how to write a resume as a high school graduate

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High School Graduate Resume Example

Whether you’re a current college student or a full-time member of the workforce, writing a resume as a recent high school graduate can be a challenge.

But even without a lot of work experience or a college degree to bolster your candidacy, you can highlight your skills and qualifications to differentiate yourself from the competition and impress the hiring manager.

What to Include in Your Resume

Your goal is to recognize and highlight the experience that you do have and tie it to the requirements as listed in the job description . For example, you might not have held a formal position as a manager, but perhaps you’ve trained new workers at your after-school job and helped your supervisor balance schedules and make deposits. Demonstrating responsibility and leadership qualities may help make up for the lack of an official title.

On the other hand, maybe you have little in the way of paid job experience but a lot of volunteer work on your resume. Don’t just match apples to apples.

Dig into your experience and abilities and focus on what you can do for a prospective employer.

Here are some of the experiences and activities that can be included on your resume:

• Academic projects
• Community activities
• Extracurricular activities
• Formal work experience
• Informal work experience (babysitting, lawn mowing, etc.)
• Internships
• School activities
• Volunteering

How to Apply to Jobs as a High School Graduate

Don’t assume that you’re not qualified for the job, just because you lack some of the ideal requirements listed in the job description. Hiring managers tend to list the skills, experience, and qualifications that they’d hope to find in the perfect candidate.

But, the reality is that this person might not exist. Further, the best person for the job might be someone who doesn’t have all of the requirements but has other things to recommend them, such as a positive attitude, the ability to learn, and excellent communication and people skills .

Unless you lack the essential skills for the job, it’s usually worth it to apply.

The only thing you have to lose is your time. Plus, the more you apply to jobs, the better you’ll get at writing resumes and cover letters , participating in job interviews , and networking your way into new opportunities.

If you’re a high school graduate who’s currently working on a resume , the following example, which includes both volunteer and work experience, will help you get started. Remember to customize your resume for your experience and for each job application.

This is an example of a resume for a high school graduate. Download the high school graduate resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

High School Graduate Resume Example (Text Version)

Keith Jones 999 Main Street Pittsburgh, PA 10003 Home: 555-555-6543 Cell: 456-555-7654 kjones.applicant@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Soon-to-graduate honors English major, with a solid history of work, academic, and extracurricular experience seeks entry-level management position with a top firm.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

• Member of a number of academic honors societies.
• Held leadership roles in several athletic, academic, and school-related organizations.
• Received several honors and a promotion at a part-time job.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

JOE’S CAFE, Southampton, PA Barista, Fall 2020-Present Was selected employee of the month twice for efficient, friendly service.

• Promoted to barista September 2020.

BERKSHIRE COUNTY PLAYHOUSE, Berkshire, PA Assistant , Summer 2020 Coordinated rehearsal and performance schedules for the cast and crew of three one-week productions over one season.

• Created and managed social media accounts for the playhouse to market shows and activities.

STUDENT TUTORS AT WASHINGTON, Southampton, PA Tutor , September 2019-May 2020 Instructed elementary school students on how to apply mathematic and scientific concepts to their homework assignments.

• Coordinated a weekend trip to the Philadelphia Zoo and designed a packet of math and science questions related to the animals and exhibits children encountered there.

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in English (May 2021: Projected Graduation Date); GPA 3.9 XYY University, Pittsburgh, PA Dean’s List Every Quarter; Fulbright Scholar (Oxford University); Lead Roll “The Music Man,” Spring 2020

George Washington High School (June 2017); GPA 4.0

• French Honors Society, National Honors Society, National Merit Scholar; Varsity Soccer Team Captain

• High School Graduate Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on High School Graduate Resumes:

• Assisting with filing and organization of documents to ensure efficient office management.
• Performing data entry tasks to input information into databases or spreadsheets accurately.
• Handling customer service inquiries via phone or email, providing information and resolving issues.
• Supporting event planning and execution, including setup and breakdown for school or community events.
• Maintaining inventory of supplies and placing orders when necessary to ensure availability of necessary materials.
• Assisting with the creation of presentations or reports using software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Word.
• Conducting basic research or gathering data to support staff members on various projects or initiatives.
• Operating office equipment such as printers, copiers, and scanners to manage and distribute documents.
• Participating in team meetings, taking notes, and distributing meeting minutes to ensure effective communication.
• Managing social media accounts or updating website content under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Providing support to finance department by helping with basic bookkeeping or processing invoices.
• Assisting with the coordination of volunteer activities or outreach programs organized by the school or affiliated organizations.

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

High School Graduate Resume Example:

• Streamlined data entry processes for a local non-profit, enhancing data accuracy by 15% and reducing time spent on data input by 20% through the creation of a custom spreadsheet template.
• Coordinated a community event that attracted over 300 attendees, managing logistics and volunteers, which resulted in a 50% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year.
• Developed and delivered a presentation on community engagement strategies that was adopted by the school's leadership team, leading to a 25% increase in student participation in extracurricular activities.
• Revamped the filing system at a small business office, increasing document retrieval efficiency by 30% and reducing misfiled documents by 90% within the first three months.
• Handled customer service inquiries with a 95% satisfaction rate, resolving issues promptly and improving the company's reputation for excellent customer support.
• Assisted in managing the company's social media accounts, growing the follower count by 40% and enhancing online engagement by creating content that resonated with the target audience.
• Data Entry and Spreadsheet Management
• Event Planning and Coordination
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Presentation Development and Delivery
• Organizational Systems Improvement
• Customer Service Excellence
• Social Media Management and Content Creation
• Bookkeeping and Financial Processing
• Volunteer Management and Retention
• Digital Tools Proficiency for Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Efficiency Optimization
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Leadership and Team Building
• Effective Communication
• Project Management

Top Skills & Keywords for High School Graduate Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Computer Literacy
• Organization
• Customer Service
• Basic Math Skills
• Research Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Attention to Detail

Soft Skills

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Time Management and Organization
• Leadership and Initiative
• Resilience and Perseverance
• Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
• Creativity and Innovation
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Decision Making and Judgement
• Networking and Relationship Building

Resume Action Verbs for High School Graduates:

• Collaborated
• Participated
• Contributed
• Volunteered
• Implemented
• Facilitated
• Demonstrated
• Coordinated

A Better Way to Build Your Resume

Resume FAQs for High School Graduates:

How long should i make my high school graduate resume, what is the best way to format a high school graduate resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a high school graduate resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a high school graduate, compare your high school graduate resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the High School Graduate job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for High School Graduates:

High school student first job, high school student with no experience, beginner teacher assistant, graduate teacher assistant, substitute teacher with no experience, entry level substitute teacher, first year teacher.

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18 High School Student Resume Examples Created for 2024

High School Student Resume

• High School Student Resumes by Experience
• High School Student Resumes by Role

High school is one of the best times of your life, but it can also be one of the most difficult when looking for your first or second job. You’ve got to fill out applications, prep for interviews, and write your resume.

Using ChatGPT for resumes  is a cool idea, but can still feel daunting and overwhelming. We’ve all been there, and what you really need is a free AI resume builder and solid student cover letters to get you on your way.

