no experience resume high school students

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]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

You control your data

We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Find more information on our Cookie Policy . Tap "Settings” to set preferences. To accept all cookies, click “Accept”.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

• Resume Help
• How to Make a Resume With No Experience: Examples & Tips

How to Make a Resume With No Experience: Examples & Tips

Our customers have been hired by:

Reading job ads can leave you feeling frustrated, especially if you're writing a resume with no experience. It’s like all employers want candidates under 25 years old with 10+ years of experience! How’s that even possible?!

We’ll show you how to make an impressive resume with no job experience. Whether you need a high-school student resume with no work experience or a first-job resume after switching careers—you’ll learn how to build a resume with no experience soon!

This guide will show you:

• First job resume example better than 9 out of 10 resumes out there.
• How to make a resume for the first job if you have no work experience. 
• What to put on a resume with no work experience to show professionalism.
• Skills for a resume with no work experience & examples of how to highlight them.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Create your resume now

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume samples here .

No matter where you are with your studies, we have covered it for you:

• Teen Resume Examples
• High School Student Resume
• High School Graduate Resume
• Student Resume Examples
• Undergraduate Resume
• College Freshman Resume
• Current College Student Resume
• College Graduate Resume
• Internship Resume for College Students
• Entry-Level Resume

Resume with No Experience: Example

A. Peter Medina Marketing Consultant +1-23-456-78900 [email protected] linkedin/in/apmedina

A motivated and personable student pursuing a BA in Media Studies at the University of California Berkeley (GPA 3.89). Eager to join ABC Inc. as Marketing Consultant to help establish quick and long-lasting relationships with customers and assist in developing and implementing marketing materials. Strong theoretical background in consumer behavior, skilled at organizing events and copywriting (incl. 20+ reviews, brochures, and others).

2018—present University of California Berkeley Media Studies GPA: 3.89

Relevant coursework:

• Consumer Behavior
• Sociology of Culture
• Science, Narrative, Image
• Virtual Communities/Social Media

Extracurricular activities and achievements:

• Dean’s List all semesters

2018 George Washington High School, Los Angeles, CA High School Diploma GPA 3.90 Combined SAT score: 1450 (Math: 650, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 800) Activities:

• Member of Basketball Team, Grade 10-12

2017— Freelancing & Volunteering Los Angeles, CA

• Helped local community develop marketing materials to promote a series of garage sales events by designing posters and setting up a Facebook group.
• Wrote promotional texts and 20+ professional product reviews for a local technology website.
• Turned a friend into an Apple customer by effectively communicating the advantages of iOS over Android for his purposes.
• Created a fan site for a musical band, as well as built and managed a team of two regular news and content contributors. The website was mentioned in a Loudwire article.
• Organized and led games and activities for groups of 10+ school children.
• Completed a training course on the principles of effective marking on Udemy.
• Analytical skills
• Creative thinking
• Interpersonal skills
• Oral and written communication
• Organizational skills
• Presentation skills
• Spanish (Advanced)
• French (Conversational)

Certifications

• Marketing 101—Udemy Certification

Hobbies and Interests

• Coffee culture (Certified Barista)

That's a great resume with no job experience example. Continue reading to find the bulletproof formula for your  resume  with detailed instructions. You'll also get a first job resume sample!

1. Choose the Right Structure  for a Resume With No Experience

You’re about to write a resume with no job experience, which suggests… you haven’t had much experience writing a resume at all. But don’t worry—it’s much easier than you think. You simply need to follow the steps to create each section of your job application.

Here’s what to put on your resume  for the first job:

• Resume header that includes your contact details .
• Resume profile , such as a career objective  summarizing your skills.
• Education , where you add info on the schools you attended as well as your academic performance.
• Relevant experience section. Paradoxical? Yes. But it may come in handy. You’ll see.
• Skills section, where you list your key abilities.

Apart from these, your resume will surely benefit from additional information as languages, hobbies, certifications, etc. Anything that you can do that’s relevant to the job you’re pursuing should end up on your resume with no work experience.

Would you like to add something more to your resume? Head straight to our guide: Resume Sections & Categories (with Tips on Order & Titles)

Now let’s move on to actually writing something. 

2. Add Education to a Resume with No Experience

Maybe you’re writing a resume for a high school student with no work experience. Or you’re in college and you’re looking for a part-time job so you can stop asking your parents for money. Or perhaps you're writing a resume for a first job. No matter the case, listing education could be your resume's key strength on a resume with no experience. 

This is what you should include in the education section:

• Name and location of the school/college/university
• Years of education
• Information on your major
• GPA that’s high enough to put on a resume
• Relevant coursework
• Dean’s list
• Extracurricular projects
• Honors, such as cum laude on a resume
• Study abroad programs you participated in

But beware—don’t fall into the trap of listing everything you can. Stick to the things that matter in the context of the job offer. For instance, only list your minor on your resume if it has something to do with the job for which you’re applying. 

Also, if you’re a college student who hasn’t graduated, don’t worry—here’s how to put college on a resume if you haven't graduated yet .

Here’s what the education section on a resume with no experience for a college student can look like: 

Resume with No Experience—Examples of Education Section 

This example shows off high academic results because the job offer states that the role will require absorbing daily training sessions on product knowledge and strategy. Also, the candidate’s field of study is related to the job—that’s why listing relevant coursework makes perfect sense.

Here’s an example of a high school student resume with no work experience:

Sample Resume for High School Students with No Work Experience—Education Section

This teenager doesn’t have work experience, but we can guess they already have some useful skills! 

If you still need more information on how to make the most of the education section on your resume with no experience, read our guide: How to Put Education on a Resume

3. Include Relevant Experience in a First-Job Resume

Recruiters only want one thing: hire the candidate who can do the job better than the rest. And the best way to see what candidates can do? Check what they did in the past!

This is where your relevant experience comes in. Don’t worry: it doesn’t have to be work experience. You can pick up valuable skills in plenty of settings, not just through employment. 

The first step to identifying your relevant experience is to look at the job ad closely. Then, think of what you’ve done while at school, during freelance work, while volunteering, helping out family members, or by pursuing your hobbies, that matches the job requirements.

Here’s how to do add relevant experience to a first-time resume:

• Read the job advertisement and take note of what exactly the role you’re pursuing involves.
• Think about all the things you’ve done that are related to the skills and duties the employer put on the job ad.
• Note those tasks down , for example: “wrote product reviews for a local tech-oriented website.” or “created a website for my favorite band and got mentioned in a Loudwire article.”
• Match your experience with the right resume keywords .
• Start each bullet point with a resume action verb such as collaborated, designed, improved.
• Use numbers to quantify your achievements wherever you can.

These guidelines are pretty clear. But the question is— where did you get your experience?

Here are your options:

Mention Volunteering

This is one of the best ways to gain serious life experience—and volunteer work looks great on a resume  for the first job. There are literally thousands of charities and NGOs you can support, and they all offer different opportunities. For example:

• Fundraising: many charities need fundraisers to contact various businesses and organizations and look for additional funding. This role helps you improve your communication and negotiation skills. It also helps to set realistic goals and find ways to achieve them.
• Tutoring: NGOs that support children and teens often need tutors of various subjects. By tutoring others, you can develop your soft skills, learn how to give clear instructions, and provide feedback.
• Organizing events: organizations often need volunteers to help prepare special events, such as charitable auctions, fundraising festivals, etc. It’s a great opportunity to boost organizational skills, learn about budgeting, and work on project coordination.
• Manual work: NGOs also need people for basic labor, such as renovating classrooms, setting up a community garden, helping out at a soup kitchen. These experiences might come handy—for example, if you apply for a restaurant job, having kitchen experience at a children’s shelter can make you stand out.

Highlight Internships

Pretty obvious, right? 

Internships provide an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a job while working alongside professionals. It’s best to start looking for internship positions while at college—the sooner you learn, the better your chances of getting good jobs after graduation.

You can add internship to the work experience section, or make a separate internships section in your resume with no job experience.

When listing your internship experience on a resume , always mention:

• Name of the position, such as Accounting Intern
• Company name, location, and duration of the internship
• Your roles, responsibilities, and achievements

List Extracurricular Activities

Your free time at school or college doesn’t have to be all spent on partying.

Shocking, I know. But sometimes it’s worth spending your free time on activities that can benefit you in the future. Think of students’ associations you could join. Consider going to conferences. Write articles for a students’ magazine. Join research projects. All these things will look great on a resume with no experience.

Here are some examples of cool things you can do while at school:

• Set up a Facebook page for memes about your school, and learn the basics of social media marketing in the process.
• Organize a mock Academy Awards night with students from the Film Club, and learn how to promote events while doing it.
• Make interviews with local small business owners and get journalistic experience while writing article about succeeding in business.

See? You can gain useful experience at any occasion.

Remember that while describing your experience in a resume, you should use resume keywords. But hold on—do you know what exactly resume keywords are?

Many companies use the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software to speed up recruitment. ATSs look for keywords on candidates’ resumes to decide if the candidate has relevant experience. Thanks to this initial screening, recruiters have fewer documents to look at.

This type of screening requires you to write an ATS-friendly resume . In other words: If you want to make your experience count, you have to use the wording of the job offer itself.

Here’s what it could look like:

Resume with No Work Experience—Example

Yep, the highlighted phrases include very common keywords. Using this kind of lingo to describe your experiences will help you to get past ATS screening and get noticed by recruiters.

See the difference? This example talks about the same tasks but using different words. It’s far less impressive, isn’t it?

The examples above will work regardless of your education level. You can use the same approach when making a college or high school student resume with no experience.  

If you’re not sure how to describe your experience effectively, read our guide: Make the Best Work Experience Section for a Resume

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our easy resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

4. Pick the Key Skills to Put on a Resume With No Experience

You need to convince the recruiter you have what it takes to be successful in the role you’re pursuing. Since you have little (or no) work experience, you must give your skills as much prominence as possible.

Go through the job offer carefully and make a list of all the skills you see there.

Examples of Skills for a Resume with No Experience

• Active listening
• Creative thinking skills
• Collaboration skills
• Leadership skills
• Management skills
• Marketing skills
• Microsoft Office skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• People skills
• Personal skills
• Physical fitness
• Soft skills
• Strong work ethics
• Teamwork skills
• Time management
• Transferable skills

Take a good look at the list you end up with, pick the ones that you have and can prove. If you decide to put a skill like leadership on your first-job resume, make sure there’s an achievement or activity that testifies to this. In our sample resume with no experience, the candidate’s organizational skills are reflected in the bullet point that says the candidate organized activities for children, for example. 

Don’t be tempted to lie on your resume because if you make it to the interview, all the lies will come out. And once they do, you’ll end up in a very uncomfortable situation.

Last but not least, remember to sprinkle your skills throughout your resume for the first job. Include some in the experience and education sections, as well as in your resume objective. 

Not sure how to make the most of your skills on a resume? Read our guide: 99 Key Skills for a Resume (Best List of Examples for All Jobs)

5. Add Extra Sections to Your First-Job Resume for Maximum Impact

When your first-time resume’s work experience section isn’t great, you must jump on every opportunity to make up for it elsewhere.

If you have language skills to show off, do it by all means. If you want to put certifications on a resume —list them as long as they’re relevant. If your hobbies and interests on a resume prove you’re a cultural fit, don’t hesitate to mention them.

Everything that’s relevant to the job should make its way to your resume—that’s how you can make a resume with no experience stand out. 

Here’s a couple of examples of extra resume sections to give you some ideas:

First Job Resume Example: Additional Sections

6. write a compelling resume objective.

At this point, your resume with no experience has all it needs… except for the beginning.

And no, it’s not a joke. The best moment to write the opening paragraph of your “starter” resume is when everything else is in place.

You need to highlight the best parts of your resume … which is only possible once the entire document is ready. Then, write your resume objective statement . It’s a short introductory paragraph showing who you are and what skills you have that the company could benefit from.

Here is how a good resume would nail it:

• Read your resume with no experience resume closely and find up to 3 things you’d like to show off.
• Start with your strong character traits ( motivated , personable ). It’s best to take a look at the job ad to see what the employer needs rather than put random stuff here.
• Say who you are ( student pursuing a BA in… ) You can mention your academic achievements here (high GPA for instance).
• Mention the company you’re applying to by name to personalize your first-job resume.
• Say what you want to do for the company. You can take a look at the job ad to see what tasks are listed.
• Say what your strengths are. You’re welcome to plug in a couple of your biggest accomplishments here as well.

