___”. Just start with the descriptive words.

This is a simple yet effective resume summary example for students OR recent graduates.

Resume Summary with No Experience – Example #2: Fresh Graduate in Computer Science

Computer Science graduate passionate about data engineering and machine learning. Highly-capable leader, having led multiple Senior class projects to completion. Proficient in a range of modern technologies including Python, Java and Scala.

This is another good example of a student or fresh graduate resume summary that still shows your skills and academic focus, even if you have no formal work experience.  In this entry-level resume summary example, you’re highlighting accomplishments and leadership as a student and you’re also showing that you’re passionate about your work. Saying you’re passionate about data engineering is much better than just saying, “Looking for a job in data engineering.” They’ll know you’re looking for jobs because you applied. Taking up space to say it is a bad use of this area of your resume, and is why I never recommend having a resume “Objective” section. The summary exists instead of an “Objective” and is much better.

The example above also included some great programming keywords (Python, Java, Scala) to help get past any automated application systems and grab the hiring manager’s attention very quickly when they first look at your resume. If you work with any tools or technologies that have names like these, you can include it in your entry-level resume summary if you’d like. Other examples of tools/technologies: Photoshop, MS Excel, etc.

If you decide not to include these on your resume summary, make sure to include them elsewhere such as your Education or Skills section .

Resume Summary Example with No Experience #3: Math Student Graduating Soon

4th year mathematics student passionate about statistics and data analysis. Proven project leader. Active member of Boston University’s Mathematics Club. Speaker at 2018 “New York Young Mathematicians Conference.”

This resume summary example for students shows how you can list accomplishments even if you’ve never formally worked before. Did you participate in any clubs at school? Have you led any class projects? These are impressive pieces you can add to your resume summary with no experience formally working. 

How to Write a Resume Summary For Students/Fresh Graduates – Quick Recap

• Skip buzzwords like “hard-working” and put real academic accomplishments instead, like projects you produced and tasks you led
• Include what you’re interested in and passionate about to show them why you are applying for this position
• Mention hard skills like “Java Programming” or “Excel,”  especially if they’re listed on the job description
• Include soft skills as well like, “excellent at multi-tasking”, especially if you saw these keywords anywhere on the job description
• Include statements in your resume summary that will catch the employer’s interest and make them want to talk with you and ask you more. Remember – the entire goal of your resume is to get invited to interview. So if you did anything unique like giving presentations, working in an internship , participating in a school club, etc., you can include this in your entry-level resume summary.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great entry-level resume summary that will stand out and catch a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s attention so you can get more interviews.

After you write your entry-level resume summary, here are two more articles that may be helpful when job searching with no experience:

• The best times of year to job search
• How to create a great elevator pitch for job hunting

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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This site was pretty helpful in guiding me throughout my school resume, would love other tips would do well.

This is a great guide. If only schools were actually interested in teaching children real life skills like this.

Hi, I am a student who has been finding it very difficult to make resumes due to the lack of working experience. I am currently trying to find a job while studying at the same time. I am in University completing a certificate and will soon be applying for a BA in Psychology and Criminolgy. However, I wish to apply for a part time job in the fashion industry. Can you please leave me some tips about what I can do to ensure that I can find a job without needing experience.

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

Hi, I’m a job seeker with 2 years experience working as a cart collector at grocery store and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, is this a good professional summary?: “Reliable team member with a keen interest in information technology and other applications. Capable of handling multiple projects within deadlines. Eager to apply my professional and academic background as an Administrative Assistant at Bogdan Contracting.”

I’ve been job seeking since October 2018, I’m hoping I can start a career in tech support as soon as possible.

Hi Marcais,

I think it sounds pretty good. My least favorite part is the first word, though. “Reliable” sounds pretty average/boring. Sure, you show up, do your job, etc. That’s what I think when I hear “reliable”. But not much more.

I’d look for a better word to lead off with.

I would like to say thank you for making this article about writing a summary for a resume. For the past couple of months, I have been struggling to find someone who can help me with that because I don’t have a lot of experience in my field (i.e. engineering). I do have one question though. Is it appropriate to use first-person nouns in the summary section? I have seen people do that, but I find it quite odd.

Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hi Frances,

I’d avoid saying, “I” if that’s what you’re asking.

