how do you write a high school resume

High School Resume - How-To Guide for 2024 [11+ Samples]

Whether you’re preparing your college application, applying for an internship, or looking for a part-time job, you’ll notice that every single place is asking for your resume.

You sit down, work on your resume for an hour, trying to come up with what you can include.

And all you end up with is the name of the high school you’re attending.

“What gives?” you wonder.

“What else can I add to my resume, when I have zero work experience?”

That’s a more than valid concern and it’s exactly what we’re going to discuss in this article!

We’re going to tell you exactly what to write so that your resume is as convincing as any other (even with zero work experience).

What to include in a high school resume
4 Free high school templates you can use
A real-life high school resume example
FAQ on high school resumes

Let’s start with the question you’ve been repeatedly asking yourself:

What to Include in My High School Resume?

At the end of the day, resumes are about showing an employer that you are the right person for the job.

You want to show you’re a competent, passionate, and responsible individual, with the right skills to get the job done.

Well, work experience isn’t the only way to convince recruiters of that.

Instead, you can focus on the following sections:

#1. Contact Information - This is where you write down your personal and contact information (no surprise there) like first and last name, phone number, e-mail address, or links to other profiles.
#2. Resume Objective - In 3-4 sentences, you should be able to describe your career goals and aspirations as well as list your skills.
#3. Education - As you probably guessed, this is where you list your education history and relevant certifications.
#4. Extracurricular Activities - These include participation in high school clubs, competitive events, and volunteer work.
#5. Projects & Gigs - You can mention relevant projects you have participated in, as well as any internships.
#6. Work Experience (optional) - If you don’t have any work experience, you can mention apprenticeships or volunteer work instead.
#7. Languages - Language skills are always a plus for your application.
#8. Hobbies & Interests - These offer some insight into your personality and can show that you’re passionate and interested in the industry.

As you can see, there’s a lot that can go into your resume to make up for the missing work experience.

Now, we’ll dive into each of these sections in detail and teach you how to do each of them right!

So, let’s start with:

#1. Contact Information

The contact information isn’t too hard to pull off.

Here’s what you need to include here:

First and Last Name
Phone Number
Email Address

Make sure to use a professional email address , something like: [email protected]. Using your middle school [email protected] account will not leave the right impression.

#2. Resume Objective

A resume objective is a 3-4 sentence statement of your skills, achievements, and career goals .

Think of it as a short summary of why you’re applying for this specific position and why you’d be a good candidate for it.

You should try your best to link this summary to the role you are applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a position as a sales associate, you should make a point of your good social skills, proficiency in math, and teamwork skills.

Let’s have a look at a concrete example of a resume objective for this case:

Hard-working, responsible high school student looking to contribute a positive and collaborative attitude in the retail field. Math-oriented individual with good attention to detail.

#3. Education

In a typical resume, this comes after the work experience section.

For a high school resume, though, you’d want to do it the other way around, since you want to put more focus on your academic achievements.

This section will most probably consist of only one entry: your high school education.

Here’s how you can format your education section:

Name of the Degree
Name of the Institution
Years Attended
GPA (if above 3.5)
Honors (if applicable)
Relevant Courses

High School Diploma (Honor Roll)

AB High School

09/2015 - 06/2019

Relevant courses: AP Calculus, Statistics, Leadership

#4. Extracurricular Activities

Now, this section could be one of your biggest selling points.

Even if you have a not-so-special GPA, extracurriculars can turn your resume around. These activities are typically school-related, like participation in clubs or student societies.

Involvement in such, especially in leadership positions like club president or team captain, shows you are sociable and active in your pursuits.

When listing your extracurricular activities, you should format each entry like this:

Student Body Treasurer

Student Government, AB High School

Managed the student council’s funds and expenses, kept financial records, and worked with the president and vice president to create budgets and allot funds for clubs and events.
Participated in organizing student activities like dances, spirit weeks, community service, and fundraising movements and assemblies.

#5. Projects & Gigs

Here you can mention (or even link to) any independent projects you’ve worked on - something you’ve done on the side, unrelated to academics.

This could be a personal project, small business or startup, side-gig, blog, etc.

Such activities add a lot of value to your resume. They show you’re a self-starter and that’s a quality that’s very much appreciated in any role and industry.