Once you have more relevant work experience, you’ll be writing a resume summary —a condensed version of your best professional achievements. At this stage, however, an objective will be perfectly fine. 

Here’s what a first-job resume objective can look like:

Sample Resume Objective with No Experience 

The good example follows a simple formula: who you are, what you want, what you can give back to the company. This is all you need to communicate in this section of your resume with no job experience.

The bad example has nothing of the above. It just expresses what the candidate wants, not what they can give to the company or what they want to do. Plus, it’s generic enough to fit any role at any company—and this is how you can quickly tell a poorly-written resume objective from a great one.

Not sure how to write a captivating opening of your resume? Head to our guide on How to Write a Professional Resume Profile—Examples, Statements & Tips

7. Format Your First-Time Resume for Readability

Your resume with no work experience is almost done. The only thing you need to do now is format it properly.

How to format a resume with no experience:

• Follow the reverse-chronological order (i.e. put the most recent info up top).
• Add section headings to make your first-job resume easier to navigate.
• Use professional-looking fonts that are easy on the recruiter’s eyes.
• Stick to the 11–12pt size range for regular text. Make the headings up to 4pt larger.
• Set the resume margins to 1-inch all around.
• Use single line spacing.
• Save your resume as a PDF file (unless you’re asked for a different file type).

This is it! Your resume with no experience is ready to be sent out to the recruiter.

Want to learn more about resume formats? Read our guide: Resume Formats—Find the Best One for Your Needs

8. Write a Cover Letter to Boost Your Chances

Here’s the thing—About 50% of candidates send a cover letter along with their job application. Since your first-time resume doesn’t exactly abound in professional experience, you can boost your chances of landing an interview by writing a great cover letter.

This is how to write a great cover letter with no work experience:

• Make sure your cover letter format follows all the formal correspondence formatting rules.
• Write a captivating cover letter intro that introduces you to the reader and encourages them to read on.
• Say what skills you have, and they can be of benefit to the company.
• Explain why you’re a great cultural fit.
• Always end your cover letter with a call to action.

Also, make sure your cover letter has the right length .

Remember—

A cover letter shouldn’t repeat the content from your first-job resume. Use it to tell the recruiter about your motivations, fill in the gaps on your resume, and convince them you’re the best candidate hands down.

Here’s a guide that will show you how to write a cover letter in several simple steps: How to Write a Cover Letter in No Time

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Now, let’s sum up the tips from this article. Here's how to make a resume with no experience:

• Structure your document properly. Use the right formatting and elements.
• Present your relevant experience. Come up with as many examples as possible.
• Use the right keywords. They can make or break a resume with no experience.
• Add information on your education. Focus on relevant aspects (e.g. GPA, honors)
• List your key skills. Focus on those relevant to the position.
• Add extra resume sections. They will boost your chances.
• Write a compelling objective. Highlight your selling points.
• Compose a matching cover letter. Tell the recruiter your story. 

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018_Job_Seeker_Nation_Study.pdf

  Frequently Asked Questions about Resume with No Work Experience

Should i use resume templates to apply for my first job.

Yes, you should. Recruiters go through thousands of resumes every day, so a professional template is a great way to make your resume stand out from those of other candidates. A sleek resume design will go a long way towards making a good first impression. Wondering what your resume should look like ? Choose one of Zety’s resume templates , designed to help you easily organize your resume format . Meanwhile, if you’re short on inspiration for what to write, have a look at our entry-level resume examples and student resume examples , written by our team. You can tailor this expert-made content to your needs and be ready to apply in no time.

What do I put in the resume summary if I have never worked before?

Even if you are a fresh graduate, you can still create a successful resume profile . While it’s not exactly possible to write a summary for a resume with no experience, what you can do instead is write a resume objective—the profile of choice for fresh grads and career-changers. Write two or three sentences with examples of your accomplishments and academic projects you led, mention your motivation for applying to this particular company, and add some information about your key skills . Finish off with a closing statement that will catch recruiters’ attention and make them want to invite you to a job interview.

Check out these professional resume objective examples to find out more.

How do I list my degree on a resume?

If you’re writing a resume with no experience, your academic history is likely to be your strongest asset. In order to properly list your degree on your resume , take the following steps:

• Create an education section in your resume .
• If you have no experience at all, you’ll be skipping the work experience section anyway. If you have a bit of professional experience, though, put the education section before the work experience section. Once you gain experience, your work history will go first.
• List only the highest level of education you’ve attained. If you need to mention more than one (e.g. because you’re still studying for your degree), list your levels of education in the reverse-chronological order (read more about resume order of jobs and experience ).
• Add your degree, e.g. BA in Psychology , followed by the name of the institution, e.g. University of Massachusetts .
• Include your years of attendance, e.g. 2010–2014 . If you’re still studying, specify your expected graduation year.
• Consider adding extra information about your degree in your resume (e.g. extracurricular activities , Latin honors, relevant coursework , projects, achievements, scholarships, Dean’s list , etc.). Only add your GPA to your resume if it was at least 3.5.
• Use consistent formatting for every entry.

If you haven’t completed your degree yet, read our guide about writing an undergraduate college student resume and see how to put unfinished college education on a resume .

Which skills should I include in my resume at the beginning of my career?

Having no job experience does not mean you don’t have any skills at all. Focus on the abilities you have acquired so far, be it at the university or during internships—these are your transferable skills. Mention both hard skills and soft skills , alongside any technical skills that you have, like software proficiencies. Have a look at skills examples that you can include in your resume:

• Cross-functional collaboration skills
• MS Office skills
• Quick learning

In order to decide which ones should be put in your resume, go through the job offer carefully and make a list of all the skills you can see there—these are the potential resume keywords to use in your application. Then pick the ones that you think you have and include them in your resume. Tailoring your resume in this way helps to ensure that your application will pass ATS tests and actually reach a recruiter.

You can read more about this in our articles about key skills in a resume and making an ATS-friendly resume .

Do I need a cover letter for my resume if I have no job experience?

Definitely, yes. Even though you don’t have a lot of work experience, a well-written cover letter sets the right tone for your resume and shows that you’ve put in some extra effort in the recruitment process. What do you write in your entry-level cover letter ? Since you don’t have any specific professional achievements, explain how your transferable skills can benefit the employer and demonstrate your motivation to join the company. Do not forget to pick a cover letter template matching your resume, and you’re all set!

If you still don’t know what to write, see our cover letter examples for more inspiration.

What are the best jobs for teens?

If you’re still at school and want to earn some cash, you may want to think about taking a summer or a part-time job. Here are some ideas for jobs suitable for teenagers:

• Yard worker
• House cleaner
• Grocery stocker
• Restaurant host
• Escape room attendant
• Box office ticket seller

Want to know more about this? Read our guide on best jobs for teens and see some resume examples for teens if you don’t know how to start writing your CV.

How do I explain my lack of experience in a job interview?

Attending a job interview when you have no prior job experience can be stressful. Don’t worry, though, as you can discuss things shown below and still nail it:

• In the absence of relevant job experience , lean on the other jobs or internships that you had up to that point and discuss transferable skills that could be useful in the position you are applying for, e.g. communication skills or teamwork skills .
• If you have no professional experience whatsoever, focus on the skills gathered in university projects, volunteering experience , or extracurricular activities. Give relevant details about your contribution to the project or team. Describe how your skills helped you excel in an unfamiliar situation.
• Use behavioral questions (i.e. those dealing with your experience, such as “Describe a time you had to resolve a conflict”) as an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities. Remember to use the STAR method to explain how you navigated difficult situations. Keep in mind that your answers have to be in line with the company's goals and values.
• For more impact, explain your motivation to join the company and show the recruiters that you’re there for a reason: that you’ve conducted thorough research and made a conscious decision to apply for this particular position.

To better prepare yourself for your first job interview, read about best job interview tips and tricks and top interview questions and answers .

Thanks for reading my guide! Now I’d love to hear from you:

• What are the biggest challenges of writing a resume with no work experience? 
• What part do you struggle with the most? 
• Let me know. Let’s get the discussion started!

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Similar articles

50+ Best Resume Tips to Help You Land a Job in 2024

Don’t have much time, but need a good resume ASAP? Here’s a master list of the best resume tips out there, plus a bonus to make your life easier.

Resume for a Part-Time Job: Template and How to Write

Limited time doesn’t mean limited opportunities. Make the job possibilities limitless with a perfect resume for a part-time job.

How to Describe Yourself on a Resume the Right Way

Having a hard time figuring out how to describe yourself on a resume? Use these tips to make your About Me section say “Hire Me” in recruiter speak.

High School No Experience Resume Examples and Templates

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

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

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

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

How to Write Your High School No Experience Resume

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Format for a High School No Experience Resume

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

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

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

• Applicant Tracking Systems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Describe Your Experience Effectively

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Cleaned work areas
• Greeted the public
• Walked dogs

How to List Skills on Your High School No Experience Resume

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

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

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

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

Important Soft Skills for Your High School No Experience Resume

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

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

• Communication

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

• Organization

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

• Willingness to Learn

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

Tips for Writing a High School Resume [Guide + Examples]

Show employers you’re a high school student ready for a real job with a resume highlighting your achievements and skills.

Forget about worrying about a lack of experience or your age. You can easily overcome these obstacles by crafting an effective resume that convinces employers you’re serious and mature enough to handle any job.

This high school resume writing guide will show you essential tips to create a resume that showcases your potential as a high school student. Additionally, with the help of high school resume examples, you can learn what achievements you should include to get called back for an interview.

Here’s what we’ll discuss in this resume for a high school student writing guide:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What to include in a high school student resume
• Tips for preparing to write your high school resume
• Resume examples for high school students
• Best format for a high school resume

How to format your contact information

• How to write a resume objective
• How to list skills on a high school resume
• How to write a work experience section
• How to write an education section
• How to customize a high school resume with extra sections
• How to connect with employers using a cover letter

What to include in a high school student resume?

Contact information.

Your resume header should include the following:

• Phone number
• A professional email address
• City and state of residence

Resume objective

As a high school student with limited professional experience, you should write a resume objective .

• Share your career goals with the employer.
• Be clear about what you aim to achieve in this job.
• Mention two or three skills that equip you for the role.
• Include any job-relevant accomplishment or qualification.

If you’re applying for a job and have plenty of experience, you can consider opting for the more widely accepted professional summary .

Even without formal work experience, you have acquired many skills throughout your education and extracurricular activities. Make sure your skills section includes the following:

• Six to eight skills listed in bullet points.
• A mix of soft skills and hard skills .
• Skills that are relevant to the job you want.

Work experience

Try to include a work experience section to show employers you have experience following through on a professional commitment.

Some experiences you can include in your work experience section are:

• Seasonal jobs in retail
• Lifeguard shifts at the community pool
• Babysitting services
• Helping out a family business
• After-school tutoring

Always include an education section, even if you still haven’t graduated from high school. Share the following information in your education section:

• Expected graduation date
• Name of your high school
• Any relevant academic achievement, such as being an Honor Roll student

Build my resume now

4 tips for preparing to write your high school resume

1. Make a list of things you’re proud of.

Before writing your resume, prepare a list of accomplishments you’re proud of. If it’s your first time writing a resume, brainstorming achievements from your high school career will help you choose the top achievements for your resume.

Think back and pinpoint circumstances where you’ve excelled, such as:

• Sports competitions
• Winning a student council election
• Participating in a dramatic play
• Volunteer work
• Debate team competitions
• Part-time jobs after school
• Science project showcase
• Dance recitals
• Any school project you aced

Create a document with a list of these and any other achievements you’d eagerly share with others. This document will serve as a base for your resume.

2. Pick information that’s relevant to your desired job.

Once your list of proud achievements is ready, you’ll want to determine which deserves a spot on your high school resume. How can you decide? Easy. If the achievement demonstrates skills and knowledge directly related to your desired job, you should consider including it in your resume.

Tailoring your resume for a specific job ensures your best chances of getting an interview. Your high school resume shouldn’t be a general overview of all your skills and qualifications. It should be a curated selection of qualities that demonstrate you’re the ideal candidate for that role.