Just say “Led team of 7 people to accomplish ___”

Just start without a pronoun.

Another example: “Highly-accomplished accounting professional who has ____”

Comments are closed.

How to create a high school student resumé

Leaving high school is an exciting milestone, whether you’re continuing your studies or headed into the workforce. As you start applying for jobs (or apprenticeships or university placements), you might have noticed the importance of a certain document: your resumé.

Even though you may not have any experience behind you, a resumé for a high school student is an essential tool. It provides a snapshot of your potential, showcasing your skills, experiences and interests . It’s a great way to paint a picture of who you are and what you can offer an employer. We'll take you through the steps of creating a resumé for school leavers and students that will leave a lasting first impression.

Purpose of a high school student resumé

Why does a high school student need a resumé? A resumé can help bridge the gap between your current school achievements and your future goals. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth spending time putting your resumé together.

Applying to university

University, or further education of some form, is the next step for many school graduates. Your resumé provides a great overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any other relevant experiences. It’s a great way to showcase your strengths, interests and more, which may be vital if there’s strong competition for the degree or university you want to get into.

Applying to jobs

A resumé is essential when entering the workforce, whether you’re looking for part-time , summer or internship positions. It allows employers to gain a snapshot of your skills and suitability for the job. The resumé should highlight any relevant experience, such as volunteer work, school projects and leadership roles in clubs or sports teams.

Applying to scholarships

A resumé helps you stand out when applying for scholarships, offering an overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service and any awards or accolades. Your resumé should emphasise any strengths or achievements that meet the scholarship's criteria.

Components of a high school student resumé

While you might not have extensive professional work experience behind you as a high school student, creating an effective resumé all comes down to what you include to put your best self forward. 

Profile summary

The profile summary is a brief introduction of who you are and what you offer. Its main purpose is to capture the reader's attention and make them want to learn more about you. Think of it as your personal ‘elevator pitch’, summarising your strengths and experiences that are relevant to the opportunity you’re applying for.

• Brief introduction:  mention your current educational status (e.g., “A recent high school graduate...”).
• Key qualifications: highlight any qualifications you have that make you a strong candidate. If you have a school certificate or secondary score, mention it here. Be sure to include your highest school level completed or qualification achieved.
• Relevant experiences or achievements: include any relevant experiences or achievements that align with the job or opportunity. This could be leadership roles in school clubs, participation in sports teams or volunteer work.
• Personal traits: add a few personal traits that make you memorable. These could be characteristics like being a quick learner or a creative thinker, or having good time management skills and a positive attitude.

Experience section

The experience section is where you can list your work history, including part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work and extracurricular activities. It’s an opportunity to provide some concrete examples of your skills and abilities in action. Here’s what to include:

• Relevant duties and skills: for each experience listed, include a brief description of your duties and the skills you developed. Be specific about your responsibilities and try to quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “Led a team of 5 in organising school charity events”).
• Highlights and achievements:  mention any significant achievements or highlights during your time in each role. This could include awards, recognitions, or successful projects you contributed to.

As a high school student, you may not have formal work experience . In this case, it's important to mention other types of experience that can demonstrate your skills:

• Volunteer experiences: include any volunteer work you've done, such as community service, involvement in non-profit organisations, or participation in charity events. Describe the role you played and the skills you gained from these experiences.
• Extracurricular experiences:  this includes involvement in sports teams, clubs, student government and other school-related activities. Highlight any leadership roles or significant contributions you made in these activities.

Education details

The education section is an important part of a high school student’s resumé as it provides an indication of your commitment to learning, areas of academic interest and any notable achievements. It often forms the bulk of your qualifications, so it’s important to get right. Here’s what you should include:

• Current school and location: start with the name of your high school and its location (city and state/region).
• Estimated completion date: if you’re still in high school, include your estimated graduation date. This gives the reader an idea of where you are in terms of education level.
• Relevant courses: list any courses that are relevant to the job or opportunity you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a tech internship, you might include computer science or mathematics courses.
• Academic achievements: mention any academic honours, awards or recognition you’ve received. This includes impressive results in any school challenges or competitions. 

