resume for 16 year old with no experience example

Resume For a 16-Year-Old

In This Guide:

Sample resume template for a 16-year-old, resume formatting tips for a high-schooler, what to write instead of experience, key takeaways.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a teenager looking for a job! It can be difficult to build a resume and find a job when you have little to no experience and are just entering the workforce. But don’t worry, this is a guide to help you find your way!

In this article, you’ll learn:

• how to build a professional resume;
• what to put on it when you have little experience ;
• and some examples to help you imagine what your resume could look like.

Below is a sample resume template to help guide you in building your own. Your resume should look something like this when you complete it:

Amanda Smith

Phone: 808-707-0404 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amanda_smith05

I am a responsible and reliable sophomore striving for real-life work experience and a place to grow my familiarity and confidence in the workforce. I thrive in a team environment but also exemplify self-sufficiency on designated tasks. I hope to help a business be more successful through my determination and enthusiasm.

• Sophomore at Adams High School with As and Bs
• Taking Spanish, English, Calculus, World History, and Biology
• Reliable punctuality
• Excellent communication
• Time management
• Attention to detail

Hobbies and Interests

• Reading books of all kinds and expanding my horizons
• Hiking in nature to get back to my roots and experience the outdoors
• Watching documentaries to learn more about the world

Other Activities

• Weekly volunteering at animal shelters
• Part of a reading group for kindergarteners after school

Keep these tips in mind when making your resume. Following these guidelines ensures a professional and legible resume.

• Choose the best format Chronological formats are the easiest to write and easiest to understand.
• Adjust page margins to the appropriate length Make sure the margins aren’t too big or too small to avoid an awkward appearance.
• Choose a professional font Don’t go with Comic Sans or something funky, stick to Times New Roman or something simple.
• Keep it one page Keep it short and sweet so employers can easily digest it.
• Save as PDF Save as a PDF so your formatting stays the same across platforms.

Below are some suggestions for filling in your experience on your resume. Many teenagers don’t have loads of job experience, but you can supplement with the following subjects:

• Education Include bullets with classes, extracurricular activities, student memberships, studies, and anything relevant to your education.
• Hobbies and interests Anything that will showcase your relevant skills should go in this section.
• Actual skills Try to match the skills to the job description and draw from previous experience.
• Volunteering Mention any volunteering you have done to exemplify your enthusiasm and spirit.
• Extra sections Mention language skills, personal projects you’ve done, or other relevant activities.

Here are the key takeaways for 16-year-olds building a resume:

• Include anything that shows your positive character
• Highlight your relevant skills
• Express your enthusiasm for employment
• Display all contact information prominently
• Use a helpful resume builder

• Resume Guides

15 Tips to Create an Eye-Catching Resume That Gets You The Job (Including Templates)

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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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What should a 16-year-old put on a resume?

If you are a high school or a college student struggling to make your first teen resume, you're not alone.

Generally, resumes showcase a candidate's professional experiences and skills.

However, as are a teenager applying for their first job, the basics for building a resume are slightly different.

For instance, a teen resume has an objective section instead of a resume summary.

Read on to learn more about teen resumes and related FAQs like the following:

• What is a teen resume?
• What sections should you include in a teen resume?
• How to create the header of a teen resume?
• How to create the objective section of a teen resume?
• What skills should you add to a resume for teens?
• How to write the work experience section in a teen resume?
• How to add education experience on a teen resume?
• How can you add certifications on a teen resume?
• Which additional sections can you add to a teen resume?

What is a Teen Resume?

A teen resume is a page-long document that showcases the best of your academic achievements and skills.

Whether you're applying for your first-part time job or college interviews, and internships, having a resume supports your application as it makes it easier for recruiters to see all your information in one place.

A teen resume is different than a professional resume as it focuses on academic achievements, volunteer work, projects, and extracurricular activities rather than work experiences.

According to the relevance with the job profile you're targetting, you can include the following volunteer work experiences in teen resumes:

• Volunteer work at animal rescue shelters
• Art museums
• National parks
• Political campaigns
• Food pantries
• Retirement homes
• Habitat for humanity
• Organizations like Red Cross
• Local libraries and
• Community blood drives

Also read: How to write a resume with no experience?

What Sections to Include in a Teen Resume?

First things first, you must compile all your information in a single file to streamline the process of building a teen resume.

Once you have all the information in one place, you can pick and choose which information you want to include in your teen resume, based on the job description.

Ensure to present this information in different sections to increase the readability of your resume by giving it a crisp and professional look.

Listed below are the must-have sections in a teen resume:

• Personal Information
• Internship/Volunteer experience (if any)
• Awards and Achievements
• Certifications

Extracurricular Activities

• Additional Information

Also Read: What are the different sections to add to a resume? .

Teenage Resume Header

The header is the topmost part of your resume which is the first thing that the recruiters will see.

Your teen resume header must always be your full name in the largest font size of 14-16 points.

If you have a middle name, you can initialize it like so - Mary J. Blige

Ensure that you don't go with generic resume headers like "CV" or "Resume."

Recruiters already know that the document is a resume. What they don't know is who it belongs to.

Thus, it makes sense to write your name as the header of your teen resume.

Also Read: How to write a perfect resume header in 2022?

Teen Resume Personal Information

Right after the header, you must create a section for your personal information.

This section must include the following details:

A Reachable Phone Number

Ensure that it is a contact number on which you are available at all times.

Write your country's International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) code and a plus sign (+) before the number.

A Professional E-mail Id

E-mail addresses with names like '[email protected]' not only sound unprofessional but can also cost you your chances of getting shortlisted for the job.

So make sure that your e-mail address sounds professional. Preferably, one with your full name like [email protected]

Mention the city and state of your current location - not your hometown (if they are different).

Also, you don't need to provide details like your street address and zip code of your current location.

LinkedIn Profile Link

Provide a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio if you have one.

In case you don't have a LinkedIn profile, consider making one as it can be beneficial for networking and finding job opportunities.

Profile Title

A profile title in your teen resume is the name of the profile you are applying for.

A few examples of profile titles that you can add to your teen resume are - industrial relations counselor, criminologist, dietician, etc.

Also, your profile title should be the second-largest text in your resume with a font size 12-14 points .

Also Read: How to write the contact information in resume in 2022?

Teen Resume Objective

Although the objective and key skills sections must be placed at the top part of your teen resume, it must be written only after writing the other sections so that you have a clear understanding of what your core skills and objective are.