Neighborhood Book Club

2019 - Present

Founded a local book club, initially for my friends, and later for all the teenagers of my neighborhood.
Prepared a monthly book calendar for the club, combining trending, relevant, and classic books.
Organized weekly meetings to discuss the progress on the books and our thoughts upon finishing them.

#6. Work Experience (Optional)

If you have some work experience, awesome! Here’s how you’d format it on your high school resume:

Company Name
Dates Employed
Achievements & Responsibilities

Sandwich Artist

Joe’s Sandwich Emporium

06/2020 - 09/2020

Prepared several types of sandwiches for customers.
Promoted new products on the menu directly to customers.
Worked with the cash register.
Interacted with dozens of customers on a daily basis.

If you don’t have any work experience, though, worry not! You can always replace it with another “Other” section.

Volunteer work, for example, is another great addition to your resume. If you also have any informal work experiences like babysitting or dog walking, you should include them in the section.

Even if you didn’t get a paycheck out of that work, such experiences show you are skilled and reliable.

For example, an entry for volunteering experience can look like this:

Educational Team Member

Save the Children

2018 - Present

Assisted in giving weekly art history and drawing lessons to children at the local orphanage
Helped organize visits at local museums and art galleries

#7. Language skills

Are you bilingual or can speak another language apart from your native one?

Make sure to mention it on your high school resume!

Wherever you might be applying, you can rest assured that they’re going to appreciate your language skills.

Even if you’re applying for a job in the service or retail industry, proficiency in an extra language or two is going to give you an advantage over other applicants, especially if you write your CEFR level , and can back up the claim in conversation.

Who knows when some foreign customers will come in and your knowledge will come in handy!

With that scenario in mind:

Be mindful not to exaggerate your skills, as lying on your resume can only get you in trouble.

#8. Hobbies & Interests

It might feel like you’re just filling up some space, but actually, the hobbies and interests you list on a resume can be significant, especially if you don’t have a lot of extracurriculars or work experience.

You need something to hint as to who you are as a person and employee, and listing hobbies and interests will do that for you.

They also show that you are an engaged individual and well-rounded applicant.

However, you should be selective with what you mention here.

Listing 6+ hobbies will end up having the opposite effect - it will look like you’re just throwing in some random words, hoping some of them will be impressive.

A good strategy is to look for hints on the job ad i.e. if they are looking for a team player, mentioning a team sport as one of your hobbies is a great idea.

Keep in mind, though, that you should also avoid hobbies that don’t add to your profile as a candidate.

E.g.: your gaming hobby doesn't make you a better candidate for the role of a sales manager.

4 Free High School Resume Templates

So we’re all done with theory at this point.

There’s one thing left for you to do: sit down and start preparing your resume.

To help you with that, we’ve gathered 4 free resume templates , perfect for a high school resume.

All you have to do is pick the ones you like best & get started with your resume!

#1. Simple Resume Template

This versatile template works for all kinds of applicants - from those with plenty to those with zero work experience.

The neutral colors emphasize information over flashiness and the structure is easy to follow.

#2. Professional Resume Template

professional resume template high school

This next template is an all-time favorite of ours.

Unlike the first template, the Professional one is formatted into two columns. It’s simple, yet stands out with its blue accent color (which you can change into any color you like).

#3. Modern Resume Template

The Modern template adds something more to the traditional resume look. There is a faded design in the background and some of the sections are boxed by large brackets.

It’s a template that stands out without being too loud or wild.

#4. Creative Resume Template

creative resume template for high school

If you’re applying for a position in a creative field (marketing, design, etc.), this is the template for you.

It uses accent colors and has a bold header that makes a statement.

High School Resume Example

As important as picking the right template is, the content of the resume is what’s going to seal the deal.

Here’s one example of a high school student resume, so you can get a clearer idea of what it should look like!

High School Resume FAQ

If you still have some questions regarding your high school resume, check out the FAQ and our answers below:

1. How can I write a high school resume with no work experience?

As a high school student, it’s more than normal for you to have no work experience. This shouldn’t scare you.

There’s a lot of activities you can add to your resume that can substitute work experience.

Extracurricular activities, like participation in school clubs, projects, and gigs, are a great indicator of your skills and personality. Any informal work experiences should also be mentioned.

