How to Write Your First Resume
Short answer
A first resume is a simple, one-page document that highlights your skills, education, and any experience like volunteering or school activities to show employers why you’re a good choice for a job. Writing it carefully helps you stand out, even without paid work experience, and increases your chances of getting hired for your first job or internship.
What is a first resume in simple words?
A first resume is a brief document that introduces who you are and what you can do. Since most teens don’t have years of work experience yet, your first resume focuses on things like school achievements, volunteer work, hobbies, or family responsibilities that show you have useful skills. It’s like a personal introduction that helps employers understand your strengths and why you’re ready to work. Your resume should be clear and easy to read, usually fitting on one page, so employers can quickly see your potential.
How does a first resume work? (with an example)
Your first resume works by showing employers the skills and qualities you bring, even if you haven’t had a paid job. For example, imagine you babysit your younger siblings regularly. You can list this as experience:
Babysitter | June–August
- Supervised two children during afternoons
- Planned educational and fun activities
- Managed bedtime routines and ensured safety
This description tells employers that you’re responsible and can manage tasks independently. Or if you volunteered at a local library, you could say:
Library Volunteer | Saturdays
- Helped organize books and assisted visitors
- Supported staff during community events
By clearly explaining what you did, you show real examples of your skills and commitment. This helps employers picture how you might do well in a paid role.
Why does having a first resume matter for teens?
Having a first resume matters because it helps you prepare for your first job and think about your strengths. Writing a resume forces you to reflect on what you’ve learned and what you enjoy doing, which can guide your career decisions later. Employers often look at resumes first to decide who gets an interview, so a clear and honest resume gives you a better chance to be noticed. It also teaches you how to present yourself professionally—a skill useful beyond just jobs, such as applying for scholarships or college programs. A good first resume shows you’re serious and ready to take on responsibility.
What do people confuse a first resume with?
People sometimes confuse a first resume with a full professional resume or a CV. A professional resume usually includes years of work experience and detailed accomplishments, while a CV is a longer document used in academic fields that lists education, research, and publications. Many teens think they need a lot of job history before writing a resume, but your first resume is simply a way to share your current skills and experiences, no matter how small. Also, a resume is different from a job application form, which asks specific questions and doesn’t let you tell your story in your own words.
What should you include in your first resume?
Your first resume should have these important sections:
- Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address (something simple, like your first and last name).
- Objective or Summary: One or two sentences explaining what kind of job you want and what you can offer. For example, “Looking for a part-time retail position to develop customer service skills and gain work experience.”
- Education: Your school name, expected graduation year (you can say “Expected graduation” without a specific year), and any clubs or activities related to skills or leadership.
- Experience: Paid or unpaid jobs, volunteering, babysitting, or school projects that show your responsibilities. Use action words to describe what you did.
- Skills: Such as computer programs you know, languages you speak, or personal skills like communication and teamwork.
- Achievements: Awards, certificates, or recognitions from school or other activities.
Here’s a checklist of what to include and how it might look:
| Section | What to Include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Info | Name, phone, email | Alex Smith, (555) 123-4567, [email protected] |
| Objective | Job goal and what you offer | Seeking a summer job to build teamwork and customer service skills |
| Education | School, graduation info, activities | Lincoln High School, Expected Graduation, Soccer Team Member |
| Experience | Roles with dates and duties | Volunteer at animal shelter, cared for animals and cleaned cages |
| Skills | Technical and personal skills | Microsoft Office, conversational Spanish, problem-solving |
| Achievements | Awards, honors, certificates | Student of the Month, Science Fair Participant |
How can you start writing your first resume?
Start by brainstorming all your experiences and skills. Write down everything, including school clubs, sports, volunteer work, babysitting, or hobbies like managing a blog or creating art. Then organize these into categories like Education, Experience, and Skills.
Use clear, action-oriented phrases such as:
- “Organized a school fundraiser that raised money for charity.”
- “Assisted teachers in preparing classroom materials.”
- “Led a team in a group project to create a presentation.”
Avoid vague statements like “helped at school.” Instead, explain what you did and the outcome. Keep each bullet point short and focused on what you accomplished or contributed.
Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Write your contact information at the top.
- Add an objective that states your job goal.
- List your school and relevant activities.
- Detail any experience using action phrases.
- Include skills that relate to the job you want.
- Add achievements if you have them.
- Proofread carefully and ask someone you trust to review it.
What should you do after writing your first resume?
Once your resume is ready, use it to apply for jobs, internships, or volunteer positions. Tailor it slightly for each opportunity by highlighting the skills or experiences that match the job description. Save it in a digital file to email or upload to online job sites.
Practice explaining what’s on your resume so you’re confident at interviews. For example, if you wrote “organized school fundraiser,” be ready to explain what you did and what you learned.
If you don’t get a job right away, keep gaining experience and updating your resume. Try new activities or volunteer roles to build your skills. Remember, every resume improves as you grow, so keep it current and don’t get discouraged.
For more detailed ideas and sample resumes, see First Resume Tips for Beginners Starting Out and First Resume Examples to Help You Get Started.
Frequently asked questions
What if I haven’t done any volunteer work or babysitting?
Think about school projects, clubs, sports, or hobbies that show responsibility or skills. Even helping with family chores or managing your own schedule counts. You can describe those experiences honestly on your resume.
Can I include hobbies on my first resume?
Yes, but only if they show skills useful for the job, like teamwork, leadership, or creativity. For example, playing on a sports team or running a blog can be included if described professionally.
How do I create a professional email address for job applications?
Use a combination of your first and last name without nicknames or numbers if possible, like [email protected]. Avoid emails with slang or funny words.
Should I include references on my first resume?
Usually, you don’t need to list references on your resume. You can prepare a separate reference list and give it if asked by the employer.
How can I make my resume stand out if I have no work experience?
Focus on your strengths, like teamwork, communication, or leadership from school or volunteer activities. Use clear examples and strong action verbs to describe what you did.