When writing your objective section, don't write about your expectations from the company and the role.

Instead, write what you can provide to the organization as an ideal candidate.

Your objective statement must show how you could benefit the company with your skills and knowledge.

Highlight the skills that can fulfill the requirements of the role you're targetting and emphasize your proven track record of academic achievements.

Also Read: How to write a resume objective in 2022?

Key Skills for Teen Resume

The skills section of your teen resume must list the core skills that you possess in terms of the job description and requirements.

For instance, if you are applying for the job profile of an assistant, it must showcase skills like:

Remember to always refer to the requirements listed in the job description of the listing to understand which skills you must list in your resume (as long as it stands true to you).

The listed skills must be backed by your academic qualifications, volunteer or internship experiences, or academic projects that you've been a part of.

If you possess technical skills like proficiency in programming languages and familiarity with using specific tools or software, you can create a separate section under your key skills and list them.

Given below is a snapshot of the key skills and technical skills sections in a resume:

The following are some other examples of key skills that you can add to your teen resume according to your qualifications:

Also read: How to write a resume skills section?

Volunteer/Internship Work Section

Instead of a professional work experience section, your teen resume can have a volunteer or internship work experience section.

And depending on the relevance of it, you can either have the education section or this section before the other.

You can list your internship/volunteer experience using the reverse chronological format with the following details:

• Name of the Organization
• Location (city & state)
• Starting & completion dates
• Your designation
• The duties you performed

Also, here are some best practices you must follow to present your work experiences:

• Avoid writing in bulky paragraphs and use bullet points
• Begin your sentences with a power verb like managed, assisted, organized, etc. to create more impact with your one-liners
• Highlight the keywords in your bullet points
• Quantify your achievements and use figures whenever possible
• Use the cause-effect relationship to build your one-liners as shown in the following example:

Scheduled 10+ meetings every week by coordinating with clients and senior management to ensure smooth operations Assisted in making travel arrangements for 15+ clients who were traveling to the city on company business

Also Read: How to craft the perfect internship resume for college students in 2022?

Teen Resume Education Section

You need to leverage your fresh education to show your potential through your teen resume.

This section must present your college and high school qualifications along with some details about the coursework.

Write the name of the school/university, the name of the degree, along with the location and dates of enrollment & graduation.

If your GPA is higher than 3.5, you can mention that as well.

Also Read: How to write the education section of a resume in 2022?

Teen Resume Certifications

If you have taken up extra certification courses or training that is relevant to the job you're applying for, you can list them in this section.

Adding certifications to your teenage resume increases its value and helps you stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Provide the following details while listing your certifications:

• Name of the certification course
• Name of the certifying institution
• Dates of enrollment and graduation

Also Read: How to list certifications on a resume in 2022?

Additional Information for Teen Resume

Furthermore, to provide extra details about your academic experience and qualification, you can include additional sections like the following to your teen resume:

As teens don't have work experience to put on their resumes, you can list academic projects that you've been a part of.

Academic projects include the significant projects that you did in school or college.

To list your projects, use the format given below:

Name of the project | Dates of the project One line description of the project Projects objectives, your role, and the outcome of the project

Also Read: How to showcase projects on a resume in 2022?

Awards & Achievements

The awards and achievements section will include any major awards or certificates you received for exceptional academic performance or for participating in quizzes, sports, projects, etc., at the school or college level.

You can also include awards or recognition that you may have received for your volunteer work or internship.

Follow the given format to list your awards & achivements:

< Name of the Award > | < Reason for getting the award > | < Name of the awarding institution > | < Dates >

This section will mention all the extracurricular activities that you took part in at school or college.

It could be anything from being a part of the basketball team or leading the eco-club or becoming the captain of the soccer team.

Extracurricular activities showcase that you possess teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

If you speak multiple languages, list them in your teen resume as it can be an asset if you are planning to work in the service, tourism, and sales industries.

Also read: How to write an entry-level resume in 2022?

Key Takeaways

• You should start every point with a power verb in your teen resume internship/volunteer experience section
• Quantify your achievements wherever possible
• Use bullet points instead of bulky paragraphs in your teen resume
• The font size for your teen resume body should be between 10-12 points, as these font sizes are easily readable
• Use professional fonts like Ariel, Helvetica, and Tahoma to write your teen resume
• Ensure that your key skills match your work experience and the profile you're applying for
• Customize your teen resume according to the job description of the role you're applying for
• Write the objective and skills section after writing the other resume sections
• Your objective statement should focus on how you can benefit the organization with your skills and knowledge

If you want to build a stellar teen resume, use Hiration's resume builder which is powered by AI. You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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5 Free Resume Templates for Teens (with Little to No Experience)

By: Author Amanda L. Grossman

Posted on Last updated: May 7, 2024

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Free resume templates for teens to fill in using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and various resume builders.

If you’ve been looking for a free resume template for teens for any length of time, then you know how hard they are to find.

So, while I do have some to offer, I have to warn you – there aren’t many options.

There are two different types of free resume templates teenagers can use:

• Microsoft Word and Google Docs resume templates
• Teen resume builders

We’ll go over sources for both.

Free Resume Templates for Teens (Word and Docs)

This is my favorite group of free teen resume templates because you don’t need to use online software to use them.

In fact, you’ll just need either Microsoft Word or Google Docs, to use them.

• Here is how to use Google Docs without a Gmail address
• Here’s how to open and use a Microsoft Word document without Microsoft Office

Not only that, but teenagers can create their baseline resume, save the file, and then update it every six months to a year over the lifetime of their careers.

Note: if your teenager will be applying to jobs by handing their resume to an actual person, then they can use fancy and decorative resumes. If they’ll be applying to jobs online, then it’s best to stick to the minimalist kind that are ATS-friendly. More on that in a bit.

1. Free Resume Template for Teenagers with No Experience

Let’s start with mine – you’ll notice right off the bat that it’s very minimalist, and, dare I say, boring .

That’s on purpose.

You see, hiring managers are being bombarded with thousands and tens of thousands of resumes for each position they list.

And to help them sift through all of these, they use ATS software to automatically discard lots of resumes and only send the ones most aligned to the job listing to actual humans.