Key skills section

The key skills section is where you can showcase your abilities to paint a picture of your strengths beyond academic achievements and work experiences. It allows you to directly point out the skills you have that align with the opportunity you are applying for. Here are some high school resumé examples of what you can list:

• Organisation : your ability to manage your space, your tasks and keep track of deadlines. 
• Time management:  the ability to efficiently manage your time, prioritise responsibilities and meet deadlines. 
• Communication: both written and verbal communication skills are essential to include. If you can, mention specific communication skills, like writing reports, speeches, podcasts or emails, giving presentations or contacting customers. 
• Public speaking: if you have experience in public speaking, through presentations in class, participating in debate clubs, or MCing events, this is a valuable skill to list. 
• Technical skills: depending on your interests and experiences, you might include skills like proficiency in software or coding languages, or other technical abilities relevant to your field of interest.
• Teamwork:  the ability to work well in a team, collaborate with others and contribute effectively to group projects.
• Problem solving: your ability to identify problems, think critically and come up with effective solutions.

Common mistakes to avoid

When creating a resumé, especially as a high school student, it's easy to make little mistakes  that can take away from your skills. Being aware of these can help you write a more professional resumé. Here are some key pitfalls to avoid:

• Choosing a colourful, busy design: while it might be tempting to make your resumé stand out with colourful designs, it's important to keep it plain, so it’s easy to read.  Tip:  stick to a clean, simple layout with a standard font. Use bolder, larger headings to create clear sections, and use bullet points to organise your information. 
• Not using action verbs:  using passive language can make your achievements seem less impressive. Tip:  start your bullet points with strong action verbs like “managed,” “created,” “led,” or “organised”. This makes your experiences sound more dynamic and impactful.
• Not proofreading:  one of the most common mistakes is submitting a resumé with typos or grammatical errors. Tip: always proofread your resumé multiple times. It can also be helpful to have someone else review it, as they might catch errors you've overlooked.
• Overloading with irrelevant information: it's important to keep your resumé concise and relevant. Tip: tailor your resumé to each application, focusing on experiences and skills that are most relevant to the opportunity. Keep it to one page, highlighting only the most significant points.
• Failing to tailor the resumé: using a generic resumé for every application is a common mistake.  Tip:  customise your resumé for each application. Review the job description or criteria and highlight the experiences and skills that align most closely with them.

Resumé template for high school students

Creating a resumé as a high school student with no work experience can be a bit daunting. However, with the right structure and content, you can still make your resumé eye-catching and memorable. The key is to showcase your skills, achievements and potential. 

Below is a high school student resumé with no work experience template that you can use as a starting point. Highlight your strengths in areas outside of work experience . Focus on what you have accomplished in school, through volunteer work and in extracurricular activities, to present a well-rounded picture of your capabilities. Include any hobbies you have that are relevant to your application. [Your name in a large font] Personal Information [Address] [Phone number] [Email address] [Professional profile/Personal website] (optional)

Objective Statement [Write a brief statement about your career or educational goals and what you hope to achieve in the position you're applying for.]

Education [Name of high school], [city, state/region] Expected Graduation: [month, year] Relevant Courses: [List any courses relevant to the job or field of interest]

Work Experience (if applicable) [Job title], [employer name], [city, state] [Dates of employment]

• [Briefly describe your responsibilities and any achievements. Use action verbs and quantify results when possible.]

Volunteer Experience [Role], [organisation name], [city, state] [Dates of participation]

• [Describe your role and contributions. Highlight any skills developed and achievements.]

Extracurricular Activities [Activity name], [role/position], [school/organisation name] [Dates of participation]

• [Describe your involvement and any notable accomplishments.]
• [Skill 1]: [Brief description or example of how you've demonstrated this skill]
• [Skill 2]: [Brief description or example]
• [Add additional skills as relevant]

Awards and Honours

• [Award/Honour 1], [Year]
• [Award/Honour 2], [Year]
• [Add additional awards/honours as relevant]

Hobbies and Interests (optional)

• [Hobby 1] [Mention any relevant skills]
• [Hobby 2]  [Mention any relevant skills]

References Available upon request.

High school student resumé example

Creating a resumé as a high school student can be tricky if you’ve never had to write a resumé before. To help guide you, this example integrates the key components mentioned above, tailored to a high school student.