For example, let’s say you’re applying for a job as a restaurant waiter. You have experience helping at your family’s sandwich shop, cleaning pools in the neighborhood, and working summers preparing and selling seafood at the pier. Out of these three experiences, you should focus on your work at a sandwich shop and the seafood stand on your high school resume because they require a similar skill set.

3. Consider including a work experience section.

Because work experience is one of the five essential resume sections, we always recommend including it. For high school students, including a traditional work experience section, can seem impossible if they’ve never had a formal job.

Remember that you can include some informal jobs in your work experience, such as:

• Babysitting
• Informal work at a family business
• Seasonal or part-time jobs

If you can’t think of an experience that would fit in a work experience section, you can replace it with another section where you can share your unique accomplishments.

Some sections you can replace the work experience with on your high school resume are:

Volunteer Experience

• Extracurricular Activities
• Hobbies & Interests
• Freelance Work

4. Don’t stress about graduation dates.

As a general rule, you shouldn’t include graduation dates on your resume to avoid hiring bias from employers. However, if you’re a high school student under 18, an employer must know your age before hiring you because of child-labor laws . As a minor high school student, you should include your expected graduation date in your education so employers know you’re working toward that goal.

Remember, certain employers like fast food restaurants and retail stores expect to receive applications from high school students, so don’t think of your age as a setback for your chances of getting a job.

High school student resume examples

Check out these resume examples for high school students to see how other students would build their resumes for various jobs. Remember to customize your resume to fit your needs and the job requirements. These high school student resume examples can serve as inspiration.

What is the best resume format for a high school student?

A key component of writing a resume is picking a format that brings out your best qualities. There are three recruiter-approved resume formats you can use to organize the layout of your resume: chronological, functional and combination. Which one is right for you?

Chronological

Combination

You can easily recreate all these resume formats inside our Resume Builder and get automatic formatting so everything fits neatly into one page. Ready to start applying for jobs?

Build my resume

The first section on your high school resume is the contact information. This section remains the same in all resumes and should include the following:

• Name: Include your first and last name.
• Phone number: Include your cell phone number or the telephone where employers can most easily reach you.
• Email: Use a professional email address free of nicknames that can be exclusively associated with you.
• Location: Share the city and state where you reside so employers know you can reach your place of employment.
• Links to social media accounts: Although optional, you can include your LinkedIn profile or social media accounts relevant to your role (a Facebook Business account, for example).

Make sure you leave out this information from your contact information:

• Residential address: Never include your full street address for security reasons. As a minor, this can pose a big risk to your safety.
• Photo or headshot: Including a profile photo or headshot in your resume is an ongoing debate. Some corporations are wary of resumes with headshots in the United States because of potential discrimination lawsuits. However, including a headshot in your CV is standard practice for jobs outside the U.S.

How to write a resume objective that impresses recruiters

The opening section of your resume is the professional summary or the resume objective. Both of these sections serve as a brief introduction to your most relevant professional information, skills and qualifications.

The resume objective is ideal for high school students with little or no formal experience. Resume objectives focus on what you wish to accomplish in this new position and your career. In tandem with this objective, you’ll want to highlight the skills and experiences that equip you to excel in the role.

Pro tip : If you have quite a few years of experience, you’ll want to consider writing a professional summary instead.

Resume objective example for high school resume

“Motivated and dependable service industry professional eager to contribute cash handling, stocking and kitchen prep skills to a reputable dining establishment. Possess training in various knife techniques and maintains a spotless kitchen environment. I am quick on my feet, a fast learner, and a respectful crew member.”

Want more ideas of what to write in your resume objective? Find dozens of pre-written phrases you can copy-paste to your resume objective and edit to fit your unique characteristics when you use our Resume Builder .

How to write a work experience that shows off your achievements

Your work experience section includes a list of jobs organized in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent job first and work your way backward to the first jobs you had.

Every work experience entry should have the following information:

• Your job title
• The company or employer name
• Dates of employment
• Basic location (city and state)

You should also include some bullet points to describe various accomplishments you achieved in that role, in the case of chronological and combination resumes.

The key to writing an impressive and informative work experience section is to favor accomplishments over job responsibilities . You may instinctively write your job duties instead of being specific about your achievements. Any other applicant might have the same job responsibilities as you, but no one has the same accomplishments.

Work experience example for high school resume

Work Experience

Babysitter 01/2022 – Present Orange Theory Gym | Pasadena, CA

• Supervised play area with 6-10 children ages 3+ up for four-hour shifts.
• Organized different recreational and educational activities for toddlers and grade school children, ensuring friendly social interactions. Constantly updated these activities to prevent boredom in kids and keep them engaged while parents exercise.
• Effectively de-escalated tantrums and conflicts between children quickly to ensure pleasant experiences for all children and avoid interrupting clients’ workout sessions.

Our Builder can automatically generate a work experience like this one, personalized to your specific requirements. Simply type in your desired job and years of experience, and our Resume Builder will create a custom work experience section for you.

How to add relevant skills

The skills section is one of your resume’s fundamental sections, and fortunately, formatting it is pretty straightforward.

Your resume skills section should include six to eight professional skills and a balanced mix of soft and hard skills.

The most important thing to remember when writing your skills section is that you can’t arbitrarily add the first skills that pop into your mind. Gain the most out of this section by choosing skills the employer explicitly requires from you in the job description.

All job advertisements include requirements and responsibilities so you can determine if this is the type of job you can excel in. These skills and qualifications found in job ads are called resume keywords , and you should include as many as you can throughout your resume, especially in the skills section.

Skills section example for high school resume (Hostess)

• Dining room management
• OpenTable expertise
• Excellent verbal communication
• Knowledge of POS systems (Clover, Lightspeed)
• Complaint resolution
• Friendly demeanor
• Flexibility
• Multitasking

Find hundreds of skills just like this in our Resume Builder’s database. Type in your desired job title and years of experience, and the Resume Builder will suggest the most in-demand skills that best fit someone like you.

How to showcase your education

Another section where high school students can shine is the education section, where you can go beyond your high school diploma.

Because you haven’t graduated yet from high school, your education section should look like this:

Education example for high school resume

High School Diploma – Expected graduation: June 2024 Sacred Heart Preparatory School | Atherton, CA

Some additional information you can include in your education section is:

• Your GPA : Include your GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher.
• Honor roll status : “High Honors Grades 9, 10 & 11”
• Class rank : This is your position in class based on your GPA and a class member’s GPA. Mention your class rank if you’re in the top 25% of your class.

Customize your resume with additional sections

After completing your main resume sections, consider adding extra sections to showcase achievements beyond skills, education and experience.

Below we’ll share some custom sections standard in high school students’ resumes and how to write each of them.

Honors and awards

An Honors and Awards section is a classic addition to many high school resumes. This section allows students to show they excel in their studies, which can also make you an appealing potential employee.

Some honors and awards you can include are:

• Being an Honor Roll student
• President’s Award for Educational Excellence
• President’s Award for Educational Achievement
• Advanced Placement Scholar Award
• Scholar of National Merit
• Class rank acknowledgment
• Award for Perfect Attendance
• Awards for excelling in specific school subjects
• Awards for academic competitions
• Prizes for National Forensic League competitions
• Awards for Sports competitions

Honors and awards example for high school resume

Honors and Awards

AP Scholar Award with Honor (2022)

1st Place Award – Regional Forensic League Competition (2020)

2nd Place Award – Regional Forensic League Competition (2021, 2022)

President’s Award for Educational Achievement (2012) – 8th Grade Graduation

Including a Volunteer Experience section can show employers that you have acquired some real-life professional skills and savviness. Volunteering also looks great on college applications , so having a solid set of volunteering hours is a big plus.

Some places where you can volunteer are:

• Animal shelters
• Women’s and children’s shelters
• Environmental preservation organizations
• Children’s hospitals
• Veterans’ hospitals
• Homes for senior citizens
• After-school daycare/tutoring

Volunteer work example for high school resume

150 Hours – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

50 Hours – After School Supervised Studies, Central High School

Extracurricular activities

Sharing activities and other experiences beyond your academics tell employers of your areas of interest. Focus primarily on extracurricular activities that directly relate to your desired job. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service or retail position, sharing your long career as a Girl Scout can be a great way to validate your sales and organizational skills.

Some other extracurricular activities you can include are:

• Student body council
• Individual or team sports
• Robotics club
• Environmental Club
• Domestic sciences club
• National Honor Society

Extracurricular activities example for high school resume

Vice President – Stuyvesant High School Student Council (2022-2023)

Treasurer – Stuyvesant High School Student Council (2021-2022)

Mathletes Club Member (since 2021-Present)

Language skills

If you have multiple language competencies, share them on your high school resume. Sharing your various language skills is an excellent addition to your resume if you’re applying for jobs that require you to interact with all kinds of people, such as retail, customer service, receptionist work or even government.

Language skills example for high school resume

English : Native Language

Spanish : Advanced

Mandarin : Elementary

Free resume templates

Download these free resume templates and use the instructional content in each section to craft a resume that will wow recruiters.

Build a better resume faster with our Resume Builder!

Save time from writing your high school resume from scratch and let our Resume Builder do the work for you. All you have to do is tell us your desired job, and the Builder will generate personalized content for all your resume sections. Just remember to go in and tweak the info with your details!

Connect with employers with a cover letter

A great way to increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and landing an interview is by including a cover letter in your job application. The cover letter benefits high school students with limited work experience who want to showcase other achievements and convey their commitment to the job.

Create a personalized cover letter in minutes with our Cover Letter Builder!

Benefits of using a cover letter:

• Allows you to share even more professional accomplishments.
• It lets you contextualize how and where you developed your skills.
• It helps you connect on a personal level with employers.
• It gives you a chance to sell yourself as the ideal candidate.
• Offers the opportunity to share the positive side of perceived shortcomings as a high school student.

Build my cover letter

Key takeaways for writing a high school student resume

• Pick the combination or functional resume format if you have limited work experience.
• Focus on achievements demonstrating your abilities to excel in your desired job.
• Write a summary objective showcasing relevant skills and career goals.
• List various soft and hard skills relevant to the role.
• Share unique achievements instead of generic job responsibilities in your work experience section.
• Highlight your academic achievements in your education, and share your expected graduation date.
• Customize your resume with additional sections like Honors and Awards, Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work.
• Use a cover letter to show employers all the ways you’re a valuable candidate, even as a high school student.
• Use a Resume Builder like ours to make the process easier and quicker for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a high school resume be.

Your high school resume should be one page long. One-page resumes are the preferred length for most recruiters because it allows them to easily scan your resume in seconds and get through as many applicants as possible quickly. The golden rule of resume length is to have one page for every 10 years of experience. If you’re having trouble formatting your resume , try using our Resume Builder , which automatically organizes your resume to fit neatly onto one page.

What’s the best way to create a high school resume?

The best way to create a high school resume that gets you interviews is to:

• Edit your resume with relevant achievements for each job application.
• Include keywords from the job description that recruiters want to see on your resume.
• Use a professional resume template that’s organized and visually appealing.
• Reap the benefits of using a Resume Builder that offers pre-written phrases and a database of 100+ in-demand skills.

How do I write a resume with no experience?

When writing a resume with no experience, compensate with a diverse skill set, a strong education, academic achievements and any certifications that can validate your specialized knowledge.

In our no-experience resume writing guide , learn every tip for creating a genuinely impressive resume, even if you haven’t had an extensive career.

Is it OK to put your high school diploma on a resume?

You can include your high school diploma on your resume if you’re a recent high school graduate or college student. However, suppose you’ve already graduated from college. In that case, it’s best to leave your high school diploma out, and any other academic achievements from your high school career since these can seem outdated.

Learn more in our article on how to list education on a resume .

Should high school jobs be on a resume?

It depends. If you had jobs during high school unrelated to your career, you’re better off leaving those jobs out of your resume. You should only include jobs directly related to your career or desired role on your resume. However, suppose you had a retail job in high school and are currently a college student looking for a job in the same field. Then, you should add this job to your resume so employers know you have that relevant experience.

See more on our FAQ page

More resources

How to Write a Resume When You Have No Work Experience

How to Choose the Right Resume Format

How to Write a Cover Letter + Examples

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez • CPRW, Career Advice Expert

Gabriela Hernandez is one of LiveCareer's resident writers. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Journalism. Throughout her career, she has tackled copywriting, blog articles, journalistic writing, academic writing, resume writing, and even prose and verse.