As long as you are showing the recruiter that you are capable of doing the job, your resume will be just fine without a work experience section.

2. How long should a high school resume be?

When it comes to high school resumes, the answer is undebatable: one page.

A 2018 eye-tracking study showed that recruiters spend about 7 seconds skimming a resume before deciding whether to discard it or not.

A 2-page resume will be simply excessive.

Heck, even if you’re a professional with 10 years of work experience, we’d still recommend sticking to 1 page.

For more on resume length best practices, check out our article.

3. What’s the best way to make a high school resume?

An important and time-consuming part of making a resume is getting the formatting right.

This means meticulously editing a Word or Google doc in order to get the right typeface, font size , line spacing, margins, etc.

What we’re getting at here is, if you’re making your resume manually, it can take you hours…

And then you make a tiny change on your layout, and your resume starts spilling into the second page!

Want to save time and effort?

Just use a resume builder ! The formatting is done for you, and all YOU have to do is fill in the resume!

Key Takeaways

That pretty much covers all you need to know about writing a high school no-experience resume .

Quite simple and doable, right?

Finally, here’s a recap of what you should keep in mind when writing your high school resume:

Instead of work experience, talk about extracurriculars like school clubs, personal projects, or gigs.
Use sections like education, hobbies & interests, and languages to emphasize your skills and give an idea of your personality.
Grab the recruiter’s attention with a concise resume objective that clearly highlights your top skills and career goals.
Keep your resume at a maximum of 1 page.

And finally, good luck with your job search!

Related Resume Examples

No Experience Resume
Internship Resume
College Resume
Research Assistant Resume
Students and Graduates Resume
Teacher Resume

Top 20 High School Skills for Resume – Samples & How to Highlight

Resume Format
October 27, 2024
Resume Skills

High School Skills for Resume : In today’s competitive job market, having a standout resume is essential for high school students seeking internships, part-time jobs, or college opportunities. While academic achievements are important, employers increasingly value the skills that candidates bring to the table. This article explores the top 20 high school skills that can elevate your resume, showcasing your unique strengths and experiences.

From communication and teamwork to problem-solving and time management, these skills not only highlight your capabilities but also demonstrate your readiness for the professional world. We’ll provide practical samples and tips on how to effectively showcase these skills, ensuring your resume captures the attention of hiring managers.

By understanding how to present your skills in a compelling way, you can create a resume that stands out from the crowd. Let’s dive into the essential skills every high school student should consider including, and learn how to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

What are High School Skills

High school skills encompass critical thinking, effective communication, time management, and teamwork. Students develop problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and self-discipline, preparing them for future academic and career challenges. Mastering these skills fosters independence and confidence, enabling students to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.

Why High School Skills Important

High school skills are essential for personal and academic growth, laying the groundwork for future success. These skills not only enhance a student’s educational experience but also prepare them for life beyond the classroom. Here are several reasons why high school skills are crucial:

Critical Thinking : Students learn to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions, which are vital in today’s complex world.
Communication : Mastering both verbal and written communication helps students express their ideas clearly and effectively, a necessity in any career.
Collaboration : Working in teams fosters cooperation and conflict resolution, preparing students for collaborative environments in college and the workplace.
Time Management : Balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities teaches students how to prioritize tasks and manage their time efficiently.
Problem-Solving : Developing problem-solving skills equips students to tackle challenges creatively and resourcefully, a key asset in any field.
Adaptability : High school experiences encourage flexibility and resilience, enabling students to navigate change and uncertainty in their future endeavors.
Self-Discipline : Cultivating self-discipline through consistent study habits and goal-setting instills a strong work ethic that benefits students throughout their lives.

By honing these skills during high school, students not only enhance their academic performance but also build a solid foundation for their future careers and personal development. Investing in these skills is an investment in a successful and fulfilling life.