We’ve analyzed countless high school resumes to discover  what would get students job interviews in 2024 . While you may want to start with a simple  resume outline , keep reading to find 18 high school resume samples (plus writing tips) that are jam-packed with essential techniques and tricks.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you choose to use a template, make sure you adjust the  resume’s formatting  so that your text is big enough to read with one-inch margins on the side.
• However, you should write your bullet points like you would for a job. Highlight any responsibilities and accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for now.
• For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales, emphasize your ability to work in groups and create a good customer experience.

High School Student No Experience Resume

• If you don’t have work history, include projects and volunteer work instead. Treat them like a job and write bullet points according to your responsibilities.
• Make sure you start every bullet point with active verbs, and always double-check for typos. You’ve got this!
• Include your unique skills, your desired position, and the company you hope to work for to make your objective stand out from the rest!

First Job High School Student Resume

• To remedy that problem, add a  skills section on your resume  to give hiring managers an important overview of your strengths.
• To really highlight your abilities, incorporate the same skills in your work experience, too. Demonstrate how you used your skills to better your workplace, and you can’t go wrong!
• Adding stylistic elements like color and different fonts can help you show a bit of your personality (and make your resume more fun to read). 

Experienced High School Student Resume

• Remember, your resume is a highlight reel, so you need to include what’s most important (like your achievements and relevant metrics). 
• You can adjust your layout, font sizes, and margins, but keep it easy to read. 
• Use a bit of color and some fun fonts, provided it still looks professional. You’ve got this!

High School Senior Resume

• This statement must align with the potential employer’s needs, proving you understand the job requirements and have gone the extra mile to address doubts about your capabilities. As for experiences that might have prepared you for the job, workshops and volunteering programs you’ve participated in are prominent candidates.

Out of High School Resume

• Leisure activities range from soccer, hiking, drawing and sketching, robotics, and photography to journalism. But how do they fit in the picture? Well, a penchant for drawing and sketching could reflect creativity and an eye for detail, while journalism stints could hint at strong communication and critical thinking.

High School Graduate Resume

• Right from the first line of the career objective, you can see the candidate’s passion and willingness to work in this field. Notice how Serai’s love for photography is clearly backed by a previous project for a school newspaper.
• These details will be perfect when Serai’s ready for the AI cover letter generator to bring her application to perfection.

High School Diploma Resume

• In the education section of your high school diploma resume, include your diploma, the school’s name, and your start and end date. Add some useful software skills to the mix to secure your seat in any undergraduate program.

Recent High School Graduate Resume

• Begin with clearing which stream and degree you want to pursue. Next, follow suit with your mission and what you hope to gain by completing the program. Try some more personalization by linking your career goal with the college’s agenda.

High School Student Scholarship Resume

• Your high school student scholarship resume should vividly show your positive contributions to noble causes, such as offering ADLs to seniors, and emphasize your impact on society.

High School Student College Application Resume

• Ensure your high school student college application resume shows your practical and classwork achievements that emphasize your grand vision to make a positive contribution to society.

High School Student for College Resume

• Before hitting “submit,” always  check your resume  for typos and other minor errors. It’s amazing what you can miss during your first few reviews.
• A good GPA can demonstrate, at least in part, your willingness to work hard. We’d recommend including your GPA only if it’s above 3.5, but anything above a 3 is a good average.

High School Student for Customer Service Resume

• Including projects, volunteer work, or club memberships is a great way to add value to your resume.
• Your resume should focus on your abilities and other activities you’ve engaged in that will show your value.
• Read the responsibilities and qualifications to look for key skills and tasks. Then, incorporate some of those skills and responsibilities into your high school student customer service resume.

High School Student Internship Resume

• For example, if the job description lists responsibilities like writing and analyzing data, include “written communication” and “data analysis” in your skills section.
• One easy way to customize your resume is by focusing your  resume skills  on things that apply to the internship. 
• Make sure you keep your resume professional and to the point. You don’t want to include anything too personal about your beliefs, religion, politics, or personal information.
• For example, you can list “volunteering at local church,” but avoid saying “fasting every weekend.” It doesn’t show off relevant skills and is a bit too forward for a resume.

High School Student Office Worker Resume

• Good projects include anything that demonstrates your leadership abilities or desire for knowledge. Senior projects, personal blogs, or even being on a sports team are all good examples to include!
• Add work experience directly under your contact information and name, then add any relevant projects if you’re low on space. 
• While there are plenty of  resume writing tips , your resume should be as unique as you. Don’t get so caught up in what you think you “should” do that your resume is bland and cookie-cutter. 

High School Student Sales Resume

• Numbers demonstrate your value, and they’re useful tools for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that hiring managers use to sort through job applicants.
• Trust us, and incorporate metrics into at least 80% of your bullet points!
• For example, you know that different  resume templates  can change your resume’s appearance, but different templates can also stretch or streamline your content. 
• Mess with multiple templates to see what your content will look like—you may find a template that allows for more room, or one that allows you to highlight your skills better.

High School Student Athlete  Resume

• Think of a time you proved you were the MVP on your team—Did you lead your team to a championship? Perhaps you made the game-winning shot in a crucial, nail-biting game?

High School Student Music Resume

• When you include hobbies like songwriting or your interest in classical music in your high school student music resume , it conveys to your recruiter that you’re super dedicated and passionate about your craft.
• You can also include hobbies that are different, too. For example, if you enjoy experimenting with new recipes from around the world, that can show you’re ready to give new genres a whirl or that you understand that music—while art—is still supposed to be fun and adventuresome.

Related resume guides

• Entry Level

High School Resume - How-To Guide for 2024 [11+ Samples]

Whether you’re preparing your college application, applying for an internship, or looking for a part-time job, you’ll notice that every single place is asking for your resume. 

You sit down, work on your resume for an hour, trying to come up with what you can include.

And all you end up with is the name of the high school you’re attending.

“What gives?” you wonder.

“What else can I add to my resume, when I have zero work experience?”

That’s a more than valid concern and it’s exactly what we’re going to discuss in this article! 

We’re going to tell you exactly what to write so that your resume is as convincing as any other (even with zero work experience). 

• What to include in a high school resume
• 4 Free high school templates you can use
• A real-life high school resume example
• FAQ on high school resumes

Let’s start with the question you’ve been repeatedly asking yourself:

What to Include in My High School Resume?

At the end of the day, resumes are about showing an employer that you are the right person for the job. 

You want to show you’re a competent, passionate, and responsible individual, with the right skills to get the job done.

Well, work experience isn’t the only way to convince recruiters of that. 

Instead, you can focus on the following sections:

• #1. Contact Information - This is where you write down your personal and contact information (no surprise there) like first and last name, phone number, e-mail address, or links to other profiles.
• #2. Resume Objective - In 3-4 sentences, you should be able to describe your career goals and aspirations as well as list your skills.
• #3. Education - As you probably guessed, this is where you list your education history and relevant certifications.
• #4. Extracurricular Activities - These include participation in high school clubs, competitive events, and volunteer work.
• #5. Projects & Gigs - You can mention relevant projects you have participated in, as well as any internships.
• #6. Work Experience (optional) - If you don’t have any work experience, you can mention apprenticeships or volunteer work instead.
• #7. Languages - Language skills are always a plus for your application.
• #8. Hobbies & Interests - These offer some insight into your personality and can show that you’re passionate and interested in the industry.

As you can see, there’s a lot that can go into your resume to make up for the missing work experience. 

Now, we’ll dive into each of these sections in detail and teach you how to do each of them right!