Please rate this article

As seen in *

*The names and logos of the companies referred to in this page are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with LiveCareer.

High School Student Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips for 2024

by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW | Career Advice Expert

Last Updated: March 13, 2024

Table of contents

High school resume example

High school student resume template [text version], how to write a resume for a high school student, should a high school student write a cover letter.

• Key takeaways

For high school students, the idea of entering the job market can be scary, especially when you’re crafting a resume with little or no experience. You may be wondering, “How can I stand out?” or “Why would anyone hire me when I don’t have many skills or much experience?”

Don’t worry! You have more skills than you realize. The key is to package your abilities with an excellent resume.

But you may need guidance. This is where we can help.

Our comprehensive guide will show you:

• Successful high school resume examples.
• A copy-and-paste high school resume template.
• How to write a resume when you’re in high school.
• How to write a resume when this is your first job or you have no experience.
• Whether you should write a cover letter.
• Key takeaways from a high school resume.

Do you need to make your resume today? Check out our Resume Maker , where you’ll find resume examples and have your pick of industry-appropriate resume templates that have proven to help in the job hunt.

Creating a resume while in high school might feel intimidating. After all, you have to fill up a page when you haven’t even started your career. How do you bridge this gap?

The goal is to reframe your experiences, whether they involve summer jobs, volunteering or schoolwork, into a coherent, engaging story.

This high school resume is a perfect example:

What makes this a great high school resume sample:

Starting with a clear objective tells employers what you’re looking for. You can express your career goals while showing employers what you can bring to the table.

Instead of the traditional work experience section, this functional resume format includes two extra sections focused on skills — “Professional Skills” and “Summary of Qualifications.”

To round out their application, this candidate included a community food drive and assisting senior citizens in a section covering volunteer work, a great addition to any resume.

If you’re looking for something you can copy and paste, here’s a high school resume in text format.

Santa Clara, CA 95050 | 555-555-5555 | [email protected]

Results-oriented high school student passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and with a proven track record as a sales associate. With a GPA of 3.8 and a commitment to positively impacting the community, I am eager to contribute my abilities while gaining valuable professional experience in a sales-driven environment.

• Organized and patient individual polished in handling customer complaints and replenishing stock.
• Flexible and outgoing team player commended for demonstrating honesty and integrity with customers, team members and supervisors.
• Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Effective Communication

• Participated in weekly debates, honing persuasive communication and critical thinking skills in the high school’s Debate Club.
• Won the regional competition and advanced to the state level by effectively presenting arguments and countering opponents.
• Demonstrated exceptional articulation, logical reasoning and the ability to think on one’s feet.

Organizational Excellence

• Managed rigorous tutor lessons and volunteering jobs while maintaining a GPA of 3.8.
• Exhibited strong time management skills by balancing sports commitments, academic responsibilities and personal development.
• Served as the high school’s soccer team captain, displaying leadership through effective communication and fostering team cohesion.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

• Completed coursework and personal projects utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Achieved a typing speed of 60 words per minute, ensuring efficient and accurate document creation and data entry.
• Developed proficiency in formatting documents, creating spreadsheets and designing engaging presentations.
• Community Food Drive: Collected and sorted food donations, resulting in the distribution of 2,000 meals to underprivileged families.
• Senior Center Assistance: Assisted with organizing activities and providing companionship to senior citizens, fostering a sense of community.

Sales Associate Old Navy Santa Clara, CA | June 2024 – September 2024

Tutor Self-employed Santa Clara, CA | June 2022 – May 2024

High School Diploma Santa Clara High School Santa Clara, CA Expected in June 2024

resumes made with Resume Now!

So you’re ready to learn how to write a resume ? We’ve got exactly what you need. A step-by-step guide that will increase your chances of landing a great job, fully customized for high school students.

Choose the best format

There are three different ways to organize a resume, and these are called resume formats . Each format serves a different type of job seeker.

If you’re in high school, you probably don’t have much professional experience. For you, the functional resume format , or skills-based resume, would be the best choice. This layout plays down your work experience in favor of skills you might’ve picked up in school.

Here’s why a skills-based resume is perfect for high school students:

• Your skills are emphasized.
• You can downplay your work history.
• Work experience is off to the side.

Yes, there are other ways to organize your resume — combination resume format and chronological resume format are the two most popular. You’ll get to know those when you’re more experienced.

Select a template to showcase your personality

You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, the opposite is true when it comes to your resume.

Your resume’s design is the first thing the hiring manager sees, so you want it to be good.

What does good mean to you? It could be a creative template that instantly grabs your eye with unique features or a modern design that’s cool and fresh. Perhaps you want to start off with a simple template focused on the basics.

No matter your style, there are a few rules for choosing a high school resume template:

• Play it safe: While it may be tempting to go for the most vibrant design you can find, you never know if the employer will like it. Picking a more neutral design will guarantee your resume is considered professional.
• Make sure there’s white space: As a high schooler, you don’t have much work experience, so you should choose a spacious design. At the same time, you don’t want your document to seem empty, so go with one that uses white space effectively.
• Organization is key: When you’re looking for your first job, you should choose a template that is clean and easy to understand at a glance. Keep it simple and make sure you’re following all the formatting rules .

Consider checking out templates for Word or Google Docs if you’re confident you can make an excellent resume using either of those word processors.

Also, don’t forget to choose a resume font that’s clear and easy to read.

Okay, next up — it’s time to hone your objective statement.

Write a great resume objective for a high school student

First thing’s first — you need a resume profile . A profile is an introduction that sits at the top of your resume. There are two types of profiles: a professional summary and a resume objective .

Here’s how each applies to a high school student:

• Job seekers with workplace experience should go with a professional summary , which combines experience with skills and accomplishments to create a career overview.
• Job seekers who are new to the workforce should choose a resume objective , which focuses on the applicant’s career goals and how they can contribute to the bottom line of the company.

Nearly all high school students or recent graduates would be wise to go with a resume objective. In a few years, when you have a work history, switch to a professional summary.

Resume objective example — high school student

As a hard-working high school graduate, I’d like to contribute strong communication skills and attention to detail to the desk clerk position at Ocean View Condominium. I aim to effectively manage the reception area, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and maintaining compliance with building policies and fair housing regulations. My commitment to providing excellent service will enable me to assist in maintaining accurate records and upholding a welcoming environment for tenants and visitors. I am eager to apply my skills in a professional setting and gain valuable experience in property management.

Next, we’ll explain how you can elevate the experience you’ve picked up outside the workplace.

Focus on volunteer work and other unique experiences

As a high school student looking for a job, you can’t rely on your professional experience to power your resume. What do you do instead?

Here are alternatives to work experience that look great on your resume:

• Extracurricular activities: Do you belong to any clubs, school groups or athletic programs? Add them to your resume!
• Part-time or summer jobs: You don’t need to be full-time at your job for it to count as work experience. The time you spent working at the water park qualifies.
• Online courses or certifications: Have you earned any certifications by taking online courses? Those show employers you’re willing to go the extra mile to learn new skills.
• Academic achievements: Build out your education section with your GPA (if it’s a 3.5 or higher) and any other academic achievements (like advanced placement [AP] courses).

Ultimately, as a high schooler, education will play a huge role in your resume, so let’s tackle that next.

Make your education section shine

When you have more experience in the classroom than in the workplace, your education section takes on greater importance.

That’s why you should make the most of it. First, you’ll want to list the basics like your high school diploma, the name of your school and your graduation or expected graduation date.

Then, there are other opportunities to give the section extra oomph. Consider adding:

• GPA (if it’s above a 3.5)
• Relevant coursework
• Special projects
• Academic achievements
• Study abroad experiences

Certifications

Check out the following example for inspiration.

High school student education section sample

Riverside High School, Jacksonville, FL High School Diploma, Expected Graduation: June 2024 Cumulative GPA: 3.9/4.0 Relevant coursework: AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, Economics Extracurriculars: Member of the Chess Club, Captain of the Debate Team

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, Google Digital Garage, 2024 First Aid and CPR Certified, American Red Cross, 2024

Add skills throughout your high school resume

If your resume were a billboard, then your skills would be the content that engages the audience and gets them to buy your product.

When you first start your career, you may feel your billboard is a bit blank. But you probably have more to showcase than you realize. From internships to part-time jobs to relevant courses and projects, you have the skills employers want.

But the best resumes don’t simply list skills. The skills are added to your resume objective, work experience bullet points and across multiple skills sections.

Remember there are different types of skills. Here are the two main categories:

• Soft skills are intangible qualities and interpersonal strengths. Whether you’re a natural-born leader, highly empathetic or happen to be an excellent speaker, these all count as valuable skills.
• Hard skills are concrete, measurable abilities and knowledge. For example, maybe you’re a pro with Adobe Creative Suite, or you’re fluent in a foreign language. (Note: Technical and computer skills are subsets of hard skills.)

By the way, it’s not really a showdown — hard skills vs soft skills — they work together to create a compelling advertisement. So, make sure you add both types of skills throughout your resume.

Extra sections that belong on a high school resume

• Student government
• Student newspaper or yearbook
• The arts, like drama club, dance or band
• Math or science olympiad
• Honor societies
• Language club
• Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts
• Athletics, like football, basketball, soccer, tennis and track

Read the job listing closely and list all the skills you can identify. Those are probably keywords the employer entered into the applicant tracking system (ATS) to help them screen out candidates.

Represent your extracurricular activities

When you think you’re done putting together your resume, there’s one last thing you must do — proofread!

Proofreading is important because simple grammar and spelling mistakes could cause a recruiter to toss your application. After all, you can’t write that you’re “detail-oriented” while you misspell several words or make obvious grammatical mistakes.

Sure, anyone can make a mistake — but you want to do everything you can to craft a mistake-free resume. How can you make sure your resume is perfect?

First, use spell check. Then, proofread your resume yourself. Finally, ask your most meticulous friends and family members to review it.

The bottom line: taking these precautions will improve your chances of getting an interview.

Writing a resume for your first job

Your first job probably won’t be your dream job, but that’s okay! You still want to put your best foot forward.

How do you do that?

Here are three tips for a high schooler writing a resume for a first job:

• Highlight volunteer work : Any volunteering or summer work is super valuable. You can include those types of gigs in your “Work Experience” section.
• Write a clear objective: When you don’t have a work track record, you should write an enthusiastic and specific objective statement explaining what you want to accomplish at the job to show them what you have to offer.
• Focus on transferable skills : Without a doubt, you’ve picked up impressive skills through extracurricular activities. Many of those will transfer into a range of other jobs.

Writing a high school resume with some experience

Maybe you’ve got some professional experience you want to flex. That’s great! You’re one step closer to making a killer work experience section.

Here are three tips for a high schooler writing a resume with some experience:

• Use bullet points to highlight work tasks: Bullet-point lists are easier to read than long paragraphs. It’s as simple as that!
• Do more than list job duties: You can read someone’s job duties in a job listing. What makes you exceptional is the impact you had in each role. For example, rather than say you “served customers,” it would be better to say you “served X number of customers daily.”
• Start with your most recent job: If you’ve held multiple jobs, you’ll want to list your most recent job first. Generally, the employer likes to see what you’ve done most recently because it’s fresher in your mind.

Don’t forget to proofread your resume before turning it in. We always suggest giving it to a friend or family member to review, too, to increase your chances of catching mistakes.

High school students should 100% write a cover letter.

When you apply for a job, there’s usually competition. The employer might have to sort through dozens, sometimes hundreds of resumes.

Imagine the hiring manager swimming in a sea of resumes. Wouldn’t you appreciate someone who threw you a life preserver by adding a cover letter to their application?

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a whole list of reasons why writing a cover letter can be your secret weapon:

• It gives you an edge over others who might have skipped the cover letter.
• It’s your chance to explain why you and the company are the perfect match.
• It’s a platform to let your personality shine and convey your enthusiasm for the job.
• It’s the perfect space to address any elephants in the room, like a lack of relevant experience.

If you’re wondering how to write a cover letter , you’re not alone! We suggest reading some cover letter examples . When you’re ready to make one, our Cover Letter Builder will offer some written suggestions and cover letter designs that might match your resume.

Before we sign off, let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways.

Key takeaways for a high school resume

Who said you need job experience to make a great resume? Shift the focus to achievements from your schoolwork.

In your resume objective, be clear and straightforward about what you hope to achieve at the job you’re applying for. Show them you’re goal-oriented.