Micah Lee Resumé

Personal Information Micah Lee 123 Maple Street, Hometown, State/Region, 1234 Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: [email protected] Objective Statement Motivated high school senior seeking a part-time position in retail, where I can apply my strong communication skills and dedication to customer service. Eager to learn and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Education Hometown High School, Hometown, State Expected graduation: June 2025 Relevant courses: English, Social Studies

Work Experience Volunteer, Hometown Community Library ⁠June 2023 - Present

• Assist in organising and cataloguing books.
• Help set up and manage community events and reading programs
• Strong organisational and customer service skills

Extracurricular Activities Member, Hometown High School Debate Team September 2022 - Present

• Participate in debate competitions, honing public speaking and critical thinking skills.
• Collaborate with team members to research topics and develop arguments.
• Organisation: demonstrated through managing school projects and volunteer responsibilities.
• Time management: balanced academic workload with extracurricular activities effectively.
• Communication: strong written and verbal communication skills developed through debate team participation.
• Public speaking: gained confidence and proficiency through regular debate competitions.
• Winner, Regional High School Debate Competition, 2024

Whether or not you have any professional experience behind you, creating a resumé as a high school student is a great way to showcase your strengths and abilities gained through education and other opportunities. Consider it an investment in your future that will grow and evolve as you gain more personal and professional experiences. 

How to create a resumé for a high school student with no work experience?

To create a resumé for a high school student with no work experience, focus on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer experiences, skills and any relevant school work. You can also highlight qualities relevant to the role. This can include things like leadership, teamwork and other soft skills.

What is an example of a high school student's objective for a resumé?

An example of a high school student's objective for a resumé could be: 

“Motivated high school student seeking a part-time position in retail, where I can apply my strong communication skills and develop my customer service skills. Eager to learn and contribute to a team environment”. 

This objective is clear, aligns with the job and highlights key personal strengths.

How do you put high school on your resumé if you haven't graduated yet?

If you haven't graduated high school yet, list your high school's name and location, followed by your expected graduation date. For example: “Example High School, City. Expected graduation: June 2025”. 

Can I include my part-time job experience on a high school student resumé?

Yes, you can and should include casual and part-time job experience on a high school student resumé. It shows you have workplace experience, a proactive work ethic and time-management skills. List the job title, employer and dates of employment, and briefly describe your responsibilities and the skills you developed.

Should I include references on my high school student resumé?

Including references on a high school student resumé is optional. If you have limited space, you can simply state “References available upon request” . If you choose to include references, make sure they are people who can positively attest to your abilities and character, such as teachers or supervisors from volunteer work. And make sure you ask them first!

Can I include extracurricular activities on my high school student resumé?

Absolutely. Including extracurricular activities on your resumé is highly recommended. They can showcase skills such as leadership, teamwork and time management. Include activities like sports teams, special interest clubs and any other activities or groups outside of school.

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How To Write High School Student Resume With No Work Experience

So you're a high school student, and you don't have any work experience. How are you supposed to write a resume? Don't worry; we'll show you how!

This blog post will tell you how you can write High School Student Resume With No Work Experience.

We will also provide tips on how to fill out the resume and make it stand out. Follow these steps, and you will be able to create a resume that will impress employers!

What is a Resume For High School Student?

A resume for a high school student is a document that enumerates the student's skills, education, and experience. It can be used to apply for jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities.

The resume should list the student's contact information, as well as their education and work experience. It is essential to list any notable achievements or awards that the student has received. The resume should be formatted in a way that is easy to read and understand.

Why Would A High School Student Need A Resume?

A resume is an important document whether you are a high school student. It summarizes your education, work experience, skills, and other qualifications.

A resume can be used to apply for jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities. It is also an excellent document to have when you are networking. You can use your resume to help build relationships with people in your field or industry.

Applying for jobs

Applying for scholarships

What To Include In A High School Student Resume?

When you have no work experience, your resume should focus on your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

Here are the things that a high school student should use to make a resume:

Any awards or recognition you've received in your academic career

Clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities that you participate in

Any leadership experience you have from your extracurriculars or school organizations

Volunteer work or internships (if any)

Skills relevant to the job you're applying for (computer skills, languages, etc.)

How to Write A Resume For High School Student With No Work Experience?