So, let’s start with:

#1. Contact Information

The contact information isn’t too hard to pull off.

Here’s what you need to include here:

• First and Last Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address

Make sure to use a professional email address , something like: [email protected]. Using your middle school [email protected] account will not leave the right impression. 

#2. Resume Objective

A resume objective is a 3-4 sentence statement of your skills, achievements, and career goals . 

Think of it as a short summary of why you’re applying for this specific position and why you’d be a good candidate for it.

You should try your best to link this summary to the role you are applying for. 

For example, if you’re applying for a position as a sales associate, you should make a point of your good social skills, proficiency in math, and teamwork skills.

Let’s have a look at a concrete example of a resume objective for this case:

Hard-working, responsible high school student looking to contribute a positive and collaborative attitude in the retail field. Math-oriented individual with good attention to detail.

#3. Education

In a typical resume, this comes after the work experience section. 

For a high school resume, though, you’d want to do it the other way around, since you want to put more focus on your academic achievements.

This section will most probably consist of only one entry: your high school education. 

Here’s how you can format your education section:

• Name of the Degree
• Name of the Institution
• Years Attended
• GPA (if above 3.5)
• Honors (if applicable)
• Relevant Courses

High School Diploma (Honor Roll)

AB High School

09/2015 - 06/2019

• Relevant courses: AP Calculus, Statistics, Leadership

#4. Extracurricular Activities

Now, this section could be one of your biggest selling points. 

Even if you have a not-so-special GPA, extracurriculars can turn your resume around. These activities are typically school-related, like participation in clubs or student societies. 

Involvement in such, especially in leadership positions like club president or team captain, shows you are sociable and active in your pursuits. 

When listing your extracurricular activities, you should format each entry like this:

Student Body Treasurer

Student Government, AB High School

• Managed the student council’s funds and expenses, kept financial records, and worked with the president and vice president to create budgets and allot funds for clubs and events.
• Participated in organizing student activities like dances, spirit weeks, community service, and fundraising movements and assemblies.

#5. Projects & Gigs

Here you can mention (or even link to) any independent projects you’ve worked on - something you’ve done on the side, unrelated to academics. 

This could be a personal project, small business or startup, side-gig, blog, etc.

Such activities add a lot of value to your resume. They show you’re a self-starter and that’s a quality that’s very much appreciated in any role and industry.

Neighborhood Book Club 

2019 - Present

• Founded a local book club, initially for my friends, and later for all the teenagers of my neighborhood.
• Prepared a monthly book calendar for the club, combining trending, relevant, and classic books.
• Organized weekly meetings to discuss the progress on the books and our thoughts upon finishing them.

#6. Work Experience (Optional)

If you have some work experience, awesome! Here’s how you’d format it on your high school resume:

• Company Name
• Dates Employed
• Achievements & Responsibilities

Sandwich Artist

Joe’s Sandwich Emporium

06/2020 - 09/2020

• Prepared several types of sandwiches for customers.
• Promoted new products on the menu directly to customers.
• Worked with the cash register.
• Interacted with dozens of customers on a daily basis.

If you don’t have any work experience, though, worry not! You can always replace it with another “Other” section.

Volunteer work, for example, is another great addition to your resume. If you also have any informal work experiences like babysitting or dog walking, you should include them in the section. 

Even if you didn’t get a paycheck out of that work, such experiences show you are skilled and reliable. 

For example, an entry for volunteering experience can look like this:

Educational Team Member

Save the Children

2018 - Present

• Assisted in giving weekly art history and drawing lessons to children at the local orphanage
• Helped organize visits at local museums and art galleries

#7. Language skills

Are you bilingual or can speak another language apart from your native one?

Make sure to mention it on your high school resume!

Wherever you might be applying, you can rest assured that they’re going to appreciate your language skills.

Even if you’re applying for a job in the service or retail industry, proficiency in an extra language or two is going to give you an advantage over other applicants, especially if you write your CEFR level , and can back up the claim in conversation.

Who knows when some foreign customers will come in and your knowledge will come in handy!

With that scenario in mind:

Be mindful not to exaggerate your skills, as lying on your resume can only get you in trouble.

#8. Hobbies & Interests

It might feel like you’re just filling up some space, but actually, the hobbies and interests you list on a resume can be significant, especially if you don’t have a lot of extracurriculars or work experience.

You need something to hint as to who you are as a person and employee, and listing hobbies and interests will do that for you. 

They also show that you are an engaged individual and well-rounded applicant. 

However, you should be selective with what you mention here. 

Listing 6+ hobbies will end up having the opposite effect - it will look like you’re just throwing in some random words, hoping some of them will be impressive. 

A good strategy is to look for hints on the job ad i.e. if they are looking for a team player, mentioning a team sport as one of your hobbies is a great idea. 

Keep in mind, though, that you should also avoid hobbies that don’t add to your profile as a candidate.

E.g.: your gaming hobby doesn't make you a better candidate for the role of a sales manager.

4 Free High School Resume Templates

So we’re all done with theory at this point. 

There’s one thing left for you to do: sit down and start preparing your resume. 

To help you with that, we’ve gathered 4 free resume templates , perfect for a high school resume. 

All you have to do is pick the ones you like best & get started with your resume!

#1. Simple Resume Template

This versatile template works for all kinds of applicants - from those with plenty to those with zero work experience. 

The neutral colors emphasize information over flashiness and the structure is easy to follow.

#2. Professional Resume Template

This next template is an all-time favorite of ours. 

Unlike the first template, the Professional one is formatted into two columns. It’s simple, yet stands out with its blue accent color (which you can change into any color you like). 

#3. Modern Resume Template

The Modern template adds something more to the traditional resume look. There is a faded design in the background and some of the sections are boxed by large brackets.

It’s a template that stands out without being too loud or wild. 

#4. Creative Resume Template

If you’re applying for a position in a creative field (marketing, design, etc.), this is the template for you. 

It uses accent colors and has a bold header that makes a statement. 

High School Resume Example

As important as picking the right template is, the content of the resume is what’s going to seal the deal. 

Here’s one example of a high school student resume, so you can get a clearer idea of what it should look like!

High School Resume FAQ

If you still have some questions regarding your high school resume, check out the FAQ and our answers below:

1. How can I write a high school resume with no work experience?

As a high school student, it’s more than normal for you to have no work experience. This shouldn’t scare you. 

There’s a lot of activities you can add to your resume that can substitute work experience.

Extracurricular activities, like participation in school clubs, projects, and gigs, are a great indicator of your skills and personality. Any informal work experiences should also be mentioned.

As long as you are showing the recruiter that you are capable of doing the job, your resume will be just fine without a work experience section.

2. How long should a high school resume be?

When it comes to high school resumes, the answer is undebatable: one page. 

A 2018 eye-tracking study showed that recruiters spend about 7 seconds skimming a resume before deciding whether to discard it or not. 

A 2-page resume will be simply excessive. 

Heck, even if you’re a professional with 10 years of work experience, we’d still recommend sticking to 1 page.

For more on resume length best practices, check out our article.

3. What’s the best way to make a high school resume?

An important and time-consuming part of making a resume is getting the formatting right. 

This means meticulously editing a Word or Google doc in order to get the right typeface, font size , line spacing, margins, etc.

What we’re getting at here is, if you’re making your resume manually, it can take you hours…

And then you make a tiny change on your layout, and your resume starts spilling into the second page!