Your resume isn’t one-size-fits-all. Pay attention to the skills in the job listing of the role you want. These are the keywords that will get you noticed.

Whether you’re on a sports team or edit the yearbook, don’t overlook the power of extracurricular activities. You’ve picked up more skills than you realize.

At the beginning of your career, take the step of writing a cover letter. Employers always appreciate the extra effort.

You wouldn’t want your awesome resume trashed for a silly typo, right? The only way to avoid that fate is through proofreading.

Was this information helpful? Let us know!

Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Read more articles by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

More articles

180+ Skills to Put on a Resume in 2024 [Examples for Most Jobs]

A well-written skills section can have a powerful effect on a ...

How to Use Transferable Skills to Write a Job-winning Resume

Write a resume that stands out by making the most of your tran...

How to Make a US Resume (Format, Template + Examples)

Making an American resume is a big step when you’re trying t...

Environmental Engineer Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips for 2024

Cultivate a sustainable future for your 2024 environmental eng...

Construction Manager Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips for 2024

Set the foundation for a successful 2024 in your construction ...

Customer Service Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips

Make a customer service resume that gets interviews. Use our w...

• English (UK)
• Resume Examples

High School Student Resume Examples & Writing Guide

You’re a high school student who wants to land your first full-time job or internship. Show the managers how valuable you are with this great resume for high school students.

You read Catch-22 in English class last year—now you’re living it. Why?

You’re writing a high school student resume to land your first job or internship—but don’t have any experience to show. Luckily, you’re about to learn how to make a resume for high school students so good, they’ll think you’re the valedictorian.

In this guide, you'll see:

• High school resume examples that will help you land your first job.
• A high school resume template that suits your needs.
• A full breakdown of how to write a resume for high school students that gets interviews.
• Best skills to add to your high school student resume. 

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

Create your resume now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Have you already graduated from high school? Go here:

• High School Graduate Resume

First, let's take a look at three resume examples for high schoolers with varying degrees of work experience.

High School Resume Examples

As a high schooler, you might already have plenty of entry-level work experience. Conversely, you might be looking for your first job ever. Each of these types of resumes requires a slightly different approach. Below are three resume samples to help you visualize your end goal: a complete job application for a high school student with no experience, part-time experience, or plenty of work history.

#1 High School Resume Example With No Proper Work Experience

Jill Kikorski

High School Senior

Personal Info

Phone: 513-365-6607

E-mail: [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jillkikorski_p

Enthusiastic high school senior with a passion for politics. Seeking to leverage top scores in Social Science (102%) and volunteering experience at a nonprofit voter awareness organization to deliver on all major KPIs as an intern at the Cuyahoga County Government Office.

Cuyahoga Heights High School,

Garfield Heights, OH

Expected Graduation: 2024

Relevant Coursework: AP US History, Intro to Government, AP European History

• Vice president of the student council
• Member of the debate & political science clubs

Student Delegate

Model United Nations

June 2021–November 2023

• Represented two countries for numerous UN committees with pre-set topics for debate.
• Researched the background of the countries and prepared notes on possible solutions to the problems faced.
• Provided strong leadership and guidance to the team, resulting in a top-3 delegation finish.
• Achieved a 95% committee resolution rate.

Volunteer Experience

VoterVoice,

March 2022 - Current

• Delivered speeches to increase voter awareness
• Collected donations for voter education campaigns
• Distributed informational flyers at local events to promote civic engagement
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Public speaking and debate
• Problem-solving
• Negotiation
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Time Management
• Spanish - bilingual

Certifications

• Microsoft Office Specialist Expert, Microsoft, January 2019

#2 High School Resume Sample With Part-Time Experience

Enthusiastic high school senior passionate about delivering exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment. Achieved a 98% on-time delivery rate, exceeding company standards as a delivery driver. Seeking a cook position at Grillfield to contribute my grilling expertise and dedication to quality food preparation.

• Member of the cooking club

Pizza Delivery Driver

PizzaMia, Garfield Heights, OH

June 2022–Present

• Ensured timely and accurate delivery of pizzas to customers, maintaining high customer satisfaction.
• Implemented efficient route planning, resulting in a 15% reduction in delivery times.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills to address customer concerns and ensure a positive experience.
• Achieved a 98% on-time delivery rate, exceeding company standards.

Grillmaster

Annual Charity Fair, Garfield Heights, OH

September 2021 & 2022

• Led a team of volunteers in preparing and grilling food items for the charity fair.
• Raised $2,000 in charitable donations through engaging food promotions and sales.
• Received recognition for outstanding leadership and culinary skills from event organizers.
• Culinary Arts
• Customer Service
• Route Planning
• Car & Motorcycle Driving
• Problem-Solving
• Effective Written and Verbal Communication

#3 Experienced High Schooler Resume Example

Efficient high school senior with a passion for culinary arts and 2+ years of success working in fast-paced environments. Collaborated with the kitchen team to implement a time-efficient system for grilling, reducing downtime between meal services by 30%. Participated in creating new menu items, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction. Aiming to bring my strong communication skills and culinary achievements to enhance the dining experience at Wurstfield.

Work Experience

Grill & Doner, Garfield Heights, OH

• Participated in creating new menu items, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.
• Collaborated with the kitchen team to implement a time-efficient system for grilling, reducing downtime between meal services by 30%.
• Received recognition for maintaining a consistently clean and organized kitchen workspace.
• Demonstrated exceptional teamwork by consistently achieving a 99% accuracy rate in preparing orders, contributing to a positive and efficient kitchen atmosphere.

January 2021–June 2022

• Food Safety

Now, let’s get started on your high school student resume!

1. Choose the Best High School Student Resume Format

Think of writing your resume for a high school student like a take-home test. The standards for getting an A+ are high.

You need to do your research, use powerful language, and customize your resume for the job you want to land. It won’t be easy—The recruiters will give your resume only a 7-second glance to decide whether you pass or not.

To pass the eye test, make sure your resume isn’t cluttered. Here’s how to make your high school resume format crystal clear:

• Pick a simple resume template . A high school resume template shouldn’t be overdesigned.
• Go with the reverse-chronological resume format , as it is preferred by most recruiters.
• Choose readable resume fonts like Cambria or Times New Roman in 10-12 pt. You want to appear professional and show you’ve done this before.
• Embrace white space by using 1-inch margins and consistent spacing throughout the document.
• Limit your resume length to one page.
• Separate your resume sections . Go with: the resume header , resume profile , education, experience (if you have any), skills, and “additional.”
• Unless instructed otherwise, save your resume as a PDF, rather than DOC . Converting it to PDF ensures your layout works on all software and devices.

Expert Hint: Keep your contact information in the resume header concise. Give your name, professional email address, phone number, optimized LinkedIn URL , and a link to any other of your relevant websites, blogs, or social media profiles. You can also add a catchy resume headline for some extra flair.

2. Write a Catching Resume Objective for a High School Student Resume

Pop quiz! What’s the best way to make your high school student resume stand out?

A pitch-perfect high school resume objective . It’s a short paragraph at the top of your resume that explains what skills will make you a good fit and what you’re hoping to achieve for the company.

• A catchy resume adjective (determined, efficient, enthusiastic).
• Current title (high school senior, high school student).
• One or two accomplishments.
• One sentence explaining what you’re seeking to achieve for the company.

Look at these two high school resume objective examples for reference:

High School Student Resume Objective—Example

High school student graduating next year. Want to gain experience working in an office setting for my college application.

See the difference?

The good high schooler resume example gets to the point—it details the hard work you put in as a student and shows you are knowledgeable in the industry you are applying. Plus, it makes an offer to help achieve the company’s goals.

But if you use the bad example, you’ll be expelled from the applicant pool. It reads generic and provides no value to the recruiter. It doesn’t even use the name of the target organization—you get the feeling the resume is being spammed around to all companies within a 30-mile radius.

Expert Hint: Although the resume objective goes on top of your application, it’s not a good idea to start writing your resume with it. Finish all the other sections first. It’ll make creating a compelling objective much easier.

3. Use Your High School Education to Great Effect

You’ve been in the halls of a school your entire life.

And although it may seem that you have no practical skills and experience… It’s not true. School is where you’ve achieved some of your greatest accomplishments.

Start your resume education section with the basics: list your school name and expected graduation date.

Then, highlight your biggest achievements as a high school student. List any AP or Honors courses you attended under relevant coursework —extra brownie points if they connect with the position you’re applying to. Put your GPA ( especially if it’s above 3.5 ) on your resume since this is the first job you’re applying for or if you’ve recently graduated. And don’t forget about your academic-centered memberships.

Take a look at how this candidate made the education section on the resume for high school students shine with great achievements, and compare it to what you shouldn’t do.

High School Resume Example—Education Section

Cuyahoga Heights High School

Graduation 2024

You get the difference. The bad example just lists a high school and graduation date. It’s less productive than sleeping during class.

The good example shows that you excelled during your time in high school. It signals to the recruiter that you didn’t just get by in high school but achieved and grew—two values much appreciated in the workplace.

4. Add Any Relevant Work Experience to Your High School Resume

You don’t need to have any relevant work experience . Hell, you don’t need to have a resume work experience section at all. But if you have any seasonal or temporary work experience, they will make your resume skyrocket to the top of the pile.

Here’s the best formula to showcase your professional work achievements on your high schooler resume:

• Don’t skim the job ad—read it thoroughly.
• Highlight the skills they are looking for.
• Think about which of them you gained during your previous working experiences.
• Write resume bullets that show those skills and back them up with numbers if you can.

Check these high school resume job descriptions out:

Model Nations

• A student who took part in Model UN Debates at their high school.
• Helped win several as part of the Model UN team.

And again, you’re not expected to have 20+ years of experience at 16 or 18 years old, despite what the internet says. If you’re applying for your first job out of high school, just skip this section and highlight your skills more in the next sections of your high school resume.

Expert Hint:  Writing the perfect resume can seem like a hassle, so cheating can be tempting. But should you relax and let the AI write your resume ? There is nothing wrong with using chatbots for help, but you should develop strong resume-writing skills yourself. They’ll greatly help you in the future.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

5. Add Important Skills to Your High School Student Resume

Remember the job ad? It’s full of skills your future employer expects you to have. They act as resume keywords for their ATS scans.

An ATS is a software system that recruiters use to weed out applicants whose resumes don’t match the position they are applying to. If you don’t have the right keywords for the position, you’ll likely land in the reject pile automatically. This means you need an ATS-friendly resume .

So, match your skill list with the keywords you find in the job ad. Here are some common examples of skills for a high school student resume:

Skills for a High School Student Resume

• Writing Skills
• Technical Skills
• Marketing Skills
• Management Skills
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Project Management Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Workplace Safety
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Active Listening Skills
• OHS Rules & Regulations
• Computer Skills
• Decision-Making Skills
• Creative Thinking Skills
• Administrative Skills
• Leadership Skills

Fair warning, though:

Don’t overload your application with a long list of skills for a resume . No recruiter wants a resume that’s as long as the list of irregular verbs. Pick 5–10 skills, and you’re golden. Also, if possible, try to prioritize hard skills over soft skills . For example, if you’re applying for a receptionist position, use resume keywords like MS Office or your typing speed.

And one more thing. A rather large concern for companies and teen employees is work safety . So, this skill is a rather ubiquitous one and can easily increase the value of your resume.

6. Load Your High School Student Resume With Extra Sections

Every high school student has the same resume sections we explained above. Want to stand out? Add one or two bonus sections to get recruiters to notice you. Choose from:

• Known Languages
• Hobbies & Interests
• Completed Courses
• Publications
• Memberships

Adding 1–3 of them is how you can upgrade your resume as a high school student.

Look at this great example of extra sections:

• Cooking Spanish cuisine
• Watching nature documentaries

You see how the first high school resume template shows key skills and provides additional experience and achievements. This is how you should do it.

Meanwhile, the second candidate doesn’t present anything valuable unless they apply at a Spanish restaurant.

Expert Hint: Don’t forget to learn how to write a cover letter . Most jobs require it—and it’s where you can give more details about your passions and interests.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

For a high school student resume that passes with flying colors, remember to:

• Use the provided high school student resume template . It’s got everything you need.
• Showcase your achievements with a captivating objective . Highlight them further in the later resume sections.
• Detail your educational background . Don’t forget to add relevant awards and classes you took, along with the school name, city, state, and the expected graduation date.
• Highlight your skills . Refer to the job ad and add relevant hard and soft abilities.
• Write a high school cover letter . A cover letter with no experience is extremely effective at boosting your chances of landing your first job.