List of 20 High School Skills for Resume

Communication
Time Management
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Adaptability
Organization
Research Skills
Public Speaking
Technical Proficiency
Customer Service
Conflict Resolution
Attention to Detail
Multitasking
Interpersonal Skills
Data Analysis
Project Management

Top Required High School Skills for Resume

Communication Skills Effectively conveying ideas through verbal and written formats. This includes presenting information clearly in class discussions, writing essays, and participating in group projects, ensuring that messages are understood and engaging to the audience.
Teamwork Collaborating with peers to achieve common goals. This skill involves listening to others, sharing responsibilities, and contributing to group dynamics in projects, sports, or extracurricular activities, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
Time Management Prioritizing tasks and managing schedules to meet deadlines. This skill is essential for balancing academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments, ensuring productivity and reducing stress through organized planning.
Problem-Solving Identifying challenges and developing effective solutions. This involves critical thinking and creativity, whether in math problems, science experiments, or real-life situations, demonstrating the ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions.
Leadership Guiding and motivating peers in group settings. This skill includes taking initiative in projects, leading teams in sports, or organizing events, showcasing the ability to inspire others and drive collective success.
Adaptability Adjusting to new situations and challenges with ease. This skill is crucial in a rapidly changing environment, whether it’s adapting to different teaching styles, new technologies, or unexpected changes in plans, demonstrating resilience and flexibility.
Research Skills Gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information from various sources. This includes conducting library research, using online databases, and evaluating the credibility of sources, essential for writing papers and completing projects effectively.
Critical Thinking Evaluating information and arguments logically. This skill involves assessing evidence, identifying biases, and making reasoned conclusions, which is vital for academic success and informed decision-making in everyday life.
Creativity Generating innovative ideas and solutions. This skill is expressed through artistic projects, creative writing, or unique approaches to problem-solving, showcasing the ability to think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives.
Technical Skills Proficiency in using technology and software applications. This includes familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools, as well as understanding social media platforms, which are essential in today’s digital world.
Interpersonal Skills Building and maintaining positive relationships with peers and teachers. This skill encompasses empathy, active listening, and effective communication, fostering a supportive environment and enhancing collaboration in group activities.
Organization Keeping materials and tasks systematically arranged. This skill involves maintaining a tidy workspace, managing notes and assignments, and using planners to track deadlines, which contributes to overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Public Speaking Delivering presentations confidently in front of an audience. This skill includes organizing thoughts, engaging listeners, and using appropriate body language, essential for class presentations, speeches, and future professional settings.
Attention to Detail Noticing and addressing small elements in tasks. This skill is crucial for proofreading assignments, following instructions accurately, and ensuring high-quality work, demonstrating thoroughness and a commitment to excellence.
Customer Service Providing assistance and support to others. This skill is developed through part-time jobs or volunteering, emphasizing the importance of patience, communication, and problem-solving in addressing customer needs and concerns.
Goal Setting Establishing and pursuing personal and academic objectives. This skill involves creating actionable plans, monitoring progress, and adjusting strategies to achieve desired outcomes, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation.
Networking Building professional relationships for future opportunities. This skill includes connecting with peers, teachers, and community members, enhancing personal and professional growth through shared experiences and resources.
Conflict Resolution Addressing and resolving disagreements constructively. This skill involves active listening, empathy, and negotiation, allowing for peaceful solutions in group settings and promoting a harmonious environment.
Self-Motivation Driving oneself to achieve goals without external prompts. This skill is crucial for academic success, as it involves setting personal standards, staying focused, and pushing through challenges independently.
Cultural Awareness Understanding and appreciating diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This skill fosters inclusivity and respect in interactions, enhancing collaboration and enriching discussions in a multicultural environment.

How to Highlight High School Skills on Resume

Highlighting High School Skills on a resume can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers, especially if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience. Here’s how to effectively showcase those skills:

Identify Relevant High School Skills : Reflect on the skills you developed during high school, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management. These High School Skills are valuable in any job setting.
Use Specific Examples : When listing High School Skills, provide concrete examples. For instance, if you were a team captain, mention how you led your team to victory, showcasing leadership and teamwork.
Incorporate Keywords : Tailor your resume by including keywords from the job description that align with your High School Skills. This strategy helps your resume stand out to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems.
Create a Skills Section : Dedicate a section of your resume to High School Skills. List them in bullet points for easy readability, ensuring they are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Highlight Extracurricular Activities : Include clubs, sports, or volunteer work where you utilized your High School Skills. This demonstrates initiative and a well-rounded character.
Showcase Academic Achievements : If you excelled in specific subjects or received awards, mention these accomplishments. They reflect your dedication and ability to apply your High School Skills in an academic context.
Tailor for Each Application : Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing the most relevant High School Skills that align with the job requirements.