Want to save time and effort?

Just use a resume builder ! The formatting is done for you, and all YOU have to do is fill in the resume!

Key Takeaways

That pretty much covers all you need to know about writing a high school no-experience resume . 

Quite simple and doable, right?

Finally, here’s a recap of what you should keep in mind when writing your high school resume:

• Instead of work experience, talk about extracurriculars like school clubs, personal projects, or gigs.
• Use sections like education, hobbies & interests, and languages to emphasize your skills and give an idea of your personality.
• Grab the recruiter’s attention with a concise resume objective that clearly highlights your top skills and career goals.
• Keep your resume at a maximum of 1 page.

And finally, good luck with your job search!

Related Resume Examples

• No Experience Resume
• Internship Resume
• College Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• Students and Graduates Resume
• Teacher Resume

Suggested readings:

• The Complete Guide to Remote Work [W/ Tips & Tricks]
• 101+ Achievements to List On Your Resume [In 2024]
• The Ultimate Guide to Job Hunt - Land Your Next Job in 2024

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How to write a high school resume (when you’re still in school)

With a good strategy and the right mindset, you can learn how to write the high school resume that scores you your first job.

Whether you are applying for a prestigious internship or an entry-level job, you probably already have what it takes. It may seem like you don’t have much experience, but many high school students underestimate their own skills.

Recommended links:

• Our collection of 500+ professional resume examples .
• Our gallery of 20+ downloadable resume templates .

With these five tips for writing a great high school resume, your resume will be ready in no time.

• Yes, you do have experience

Paid work should of course go on your resume. If you have held entry-level jobs, like bussing tables, stocking shelves, or sweeping floors, these should all be included. Even if they are unrelated to the job you are applying for, they show that you have experience working with people and getting things done.

But the most common concern that high school students have when they write their first resume is that they don’t have enough experience. If you have never had a job before, how could you have a work history?

Fortunately, there are many ways you can gain important skills and experience, even if it isn’t formal paid work. Skills that you developed before you had a “real job” can be appropriate for a high school resume.

Informal work that you do for friends and family is fair game for your first resume. Babysitting, mowing lawns, tutoring, and shovelling snow for your neighbours all show that you can do a job when asked.

Volunteering experience can also be featured on your resume. Any time you did community service or volunteered at an event, you were gaining important skills. Collecting donations, running a bake sale, handing out pamphlets or snacks, checking tickets, running a raffle—these are all important experiences that you can add to your resume in high school.

You should also think about your participation at school, including extracurricular activities. Are you a member of any clubs? Do you do the lighting for the school play? Are you on any sports teams? Yearbook club, theatre production, and the football team can all show that you are involved in your community and a good team player.

Academic experience can also be an asset. If you have taken any classes that seem like they might be relevant to the job, feel free to include them in your resume. Business class, computer class, shop class, and art class can all teach you useful skills for the right role. Consider what skills you will need for your next job, and which classes helped prepare you for it.

And remember, even if you don’t have experience, it’s never too late to get some. You can always join (or start) a club, volunteer, or start raking leaves for your neighbours.

Create your student resume in less than 5 minutes. Try our Student Resume Builder .

• Showcase your skills

You may be young, but you still have skills. Plenty of useful skills are taught in high school. You should have learned time management, Microsoft Word , and written communication. You may have learned food safety in home economics, and tool safety in woodworking class. If you have been in a club or worked on large projects, you may have leadership, communication, and teamwork skills . Think about what clubs you enjoy and what classes you excel in to figure out what skills you have.

• Include your education

If you are writing a resume in high school you probably don’t have any degrees or diplomas to add to your resume, but you are still receiving an education. Your resume can include your GPA if it is higher than 3.0, and should note if you have received any academic awards, such as honour roll or perfect attendance. You can also include any important projects or assignments that are relevant to the job you apply to.

• Remember to customize your resume for the application

It’s important to customize your resume for every application. A resume for a journalism internship will look different from a scholarship application, which will look different from an entry-level job as a dishwasher. Your dishwasher resume should show that you will be a skilled and dedicated employee, but you can save the writing samples for your scholarship application.

• Be sure to give all the right details

Don’t forget to include your contact information in your resume. Your phone number, email address, and city should all be easy for the employer to see.

Make sure to include any other information required by the application as well. Some applications require a writing sample or admission essay, and most jobs will require a cover letter. Double-check the requirements to ensure you aren’t forgetting anything.

If you have any online profiles that will help you get a job, you can include them as well. An impressive Github account, an Instagram profile showing off your design work, or even a well-curated Twitter feed can make you look hireable, as long as it is professional and shows that you are dedicated to the field. For example, if you are interested in computer science or graphic design, your online profiles could show you engaging with that community and sharing relevant articles. Keep in mind, however, that the profile must be entirely professional. Even one party picture or off-colour joke can end your candidacy.

• High school resume template

Your high school resume should be no longer than one page, and should use a professional template that shows that you will take your first job seriously. Here’s an example to help you get started creating your own high school resume:

• High school resume example

Motivated honour role student and team player with a passion for people. Skilled with multitasking and interacting with customers. Dedicated to meeting expectations and deadlines.

• Verbal communication
• Customer Service
• Punctuality
• Problem solving
• Point of Sales systems
• Public Speaking
• Computer skills
• Can-do attitude

Work experience

Clerical intern, north central college.

• Organized, assembled, and aided in the distribution of student ordered transcripts.
• Assembled and organized graduation materials for Winter Graduations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when dealing with the student records.
• Maintained highest level of confidentiality with the student information in regards to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations.

Child Care Associate

Public summer schools.

• Participating in activities with the students, as well as conducting parent events.
• Administering Early Learning Programs, which include pre-schoolers.
• Serving as Early Learning Subject Matter associate for pre-school age children
• Preparing reports, correspondence and writing responses to the student's parents.
• Promoting educational learning techniques and positive early learning experiences, to promote learning before transitioning to the Kindergarten.
• Participating in staff meetings and assisting in developing presentations and printed materials for meeting and workshops regarding programs.

Volunteering Experience

Community specialist, animal rights non-profit.

• Assist in managing official Facebook and Twitter pages, in efforts for improvement of student and the University communications.
• Handle basic clerical work (answering phones, basic research, creating Microsoft Word, Publisher and Excel documents).

Student Organizer

Outdoor leadership center.

• Communicating with the students by answering their questions, directing, and reinforcing actions.
• Developed a semester-long strategic marketing campaign to optimize student use of outdoor resources available on the campus.
• Facilitated the Leadership Development workshops, focused on the individual and team building skills.

High School

Concordia secondary school.

• Honour roll

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

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Complete Guide To Writing A Captivating High School Graduate Resume

A well-written high school graduate resume can help you achieve your objectives when you want to start a job or seek other chances. A good resume showcases your abilities, accomplishments, and potential.

All resume examples in this guide

Tips on Writing A Captivating High School Graduate Resume

Harry Monroe 478-965-8526 [email protected] www.linkedin,com/HarryMonroe

‍ Resume Objective

‍ Dedicated high school grad with good communication and planning skills. Have an excellent understanding of customer behavior. Adept at planning events and composting material. Eager to join your organization as a sales associate and utilize my communication, relationship-building, and management skills.