And if you’re looking for related guides, check out any of these:

• College Application Resume
• College Graduate Resume
• College Student Resume
• Graduate School Resume
• Internship Resume
• No Experience Resume
• Scholarship Resume
• Student Resume
• Teen Resume

Do you have questions on how to write a great high school student resume with no experience? Not sure how to present your high school education on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.

Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.

Was it interesting? Here are similar articles

How to Network in College [10+ Networking Tips for Students]

Networking while still in college will help you secure your professional career. Ace it with pro tips from educators, career advisors, college counsellors, and former students.

Maciej Duszyński, CPRW

Career Expert

Carpenter Resume—Examples, Skills, Job Description & Guide

You work wonders with wood, whether building things, maintaining or repairing them. Show hiring managers the value you bring to the table with a rock solid carpenter resume.

Dominika Kowalska, CPRW

Recruiter Cover Letter Sample & Full Writing Guide

You specialize in recruiting others, so show you know how to get recruited yourself. The best way to do so is by writing a jaw-dropping recruiter cover letter. Learn how with us.

Mariusz Wawrzyniak

Impressive Resume with No Work Experience (for Students)

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 8, 2023 — 8 minutes to read

• Key Components of a Professional Resume Part 1
• Resume Formatting Tips and Tricks Part 2
• Example Resume for High School Students Part 3
• Example Resume for College Students Part 4
• Tailoring Your Resume Part 5

Part 1 Key Components of a Professional Resume

Contact details.

Start your resume by providing your full name, phone number, and email address. This ensures potential employers can easily contact you. A professional email address (for example, [email protected] ) is recommended. Keep your address and other personal details out of your resume.

Career Objective

As someone with no work experience, your career objective should focus on your abilities and motivation to succeed in the position you’re applying for. State your goal and highlight relevant skills you possess. Be genuine about your enthusiasm and commitment to work hard and learn.

Here, you’ll showcase your transferable skills, demonstrating how they’re applicable even without formal work experience. Group your skills into categories (such as communication, technical, and project management) and provide examples of how you acquired and applied those skills in school, extracurricular activities, or personal projects.

Education Details

Outline your educational background, including the school name, degree or diploma obtained, and graduation date. If your GPA is impressive, consider listing it. Describe relevant coursework, projects, and achievements that demonstrate your competence and abilities related to the job you’re applying for.

Volunteer Work

Showcase any volunteer work you’ve done, describing your role, the organization, and the dates when you volunteered. Focus on the tasks you performed and the skills you gained during this time. Volunteering demonstrates your willingness to learn, commitment, and eagerness to contribute to a cause.

Certifications and Training

Lastly, list any relevant certifications, training, or workshops you’ve attended. These demonstrate your dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Public speaking workshops, leadership programs, or certificates in technical skills, for example, can be valuable additions to your resume.

Related: How to Email a Resume to an Employer (Examples)

Part 2 Resume Formatting Tips and Tricks

The importance of consistency.

Consistency is key when formatting your resume. Choose one font and stick with it throughout the entire document. Make sure your headings, subheadings, and body text are all the same size and style. This will give your resume a polished and professional look.

Making Use of Bullet Points

Bullet points are a great way to break up your text and highlight important information. When listing your skills, education, or other relevant information, consider using bullet points to make the content easier to digest. Not only do they help add structure to your resume, but they also draw the reader’s attention to essential details.

Including Action Verbs

Start each bullet point or description in your resume with a strong action verb. This will show potential employers that you are proactive and capable of achieving results. Examples of powerful action verbs include “managed,” “created,” “implemented,” and “optimized.” Using these types of verbs will give your resume a more dynamic and engaging feel.

Limiting Resume to One Page

Keep your resume concise and limit it to one page. This ensures all your relevant information can be easily scanned by hiring managers. Be selective about the information you include, focusing on your most significant achievements and skills that relate to the position you’re applying for. A well-organized, one-page resume is often more impactful than a long, detailed document.

Resume with No Work Experience: Templates and Examples

When creating your resume with no work experience, templates can save you time and help you focus on showcasing your strengths.

Part 3 Example Resume for High School Students

[Your Name] [Contact Information]

Objective : Motivated high school student aiming to apply strong work ethic and teamwork abilities to a part-time retail position.

Education : [High School Name], [City, State] (Expected) Graduation Date: [Month, Year] GPA: [Number]

Skills: – Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Detail-oriented and organized – Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Experience:

Volunteer, [Local Organization], [City, State], [Duration] – Assisted with organizing and executing community events – Collaborated with other volunteers to improve team efficiency

Participated in the [School Club/Project], [High School Name] – Contributed to successful projects and events – Enhanced leadership and teamwork abilities

Activities:

– [High School Club], Member – [Sport], Varsity team – [Volunteer Organization], Regular participant

Objective: Motivated high school student seeking a part-time [position] role at [Company Name] where I can apply my strong work ethic and dedication to learning new skills.

• Expected graduation: [Month Year]
• GPA: [X.XX/4.0]
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Able to work independently or in a team

Activities & Honors:

• [Student Club/Organization], [Position/Role], [Year]-[Year]
• [Community Service/Volunteer Experience], [Organization], [Hours/Date Range]

Remember to fill in your information and customize the template for the job you’re applying for. This example puts emphasis on education and focuses on the skills and activities that showcase your abilities as a high school student with no work experience.

Part 4 Example Resume for College Students

Objective : Driven college student with strong analytical skills seeking a data analysis internship to apply coursework and gain hands-on experience.

Education : [University Name], [City, State] (Expected) Graduation Date: [Month, Year] Degree : [Bachelor’s or Associate’s] in [Major] GPA: [Number] Relevant Coursework: [List relevant courses]

– Proficient in Python, R, and SQL – Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities – Excellent written and verbal communication – Familiarity with basic statistical concepts

Experience :

Research Assistant, [University Name], [City, State], [Semester, Year] – Collaborated with a faculty member on a research project – Gathered, organized, and analyzed data using statistical software

Title: [Project name] – Developed a [project description] using [tools or programming languages] – Presented findings at [relevant event or conference]

Extracurricular Activities:

– [University Club], Member – [Volunteer Organization], Regular participant

Objective: Driven college student pursuing a [Major] degree at [University Name] seeking an internship in the [Industry] field to expand my knowledge and gain real-world experience.

• [Major], Expected graduation: [Month Year]

Relevant Coursework:

• Proficient in [Programming Language/Software]
• Strong research and analytical abilities
• Effective time management skills

Projects & Volunteer Work:

• Brief description of the project and your role.
• [Volunteer Opportunity], [Organization], [Hours/Date Range]

Make sure to customize this template, focusing on skills and experiences relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Part 5 Tailoring Your Resume

• When applying for a specific job, be sure to demonstrate how your strengths, abilities, and past experiences, even if they are not directly related to the job, can benefit the company. Read the job description and requirements thoroughly; carefully study which skills, keywords, or requirements stand out. Then, make sure to integrate them into your resume.
• For example, suppose the job description emphasizes good communication skills. In that case, you can mention any relevant experience that contributes to your communication skills, such as group projects, being part of a club, or participating in volunteer work where you had to interact with others. Don’t forget to highlight interpersonal skills like teamwork and leadership, as they are often essential in every workplace.
• When it comes to organizing your resume, consider using functional or combination formats, as these tend to place more emphasis on your skills rather than work experience. At the top of your resume, include a strong objective statement or a summary that highlights your career aspirations and the applicable abilities you possess. Use this statement to communicate your enthusiasm and dedication to potential employers.
• Using action verbs or phrases can also help bring your resume to life. As you describe your skills, achievements, or educational experiences, consider using words like “achieved,” “managed,” “created,” or “implemented.” These verbs convey a sense of accomplishment and initiative, which will surely impress your potential employer.
• Lastly, don’t be afraid to showcase your accomplishments outside of traditional work settings. Include any accomplishments that demonstrate your resourcefulness and skills, such as completed projects, awards, or certifications. Make sure to highlight any volunteer work or internships, as these can showcase your dedication and willingness to learn in real-world situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i create an impressive resume without work experience.

To create an impressive resume without work experience, focus on your relevant skills, education, projects, volunteer activities, and personal interests. You can also emphasize your achievements in these areas, showing how they make you a good candidate. Use a clean and professional template that highlights your strengths and keeps the reader engaged.

What should I include in my first resume as a college or high school student?

As a college or high school student, your first resume should include the following sections:

• Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address.
• Resume Objective: Write a brief statement about your goals and the value you can bring to a potential employer.
• Education: List your most recent educational experiences and degrees, and any relevant coursework.
• Skills: List relevant hard and soft skills you possess, such as computer programming, public speaking, or leadership.
• Experience: Include any unpaid experiences like internships, volunteer work, or school projects.
• Extracurricular Activities: Mention clubs, sports, or organizations you participate in and any leadership roles you’ve held.

What skills and achievements can I highlight on my resume without any job history?

To highlight skills and achievements without job history, consider the following:

• Academic achievements: Include high GPA, academic awards, or being on the honor roll.
• Volunteer work: List any relevant community service and the impact you had.
• Projects: Mention school or personal projects that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
• Certifications: Add any certifications you’ve earned, such as first aid, coding, or foreign languages.
• Skills: Showcase both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for

What are some tips for writing a resume summary when I don’t have any work experience?

When writing a resume summary without work experience, focus on your skills, education, and other experiences that highlight your strengths and potential to excel in the position. Emphasize your professional attributes like dedication, adaptability, or problem-solving abilities. Tailor your summary to the specific job you’re applying for, incorporating keywords from the job posting. Keep it concise (2-3 sentences) and focused on what you can offer to the employer.

• How to Write a Resume With No Experience (Examples)
• List of 21 Important Technical Skills (with Examples)
• Technical Skills Examples for Resume
• Resume Summary: Smart Examples
• Communication Skills: Performance Review Examples (Rating 1 - 5)
• Can a Resume Be 2 Pages? Common Practices

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

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

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

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

Contact information

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

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

Skills & Competencies

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

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

Accomplishments/Experience

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

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

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

A word about fonts

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

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

Our most recommended resume resources

• 5 Best Resume Writing Services in 2021
• Free Resume Checker to Optimize Your Resume
• Resume Research And Surveys

Looking for certified resume writers to perfect your resume? Our resume service is just what you need.

• Resume Writing Services
• LinkedIn Writing Services
• Cover Letter Writing Services
• How It Works
• Resume Writers
• Sample Resumes
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• Resume Research
• Best Resume Services
• Scholarships

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

By Biron Clark

Published: December 18, 2023

Recent Grads | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

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

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

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

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

1. Put academic accomplishments and leadership

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

2. Put your interests and passions

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

3. Put “hard” skills

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

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

4. Include soft skills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

More Resume Tips & Guides

Crafting the perfect resume for teens (template & expert advice), career change interview tips, resume tips and more, how much does a resume writer cost (average price and ranges), walk me through your resume: answer examples, applying for jobs out of state this resume tip can help, how long should a resume be, how to put direct and indirect reports (and other data) on your resume, what makes a good resume 9 ways to know, 11 common resume mistakes to avoid, career change resume: examples and tips from experts, 7 thoughts on “resume summary with no experience: examples for students and fresh graduates”.

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

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

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

Your page has really helped, Thank you.

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

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

Hi Marcais,

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

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

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

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

Hi Frances,

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

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

Just start without a pronoun.

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

Comments are closed.

High School Graduate Resume Examples & Templates

• 30% higher chance of getting a job‡
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters‡

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Graduating from high school is a significant accomplishment, and now is the time to leverage your academic achievements, extracurricular activities and work experiences to create a compelling resume for your future endeavors. 

A well-crafted resume can help you stand out from other applicants when applying to colleges, internships or jobs. 

In this guide, we’ll provide you with high school graduate resume examples and tips to create a professional resume that effectively showcases your accomplishments and qualifications.

Start by editing this high school graduate resume template, or explore our extensive library of professional resume templates for more options.