This means that your resume must be:

• ATS-Friendly : It’s estimated that  99% of hiring managers use something called ATS  (Applicant Tracking System) to sift through the hundreds and thousands of resumes they receive. This software helps them to skim just the best and most relevant resumes to the top of the pile. If your teen’s resume is not formatted in a way that these systems can easily read? It will likely be rejected. 
• Keyworded : Again, these systems are skimming for the best applications to send to the hiring person. One of the ways they do this is to search for keywords that are important for a job. You need to make sure your teen keywords – or use specific keywords and phrasing found in the job description if they pertain to their skillset – into their actual resume. Otherwise, your teen will not be seen as a good fit for the job. 

Here's more information on how to fill in your resume here: how to make a resume for first-job high school students .

2. ResumeGenius’ Free Teen Resume Templates

There are two different teen resume templates to choose from on this site – and they download to Microsoft Word document.

Hint: you’ll need to click “enable editing” in the Microsoft Word program, all the way at the top, so that you can make edits to the template.

What I like about these is a nice balance between design and minimalism. But you should know that ATS software does not read two columns well, which each of these templates has.

Here’s an example of what spits out of an ATS software when using a two-column resume .

3. HLoom High School Resume Templates

Here’s a great collection of free high school resume templates you can download and open to edit in Microsoft Word.

Free Resume Templates for Teens (Resume Builders)

Now we’re going to get into some of the resume builders available for teens to use.

I’m not as fond of these, because many of them allow you to fill in a teen resume template for free…but then charge you to download it.

Or if you can download it for free – how do you know that the resume builder software will stay in business over the next decade or two when you need to log back in to edit it?

I’ll do my best to highlight the truly free ones (free all the way through, even after download).

1. Indeed’s Free Resume Builder

Not only are there free templates to use with this resume builder, but you can download them for free as a PDF, too!

There are over six template designs to choose from:

Please note that your information is not saved once you close your browser. In other words, you cannot go back in and edit a resume six months or a year later – you’ll have to create a new one.

2. Canva High School Resume Templates

There are lots of “pretty” resume templates to choose from using this program, and it’s easy to get carried away.

Because of all of the formatting with these, teens should only use these templates if they’re personally handing a resume to a hiring manager (and it’s not going through an ATS software that cannot translate the formatting).

Two tips to help teens pick one out:

• Avoid Using Pictures : You generally don’t want to include a photo on a resume. Doing so can create biases with the resume reviewer, may be seen as unprofessional, and images are not ATS-friendly. Instead, choose a template that has no image on it.
•   Avoid Lots of Graphics : You do not want the design of these resumes to distract from the information on the resume.

Note: you’ll need to sign up for a free Canva account to use these, and if there is a yellow royal crown or dollar sign in the bottom righthand corner of the template, then you’ll have to pay for that template. There are plenty of free options to choose from.

I understand how critical it is to not only teach teens how to fill out a resume but for them to also have one so that they can work on scoring that first teen job . And that’s why you’ll want to check back – I’ll be updating this article with any and all new free resume templates for teens that I can find.

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CV template for 16 year old + examples

Leaving school and entering the world of work is an exciting challenge.

You want to land yourself a good well-paying job, but you’re going to need a strong CV first.

Knowing how to write a CV and what information to include in it can be tricky when you’re 16 years old, so I’ve put together this guide which has a CV template and some example CVs to help you.

16 year old CV template (no experience)

• 16 year old CV template (with part-time work experience)

What is a CV?

How to write your cv.

CV templates 

This is an example CV of a 16 year old who has left school and has no work experience.

16 year old CV template (with some experience)

This is an example CV of a 16 year old who has some part-time work experience working in a shop.

So, you’ve been told that you need to write a CV if you want a job, but what the hell is a CV anyway?

A CV (short for curriculum vitae ) is simply a written document that contains lots of work-related information about you; such as your education, qualifications, skills… and experience (if you have any yet)

You send your CV to employers when you apply for jobs, and they read it to decide whether or not you are suitable enough to be invited to an interview.

Your CV is often the only thing an employer will have to judge you on, so getting it right will really help you to get more interviews and land better jobs.

It’s probably one of the most important documents you will ever write in your life.

Who reads your CV?

When you apply for a job online, your CV will normally be reviewed by one of two people;

• Recruiters and

Hiring managers

These are the bosses within the employer’s organisation who are looking for somebody to work in their team or department – They are the person who you will end up working for if you get the job. For example if you apply for a sales assistant role in a shop, the hiring manager could be the shop manager or supervisor.

These are the middle-men who help hiring managers to find the right people for their jobs. It’s their full-time job to review CVs and applications, and pass on the best ones to the hiring managers to be considered for an interview.

So, if you want to land job interviews, your CV must impress these people.

Build your CV now 

Now that you’ve seen some good example CVs, I will show you step-by-step how to write your own interview-winning CV.

Structuring your CV

For most young people, this will be the best way to structure your CV , so that you are giving employers the information they need, in the order they would like to see it.

• Contact details – At the top of the CV so they don’t get missed
• CV profile – Your introductory paragraph

Core skills and achievements

Hobbies and interests.

(And if you have any work experience, you can add that too like the example above)

Formatting your CV

When formatting your CV, you need to ensure that it;

• Looks professional so that employers take you seriously
• Is very easy to read so that busy recruiters and hiring managers don’t have to spend too much time reviewing it

So how do you do this?

• Keep the CV short and sweet – 1 page long is fine if you have no experience – 2 pages if you have some work experience to add.
• Make the text clear – Use a simple font like Arial or Tahoma and keep the colour scheme basic, like black text on white
• Break text up as much as possible – using short sentences and bullet points (this makes it easy for readers to digest the info on the page)
• Divide the CV sections clearly – with bold heading and borders to make navigation easy

What writing software to use?

It’s best to write your CV using a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs because they are easy to use, and the most commonly accepted format for CV across the globe. They can also be saved into PDF format to restrict readers from editing.

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Now, let’s take a detailed look at each section of your CV, and how to write it.

(If you prefer to learn visually, you can check out my video guide here instead)

Name and contact details

Head the top of your CV with your name and contact details, so that readers know who you are, and how to reach you.

Never hide your contact details at the bottom of the CV, in case they are missed!

All you need to include is:

• Telephone number
• Email address (use one that looks professional – no silly nicknames)

You don’t need to include your date of birth or full address – they aren’t needed at this early stage of the application.