As a high school student, you may think you don't have any skills or experience that would make you stand out to potential employers. But even if you've never held a paid job before, plenty of things still show you're the right person for the job.

Here is how to write a resume for a high school student with no work experience sample:

Step #1: Brainstorm Your Skills

Even if you don't have paid work experience, you still have developed various skills that can set you apart from other candidates. These are the essential skills to focus on:

Communication: Whether you're writing or speaking, communicating is essential in any job.

Organization: Keeping yourself and your work area organized shows that you can manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Leadership: If you've ever been in a position of responsibility, such as captain of a sports team or club president, potential employers will see that you can lead others.

Teamwork: Working well with others is another essential skill in any job.

Customer service: If you've ever had a job dealing with the public, such as working in a retail store, you know how important it is to provide excellent customer service.

Step #2: Highlight Your Skills on Your Resume

Once you've brainstormed your skills, it's time to start creating your resume. Remember to include your skills in the following areas:

Objective/Summary statement: This is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that summarizes your skills and experience.

Skills section: This is a dedicated section towards the end of your resume where you can list all of your relevant skills.

Step #3: Use Action Verbs to Describe Your Skills

When describing your skills on your resume, it's important to use action verbs. These are words that describe what you did, such as developed, managed, or created.

Using action verbs makes your resume more powerful and shows employers that you're capable of achieving results.

Some examples of action verbs you can use to describe your skills include:

Step #4: Get a resume for high school student with no work experience sample/template.

If you're unsure how to write your resume or want to see what a professional resume looks like, there are plenty of resume samples available online. You can also find resume templates that you can use to create your resume.

Below, we share some of the best templates available.

Step #5: Edit and proofread your resume.

Once you've written your resume, editing and proofreading it carefully before sending it to potential employers is essential. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as any typos.

Having someone else look at your resume and give you feedback is also a good idea. They may be able to spot errors that you missed.

When you're finished, your resume should be a polished and professional document that showcases your skills and experience.

Congratulations! You have created your first resume with no work experience!

Tips For Writing Better Resume

Now that you know how to write a resume with no work experience, it's time to give some tips that can help you improve your resume.

Keep It Short and Sweet

As a job seeker, one of your most important goals is to find a job that matches your skills and experience level.

However, another equally important goal is ensuring that your resume catches the attention of potential employers. One way to do this is to keep your resume short and sweet.

In today's competitive job market, employers are often inundated with resumes and don't have the time to read through pages and pages of text.

By keeping your resume concise, you can increase the chances that it will be read in its entirety.

Highlight Your Accomplishments

Even if you don't have any work experience, you probably still have some accomplishments that you can highlight on your resume. For example, if you've won any awards or participated in extracurricular activities, mention them. These things will show potential employers that you can accomplish tasks and complete projects.

Use Keywords

Using keywords is one of the best ways to ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd. These are the words and phrases that potential employers will be searching for when looking through resumes.

By including these keywords in your resume, you can increase the chances that it will be found when employers are searching for candidates with your skills and experience level.

Not sure which keywords to use? An excellent place to start is by looking at the job posting itself. Use the keywords included in the posting to help guide your keyword selection process.

Format Your Resume Properly

Lastly, you must ensure that your resume is properly formatted. This means using an easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial and using headings and subheadings to organize your information.

Remember, employers will be skimming through your resume, so you must ensure that it is easy on the eyes.

Use a Premade Template

If you're unsure where to start or don't have the time to create your own resume from scratch, there's no shame in using a premade template.

There are plenty of templates available online that you can use to create your professional-looking resume. Find one you like, download it, and fill in your information.

It's that easy!

Following the tips above, you can write a high school student resume with no work experience to help you stand out from the rest. Good luck!

Benefits Of Writing a Good Resume

There are plenty of benefits to writing a good resume. It will help you to:

Stand out from other candidates.

This is the most definite benefit of having a well-written resume. If you have a resume different from the rest and tailored to the specific job you are applying for, it will help you stand out.

Make an excellent first impression.

Your resume is often the first thing an employer sees about you. This makes it your first chance to make a good impression. If your resume is well-written and includes all the relevant information, it will help you to make an excellent first impression.

