How to make a resume with no experience high school

Parents & guardians · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting to create a resume for a high school student with no experience?

Before you begin writing the resume with your child, gather all relevant information to showcase their strengths beyond work history. This includes:

• Personal contact details: Full name, phone number, professional email address, and home address.
• Education: School name, current grade or year, expected graduation date, GPA if it is strong or requested.
• Extracurricular activities: Sports teams, clubs, music groups, or student government.
• Volunteer work: Community service, church activities, or helping at local events.
• Awards and recognitions: Honor roll, scholarships, competition wins.
• Skills: Computer programs (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace), languages spoken, communication, leadership, or organizational skills.
• Hobbies or interests: Only if they demonstrate qualities relevant to jobs, like creativity or responsibility.

Also, talk with your child about any informal responsibilities, such as babysitting, lawn care, or pet sitting. These experiences show responsibility and initiative. Having this information ready makes it easier to create a thorough and personalized resume.

What are the step-by-step instructions for making a resume with no work experience?

1. Select a clear, easy-to-read format: Use a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10-12, with consistent spacing. Choose a reverse-chronological layout starting with education and skills if no work experience exists.
2. Add contact information at the top: Include your child's full name in a slightly larger font, phone number, professional email address, and city/state (no need for full address for privacy).
3. Write a concise objective statement: This 1-2 sentence summary should explain the type of job sought and key qualities. For example: “Motivated high school student seeking part-time retail position to develop customer service skills and contribute enthusiasm and strong work ethic.”
4. List education details: Include the high school name, city, expected graduation date, and current GPA if strong or relevant.
5. Create a “Skills” section: Highlight abilities like “Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel,” “Strong communication and teamwork skills,” or “Bilingual in English and Spanish.”
6. Add extracurricular activities and volunteer work: Use bullet points with specific details and achievements. For example: “Member of the school debate team, improving public speaking and critical thinking.” “Volunteered 30 hours at the local food bank, assisting with sorting and distribution.”
7. Include awards and recognitions: Mention honor roll placements, academic awards, or leadership acknowledgments.
8. Optional references: Add “References available upon request” or list 1-2 adults like teachers or coaches who can verify your child’s character.
9. Review and proofread: Check for spelling or grammatical errors. Read the resume aloud or have another person review it. A clean, error-free resume reflects attention to detail.

By following these steps, your child can build a resume that emphasizes qualities employers want, even without job experience.

How can you tell if the resume worked?

After submitting the resume for job applications, look for signs it is effective:

• Interview invitations: An invitation to interview is the clearest indication the resume caught an employer’s interest.
• Employer feedback: Positive comments about the resume’s clarity or the candidate’s potential.
• Progressing to next hiring stages: Being asked for references, attending orientation, or receiving job offers.

If your child starts getting interview calls, it means the resume successfully highlights their strengths and suitability for entry-level work. Additionally, your child might feel more confident discussing their background with employers, reflecting that the resume helped organize and present their abilities clearly.

If there is no response after several applications, it might be time to adjust the resume or application approach. Encourage your child to think about how their skills match each job and to customize their objective statement and highlighted skills accordingly.

What to do when the resume does not get attention or results?

It’s common for first-time job seekers to face challenges. When the resume doesn’t generate responses, try these strategies:

• Tailor the resume for each job: Adjust the objective and reorder skills or activities to match the job description. For example, emphasize customer service skills for retail or organizational skills for office work.
• Add more detailed examples: Instead of “member of school club,” write “organized monthly fundraisers raising $400 for local charities.”
• Include a cover letter: A brief letter expressing enthusiasm and willingness to learn can make a big difference. Use simple language like, “I am eager to learn and contribute to your team. Although I have no formal job experience, I am dependable and a quick learner.”
• Seek feedback: Ask a teacher, career counselor, or friend to review the resume and suggest improvements.
• Practice interview skills: Help your child prepare answers to common questions and build confidence.
• Expand job search: Apply to a variety of entry-level positions and consider internships or volunteering to gain experience.

Remind your child that job searching is a process, and perseverance is key. Each application is a learning opportunity to improve.

How can parents or guardians support their teen in making a resume with no experience?

Parents play a vital role in guiding teens through resume writing. Support your child by:

• Discussing strengths and experiences: Help brainstorm activities or responsibilities they might not have thought of as job-relevant.
• Helping organize information: Assist in choosing what to include and how to phrase it clearly.
• Providing templates or examples: Share age-appropriate resume samples to inspire format and wording.
• Proofreading: Check for errors and suggest clearer phrasing.
• Encouraging honesty and positivity: Emphasize presenting information truthfully and focusing on qualities like eagerness and responsibility.
• Practicing interview questions together: Role-play common interview scenarios to build confidence.

Your support can reduce anxiety and help your child feel prepared. It also shows them how to approach job-seeking as a skill-building activity they can improve over time.

How to adapt the resume for different types of entry-level jobs for high school students?

Different jobs value different skills, so customizing the resume is important. Here are examples of how to adapt it:

When applying, tailor the objective statement to the job. For example: “Enthusiastic student seeking part-time cashier position to provide friendly service and develop communication skills.” This shows employers your child understands the role and is focused on contributing.

What specific examples can be used on a resume for a high school student without work experience?

Using concrete, descriptive bullet points helps employers understand your child’s abilities. For example:

• “Organized a school fundraiser that raised $500 for local animal shelter, coordinating volunteers and advertising.”
• “Captain of the basketball team, leading practices and developing teamwork skills.”
• “Volunteered 25 hours at the community library, assisting with book organization and customer service.”
• “Completed an online course in basic graphic design, creating posters for school events.”
• “Babysat neighborhood children during summer, managing schedules and ensuring safety.”

These examples highlight responsibility, leadership, communication, and initiative — all valuable qualities for employers.

Where can you find templates or examples to help write a first resume for a teen with no experience?

There are many free resources designed especially for teens writing their first resume:

• School career centers: Many schools offer resume workshops or printed guides.
• Public libraries: Often provide resume templates and computer access.
• Online websites: Look for teen-friendly resume examples and templates that guide structure and wording. Examples include guidance from career sites and youth employment organizations.
• Community centers or youth programs: May offer job readiness classes.

Using these tools ensures the resume has a professional look and includes the right content. Reviewing samples can also inspire your child to describe their experiences confidently and clearly.

Frequently asked questions

Should a high school student include a photo on their resume?

No. In the U.S., including a photo is generally discouraged to avoid bias. Focus on skills and experience instead.

How can a teen write a resume if they have never volunteered or joined clubs?

Highlight any personal projects, skills learned through hobbies, or informal responsibilities like caring for siblings or lawn care. Also, encourage trying volunteer opportunities to build experience.

Is it okay for a teen to use a parent's phone number or email on the resume?

Ideally, use a personal phone number and professional email to appear responsible. If your child doesn’t have these, a parent’s contact can be used temporarily with permission.

How often should a teen update their resume?

Update the resume after completing new activities, earning awards, or gaining experience. Regular updates keep it ready for opportunities.

What if the teen has bad grades or disciplinary issues?

Focus the resume on skills, activities, and positive qualities rather than grades. Avoid mentioning disciplinary issues on the resume; discuss them privately if asked in interviews.