How to Write an Impressive Resume As a Teenager

As a teenager, you may not have extensive work experience to boast about just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create an impressive resume. A well-crafted resume can be a powerful tool to showcase your skills, achievements, and potential to future employers or educational institutions.

Don't fret if you're a teen lacking work experience. I will provide a step-by-step guide on writing an impressive resume as a teenager, highlighting your unique qualities, and setting yourself apart from the competition.

Contact Information

You should first include your contact information in your impressive resume. This information should include your name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure this information is accurate and up-to-date.

Objective Statement

Your objective statement should indicate the type of job you are seeking and why. This statement should be short and to the point. For example, “To obtain a part-time position that utilizes my communication and organizational skills.”

Education

List your high school and expected graduation date. If you have any notable academic achievements, such as a high GPA or being a member of the National Honor Society, include that as well. You can also include any relevant coursework, such as computer programming or business classes. If you have participated in any academic competitions or clubs, such as the Science Olympiad or debate team, be sure to include those.

Work Experience

If you don’t have any work experience, don’t worry! There are other ways to demonstrate your skills and abilities. You can include any volunteer work, internships, or summer programs you have participated in. For instance, if you are applying for a job in graphic design, you can showcase any design projects you have worked on, even if they were just for fun. Additionally, you can highlight any leadership roles you may have held in school, such as serving as a captain for a sports team or leading a school club.

Remember, employers are looking for candidates who are passionate, driven, and willing to learn. Use your resume to showcase your strengths and potential, even with limited work experience. List the organization, your role, and the dates you were involved. For example, “Volunteer at the local animal shelter, walking and caring for dogs, May 2019 – present.”

Extracurricular Activities

Listing extracurricular activities in a resume is especially important for teens with little work experience. This section can help demonstrate your interests, passions, and ability to manage your time and balance multiple commitments. When listing extracurricular activities, include any clubs or organizations you are a part of and any leadership roles you may have held.

This can consist of student government, sports teams, or music groups. Don’t be afraid to get creative here – if you have pursued any personal projects or hobbies related to the job you are seeking, be sure to include those. For instance, if you are applying for a career in journalism, you can showcase any articles you have written for your school newspaper or any blogs you have maintained on your own.

Awards and Honors

If you have received any awards or recognition for your achievements, include them in a separate section. This can include academic honors, community service awards, or credit for a specific project or accomplishment.

Some examples of awards and honors that a teen can include on their resume:

• Academic awards, such as Honor Roll, National Honor Society, or AP Scholar
• Athletic awards, such as MVP, team captain, or All-Conference
• Certificates of completion in relevant subjects like coding, art, or music.
• Community service awards, such as Volunteer of the Year or Outstanding Service Award
• Leadership awards, such as Student Council Officer of the Year or Best Delegate at a Model UN Conference
• Artistic awards, such as Best in Show at a local art fair or winner of a photography contest
• Music awards, such as First Chair in an orchestra or winner of a solo competition
• Science awards, such as recognition in a science fair or participation in a research program

When applying for a job, limiting the awards and honors you include to only those that use the position is essential.

Personal Statement

Consider adding a brief personal statement at the beginning of your resume. This can give potential employers a sense of your personality and what you are passionate about. Keep it short and focused, and tie it back to the job you seek.

An example of a personal statement for a teen without much job experience might be: “As a recent high school graduate, I am excited to enter the workforce and gain experience in marketing. I am a creative thinker with a passion for social media and digital marketing, and I am eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.”

Workshops and Courses

If you have taken any relevant workshops or courses, include them in a separate section. This includes Coding lessons, online courses, community center workshops, or local college classes.

Remember, your resume is a reflection of you and your experiences. Be honest and concise, and focus on highlighting your strengths and accomplishments. With a well-crafted resume, you can stand out from the crowd and land that dream job!

Skills

Include any skills you have that are relevant to the job you are seeking. This can include computer skills, language skills, or any other skills that may be relevant to the job.

Here are some skills that could be listed on your resume:

• Computer skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite
• Coding skills
• Language skills, such as fluency in a second language
• Communication skills, such as public speaking or social media management
• Organizational skills, such as event planning or project management
• Leadership skills, such as team captain or student council officer
• Technical skills, such as web design or coding
• Creative skills, such as graphic design or photography

References

Include at least two references, such as a teacher, coach, or mentor. Make sure you ask for their permission before including their contact information.

Formatting

Ensuring that your resume is visually appealing and easy to read is essential. A simple and clean font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and a consistent format throughout the document can help achieve this.

While creating a solid resume as a teenager can be challenging, it's not impossible. You can showcase your strengths and experiences, including extracurricular activities and relevant coursework, to potential employers by tailoring your resume to each job you apply for.

Keep your resume concise, visually appealing, and easy to read, and don't forget to proofread for errors. Following these tips will increase your chances of landing your dream job!

About the Author

Lomit Patel is the Chief Growth Officer of Tynker, with 20 years of experience helping startups grow into successful businesses.

Lomit has previously played a critical role in scaling growth at startups, including Roku (IPO), TrustedID (acquired by Equifax), Texture (acquired by Apple), and IMVU (#2 top-grossing gaming app).

Lomit is a public speaker, author, and advisor with numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, including being recognized as a Mobile Hero by Liftoff. Lomit's book Lean AI is part of Eric Ries' best-selling "The Lean Startup" series.