Give You an Edge Over Other Candidates

Having a well-written resume will give you an edge over other candidates who have not put in the same effort. This can help you to get the job you want. Mostly, people don’t give much time to create their resumes. But they don’t know how important it is. So you can easily beat them!

There are many benefits of writing a good resume. By taking the time to write a well-written resume, you can give yourself a better chance of getting the job you want. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing!

Resume For High School Student With No Work Experience Sample

Now you know how to write a resume; you need a sample to get started.

Here's a Resume For High School Student With No Work Experience Sample:

Name: John Doe

Address: 123 Main Street, New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 555-1212

Email: [email protected]

A recent high school graduate is seeking a position in customer service. Experienced in working with the public through my part-time job as a cashier. Quick learner and works well under pressure. Looking for an opportunity to learn and grow in a company.

High School Diploma, June 2014

New York High School, New York, NY

Work Experience

Cashier, September 2012-present

XYZ Store, New York, NY

Responsible for handling customer transactions and answering any questions they may have.

Strong communication skills

Excellent customer service skills

Ability to work well under pressure

If you're a high school student with no work experience, don't worry! You can still write an impressive resume. Just follow the tips above and use this sample as a guide.

Resume Templates From WPS Template Store

WPS template store is full of great resume templates. Here are just the three best templates:

Universal Blue Resume.doc

If you're looking for a clean, modern resume template, consider the Universal Blue resume template from WPS Template Store.

This template features a blue header and footer with white content in between. The content is laid out in an easily readable format, making it ideal for those who want their resumes to be easy to scan.

In addition, the template is compatible with both Microsoft Word and Google Docs, so you can use it regardless of which word processing program you prefer.

Best of all, the Universal Blue resume template is available to everyone, so you can download and use it without spending a dime.

Simple Creative Resume.docx

This resume template is an excellent choice if you're looking for something straightforward. It features a clean design with bold headers, making it easy to skim. And it comes in both Word and Photoshop formats, so you can edit it using your preferred software.

Beige Resume for Graduates.docx

If you're a recent graduate with limited work experience, this resume template is a great way to showcase your skills and education. The simple, beige design is easy on the eye, and the layout is organized and concise. This template is also fully customizable, so you can add or remove sections as needed.

In conclusion, if you want to write a high school student resume with no work experience , there are still ways to make your resume stand out.

By focusing on your skills and highlighting your achievements, you can create a resume that impresses potential employers. And don't forget the all-important cover letter!

Check out WPS Academy for free templates and instructions if you need more help putting together a high school student resume without work experience.

If you can't discover the free templates you're searching for on WPS Academy, download WPS office .

• 1. How to Write a College Student Resume with WPS Office (Step-by-Step)
• 2. The best free resume builder for high school students
• 3. Medical School Resume Example For High School Students
• 4. Free Resume Samples For High School Student
• 5. How to Write a High School Resume (Step-by-Step)
• 6. Expert Tips on How to Write a Sample CV for Freshers Graduates Who Have Yet to Gain Experience

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High School Student with No Experience Cover Letter Example

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Starting a cover letter as a high school student with no experience can be challenging, but you can focus on your enthusiasm, skills, and willingness to learn. Begin with a strong opening line that captures attention, such as: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As a motivated and dedicated high school student with a strong commitment to learning and personal growth, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as [Position Name]." This introduction sets a positive tone and shows that you're eager to take on new challenges. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or any relevant projects that demonstrate transferable skills. Your goal is to make a connection between what you can offer and what the employer is looking for, even without direct work experience.

The best way for a high school student with no experience to end a cover letter is with enthusiasm and a clear call to action. Express eagerness to learn and contribute, and thank the reader for considering your application. Then, politely request the opportunity for an interview or further discussion. For example: "Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company/Organization Name] and eager to learn more. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my interests and enthusiasm align with the goals of your team. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview. I look forward to the possibility of working with you." This approach shows initiative and respect, while also demonstrating your interest in the position and your proactive mindset, which are valuable traits even without direct work experience.