High school graduate resume example (text version)

NATHAN CASTILLO

PHOENIX, AZ 85054

(555) 555-5555 | [email protected] 

RESUME OBJECTIVE

Highly motivated high school student with a keen interest in software engineering, equipped with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Excelled in various programming courses and competitions, showcasing an aptitude for algorithmic problem-solving and software development. Proven ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies with a proactive approach to continuous learning. Seeking opportunities to apply technical expertise and contribute to real-world projects while pursuing further education in computer science.

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA  

North High School

Phoenix, AZ, Expected in June 2024

• Clubs: Coding Club, Robotic Club and Tech Entrepreneurship Club
• Math Olympiad Winner, FIRST Robotics Competition participant
• Technology literacy
• File and document management
• JavaScript, Python and HTML
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Time management

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Programming Proficiency

• Proficient in Java, Python and JavaScript, with hands-on experience developing applications and solving algorithmic problems.
• Achieved a 98% average score in programming assignments throughout high school.
• Developed a web-based inventory management system for a local charity, reducing inventory processing time by 30%.

Problem-solving Skills

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and devise effective solutions through logical reasoning and critical thinking.
• Won first place in the regional programming competition, solving 90% of challenges within the time limit.
• Implemented an optimized algorithm for a Sudoku solver, reducing solving time by 50%.

Team Collaboration

• Proven track record of collaborating efficiently with team members to achieve project goals.
• Led a team of five students to develop a mobile app for tracking daily water consumption, resulting in over 500 downloads within the first month of launch.
• Received recognition for exceptional teamwork in the school’s robotics club, contributing to winning the state-level robotics competition.

WORK HISTORY

SELF EMPLOYED  

Math Tutor | Phoenix, AZ | June 2023 – Current

HONEYWELL  

Summer Intern | Phoenix, AZ | June 2023 – August 2023

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Homeless Shelter Outreach Program

• Volunteered at a local homeless shelter, serving meals to 100 residents and assisting with shelter operations every week.

Environmental Conservation Project

• Raised awareness about the importance of conservation through educational materials and social media outreach, reaching over 1,000 individuals.

Essentials of a standout high school graduate resume

Contact details.

Add your contact information to the top of your resume; otherwise, hiring managers won’t know how to contact you for an interview. Include your full name, city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and professional email address. Add your LinkedIn profile and professional website (if you have them) last.

Resume summary

Your resume summary is where you introduce yourself and highlight your top qualifications for the job in three to five sentences.

Your high school graduate resume should include a professional summary with job-relevant skills and one or two accomplishments from your academic career or prior work experience. 

If you do not have any prior work experience, we recommend using a resume objective instead. Here is an example of an objective statement for a high school graduate’s resume:

“Recent high school graduate with strong academic performance and excellent communication skills seeking an entry-level position to gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills and contribute to a dynamic team. Quick learner, hardworking and motivated to succeed in any task. Committed to professional growth and eager to contribute to a challenging and dynamic work environment.” 

It is important to let potential employers know what skills you bring to the table. An excellent high school graduate resume will feature a mixture of hard skills and soft skills related to the school, internship or role you are applying for. 

Hard skills are job-related abilities learned through training or at work. In contrast, soft skills are characteristics or personality traits that speak more about how you approach your responsibilities. 

A high school graduate may have a variety of skills that can be valuable in the workplace, such as:

• Communication skills: Oral and written communication skills developed through coursework, presentations and group projects.
• Problem-solving skills: Experience identifying and solving problems, whether it be through class assignments or personal experiences.
• Time management skills: Experience juggling multiple responsibilities, such as schoolwork, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs.

The job description is the best place to find relevant skills that the employer wants to see on your resume. If you have limited work experience, you can list skills that you developed during your academic career. 

Work history

When writing the work history section of a high school graduate resume, focus on any relevant work experience, internships or part-time jobs that you have held. 

Start with your most recent job and work backward in reverse chronological order, focusing on professional accomplishments in addition to daily tasks and responsibilities.

If you do not have any formal work experience, focus on any relevant volunteer work, leadership roles in clubs or organizations, or any freelance or entrepreneurial endeavors you have pursued.

For more guidance on detailing your professional experience, read up on how to write work experience on a resume for tips from career experts.

The education section of a high school graduate resume should be concise and straightforward, providing the recruiter or hiring manager with the necessary information about your educational background.

Start with your highest level of education, which in this case is your high school diploma or equivalent. List the name of your high school, its location and the date of your graduation. If you have any relevant coursework, honors or awards, include them in this section. 

For example, if you took advanced courses in a particular subject area or received recognition for academic achievements, you could list them here.

If you plan to pursue higher education, you can also include your future plans in this section. For example, if you plan to attend college in the fall, you could include the name of the college, your intended major and any scholarships or grants you have received. 

See why My Perfect Resume is a 5-star resume builder

Action verbs for a standout high school graduate resume.

If you take a look at our high school graduate resume sample, you’ll notice that it has a lot of action verbs at the beginning of each statement. Pack your resume with the right words using some from our list below:

• Contributed
• Demonstrated
• Implemented
• Participated
• Communicated
• Researched 

You can edit our high school graduate resume templates in our Resume Builder for expert insights and professionally written content suggestions.

Top skills for your high school graduate resume

Make sure the resume skills you include on your high school graduate resume are relevant to the job description and what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Here are some high school graduate resume skills examples you might consider:

• Problem-solving 
• Leadership 
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail 
• Computer skills
• Customer service 
• Organization
• Time management 

Browse our 800+ resume examples for real-world resume samples for different job titles, industries and career levels.

Certifications to include on a high school graduate resume

Include any certifications or licenses on your high school graduate resume by creating a separate section for them and placing it under your education. List them out using bullet points. 

Here are a few examples of certifications a high school graduate might have that they can include on their resume: 

• CPR and First Aid Certification 
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification 
• National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
• Google Digital Marketing Certification
• Red Cross Lifeguard Certification 

Remember to only include certifications that are relevant to the role you are applying for.

Pair your resume with a matching cover letter

High school graduate resume faq, what is a simple objective for a high school graduate resume.

A simple objective for a high school graduate resume could be: “Seeking an entry-level position to apply communication and critical thinking skills, gain valuable work experience and contribute to the success of the organization.”

This objective statement is concise and straightforward, highlighting your desire to start your professional journey and contribute to the organization you’re applying to. 

It shows your eagerness to learn and grow in a new role while emphasizing your commitment to making a positive impact. 

Remember to tailor your objective statement to align with the specific job or industry you’re targeting.

How do you indicate that you are a high school graduate on a resume?

You can include a section dedicated to your education to indicate that you are a high school graduate on your resume. 

Here’s an example of how you can format your education section:

High School Diploma [Year]

[Name of High School]

You can also add any relevant information about your high school experience, such as honors, awards or relevant coursework. 

If you have any certifications or additional training related to your high school education, you can include them in this section as well.

What is the best resume format for high school students?

The functional resume format is typically the best option for high school students.

This resume format highlights your skills and achievements rather than focusing on your work experience. 

It’s suitable for high school students with limited work experience but want to showcase their relevant skills and accomplishments.

You can divide the resume into sections like “Skills,” “Education,” “Extracurricular Activities” and “Volunteer Experience.”

Read our guide on how to write a resume for detailed steps on writing the best high school graduate resume. You can also review the high school graduate sample resume on this page for more inspiration.

How do you write a resume if you just graduated from high school?

If you’ve just graduated from high school, you can still create a strong resume that showcases your skills, achievements and potential. Here are the steps you can follow to write a resume as a high school graduate:

• Start with a strong objective or summary statement that highlights your strengths, skills and career goals.
• Create an “Education” section and list your high school diploma, including the name of your high school, location and graduation date. 
• Create a “Skills” section and list any skills you have that are relevant to the job or industry you’re applying for.
• Create an “Experience” section and list any work experience you have. If you don’t have any work experience, you can include any relevant volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities you participated in during high school.

See what to put on a resume for additional details about each section and tips from career advice experts. 

How long should a high school graduate resume be?

A high school resume should generally be one page long. Since high school students typically have limited work experience and achievements, it’s important to keep the resume concise and focused on the most relevant information. 

A one-page resume is easier for recruiters and hiring managers to read and can help you make a strong first impression.

Remember, the goal is to showcase your best qualities and demonstrate your potential as a candidate in a clear and concise way.

Do’s and don’ts for your high school graduate resume

• Use measurable achievements to describe your abilities and academic experience. 
• Use action verbs to make an impact on your resume. For example, instead of saying “worked at a restaurant,” you could say “assisted with food preparation, served customers and maintained cleanliness in a fast-paced restaurant environment.”
• Tailor your resume to your target job. A customized resume is an excellent way to stand out to potential employers and land an interview.  
• Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume.
• Format your high school graduate resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
• Don’t lie about your academic or professional experience and skills.
• Don’t boast that you’re the “best student ever.” Instead, provide concrete examples of relevant skills such as teamwork, critical thinking or computer skills. 
• Don’t include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
• Don’t include irrelevant skills and work experience.  
• Don’t forget to proofread. A resume with errors is unprofessional.

Interview tips for high school graduates

Research the organization..

A few days before your job interview , do your due diligence and check the organization’s website. Read through their mission statement and vision and learn more about their culture. What do they stand for? How happy are their current employees? Can you see yourself working for them? 

Practice your answers.

Put together a list of questions that the interviewer might ask and practice your answers with someone you trust or in front of a mirror.

 Some commonly asked questions during job interviews include:

• Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?
• What Motivates You To Do A Good Job?
• What Are the Most Important Rewards You Expect to Gain From Your Career?

It’s always a good idea to prepare answers for some possible behavioral interview questions the hiring manager might ask, such as:

• How have you motivated others?
• What’s the Toughest Challenge You’ve Had and How Have You Handled It?
• Describe a Time When You Used Written Communication to Make a Point.

Prepare questions to ask during the interview.

Turn your interview into a conversation by asking the hiring manager questions about the organization, culture and expectations. There’s a high chance that they’ll open the floor for you at the end of the interview, so write a list of questions to ask, such as:

• Can you provide more details about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?
• What are the key qualities or skills you are looking for in the ideal candidate?
• How would you describe the company culture and values?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?

Gather references.

Have professional references ready during your interview. It comes in handy, especially if the hiring manager offers you the job on the spot. Make a list of two former colleagues and a former manager willing to speak highly about your abilities and performance.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• Seattle Pi. Article. Miles, Sally. Skills Most Required for Success After High School
• The Balance. Article. Doyle, Alison. First Resume With No Work Experience Example
• Edmentum. Article. Seven Essential Life Skills for High Schoolers to Build Before Graduating

Rate this article

4.5/5 stars with 100 reviews

Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.

Advertisement

‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

Build my resume

• Resume builder
• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

5 College Student No Experience Resume Examples & Templates [Edit Free]

College Student No Experience Resume

• College Student No Experience 2
• College Student No Experience 3
• College Student No Experience 4
• College Student No Experience 5
• Resume Writing 101

Sometimes, ambitious college students can’t wait to start working. Janee considered how to show value on her resume as a grad: Dreaming of working as a business analyst at Resource Data fueled her to research the company and think of relevant college achievements.

Janee recalled real projects from her degree in math and economics that saved a local manufacturer thousands. Even her stint as basketball captain highlighted her ability to organize, boost morale, and drive positive results.

Referencing her class movie recommendation project and the time her random forest model outperformed projections by 19 percent, Janee topped off her college student no experience resume with a career objective . Bam—hired. Try our resume templates for yourself; we can’t wait to applaud your success, too!

or download as PDF

College Student No Experience 2 Resume

College Student No Experience 3 Resume

College Student No Experience 4 Resume

College Student No Experience 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Current College Student
• College Student Internship
• College Graduate
• Grad School
• College Student

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Background Experience

When you lack experience, your skills become more important than ever! As a college student, you now have a nice, clear understanding of what you can do, and recruiters want to know all about it.

Make sure you list skills that are relevant to your field. For example: If you’re eager to step into the world of business analysis, then prioritize technical skills and highly relevant abilities.

And make sure those skills are worded in a deliberate and specific way, too! The last thing you want is to sound too apathetic about your future role to dig deeper than the usual generic terms on your resume.

Here are some examples of more specific skills you can use to show off your potential:

9 Best College Student No Experience Skills

• scikit-learn
• Linear Regressions
• Logistic Regressions
• Data Reporting
• Google Sheets

Sample College Student No Experience Work Experience Bullet Points

Now we’re on to the fun part! No really: It’s time to get creative and look for some nifty spins to put on your past projects and internships. Class groups, teams, clubs, and volunteer initiatives can all be used to demonstrate your ability to make the most of your skills, too.