‍ Education

‍ Larson High School New York City, NY Graduated – May 2020 GPA: 3.8

‍ Relevant Coursework :

Consumer Behavior, Sociology of Culture, Social Media

‍ Achievements:

• Excelled in Business Coursework
• Captain of Debate Team 2 Years
• Fluent in English
• Learning Spanish
• Marketing Skills
• Analytical skills
• Creative thinking
• Oral and written communication
• Organizational skills
• Presentation skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving

Hobbies and Interests

‍ Basketball

A strong high school graduate resume can lead to possibilities for higher study, internships, and entry-level employment.

Our comprehensive guide will help you to write a captivating resume for a high school graduate. It provides you with layout tips, how to customize your resume for specific jobs, and how to highlight your accomplishments to impress hiring managers.

• Your summary should be a brief section that outlines your qualifications, successes, and objectives. The resume summary should be catchy and make hiring managers curious to learn more about your skills and abilities.
• List your high school, the year you graduated, your GPA, and any honors or coursework that is relevant. Any necessary licenses or certifications can also be included.
• Include any skills you possess relevant to the position or industry you're interested in. This could include knowledge of computers, language skills, or particular technical abilities.
• Include any applicable work history you may have in your resume. It can be anything from your volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs.
• Make sure to tailor your resume if you're applying for a specific job or internship to emphasize the abilities and experiences most pertinent to that position.

If you don't want to create a resume from scratch, then you can use our resume builder by clicking the button below:

Let's have a look at the best high school graduate resume example crafted by our certified professional resume writer.

Best High School Graduate Resume Sample with No Experience

Ats-friendly high school grad resume format.

A resume that is ATS-friendly is written in a way that makes it simple for the applicant tracking system to process the application.

As a recent high school graduate, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to improve your chances of being seen by prospective employers while formatting an ATS-friendly resume. Here are a few pieces of advice:

• Several companies run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that look for specific words related to the job posting. Use keywords associated with the position you are applying for to improve your chances of passing this initial screening.
• Use a straightforward, clear format that the ATS can easily read. Use simple formatting; do not use complex graphics or pictures that might confuse the algorithm.
• Always write a resume at the top of your resume after the contact information. The summary must highlight your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments.
• Display your specialization in education like a high school diploma along with honors or awards won. For a fresh graduate, this is a major factor to impress the recruiters
• Focus on any roles you have held that are pertinent to the job you are looking for if you have work experience. Include details about your job title, the business you worked for, your responsibilities and duties, and any accomplishments or successes.
• To make your resume dynamic and interesting showcase your experience and accomplishments by using action verbs.
• Ensure that your resume is reviewed before submitting the job application. Spelling mistakes or typing errors will give a bad impression to potential employers.

Jin Kuzuki High School Senior 513-365-6607 [email protected] linkedin.com/jin_kuzuki

Deccan Heights High School Garfield Heights, OH 2016–present Expected graduation: 2020 GPA: 3.75

• Gather and take dogs for walks regularly.
• Followed pet owners' instructions on exercise and stimulation without fail.
• Communicated with owners through text, email, and in person.
• Keep detailed records of the hours worked.
• Increased the number of clients by 50% in the first three months using flyers and a social media page.
• Communication
• Strong Work Ethic
• Social Media Skills
• Volunteer Cashier
• Debate Club
• Spanish Club

5 Professional High School Graduate Resume Templates

How to put contact information on a resume for a high school graduate.

Contact information must be set at the top of your resume so that recruiters can easily contact you for an interview call or additional questions.

The contact details on your resume should be as follows:

• Contact Number
• Email Address
• LinkedIn Profile URL

How to Write a Professional Resume Summary for a High School Graduate?

Being a fresh graduate, even if you don’t have much job experience, you can still make a compelling resume summary that highlights your skills and potential.

Here are a few tips for creating a resume summary for professionals:

• Start your summary with a sentence that emphasizes your goals and strong points.
• Emphasize relevant skills on your resume to make you a strong applicant for the job position.
• Highlight any work experience you have, even if it's just volunteer or part-time, in your summary.
• Your academic accomplishments might help you stand out from other applicants. This could be any honors, awards, or GPA scores.

How To Add a High School Graduate Resume Objective?

Include a few attention-getting details to catch the manager's attention. Your resume objective must include a clear statement of your career objective.

Moreover, you must highlight any relevant skills to stand out from your competitors. Lastly, if you have a passion or interest that matches the job, then highlight that.

How To Highlight Your High School Education?

The following tips can help you emphasize your education on your high school resume:

• Include your high school's name and the dates you attended.
• Mention your GPA on your resume as it can be a reliable measure of your intellectual ability.
• Include any courses you completed that apply to the position you're looking for on your resume.
• You must include all the extracurricular activities on your resume that match the job description.

Skills to Highlight on Your Resume

You can improve your chances of landing the job or acceptance letter you want by emphasizing the relevant skills in the skills section.

The abilities and experiences that make you stand out to potential employers should be highlighted on your high school resume.

Here are the top skills to emphasize:

Hard Skills

• Customer service
• Microsoft Office
• Graphic design
• Social media
• Linguistics
• Office Suite

Soft Skills

• Leadership Skills
• Management Skills
• Resolving Conflict
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility

Most Common Skills for High School Graduate Resumes

Here are some common skills essential for a high school graduate resume:

It's important to be able to manage various obligations, and companies value this quality highly. Highlight any instances where you managed your time well, for as when you managed to balance work and education.

People who can effectively communicate verbally and in writing are valued by both employers and colleges. A presentation in front of a group or writing for the school newspaper are two examples of events that show off your communication skills.

Most employers pay close attention to candidates that have good leadership responsibilities. Include any instances where you have demonstrated leadership.

The ability to work together well with others is essential. Highlight any prior teamwork experiences you may have had, such as taking part in a group project or playing on a team in sports.

Employers seek out candidates that can think critically and come up with original solutions to issues. In particular, emphasize any instances where you overcame obstacles or organized fundraising to show that you can solve problems.

Many professions demand a certain level of technical competence. Include any technical skills, such as knowledge of Microsoft Office or familiarity with graphic design tools.

Strong interpersonal abilities are important. The activities you've had that show off your interpersonal abilities, such as working as a customer service agent or volunteering for a local cause, should be highlighted.

Additional Sections To Include on Your High School Graduate Resume

Going the extra mile always helps while crafting your resume. So, it is necessary to include additional sections on your resume that specifically highlight your skills and distinguish you from other applicants.

Additional sections on your resume give a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experiences.

Here are some additional sections to consider including:

• Education Section : Include the year you graduated from high school in this section. You can also list your GPA and any honors or distinctions you have achieved in school.
• Professional Experience : Be sure to list any temporary or part-time jobs you've held on your resume. Emphasize any abilities or successes gained from these encounters.
• Extracurricular Activities : List any club memberships, sports teams, or other organizations you were a part of during high school in this section under "extracurricular activities." Highlight any leadership roles you've held or noteworthy contributions you've made to the company.
• Volunteering Experience : Include any volunteer work you've done, such as community service initiatives or work with organizations, in this area.
• Certification : In addition to showcasing your abilities in the skills area, you might wish to list any important licenses or certificates you have obtained, such as a CPR certification.
• References : A list of references should be included on your resume. Make sure to pick individuals who can attest to your abilities and work ethic, such as instructors, coaches, or managers from prior positions.