Your CV profile

Start your CV with a powerful profile (sometimes called a personal statement ) which is a short paragraph that introduces you, and summarises all of your most impressive skills and knowledge.

The purpose of the profile is to catch hiring managers attention and quickly show them that you are a good candidate for them.

The type of information you should include is:

• Education  – Grades, subjects, courses, awards
• Hard skills  – Numeracy, writing, languages, IT system experience etc.
• Soft skills  – Communication , team work, adaptability, personal skills
• Your objective  – e.g. You want to work in finance, or you want to become a lawyer (you should also write about this in your  cover letter )

Quick tip: Research the types of jobs you are applying for, before you write your CV, by looking at lots of similar job adverts online. Make a list of the things they are looking for in candidates, such as skills , qualifications, interests etc. Then try to include as many of these things as you can in your profile and throughout the rest of your CV.

To ensure that recruiters and hiring managers don’t miss your most important skills and impressive achievements – add a bullet pointed section like this to put them in.

Here, you can show off any skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you are applying for, or anything really impressive you have achieved in school, or in your personal life.

For example, you may want to highlight the fact you were a school prefect, or captain of the hockey club.

Employers will be keen to see what you have achieved as a student , so use your education section to show them.

Include details such as:

• Which school you attended and the dates you attended from and to
• Which subjects you studied and your exam results (GCSEs, A levels)
• Any clubs you were a member of
• Any awards you received
• Any sports you played
• Any extracurricular activities you took part in
• Volunteer work you did through school

Work experience

If you have any work experience, such as a paper round or part-time job in a shop , then add it to showcase the valuable skills you have picked up.

Use a structure like the role in the example CV above and list the contributions you made to the employer, showing how you helped them to run their business.

If you haven’t got any work experience, don’t panic. We all have to start somewhere, and there’s plenty of ways to prove you have valuable skills and experience without it.

Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our quick-and-easy CV Builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.

If you have little or no experience, your hobbies can provide you with a great way to showcase some important workplace skills.

Some good hobbies to include are:

• Sports – Playing individual or team sports can demonstrate teamwork, communication, leadership, coordination and more
• Clubs – Being a member of a club like scouts or a book club proves dedication, motivation and can involve lots of other skills
• Volunteering – supporting a charity or business can require lots of workplace skills like dealing with customers and working to deadlines
• Accomplishments – If you’ve run a marathon or raised money for charity, it proves you are hard working and will look great on your CV
• Career-related interests – If you have any interests that are closely related to the jobs you are applying for, you should definitely include them. E.g. if you are applying for writing jobs, and you write your own blog, that’s a perfect way to highlight relevant skills.

You can also check out my video on how to add hobbies and interests to your CV…

Writing a CV as a 16 year old

Writing your CV when you have little or no experience can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

If you follow the steps above and focus on showing employers that you have the skills and knowledge they need – you should easily be able to write a winning CV.

Once you’ve written your CV, you must work hard applying for plenty of jobs on job websites, and also by searching out companies and sending them direct emails to ask if they are hiring.

You won’t get a reply from every application you make, so just be patient and persistent, and you will soon land that job!

Good luck with your job search!

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How to Make a Resume for Teens With Examples

You’ve scoured the job postings, picked the best of the bunch, and now it’s “game on” for getting hired. But before hitting “apply,” the first step is to learn how to make a resume for teens. It’s an ultra-important document that makes the first impression on your employer, and it’s your ticket for putting your best foot forward.

From advice about what to include (or exclude!) to writing a resume with no work experience to resume examples for teens, we’ve got the scoop on how to write a resume.

View our favourite Resume Examples for Teens .

What is a resume?

A resume is a formal written document that outlines your qualifications, such as your education, skills, work experience, and any notable accomplishments.

“The purpose of a resume is to showcase your skills and experience and to convince a prospective employer that it is worth calling you in for a job interview,” says Sabrina McTaggart , a career coach for young adults based in Ottawa, Ontario.

Most employers require a resume to apply for a job and it’s typically two pages maximum. It’s often accompanied by a cover letter—a one-page letter of introduction that summarizes why you’re applying for the job and what makes you an ideal candidate. 

Learn more about Best Summer Jobs for Teens in Canada

What should be on a resume for a teenager?

A resume is your chance to shine to a prospective employer. But avoid listing all things you’ve ever accomplished in your life. Here’s what should make the cut:

1. Your contact information

Your contact information should be front and centre. Specifically, the heading at the top of the first page should contain your name, address, email address, website, LinkedIn URL, and phone number.

Tip: Now is the time to create a professional email address. [email protected] is appropriate for corresponding with your peeps, but not with hiring managers. It doesn’t have to be complicated: you can use your name ([email protected]) or create a generic address ([email protected]). 

2. Summary/objective

Consider this section to be the “Coles Notes” version of your entire resume. Write a bullet-point listicle that rounds up the reasons why you’re the prime candidate for the job: from your educational achievements to your mad computer skills to awards and accolades. For example:

• Entering fourth year of secondary school studies at Pleasantville High School.
• Five years of experience caregiving for children.
• Proficiency in Word, Adobe, and Excel software.
• First Aid and CPR Certified.
• Strong attention to detail, superior organizational and project management skills.
• Familiar with social media.
• Hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence.

3. Relevant experience

This section should be a snapshot of past and present experiences that demonstrate your ability to do the job. 

You should include:

• Job or position title
• Name of employer or organization
• Dates of employment or participation
• A summary of responsibilities and accomplishments (written as a bullet point list is acceptable).

“Briefly outline your relevant work experience and volunteer experience and what skills you developed in that work,” says McTaggart. “You can add any relevant extracurriculars that might make you a more attractive candidate, such as athletic accomplishments or music competitions.”

It’s standard to list your experiences in reverse chronological order (e.g., start with the most recent and work backwards) and only include what’s relevant and recent. A laundry list of everything you’ve ever done is TMI. Instead, highlight unique or noteworthy experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle the job. 

Tip: Show, don’t tell. You may have been elected to the student council (e.g., “Student Council Treasurer 2022-2023”), but it’s more impressive to share what you accomplished in that position (e.g., “Managed the council’s annual budget of $25,000 and fundraised an additional $10,000 to kickstart a Gender and Sexuality Alliance Network at school”).

Learn more: 14 best part-time jobs for teens .

