Resume skills for teens

Teens 13–17 · Parent guide · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

Why do kids need resume skills and when does this skill usually develop?

Resume skills help teens learn how to present themselves professionally and clearly, which is useful for job applications, volunteer opportunities, and even college admissions. Writing a resume teaches organization, self-awareness, and communication, helping teens understand their strengths and experiences. These skills often begin to develop between ages 13 and 15, as teens start exploring part-time jobs, volunteering, or leadership roles in clubs and school. Around this age, teens become more aware of their interests and abilities, making it easier to talk about what they can offer. Parents can explain a resume like this: “A resume is a simple list that shows what you’re good at and the things you’ve done that make you a good fit for a job or volunteer spot.” Starting early means teens can add new experiences over time and avoid last-minute stress. It also helps them set goals and take responsibility for their future.

What skills should be on a teen’s resume at different ages?

Teens gain different skills as they grow, so the focus of a resume changes with age and experience. Use this guide to help your teen understand what to include:

Help your teen put these skills into their own words. For instance, if your teen helped organize a school event, they might say: “Worked with a team to plan and set up a school fundraiser.” Encourage your teen to include unpaid experiences like household chores or caring for siblings—they teach responsibility and time management. This approach helps teens recognize that many everyday activities build valuable skills.

How can parents introduce resume building to their teens?

Starting to build a resume can feel overwhelming for teens, so parents should make it simple and conversational. Begin with a talk like this: “Let’s think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. We can write those things down to use when you apply for jobs or volunteer work.” Ask your teen to list activities, jobs, or responsibilities they have. Help them find the skills behind those experiences by asking questions like:

• “What did you do during that activity?”
• “What did you learn or get better at?”
• “How did you work with others?”

For example, if your teen babysits, say: “That means you’re responsible and good at caring for others. Those are great things to put on your resume.” Break the process down into these steps:

1. List all roles and activities, paid or unpaid.
2. Write what your teen did and the skills they used or learned.
3. Pick 3 to 5 skills or experiences to include.
4. Write simple sentences or bullet points describing each skill or role.

Use clear, positive words. For example: “Helped with team projects by sharing ideas and listening to others.” Parents should encourage teens to express themselves in their own words and offer gentle corrections or suggestions.

What everyday moments can help teens practice resume skills?

Many daily situations provide natural ways for teens to practice resume writing skills:

• After finishing a school project, ask: “What part did you handle? How did you help your team?” This helps teens identify skills like teamwork, responsibility, or problem-solving.
• When your teen volunteers or helps with household tasks, say: “You managed your time well by finishing chores before homework. That’s an important skill.”
• Encourage your teen to explain what they did during an activity to a family member or friend. This builds confidence in describing their experiences.
• Practice writing bullet points together, such as: “Organized invitations and games for a birthday party.”
• Use shopping trips to discuss decision-making and budgeting: “You chose the best price and stayed within budget, which shows good planning.”

These conversations help teens connect everyday actions to skills employers want, making resume building feel relevant and manageable.

What mistakes do parents often make when teaching resume skills?

Parents sometimes wait too long to start resume building, which can create pressure when the teen finally needs a resume. Starting early provides time to gather experiences and practice skills gradually. Another mistake is expecting formal job experience before helping with a resume. Many teens don’t have paid jobs yet, so parents should focus on skills learned through school, volunteering, and family responsibilities. Using complicated or overly formal language is also confusing. Instead of phrases like “exhibited exceptional communication abilities,” try “talked clearly with customers and answered their questions.” Doing the writing for the teen can prevent them from learning how to explain their own experiences. Instead, ask questions and let them find their own words. Finally, forgetting to update the resume regularly means important experiences can be missed. Help your teen keep a simple list of activities to update their resume easily.

When should parents consider getting extra help with resume building?

If your teen has trouble identifying skills or organizing their resume, seeking outside support can help. Many schools offer counselors or career centers with free resume workshops designed for teens. Community centers and libraries may also provide classes on resumes and job readiness. For competitive internships or scholarships, professional assistance can improve writing and formatting. Tutors or coaches can provide one-on-one support to clarify wording and structure. If your teen feels overwhelmed or lacks confidence, these resources offer guidance and encouragement. Online resume builders tailored for teens can also simplify creating a resume with step-by-step instructions. Parents should encourage independence but recognize when extra help will boost their teen’s success.

How should a teen format a resume and write an objective or summary?

A teen’s resume should be simple, neat, and easy to read. Use a clean font such as Arial or Times New Roman, size 10 to 12, with clear section headings like Contact Information, Objective, Skills, Experience, and Education. Avoid fancy fonts or graphics that distract. Use bullet points to list skills and experiences clearly. Here’s a basic layout example:

Contact Information

• Name
• Phone number
• Email address

Objective A short 1-2 sentence statement explaining the teen’s goal. For example: “Motivated high school student with strong communication and teamwork skills seeking a part-time retail position.”

Skills

• Good at working with others
• Comfortable using computers and social media
• Responsible and punctual

Experience (paid or volunteer)

• Volunteer, Animal Shelter: Helped care for animals and assisted visitors.

Education

• High School Name, Expected Graduation

The objective tells employers what the teen hopes to do and highlights relevant skills. Encourage your teen to tailor it for each job by including keywords from the job description. For example, for a camp counselor role: “Enthusiastic and responsible student eager to use leadership and communication skills to support summer camp activities.” Use action verbs like “helped,” “organized,” and “led” to make descriptions more engaging. Parents should review resumes and offer suggestions but let teens write their own descriptions to build confidence and authenticity.

Frequently asked questions

Can teens include awards or hobbies on their resume?

Yes, including awards related to school or community and hobbies that show skills like teamwork or creativity can strengthen a resume. Keep these brief and relevant to the job or role applied for.

How do teens handle gaps if they don’t have much experience?

Focus on skills from school projects, volunteering, clubs, and home responsibilities. A strong objective and clear skills section help show potential and enthusiasm even without formal jobs.

Should a teen use a resume template or create their own?

Templates are useful for beginners because they provide clear structure. Teens can pick simple, clean templates and customize wording to reflect their personality and experiences.

How often should a teen update their resume?

Update the resume every few months or after completing new activities or roles. Keeping a running list of experiences year-round makes updating easier and less stressful.

What is the difference between a resume objective and a summary for teens?

An objective states the teen’s goals for a specific job or role, while a summary highlights key skills and experiences. Teens with limited experience usually benefit most from an objective.

How can parents encourage teens who feel shy about promoting themselves?

Remind them that a resume shares facts about their skills and experiences, not bragging. Practice talking about their strengths together and praise their efforts to build confidence.