Summarization

Keep in mind these essential tips to write the greatest high school graduate resume that gets you the job quickly:

• Your high school resume will include resume objectives that will emphasize your best qualities and explain why you're the ideal candidate for the position.
• You can connect your experience(if you have any) and education to the job offer using the proper bullet points.
• Choose the best resume formats like chronological, functional, or mixed formats.
• Include distinct "other" sections to show that you're more than just a resume for high school graduates. Describe your high school achievements, passions, and other goodies.
• Create a compelling cover letter. You'll score some significant additional points because most people don't!
• A clear explanation of your educational background can persuade the company to hire you.
• Emphasizing your expertise can help you catch the recruiter's eye more quickly.
• Your high school resume will stand out from the competition if it has an additional element.

How To Write a Cover Letter For A High School Graduate Resume?

High school graduates or college graduates should emphasize their skills, experiences, and excitement for the position or educational opportunity they are applying for in their cover letters.

Your chance to create a good first impression and differentiate yourself from other applicants lies in your cover letter. You can convince the hiring manager or admissions officer that you are the ideal applicant for the position or educational opportunity by emphasizing your skills, experiences, and passion.

Follow these guidelines to write a professional cover letter for a resume for a high school graduate:

• Try to identify and address the name of the reader of your cover letter.
• Explain your interest in the position or educational opportunity in the opening sentence, along with what makes you a strong applicant.
• Use concrete examples from your resume to demonstrate how your qualifications meet the needs of the position or program.
• Express your enthusiasm for the chance and your desire to absorb knowledge and make a contribution.
• Ask for an interview or meeting to discuss your qualifications and end the letter by expressing your want to talk further about the opportunity.
• Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for grammatical and spelling errors before sending it. Additionally, check that the formatting matches that on your resume.

Follow these steps before applying for a job as a high school graduate:

• Search for companies or brands that match your interests and skills.
• Prepare a convincing cover letter along with your resume while applying for any job.
• You must do some research on the firm and practice responding to typical interview questions.
• Speak with your loved ones, friends, coworkers, and other professionals; they may be aware of employment opportunities or able to suggest you to someone who is.
• You could find employment possibilities on a variety of Internet job search platforms including Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

10 High School Student Resume Objective Examples

As a high school student embarking on your professional life, you should not overstate the importance of a well-written resume.

As the first section of your resume, the objective statement serves as a brief introduction and a powerful encapsulation of your energetic potential and passion.

Below are 10 excellent objective examples you can use on your resume as a high school student.

Each is crafted to assist you in leveraging your strengths and goals to create a lasting impression in a competitive job marketplace.

Through these carefully constructed examples, you can learn how to effectively combine your ambitions with a professional demeanor, ensuring that your resume stands out as a dynamic invitation for potential employers.

10 Exemplary Resume Objectives for High School Students

Crafting an Outstanding Objective for a High School Student Resume

Writing an impressive resume objective for a high school student can set the foundation for a favorable impression among potential employers. Here’s a concise guide to crafting an exceptional resume objective:

1. Clarity and Brevity:

• Keep your objective compact, using a sentence or two to underline the primary skills and aspirations you bring to the table.

2. Personalization is Key:

• Construct your resume objective with the specific role or internship in mind, ensuring alignment with the prospective organization’s requirements and culture.

3. Your strengths in the Spotlight:

• Emphasize the personal abilities and knowledge pertinent to the job, from scholastic success to relevant extracurricular activities.

4. Use Action-Oriented Language:

• Initiate your objective with powerful verbs that command attention, presenting yourself as a candidate of action and determination.

5. Show Enthusiasm:

• Let your genuine excitement for the industry or field shine through, showing potential employers your zeal and readiness to engage and learn.

To enhance your objective, ensure it reflects your unique experiences and goals. Remember to revise your objective for each job application, targeting it to the specific role and company.

Reader Reviews and Comments

“These examples are incredibly helpful! I’m updating my resume for a summer job, and these objectives align perfectly with my experiences and aspirations.”

“Thank you for this post! I was struggling to express my goals in my resume, and these examples gave me the direction I needed.”

“The clarity and brevity tips were game-changers for me. My resume objective had been a bit too long, and now it feels much more concise and impactful.”

Michael R.:

“Fantastic resource for any high school student starting out in the job market. The action-oriented language suggestions made my objective pop!”

“I appreciate the emphasis on personalizing the resume objective. It really helped me tailor my resume to the specific job I’m applying for.”

“Great post! The examples and tips provided are practical and easy to adopt. I feel much more confident about my resume now.”

“Loved this! The step-by-step guide on crafting a high school student resume objective was exactly what I needed. Thanks for the clear advice!”

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Whether you’re applying for that first job, an internship, or preparing to head to college, creating a high school resume is often the first professional task a young person will undertake. Writing a resume can be challenging for anyone – even a seasoned professional with years of job experience. However, when you follow a proven method, give yourself plenty of time, and focus on the details, this vital task can be completed right the first time.

If you’re in search of a high school resume template, or high school resume examples, you’ve landed on the right page. In the information below, we’ll outline some of the proven methods that help anyone develop an eye-popping and engaging resume – regardless of their skills and experience.

We will provide some valuable information that should be included on all resumes for high school students. We will also provide you with a professionally written sample high school resume – posted below. This will give you a practical example of what is possible when you follow some of the methods and tips listed below.

Create your professional resume now

High School Resume Sample

In the high school graduate resume posted below, you can see that it’s clean, neat, and straight to the point. This is the formatting and structure that college admissions and hiring managers seek in the candidates they select.

The high schooler resume below is well-written, creative, and highlights Tommy’s accomplishments, skills, and the limited work history he’s accomplished in a few years. Mainly, the resume is a working document, that allows him to add work experience and accomplishments. It tells his story in an easy-to-follow format.

Resume example - High School Resume

Download this resume example - High School Resume

High School Resume Guide: How to Write a Successful Resume

Every good document starts and ends with the organization. But when you don’t have a lot of work or education experience – it’s also crucial to infuse some creativity. So – let’s get started.

Most professional resumes include the candidate's personal contact information, a resume objective statement, work history that applies to the job they are applying for, relevant education, achievements, and certifications or licensing. A high school student's resume with no work experience or limited history needs to be outlined differently.

The best resumes begin with an outline or what we call a master resume. This is a word document or other editable electronic file that permits you the ability to document all relevant information that was posted in the job description.

To create your master resume for a high school student, begin by setting up a few major sections:

• Contact Information
• Your Resume Objective
• Extracurricular Activities & Achievements
• Work Experience (if any)
• Skills and Abilities

Now that you have the basic structure, here is how you pick what type of content to use, and how to write it to stand out among your competition.

1. List Your Personal Information

Let’s take a closer look at Tommy’s resume examples for high school students. His contact information is the first thing displayed – and includes his name, address, phone number, and email. However, the important detail to consider is how he selected the contact information.

Tommy has a phone at his house but listed his cell phone number as his point of contact. The reason for this is that his landline phone number is not capable of receiving SMS text messages. Many hiring managers or companies will send a text message to a candidate if they wish to schedule an interview. So, make sure you list your cell phone on your resume.

The email address is just as crucial. For privacy reasons, we inserted our email address – but for your high school job resume, you’ll want to use one that is hosted on a major server – such as Gmail. This will provide some much-needed credibility and reduce the potential of email bounce back or spam folder landing.