What to put on a resume with no experience

’If you’ve never had a job, think outside the box. Did you house sit for your neighbour? Do you coach your younger sibling’s soccer team? Did you volunteer for a beach clean-up last summer? A hiring manager is looking to see examples of when you’ve acted responsibly, which could translate to on-the-job cred.

“Employers are aware that teens often have little formal work experience when they are hiring for student jobs and entry-level positions,” says McTaggart. “Consider how you might demonstrate that you have some useful skills, such as organizing, planning, writing, communication, and a strong work ethic.” She suggests including skills you learned while doing chores for neighbours and relatives, babysitting, dog-walking, or tutoring peers in school.

4. Education

List any past, current, and future educational achievements in reverse chronological order (most recent first and work backwards). This should be the shortest section on your resume and include: 

• The name of your school(s)
• Any diploma/degree in progress or attained
• Major/field of study
• Enrollment dates
• Expected graduation date
• GPA (if above 3.5)
• Any notable awards

If you’ve just graduated, list your high school, and if applicable, any post-secondary institution that you will attend next year.

If you’re still a student with limited job experience, you can put this section at the top of your resume. But if you’ve graduated and have ample work experience under your belt, your education is slightly less important and can be parked near the bottom.

Tip: “Include details about your education, including any awards such as Honour Roll or Dean’s List,” says McTaggart. Just keep it short and simple: “Graduated third in a class of 200 students, with a GPA of 3.8.”

5. Relevant skills

Showcase personal and professional skills that are relevant to the position and give concrete examples. For instance, if you’re applying to a summer camp, spelling out that you’re “First Aid and CPR certified” may give you a leg up over other candidates. If driving is an essential part of the job, mention that you have a valid driver’s licence (as well as list the licence class and how long you’ve held it). 

This is also the place to park any computer skills; fluency in languages; and certifications, licences, or professional courses that you’ve completed (or are currently completing). 

“Are you proficient with any software?” asks McTaggart. “Be sure to note, for example, if you can use document, spreadsheet or presentation software, and especially if you have any experience coding at any level.” 

Possible skills could include:

• Customer service
• French language
• Basic coding
• Video editing
• Photography
• Social media
• Communication skills
• Microsoft Office
• Fundraising
• Valid drivers licence

To understand what skills to include, study the job description. Does the position require using a computer? Are you handling cash? Will you be communicating with customers? Read between the lines and pick out the most important competencies for the job.

“For example, if you volunteered to help seniors with their technology in a retirement home, you have demonstrated strong communication skills, patience, and reliability,” says McTaggart.

Tip: Resist the urge to embellish your skills. Hiring managers often do background checks to confirm details. They may even request a copy of your purported credentials.

Read more: Job interview questions for teens with sample answers .

6. Awards and achievements

This is your chance to humblebrag about your awesomeness! List any scholarships, bursaries, awards, or achievements. These could be through school, the community, or extracurricular activities. If you’re applying for your first job, these seemingly small achievements can help your resume sparkle above the rest. 

7. References (optional)

While not mandatory, you can list up to three professional contacts who can speak to your character and/or professional experience. Always ask before listing a potential reference on your resume. No one likes surprises, and a courtesy “heads up” gives the person time to think about what to say. 

Learn more about How to prepare for your first job interview . 

Tips for writing a resume for teens

• Stick to one to two pages : If you exceed that length, you risk overloading the hiring manager with information. Less is more!
• Make a professional email address : “Avoid things like hunnybunny@hotmail,” says McTaggart.
• Make your resume visually appealing : “This does not mean getting fancy,” says McTaggart. “It simply means making good use of white space and avoiding dense blocks of text.” Also, be consistent with fonts and formatting.
• Keep it simple: A resume should be eye-catching but not gaudy. “Unless you are applying for a role where a lot of creativity is required, it is advisable to avoid flashy colours and fonts,” says McTaggart. “The key to a good resume is to make it readable and professional.”
• Think about what the employer wants : Then, customize your resume to fit those qualifications. “Put yourself in the shoes of your prospective employer: they want a teen who is reliable, punctual, has a good attitude, can follow instructions and communicate clearly,” says McTaggart.
• Study the job posting : It gives clues about what the employer wants in a job candidate, as well as keywords to include in your resume. It might also give intel on possible interview questions.
• Prove you’re a leader: “Leadership skills are highly regarded by employers,” says McTaggart. “If you have ever been captain of a team, coached the younger members of your basketball club or taken a leadership role in your school play, be sure to highlight this.
• Use “action” words to paint a picture . Use descriptive language to leverage your skills and experience, as well as what you’ve achieved. Instead of simply saying you “did a thing,” consider if you could use these verbs such as led, researched, created, managed, delivered, resolved, founded, developed, tracked, collaborated, grew, or promoted. The thesaurus is your BFF!
• Proofread: Your resume should be squeaky-clean before you hit send. Run a spelling and grammar check—ideally, twice. Read the resume out loud to catch any awkward sentences or to trim length. Get a friend or family member to proofread for typos too.
• Ready your references : “If you have done good work for someone, even if informally like babysitting or snow shovelling, consider asking them for a letter of reference,” says McTaggart. “You can then list these folks under your ‘References’ section.” She also recommends making the request in person and routinely after you finish a job. While few people do this, it’s a good habit that can pay off later.
• Minimize your digital footprint : Hiring managers typically do online searches for job candidates. If you’ve got a digital presence that you’d rather not share with a potential boss, switch your social media settings to private. 

Tip: Include a cover letter with your resume. Learn more about how to write a cover letter for students .

Resume Examples for Teens

Need some help crafting your perfect resume? We’ve got you! Here are some resume template for teens that can help:

Resume with no work experience for teens

A sample resume for a high school student with no job experience:

Resume with work experience for teens

A sample resume for a first-year university student with job experience:

Last word about how to make a resume for teens

If you’ve made it this far, you should be well-equipped to take on the task of creating a resume. Start by studying the job description and brainstorming what skills and experiences might be highly valued by the hiring manager. Using these pro tips, draft a resume that showcases your skills and uses concrete examples that are directly relevant to the position. Remember to have a friend or family member proofread it before you hit send.

One last piece of advice: avoid the pressure to be perfect. At this age and stage, no one expects you to have a jam-packed resume with fancy awards and job experience. Avoid “padding” your resume with complicated or overblown achievements.

“As a teen, you’re not applying for Senior Vice President roles!” says McTaggart. “Keep it simple.”