Just make sure that anything you include is highly relevant to the field you want to work in! Use those sharp, specific skills you honed earlier to recall examples of experiences when you used them.

And always measure the impact you had when you reached those milestones! Use quantifiable data to back up your achievements and make them look way more credible:

• Reported to executives during business analytics class and initiated re-evaluation of resource allocation, saving $47K in vendor costs
• Aggregated data from Rotten Tomatoes and used k-nearest-neighbors in scikit-learn to improve recommendation system for personal tastes, boosting positive feedback by 12%
• Organized a community outreach for the university basketball team to train at-risk high school students and boost morale, leading high school teams to win 92% of total games
• Compiled and prepped 4 years of fantasy football projection data from 8 independent sources into a MySQL database, boosting positive ratings by 14%

Top 5 Tips for Your College Student No Experience Resume

• I know, I know, we just talked about it, but this really is a crucial aspect of your resume! When you don’t have any job experience yet, you’ll really need to hand-pick the most relevant bits and pieces of as many projects and college teams as you can.
• Many people hear “one page” and assume that filling their resume page is as important as limiting themselves to one page only. But this isn’t the case: Just focus on your best relevant achievements and allow some white space for things to breathe.
• Get strategic about your skill placement. Group similar types of skills together, such as everything related to Python, followed by everything related to data analytics, and so on.
• By all means, try out as many of our resume templates as you can! But while you compare them, keep a deliberate eye out for which one makes your college and project history look the fullest and most impressive.
• Keeping your experience examples sleek and to-the-point demonstrates your ability to get things done and convey info efficiently. You don’t have time to ramble since recruiters have to read things quickly!

Honestly, this isn’t something to worry much about: As long as it’s all together in one place and easy for recruiters to spot at a glance, you’re fine.

Customize it for each job description . It’s easy: All you need to do is reference the job description again and grab some key phrases and buzzwords to switch out in your resume, and boom: You’re now delivering a hand-tailored resume that’s designed to impress!

In our honest opinion, writing a cover letter is better. You get the best of both worlds: Your project and educational history will be able to take center stage while you use your cover letter to detail your qualifications in greater depth than you’d be able to with an objective statement.

• We’ll show you how, step-by-step • Real, practical tips and tools • 100% free

The Ohio State University

• BuckeyeLink
• Search Ohio State

How to Boost Your Resume Without a Summer Internship

Summer internships are one of the most common ways to gain relevant experience, but they certainly aren’t the only. Many students don’t realize that there are still several ways to build your engineering qualifications and strengthen your resume. If you won’t be participating in an internship this summer, it is advantageous to complete at least one alternative experience that you can add to your resume. 

On campus research opportunities are available to undergraduate students both during the semester and over the summer. Even if you don’t think the grad school or research paths align with your long-term career goals, undergraduate research experiences provide you with technical knowledge and hands-on skills. You can also use research lab experience to highlight your problem solving, quick learning, and collaborating abilities.

Micro-Internships and Projects

Companies post micro-internship opportunities when they are looking for help on one specific project. The project’s scope, deadline, and pay may vary. Micro-Internships give students the flexibility of setting their own work schedule/hours. Similar to traditional internships, micro-internships require you to apply technical and soft skills in a professional environment to meet expectations and complete the project on time. You can also learn new skills by engaging in personal projects. Whether it involves software, hardware, or a combination of the two, you can tailor personal projects to meet your specific needs. This type of project highlights your ability to take initiative, use your resources, and work independently.

Online Courses and Certifications

If you’re looking to learn something completely new (like circuits, a coding language, or CAD software) there are a ton of free resources – especially for students! These include Coursera , edX , SolidProfessor , Tinkercad , LinkedIn Learning , and more. There are even complete computer science courses from sources like Harvard University available on YouTube. If you receive certifications, these can be included under the “Qualifications” section of your resume.

Other Work Experience

Non-engineering work experiences bring more value to your resume than you may expect. Working as a restaurant server, grocery store cashier, or summer camp counselor speaks to your interpersonal skills and responsibility. Every company has customers, so who wouldn’t want to hire someone with customer service experience? You may also want to mention working in a fast-paced environment, applying attention to detail, or implementing time management.

Volunteering

Whether or not it is for a STEM-related organization, volunteering showcases causes that are of personal significance to you. This shows some of your personality and can even serve as great conversation starters in an interview. In addition to your transferrable skills, volunteer experiences show that you are a committed leader in your community.

“Don’t follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Related News

While entering college after high school is an amazing milestone, it can also be quite stressful. A lot of the time, students feel pressured to know exactly what they want to do as soon as possible. It can be hard to decide on an academic path when there are so many options available and when you have little to no experience. There are several tips you should consider that can help you finally decide on the degree you want to pursue. Here are some tips on choosing the right academic path.

Transitioning from high school to college can be a hectic time. Not only are you adjusting to a completely different schedule, environment, and lifestyle, but you are also left with the daunting task of choosing what to study. There are several steps you could take as a student to make the decision process easy and stress free. Here are some tips that will help you finally decide on an academic path.

Why is Your Degree Important?

Pursuing a college degree marks a major achievement in your educational journey. It is an accomplishment that provides life-long benefits and can lay the foundation for a successful future. Your degree will teach you valuable skills, expand your opportunities, increase employability, and impact your earnings. This is why it is so important to choose an academic path that aligns with you and your interests. As you go about deciding on your academic path, it is important to remind yourself of your “why.” Your sense of purpose can serve as motivation throughout your academic journey, providing you with resilience when you face challenges. Make sure you choose the path that is best for you.

1. Consider your goals

When choosing an academic path, consider your goals. Consider how long you want to be in school for. You may want to graduate early, or maybe you don’t mind staying for an extra semester or two. This will help you decide your course load and degree of choice. 

Another academic goal you may want to think about is whether or not you want to pursue higher education. Maybe a graduate degree will complement and expand on your bachelor’s degree. You should also take into account the skills you want to gain. Ask department faculty about the specific technical skills you would gain if you pursued a certain degree.

But, don’t limit yourself to just academic goals. You should also consider any career interests you may have. Think about how a certain degree can open doors to multiple job opportunities. For example, a degree in Digital Design doesn’t limit you to just graphic design. You could work as a UX designer, art director, animator, and so much more. 

Income can also play a major role in what you decide to study. Explore professions that align with your desired income level and reach out to a career development advisor for guidance on everything career-related. You can also speak with an academic advisor to help you create a graduation plan.

2. Consider your current skills and interests

Another crucial step in choosing your academic path is thinking about your current skill set and interests. Consider the activities you excel at and the subjects you like to learn. It may also be easier to take a step back and consider the broader areas of study you may be interested in. Do you like science, art, history, or business? You can start by recognizing one of these academic areas and narrowing down from there. NJIT offers over 100 specialized areas of study to select from. Identifying your strengths and passions can be very helpful in choosing a path that aligns with your abilities and brings you fulfillment.

If you’re still unsure about your interests, take some time to reflect on your hobbies, your strengths, and weaknesses. Consider the activities you can see yourself doing on a daily basis and the lifestyle you aspire to post-grad. You should also think about your preferred working environment and what you usually like to work with. Do you enjoy working with people? Data? Chemicals? Asking yourself questions and engaging in this self-exploration process can be a great way to discover your passions, and ultimately find a fulfilling academic path.

3. Join clubs and organizations

Joining a club or organization can be a fun and laidback way of discovering what you love. Not only will you be engaging in fun activities, but you will also be surrounded by like-minded individuals and make friends along the way. Joining clubs and organizations is a great way to network, learn from diverse perspectives, and even build your resume, as you will also be gaining both soft and hard skills. You will be able to explore a wide variety of subjects and activities, hold leadership roles, and have access to helpful resources. Participating in clubs will enhance your college experience and allow you to build life-long connections.

4. Find internships

Internships will give you real-world experience in the field you want to pursue. Don’t be afraid to apply for an internship, even if you believe you lack the necessary skills and experience. Internships are meant for students early in their academic careers to gain valuable work experience. You can try applying for an internship at a company or for a position that piques your interest even in your freshman year. The experience you gain will help you uncover your likes and dislikes all while boosting your resume.

Internships also provide a means for you to network with leaders in your field of interest. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with people that have experience in the industry, ask them questions, and learn from them.

5. Find volunteering opportunities

Volunteering can be a deeply enriching experience that allows you to give back to the community. But, it also provides you with hands-on experience that may align with your interests and goals, and it can help develop your resume. If you're stuck on deciding what to study, volunteering provides easy access to exploring different companies and job possibilities. There are numerous ways to participate. Check out your local non-profit organizations, volunteer websites such as VolunteerMatch or DoSomething.org , community events, religious institutions, or government municipalities for opportunities.

Choosing an academic path that speaks to you

Choosing an academic path that aligns with your passions can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Starting early in your academic journey to explore different subjects, engage in extracurricular activities, and seek mentorship can help you make informed decisions. Remember, it is okay to evolve and adapt your academic path as your interests and goals develop. The key is to stay open to new experiences and continuously learn about yourself, as this journey will ultimately lead you to a fulfilling and rewarding educational and career path.

With NJIT’s comprehensive list of majors and degrees , you are bound to find an academic area of study that speaks to you. NJIT also offers resources beyond the classroom , including study abroad opportunities, internships and co-ops, community service opportunities, and student leadership opportunities, to help you develop your resume and find something that sparks your interest. Apply today and discover the path that resonates with you!

Baby returns home after spending half his life in hospital with botulism

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (Gray News) - A Florida infant is back home with his parents after a rare case of botulism sent him to the hospital for three weeks, two of which he spent in the pediatric intensive care unit.

At just 3 weeks old, Khaizyn Kay was rushed to Golisano Children’s Hospital on March 16 after he lost his appetite and became lethargic. Within 24 hours, he stopped moving and responding entirely, according to a post on the hospital’s Facebook page .

His mother, Deisamely “Daisy” Kay, recalled the experience in an interview with WINK .

“He completely lost his mobility. He didn’t move. He didn’t respond to pain. He did not cry. He didn’t open his eyes,” she said.

Doctors in the PICU suspected Khaizyn had botulism, which is caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. Symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and, if left untreated, full paralysis of some muscles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

With no time to lose, doctors jumped into action, giving Khaiyzn a drug called BabyBIG that is designed to treat infant botulism. His mother wrote on GoFundMe that her son was “fighting for his life.”

“He crashed three times. He had to be intubated so many times I thought I wasn’t gonna walk out of here with our baby,” Kay told WINK.

But within 72 hours of being treated, Khaizyn’s condition began to improve, and he started moving again, WINK reports.

“When he started moving his little toes and picking up his legs, we were dancing around the room,” said Dr. Leigh Sweet, the pediatric infectious disease specialist who treated Khaizyn.

Khaizyn spent more than two weeks in the PICU recovering before moving to another area of the hospital. He received physical therapy to help him regain his strength, the hospital says .

Khaizyn was discharged last Friday at 6 weeks old.

“Our whole team was so happy to see baby Khaizyn go home with the rest of his amazing family!” wrote the hospital on Facebook.

The CDC says in most cases of infant botulism, it’s unclear where the patient was exposed to the bacteria that causes the disease. The bacteria can be found in soil, dust, inside homes and in honey. It is not dangerous to almost all healthy children and adults.

The cause of Khaiyzn’s exposure remains under investigation, according to his mother.

Kay set up a GoFundMe to help the family with medical expenses and the cost of ongoing care. Those who would like to donate may do so by clicking here .

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

3 tornadoes confirmed in SWLA; power outages remain after severe storms

SWLA school closures

Man accused of breaking into Jennings High caught after hours-long manhunt; school to resume Tuesday

Final decision handed down on former Barbe baseball star’s expulsion

24 vehicles involved in two pileups on 210 bridge, all lanes now open

Latest news.

Juror dismissed from Trump hush money trial as prosecutors seek to hold former president in contempt

Trader Joe’s is recalling basil over salmonella concerns

School bus driver had preliminary BAC of .133 while waiting to pick up students, police say

Deputies cracking down on drivers not wearing seatbelt

Liquid fuel bottles sold on Amazon recalled