How to Format Personal Information Section

Keep it simple, clean, and accurate. A high school student that showcases the ability to be organized and detailed is going to stand out among the competition. If you can use a good high school resume template, this will help with the structure.

2. Creating Your Resume Objective

The  resume objective  is one of the most misunderstood sections of a resume. Many professionals believe that this statement can be used for every position you’re applying for. That’s just not accurate. The resume objective should always be written specifically to the intended audience.

In the resume sample, you can see that Tommy is applying for a summer part-time job at a movie theater. He has written a five-sentence paragraph that explains what he is applying for, his hard and soft skills and abilities that would make him a great movie theater employee, and leadership skills he has used in personal activities.

The important message to remember here is that every resume objective should be unique for the job you’re applying for. If you are applying for an internship, write the objective for that position. Same thing with a college resume . Make it specific for the exact school you are contacting. This type of attention to detail is what separates exceptional candidates from others.

What are Hard Skills?

Hard skills are those you possess that help you complete a specific task. These are generally abilities – such as being able to use tools, hardware, or software programs. Some examples of hard skills a high school student would possess include using Microsoft or Apple technology suites (like Photoshop, Adobe, Illustrator, and such), creating websites (WordPress or other solutions), and communications tools.

What are the Soft Skills?

Consider a soft skill to be the interpersonal abilities you possess that helps you accomplish tasks, lead others, or be a good employee/student. This would include attention to detail, problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities.

How to Create the Resume Format for the Objective or Opening Statement Section

When you’re listing all your hard and soft skills  on the master resume, make sure to include those that are practical to the job you are applying for. In Tommy’s resume, you’ll notice he stated he was a proven leader (supported by his awards as a Captain of his High School Baseball team), ability to multitask, and being a good communicator. These are all skills a movie theater employee should have to be valuable to the company.

Your opening statement must be short, sweet, and to the point – yet written in a professional – yet conversational tone. Using a resume builder after you’ve fine-tuned and edited content, will ensure it includes those action verbs. Also, make sure it reads clean, neat, and straight on the final resume.

Specifically, here are four tips:

• Showcase your personality. Your writing tone should be professional, yet relaxed.
• Make sure to include the skills that are relative to the position you’re applying for.
• Read it aloud. When you’re finished editing the content, read it aloud. If it sounds like you’re speaking to someone vs a computer being too stuffy, that’s a good sign.
• Edit the document through an online platform called Grammarly.com. This will ensure your spelling, punctuation, and tone are on par with grammatical best practices.

3. Education Section

This will be the easiest part of your high school resume. Don’t bother listing your elementary or middle school. Keep it simple and list your high school. If you’ve recently graduated – or are going to graduate within a few months, document the graduation date on the resume.

You should list your GPA and date of graduation and some of your top academic accomplishments. Don’t worry about getting too technical about specific coursework, classes you’ve taken, as you can list this in your achievements section if it’s applicable to your position.

4. Extracurricular & Achievements

In the sample resume, you’ll see that Tommy mentioned his GPA in high school, his SAT score, and his student leadership positions in the opening statement. He also mentioned his leadership on the baseball team, his participation in the high school band, and honor roll.

The Extracurricular section allows him to expand on this information. He mentions his marching band participation, volunteer at the YMCA, and winning a student of the month for English his Junior year.

How to Format the Achievements Section

This will be a paragraph section, where you can highlight some of your achievements and Extracurricular activities. You’ll want to maintain the same written tone you used in the resume objective – again to maintain consistency and show attention to detail.

5. Work History

This is the section many high school students struggle to document. However, it’s important to remember that you can – and should, document any previous jobs that can be verified through a reference. If you’ve never had a ‘real job’ – simply write – “no previous work history”. You want to be 100% honest in a resume – so it’s better to be transparent vs trying to fake it.

For those with work history, list them in chronological order – starting with your most recent position and working backward.

How to Format the Work History Section

It’s important to list the name and location of the previous jobs you’ve held. In the sections below, describe what tasks you accomplished. You want to highlight tasks that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. If the job search position you're applying for involves working with children, listing previous babysitting experience would be an example of practical experience.

In Tommy’s resume for a high school student – you can see he has only had one previous job, working at a grocery store. He lists the job duties that he assumes are important as a movie theater. This included cleaning, handling cash, using a register, greeting customers, solving problems, and communicating with customers. Start with a brief job description, then list your tasks in bullet points.

6. References for High School Student Resumes

Any reference listed on a resume must be one that you have a strong connection with currently. You’ll want to ensure they can support the information you documented on the resume with practical examples.

For a high school student's resume, it’s recommended to select three references . One should be a family friend, one should be a teacher, and if you’ve had a job – the previous employer or supervisor is a great addition. This is especially important for writing a resume for a college application. You should also mention you have references available on your cover letter.

Make sure you have their permission to be used as a reference and ensure you have their accurate contact information. You don’t want to list their private information on a resume, but make sure you have it available if they ask. Simply write – references available upon request.

Final Points on Writing a High School Resume and Cover Letter

Most high school resumes are written poorly, without structure, and quite frankly – sound the same. The key to standing out among your competition is showcasing your ability to focus on details, being a clear communicator, and being reliable. Most resumes are also turned in without a cover letter.

The information above is a guide – but if you follow the tips we mentioned and customize them for the specific position you are applying for, you’ll have a better shot at gaining that important interview.

Here are some specific tips to consider.

• Follow the template structure as listed above – including spacing, using a black font on a clean white background document. Take advantage of the master resume.
• Take time with your opening statement. Remember, you get one shot to make a great impression, and that resume objective is a prime opportunity.
• Showcase your examples of being responsible. If you’ve got a great attendance record in school or a previous job, make sure to highlight that in your resume.
• List at least 2 professional and 1 personal reference. Make sure their contact information is accurate, and always gain their approval before listing them as a point of contact. A letter of recommendation from them will significantly help.
• When you’ve listed everything as mentioned above, copy, and paste the content and place it in a Word doc or run it through a spelling/grammar checking website like Grammerly.com. This will proofread the content, help you save time and ensure all content is clean, neat, and ready for your professional resume.
• Ask a teacher you respect to review your resume. It never hurts to have a second set of eyes review your resume. A parent, guardian, or family friend who hires people would also be a great resource.

The best piece of advice we can offer is to take your time, take advantage of a free resume template – where you simply create the sections, paste your edited content, and pick the best template that fits you best, that’s a recipe for success.

By infusing the free tips mentioned above, you’ll have a better chance of landing an interview – so you can dazzle them in person.

FAQs Related to High Schooler Resume

How to write a resume for a high school student with no work experience?

Focus on your achievements and responsibility. Many employers are hesitant to hire students mainly due to a lack of focus or ability to show up to work as scheduled. If you can clearly articulate why and how you eclipse those objectives, you are likely to stand above other candidates.

Does a 15-year-old need a resume?

Anyone applying for any position should create a resume. This is a professional outline that makes it easier for people to review your skills, abilities, and what makes you unique. Even a 15-year old student who is looking for their first summer job or part-time opportunity should take advantage of creating a resume. If you’re 15, don’t stress too hard on being too technical – just list your details, keep it simple, but make it sound professional.

How long should a high school student's resume be?