High school students with no formal work experience can still create effective cover letters by focusing on their skills, achievements, and activities that demonstrate their potential to employers. Here's what they should include in a cover letter: 1. **Header**: Start with a professional header that includes your name, address, phone number, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or a personal website, you can include that as well. 2. **Salutation**: Address the letter to a specific person if possible. Use "Dear [Name]" or, if you can't find a name, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern." 3. **Introduction**: Begin with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention. Mention the job you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. 4. **Academic Achievements**: Highlight your academic successes, such as a high GPA, honors, or awards. Mention any relevant coursework or projects that have provided you with skills applicable to the job. 5. **Extracurricular Activities**: Discuss any clubs, sports, or organizations you're involved in. Explain how these activities have helped you develop teamwork, leadership, time management, or other skills that are valuable in the workplace. 6. **Volunteer Work and Community Involvement**: If you've done any volunteer work or participated in community service, describe your role and what you learned from the experience. This can demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others. 7. **Soft Skills**: Even without job experience, you likely have soft skills that employers look for, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in school or other areas of your life. 8. **Personal Projects or Interests**: If you have any personal projects, hobbies, or interests that have taught you relevant skills or show your passion for the industry, mention them. For example, if you're applying for a tech job

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Paraeducator - Expanded Learning at Apple Valley Unified School District

Application Deadline

9/11/2024 9:00 AM Pacific

Date Posted

Number of openings, add'l salary info, length of work year, employment type, job summary.

PLEASE NOTE: These positions are part-time only, in the after-school hours. The Expanded Learning Paraeducator works in one of our 5 after-school programs across the district. As an Expanded Learning Paraeducator you will work primarily independently under the direction of the program coordinator with a group of students in a classroom setting. Students are usually grouped by grade level, and you may be assigned to work in any grade level 1st - 8th. In this capacity you will guide students through homework assistance, academic enrichment activities, physical recreation, and character education. You will have an active role in determining the structure of your class, and the activities you will complete with your students, receiving support from your site Coordinator and administration.

Requirements / Qualifications

**THIS IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST THAT WILL BE USED TO FILL ANY FUTURE VACANCIES THAT OPEN DURING THE NEXT SIX MONTHS** PLEASE BE AWARE, THERE WILL BE MANDATORY TESTING FOR THIS POSITION. **PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, EVERYTHING LISTED BELOW IS REQUIRED TO APPLY** Required on Application: 1. Completed Edjoin Application (all fields filled) - incomplete applications will be screened out. 2. Graduation from High School or Equivalent 3. Supplemental coursework in education and one (1) year of experience in working in an educational or academic program setting OR Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates ability to perform the essential duties may be substituted for the required experience and/or education (MUST show on application in education/work history) 4. Three (3) PROFESSIONAL references: former/current supervisors/coworkers (MUST be provided on application with ALL contact information - including email address) Required Attachments: 1. Typing test: adjusted/net 40 wpm minimum (3-5 minute test) - Results MUST show name, adjusted/net results, & length of test on certificate - Online okay 2. Valid ADULT/PEDIATRIC First Aid and CPR Certification required: NO online courses; NO BLS (basic life support) cards, MUST include Pediatric (Child) training* *can upload proof of registration in an upcoming, in-person CPR/First Aid class in lieu of card Preferred Qualifications 1. Resumes encouraged but not required. 2. Associates Degree preferred 3. Copies of transcripts (if substituting education for experience). ***Must meet minimum requirements per the job description. Applicants encouraged to review entire job description before applying.*** REQUIRED UPON HIRE: 1. Certificate stating freedom from tuberculosis 2. Candidates selected for appointment are required to be fingerprinted in our office at the employee's expense and must receive DOJ and FBI clearance before beginning work

Applicants encouraged to read attached job descriptions. Please note that all required documentation must be attached to your application in order to be considered to move forward in the hiring process. ***Failure to attach all documentation will result in your application being screened out of the process.*** Employees must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of the position without hazard to themselves or others.

• CPR/First Aid Certification (NO ONLINE COURSES; NO BLS CARDS; MUST INCLUDE PEDIATRIC TRAINING)
• Typing Certificate (adjusted/net 40 wpm minimum (3-5 minute test: results MUST show name, length of test, & adjusted/net results))

Comments and Other Information

Links related to this job.

• Optional Typing Websites
• Optional CPR/FA Providers
• Town of Apple Valley
• View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem.

CalPERS Links

• CalPERS Retirement Benefits

Apple Valley Unified School District

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