Download the Mydoh app to help your tweens and teens gain real-life experience managing their money. 

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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• 16 year old

16 year old CV Examples & UK Templates

You may be young, but writing a 16-year-old’s CV doesn’t need to be tough. Youth unemployment is currently at a historically low level. That means things could be looking promising for you on your job search!

However, to bag a coveted first step on your work experience ladder, you’ll need a strong CV to get you there. As a 16-year-old, you’re unlikely to have a lot of professional experience under your belt. But with some help, you’ll be able to write a CV that gets you noticed in no time.

Luckily, we know a thing or two about writing a CV that stands out from the crowd. Resume.io has helped millions of job seekers to write top CVs, and our library of CV examples covers over 100 job titles.This CV guide, along with the corresponding CV example, will show you the way. We will cover the following topics:

What jobs can a 16-year-old do?

• How to write a 16-year-old’s CV (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a 16-year-old’s CV
• Advice on each section of your CV (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional CV layout and design hints.

While there are restrictions about when and where 16-year-olds can work, there are plenty of job opportunities for you to make some money. If you’re looking for a part-time job, you could try your hand at some informal work gigs such as babysitting or dog walking. If it feels like the right time for you to step into a more professional work environment, working as a retail sales assistant or even as a waiter could be great options. 

Apprenticeships can also be an excellent chance to learn a craft while getting paid. Plus, it’s an opportunity that’s open to 16-year-olds. However, regardless of the job you take on, there are specific laws in place that must be respected whether you’re 16 years old or even 17. 

If you’re still in full time education, then during term time you can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. Those working hours must fall between 7am and 7pm and you cannot work for more than two hours on school days and Sundays. Saturdays are capped at eight hours. 

If you’re a16-year-old in full time education, then summer holidays are generally the best time to work your socks off. Outside of term time you’ll be allowed to work a maximum of 35 hours a week. 

The minimum wage set by the UK government currently sits at £5.28 per hour for 16-year-olds.

How to write a 16 year old’s CV

The very first step in writing a strong CV example is understanding what sections to include. Your CV should contain the following elements:

• The CV header
• The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The CV skills section
• The education section

Choosing the best CV format for a 16 year old

If you are brand new to the working world — which is to be expected for most 16 year olds — then you may want to consider a functional CV format. Should you already have some work experience, you could choose the reverse chronological format for your CV. This prioritises your previous work experience. 

Take a moment to consider what is the best CV format for you before you commit pen to paper. 

CV summary example

Even without a huge amount of professional experience, the CV summary is your first opportunity to write something about why the employer should take a chance on hiring you. You may be 16 years old, but you have something unique to offer an employer. 

To make a compelling CV summary, write three to four sentences that highlight your most desirable characteristics in line with the job you’re applying to. Look at the CV sample content below to see how you could approach this. 

You might also want to look for some more inspiration by checking out our:

• Apprentice CV example
• Sales assistant CV example
• Waiter CV example

Resourceful and dedicated High School student with excellent analytical skills and a demonstrated commitment to providing great customer service.

Employment history sample

As a 16-year-old who is new to the job market, consider any informal volunteering or extracurricular leadership positions you’ve held. Have you done some babysitting? These are all examples of how you can handle responsibility. You can use them to build your employment history section. 

If your work experience is unpaid, consider renaming this section the “previous experience” section. List your experience with the most recent at the top and work backwards. Include the name of the position, your employer, the dates the position was held, and its location. 

The CV sample content below will show you how to do this in practice.

Retail Assistant at Next Retail Ltd, Birmingham  July 2021 - Present 

• Assisted customers in locating products and provided information on product features.
• Maintained store appearance by organising shelves and displays.
• Collaborated to support inventory management and ensure smooth store operations.
• Acquired knowledge of Point of Sale (POS) systems.

In summer 2022 the youth unemployment rates fell to a historic low. Office of National Statistics data reported by the House of Commons Library showed 372,000 unemployed young people across the UK. This was the lowest recorded level since 1992 when records began.

CV skills example

Your skills section will be one of the most important parts of your CV. Remember to include transferable skills that you’ve picked up during your studies or from other experiences you’ve accumulated during your 16 years of life! 

Our CV sample content shows you how to build a strong bullet point list of your most sellable skills.

Soft skills vs hard skills

At 16 years old you may not yet have many technical skills — also known as hard skills — to help you on the job. However, you can lean into your soft skills such as organisation, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Digital Art
• Customer Service
• Retail Operations
• Inventory Management
• Point of Sale (POS)
• Product Knowledge
• Team Collaboration

16 year old’s CV education example

Here’s a CV section where most 16 year olds will have something to offer. In your education section, you can list your secondary school education. Write down the name of your school, its location, and the dates attended like in the CV sample content below. 

If you are still in full time education, you can simply write “[year you started the school] - Present”. Some 16 year olds have already completed some qualifications such as their GCSEs. If that’s you, don’t forget to highlight this alongside your grades!

North Birmingham Academy, Birmingham, UK  September 2021 - Present 

• Ambassador for Social Events

CV layout and design

As a 16-year-old, you’re probably still learning about all the ways you can grow into a great communicator. As well as how you write and speak, the way you present yourself is equally as important when communicating your professional worth. That is just as true for your CV’s presentation. 

So, don’t forget to share your CV document as a PDF with a clear layout, legible font choice, and a simple colour scheme. Your CV should not be longer than a single page since as a 16 year old you’re just starting out in the working world.

Key takeaways for a 16-year-old’s CV

• At just 16 years old you’re unlikely to have much professional experience. So, lean into volunteer or extracurricular experience to build a “previous experience” section.
• Consider using a functional CV format which leans into your skills.
• Highlight those soft skills to build a desirable profile as the most hirable 16-year-old your potential employer will hear from!

If you don’t feel confident designing your CV yourself, you can consider using one of our professionally designed CV templates .

Attractive CV templates at your fingertips

Top 10 Resume Objectives for 16 Years Old

Creating a standout resume as a 16-year-old can be a challenging task, especially when you’re just starting to gain work experience.

The objective statement is a critical part of your resume, providing a snapshot of your skills, aspirations, and what you aim to achieve in a potential role.

This page offers a variety of objective examples designed to help you make a great first impression on employers.

Whether you’re seeking a part-time position, an entry-level job, or a role that aligns with your interests and skills, these objectives will serve as a strong foundation for your resume.