By effectively highlighting your High School Skills, you can create a compelling resume that captures the attention of employers and sets you apart from other candidates.

Sample High School Skills for Resume

[your name].

[Your Address] [City, State, Zip] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

Motivated and dedicated high school student seeking to leverage skills in [specific area, e.g., customer service, teamwork] to contribute to [specific role or company]. Eager to gain practical experience and develop professional skills.

[Your High School Name] [City, State] Expected Graduation: [Month, Year] GPA: [Your GPA]

Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to convey information clearly and effectively.
Teamwork: Proven ability to collaborate with peers on group projects and extracurricular activities.
Time Management: Skilled in prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently to meet deadlines.
Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze situations and develop effective solutions.
Adaptability: Quick to learn new concepts and adjust to changing environments.
Technical Proficiency: Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic knowledge of [any relevant software or tools].
Customer Service: Experience in providing assistance and support to peers and customers in various settings.

[Job Title or Volunteer Position] [Organization Name] [City, State] [Month, Year] – [Month, Year]

Assisted in [specific tasks or responsibilities].
Developed [specific skills or experiences].
Collaborated with team members to achieve [specific goals or outcomes].
Engaged with [specific audience or customers] to provide support and information.
Contributed to [specific projects or initiatives].
Enhanced [specific skills or knowledge].

Extracurricular Activities

[Activity/Club Name] [Your Role/Position] [Month, Year] – [Month, Year]

Participated in [specific activities or events].
Developed leadership and organizational skills through [specific tasks].
Collaborated with peers to enhance community involvement.

Available upon request.

How to Develop High School Skills for Resume

Developing high school skills is essential for crafting a standout resume that impresses potential employers. These skills not only showcase your abilities but also reflect your dedication and readiness for the workforce. Here are some effective ways to develop high school skills for your resume:

Participate in Extracurricular Activities : Join clubs or sports teams to enhance teamwork, leadership, and time management skills.
Volunteer : Engage in community service to develop high school skills like communication, problem-solving, and empathy.
Take on Part-Time Jobs : Work experience, even in entry-level positions, helps develop high school skills such as responsibility and customer service.
Develop Technical Skills : Learn software programs or coding to add valuable technical skills to your resume.
Enhance Communication Skills : Practice writing and public speaking through presentations or writing for school publications.
Seek Leadership Opportunities : Run for student government positions or lead group projects to develop high school skills in leadership and initiative.

By actively pursuing these avenues, you can effectively develop high school skills that will make your resume shine and attract the attention of employers.

Also Read : How to Add Skills Section in Resume

FAQs about High School Skills

What are essential high school skills to include on a resume.

Essential High School Skills to include on a resume are communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability. These skills demonstrate your ability to collaborate with others, handle challenges, and manage your time effectively, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

How can I showcase my High School Skills on my resume?

To showcase your High School Skills on your resume, create a dedicated skills section highlighting relevant abilities. Use bullet points to list these skills and provide specific examples or experiences where you applied them, such as group projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.

Are High School Skills relevant for job applications?

Yes, High School Skills are highly relevant for job applications, especially for entry-level positions. Employers value these foundational skills as they indicate your potential to learn and grow within the company. Highlighting them can set you apart from other candidates who may lack practical experience.

How do High School Skills differ from professional skills?

High School Skills are foundational abilities developed during your education, such as communication and teamwork, while professional skills are more specialized and industry-specific, gained through work experience. Both are important; however, High School Skills demonstrate your readiness to learn and adapt in a professional environment.

Can I improve my High School Skills before applying for jobs?

Absolutely! You can improve your High School Skills by participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering, or taking on part-time jobs. Engaging in group projects, joining clubs, or attending workshops can enhance your communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, making your resume more appealing to employers.

Resume Tips

Choose the right format.

Select a resume format that best showcases your skills and experience. Common formats include chronological, functional, and combination resumes.

Tailor Your Resume

Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

Focus on Key Sections

Include essential sections such as contact information, professional summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and relevant certifications.