Remember, a well-crafted objective can set the tone for your entire application and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Customize these examples to reflect your personal strengths and career goals, and take the first step towards building a successful work experience.

Best 16 Years Old Resume Objective Examples

1. Seeking an entry-level position in retail where I can utilize my excellent customer service skills and dedication to contributing to a positive shopping experience.

2. Aspiring to join a team-oriented environment as a part-time sales assistant, bringing strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn and grow professionally.

3. Looking for a part-time role in the food service industry to leverage my strong work ethic and passion for providing excellent customer service.

4. Eager to apply my communication and organizational skills in a position within a local business, contributing to efficient and friendly service.

5. To secure a part-time job at a community center, where I can use my enthusiasm for youth programs and my ability to connect with people of all ages.

6. Pursuing a role as a lifeguard to utilize my certification and commitment to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons.

7. Seeking a flexible position at a restaurant or café to enhance my teamwork abilities and gain valuable experience in the service industry.

8. Aiming to contribute my tech-savvy skills and eagerness to learn in a part-time position at an electronics store.

9. Desiring a role in a local library or bookstore to foster my love for reading while assisting the community and developing strong organizational skills.

10. Motivated high school student looking for a part-time position in retail or customer service, aiming to build my work experience and contribute positively to the team.

These objectives are tailored for applicants who are 16 years old and seeking entry-level or part-time positions. Customize them to fit the specific job and personal strengths of the individual.

• Customer Service Supervisor Resume Objectives
• Top 17 Sample Objectives for OJT Resume
• Top 6 Order Entry Clerk Objectives for Resume
• Customer Service Specialist Resume Objectives

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• Great Jobs for Teens: Top...

Great Jobs for Teens: Top Picks for 16-Year-Olds

13 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

Ready to get your first job?

One of the most exciting things about being a teenager is the increased independence you have. And with that comes the potential to earn your own money! It's early days, though. You may not be ready to become the IT Director of a multinational business quite yet, but everyone has to start somewhere. The question is, where? In this article, we're searching for the best job for a 16-year-old and considering various options. 

What job options does a 16-year-old have?

Believe it or not, there are plenty of options out there. The best job for a 16-year-old is one that suits their personal situation. Living in the city or the country, introverted or extroverted, preferring outdoors to indoors – whoever you are, whatever you like, there's a job for you. So, what do you want? 

Seasonal work

If you just want to earn some cash in the short term, seasonal work may be what you're looking for. Seasonal jobs, by their very nature, aren't long-term positions, but they enable you to get some money in your pocket, gain valuable work experience for your resume, and buy you time to find something longer term. In this category, you could consider shoveling snow, mowing lawns, or wrapping gifts. 

Traditional

Of course, if you want to earn money by working in roles traditionally reserved for teenagers, you'll probably find yourself working among like-minded people of a similar age. If your co-workers are important to you, consider roles such as Cinema Usher, Barista, or Busser.

Entrepreneurial

Fancy yourself as the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg? Harness your entrepreneurial spirit by setting up your own business. This is a great option for developing your all-round business acumen and taking full control of your income. Build on your existing skills and interests by stepping out into graphic design, pet sitting, or baking. 

Skills-based

If you want a job where you'll naturally excel, think about where your skills lie . Whether you're great with kids, a whiz with a laptop, or a math genius, you can monetize that! You could earn extra cash as a Babysitter , Web Developer, or Tutor. 

Future-facing 

If your primary objective is to build your resume rather than earning immediate cash, you can try finding a job aligned with your future plans. If you can secure a role related to your career objectives – even if it only offers minimal hours or low pay, then this option will pay off in the long term. Build your career skills as a Library Assistant, Personal Assistant, or Cook. 

If you're lucky enough that cash isn't your main driver, the world's your oyster! You can develop new skills, fill your time productively, and pursue your interests by undertaking voluntary work. This will look great on your resume in the future! Think about roles befriending the elderly, caring for rescued animals, or serving in a soup kitchen. 

Best jobs for a 16-year-old

So now that you have a good idea of what type of jobs are available to you, let's look at some options in more depth. 

This is one of the most popular jobs for 16-year-olds. You'll interact with customers, deliver service with a smile, and process cash and card transactions. You'll improve your communication skills and it's usually pretty easy to pick up. 

If you enjoy a busy environment, maybe a job as a Busser is for you. You'll be setting and clearing tables and generally supporting waiting staff in a restaurant. To succeed in this role, you'll need great attention to detail and the confidence to interact with customers. 

Dishwasher 

If you'd rather stay behind the scenes, maybe you'd prefer working as a Dishwasher. The work can be repetitive, but it's important to keep the restaurant running smoothly. You'll develop knowledge of hygiene and food safety. You'll also need to be self-motivated and able to follow instructions. 

Not everyone wants to be cooped up inside. For those who prefer the great outdoors, caddying is a good first job for a 16-year-old. It helps if you have some knowledge of golf, including different clubs, rules, and courses – and you'll need to be physically fit too. 

Lifeguard 

Another popular option for teenagers who like to stay active is lifeguarding. If you live near the beach or in a town with a public pool, you'll be able to play your part in keeping your community safe. As an added bonus, you'll also get training in first aid to add to your resume!

Animal lovers will thrive in pet care roles. Is there anyone in your neighborhood who would appreciate some help with their dog? These days, many pet owners are short on daytime care for their animals. Similarly, there are plenty of people who struggle to walk their dogs due to illness or disability. Whether you offer long walks in the countryside or just pop in to feed and water them, your help will surely be appreciated.  

Babysitter 

One of the best jobs for a 16-year-old has always been babysitting. If you're great with kids or have experience looking after younger siblings, there will be parents willing to pay you for a few hours of downtime. You need to be willing to take responsibility to do this job safely, so it's a great introduction to the working world. 

Sports Coach

When you're looking for good jobs for 16-year-olds with good pay, you can't go wrong with sports coaching. Many teens have spent their youth participating in sports activities, so this role is a great way to combine a personal interest with a skill you've already developed. Why not speak with your coaches to see if they have any opportunities for you to play a bigger part in the club?

Camp Counselor

Camp Counselors are role models for their campers. In addition to keeping campers safe, Counselors also need first class organization and planning skills to ensure activities run smoothly. Excellent communication skills are also a must, to interact with parents as well as children. This role is great for developing leadership skills and for gaining valuable experience for a career in childcare. 

Delivery Rider 

Make the most of your new motorbike or car license and earn some gas money by making deliveries. You'll need to combine practical skills such as navigating and driving with soft skills such as customer service. While you may not yet be old enough to work for the big companies such as DoorDash and UberEats, you can still deliver newspapers and items from local stores. 

Gardener 

Another job for those who enjoy being outside, and a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs, is gardening. Leaflet the local area and be willing to follow instructions, work with meticulous care, and learn as you go. From basic lawn mowing to more complex planting and pruning, there are a lot of services you can provide when you've developed the knowledge.  

Car Washer 

This is often considered one of the best jobs for 16-year-olds as it's so easy to begin. Practice on your parents' car, then arm yourself with a bucket and sponge and offer your services along your street and further afield. This role is hard physical work, but you'll develop top customer service skills and attention to detail. If you do a good job, you'll be able to request references from your customers and get more work in the future. 

Blogger 

Prefer writing on your own to physical work with others? No problem! You can use your writing skills to generate an income! This one may take a while to get off the ground, but it's worth it if you want to make your hobby your job. Start with your own blog and guest posts on other blogs. Ideally, you'll have a niche area of expertise that you can write about to build your reputation. You can monetize this skill through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or, eventually, paid posts. 

Amusement Park Team Member 

If you're lucky enough to live near an amusement park in the summer season, you may be hired as part of their entertainment team. To thrive here, you'll need to be confident, outgoing, and physically fit. You'll also need to keep one eye on safety, whatever else may be happening around you. 

Farm Worker 

In rural areas, a popular seasonal job for teenagers is farm work. There are plenty of different roles in this area, depending on the farm, so you could be doing anything from caring for animals to maintaining agricultural machinery or harvesting plants. You'll need to be happy working outdoors for long hours on your own initiative. 

Festive Decorator 

Do you love the festive seasons? Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving all need decorations to truly go off with a bang. Could you help your neighbors to decorate? The elderly or disabled in particular might appreciate the assistance. Whether you want to get creative with your own ideas or simply follow their directions, your input will surely be appreciated. 

Data Entry Clerk

If you're confident with a keyboard and can work with unfailing attention to detail, a local business may be willing to employ you to enter data for them. You can find opportunities on sites such as Fiverr and Upwork, but be on the alert for fraud and never part with any money on the promise of a job. Data entry jobs can be on-site or remote. 

Coffee culture is sweeping the world and there's a cafe on every corner. If you know your latte from your flat white and love speaking to people, a job as a Barista will be right up your street. As well as making drinks, you'll be handling cash, serving food, and ensuring customer satisfaction at every turn. 

Just need cash?

Sometimes, the potential to earn a fast buck is more important than the actual job. Whether you want to buy a birthday present for your mom or have a big night out with your mates, by the time you're 16 it's likely that you'll want to be in control of your finances. So, what job pays most and how can you make a lot of money at 16? 

Well, if it was that easy, everyone would be doing it! You're most likely to earn money if you're willing to put in the hours and the effort; it's that simple. There's no single “best job for a 16-year-old,” as everyone is different and each town has different opportunities. 

Of course, if you work for yourself, you can set your own prices – as long as people are willing to pay! You'll need to research your competitors and price yourself fairly in order to win business. If you're looking for employment rather than self-employment opportunities, you'll need to compare hourly wages where you live. Sites like Indeed can be a great place to start your research and to find suitable jobs. 

What are the legal restrictions?

In the USA, there are laws in place to protect young workers. Unless you're working in agriculture, you'll only be allowed to work limited hours until you turn 16 (the exact number of hours varies by state). After your 16th birthday, the hours are unlimited – as long as you're not working in a hazardous environment. You may need a work permit if you're still in high school. 

How should a teen job look on a resume? 

We've looked at good first jobs for 16-year-olds and hopefully you've found one suitable for you. But now you've landed your first job, you'll want to put it on your resume ! Employers love to hire people with experience, even if it's in a completely different field, so it's really important that you show off the skills you've acquired. 

Write a summary profile

It's tricky to write your elevator pitch when you don't have work experience – but now you have something to shout about. Use this section to tell the employer how you'd fit into their company by reflecting the skills, experience, and attitude that they're looking for. A few lines is enough here. 

Add some key skills

This section will really get a boost now you have some work experience behind you. If you gained that experience in a role unrelated to your current career aspirations, you can focus on transferable skills here – otherwise, add in some of your newly-acquired hard skills, too. 

Don't forget your education 

Every strong resume has a section for education and qualifications. If you haven't completed any yet, it's fine to note what you're currently doing, with a note that it's “in progress”. 

Make that work experience shine!

Now all your hard work comes into its own. Add your job title and the employer name, plus the start and end dates of your employment. If you've been doing casual work, such as ad hoc babysitting or gardening jobs, you can simply put “freelance” or “self-employed,” rather than listing employer names. 

Then, briefly outline your responsibilities. Think about how they might differ from another job with the same job title. For example, if your job title is “Sports Coach,” an employer might be interested to know whether you coached martial arts for 5-year-olds or baseball for 13-year-olds.

When you've explained your role, try to add any related successes or accomplishments. It can be tricky when you're working in part-time or ad hoc roles, but you'll have achieved more than you think. Why not ask your customers or boss for feedback, so that you can make your resume stand out from others in the pile? 

Anything else?

Do you have any other talents that might make your resume sing? If you can do anything that your average teen can't, add it at the end of the document. For example, maybe you're fluent in another language or know how to troubleshoot technical computer problems. 

Build a career on your teen work experience 

Whatever you decide is the best job for a 16-year-old, you'll develop new skills, gain insight into how business works, and position yourself to launch into a full-time role when the time comes. Whether you work for cash or experience, having a teen job under your belt is a fantastic start to your career. 

If you'd like a free resume review to ensure you've captured your experience in a way that's appealing to employers, submit your document now to the experts at Top Resume. 

Recommended reading: 

How Long Should You Stay at Your First Job Out of College?

6 Ways to Rock Your First Entry-Level Job After Graduation

Phone Interview Coming Up? 5 Ways to Make a Great First Impression

Related Articles:

7 Signs Your Resume is Making You Look Old

What Kind of Job Candidate Are You?

Selecting the Right Resume Format for Your Job Hunt

See how your resume stacks up.

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