It depends on your objective. If you’re applying for a first job, and don’t have a lot of experience, keeping it simple is best. The main item you want to document on a resume are your skills, abilities, and why you’re a responsible candidate for the position. Being on time to school, or being a leader in extracurricular activities can outweigh previous work history in many cases.

How do I make my high school student's resume stand out?

It is always best to personalize the high school student’s resume to match the job or position they are applying for. If they are sending a resume for an internship, make sure to document the skills needed to succeed as an intern for that industry. If it’s for a fast-food restaurant, making sure to explain why the student can thrive in high-pressure situations, follows direction, and is accountable.

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Top 10 High School Graduate Resume Objective Examples You Can Use

If you are a high school graduate searching for job, you will be able to increase your chances of getting one if the objective statement of your resume or CV is compelling enough to get the recruiter to read your resume.

When you are able to get an employer to read your resume, then you are sure that they would get what you are offering; and if your offering is good enough you will get a favorable response from the employer.

To stand a good chance of your high school graduate resume succeeding in getting you an interview, It is important that you work on the objective statement since it is the first thing the recruiter sees.

This post will help you to learn how to create an effective resume objective when you need to make a resume for a high school graduate position.

To make a great resume that gets you an interview with an employer/recruiter, it is important to learn about various resume statistics before writing your resume. According to novoresume, these resume statistics will give you helpful insight into the prevailing HR trends, guide you in making the right decision about your job hunting, and in creating an effective resume.

The Secret of Making a Compelling Objective for a High School Graduate Resume

If you want your objective statement to quickly catch the attention of the employer, you must make sure it contains what the hirer wants to see.

And what does the employer want to see?

Employers usually have a list of requirements they would want applicants for the job they are advertising, including jobs for high school graduates, to have before they are considered for an interview.

This list of requirements is commonly published with the job description that informs applicants on what the role is about.

Therefore, to make a career objective statement that immediately makes a great impression on the prospective employer when they start reading your resume, you will need to study the list of requirements for the position; to first be sure that you meet the requirements.

If you do have what is required for the job, you can then craft your objective to communicate the fact that you have what is needed to succeed on the job.

You can do this by highlighting a few of the most important parts of the requirements in your objective. This will significantly improve the impact it will have on the employer.

Now, let’s see some examples of high school graduate resume objective statements that you can study or copy in writing your own:

10 Sample Objective Statements for a High School Graduate Resume

1. A hard-working high school graduate seeks the job of Maintenance Assistance at Burger King. Bringing strong physical fitness to remain standing for long hours at a time, carry and lift up to 45 pounds of items, and to bend, stoop, kneel and reach frequently; strong ability to apply basic tools and read and communicate effectively in carrying out the function of keeping both the inside and outside of the store clean.

2. A talented high school graduate with exceptional ability to crawl into tight confined spaces through 11” X 15” openings, climb several stories of stairs and vertical ladders, and to perform stretching, twisting motions, and bending desires to work as a Loss Control Inspector at XYZ Insurance Company, to help in carrying out risk assessment and regulatory inspections on equipment that have been insured.

3. A self-motivated high school graduate with five months experience in data entry seeks the job of Data Entry Clerk at XYZ Inc. Coming with experience working with PC and common software, including MS Word, Outlook, and Excel; exceptional attention to detail and ability to key data into various warehouses, to ensure complete, accurate, and accomplished entries in a timely manner.

4. A high school graduate and Certified Nursing Assistant with previous experience working as a nursing assistant seeks to be hired as a Patient Care Technician at XYZ Medical Center to contribute in providing top quality direct patient care. Possess strong positive attitude towards people and ability to apply basic math skills in reading, writing and recording data; profound ability to prioritize tasks and strong attention to detail.

5. A gifted high school graduate with previous working experience with children in a psychiatric-mental health setting seeks to join the team at XYZ Health Center where strong communication skills and ability to successfully complete crisis intervention and CPR trainings within 3 months of employment with be maximally utilized in assisting nurses to effectively monitor and observe both physical condition and behavior of patients.

6. A detail-oriented and organized high school graduate looking for the job of Shipping Clerk Team Lead at XYZ Inc. Bringing strong PC skills, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, as well as handle multiple tasks effectively simultaneously to providing quality assistance in coordinating workflow, equipment, and resources to enhance order fulfilment functions.

7. Desires the role of Phlebotomist at XYZ Healthcare Center to provide outstanding service to both inpatients and outpatients: drawing arterial, micro, and venous blood specimens and transporting test requests and specimens to the laboratory and retrieving completed test results to patient locations. Bringing exceptional skills in performing arterial punctures and venipuncture, ability to carry out basic arithmetic calculations and to read and follow written instructions.

8. A talented high school graduate with good computer experience seeks to work as Admitting Clerk-Rehab at XYZ Medical Center; to apply strong customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of personalities in providing top notch guest and public relations service, and in scheduling patients to the rehab location.

9. A self-motivated high school graduate with two years customer service and healthcare experience desires the job of Info Desk-Customer Relations at XYZ Inc. Coming with strong knowledge of computers, ability to work effectively independently and with other personnel; and exceptional memorization skills, to proving outstanding assistance to both internal and external customers.

10. A high school graduate with two years kitchen experience desires to work as BOH Supervisor at XYZ Catering Services to provide knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly service that surpasses customers’ expectation. Possess strong ability to work under minimal supervision, communicate satisfactorily in verbal and written forms, perform basic mathematical calculations, and maintain total knowledge of all prices, special items, quality standards, and menus.

You can improve your chances of getting your desired job as a high school graduate by starting your resume or CV with a well crafted and compelling objective statement.

You can learn to write such resume objectives by studying the examples provided in this post. You are also free to use any of the given samples in your resume (with necessary modification) that very well describe your skills, abilities, knowledge, and/or experience.

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20 good skills to put on resume for new grads

Looking for the top skills to include on your resume as a new grad? This guide highlights 20 essential skills to showcase your value to employers.

As a new graduate, it can be challenging to know which skills to highlight on your resume. Employers are looking for candidates who can bring a diverse set of skills to the table, and it's essential to show that you have the skills that are in demand in today's job market. Here are the top 20 skills that new grads should consider including on their resumes:

1. Critical thinking

Employers expect candidates to have strong critical thinking skills to solve problems and make informed decisions. Demonstrate your ability to analyze complex situations, evaluate different perspectives, and develop creative solutions that meet business goals. Provide examples of how you have used critical thinking to improve processes, increase efficiency, or solve complex problems.

2. Creativity

Employers appreciate candidates who can bring fresh ideas to the table and find innovative solutions. Highlight your creativity by sharing examples of how you have solved problems in unconventional ways or how you have introduced new processes that have led to positive results. Provide specific examples of how your creative approach has positively impacted your previous roles or projects.

3. Leadership

Leadership skills are highly sought-after by employers as they demonstrate the ability to motivate and manage others effectively. Highlight your experience in leading teams or projects, and provide examples of how you have inspired team members to achieve common goals. Share specific examples of how you have created a positive work environment, delegated tasks, and provided constructive feedback to team members.

4. Teamwork

Employers value team players who can collaborate, communicate effectively, and support their colleagues. Highlight your ability to work in a team by sharing examples of how you have contributed to a team's success and how you have handled conflicts or disagreements. Demonstrate how you have actively participated in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects.

5. Time management

Effective time management is crucial in the workplace, and employers look for candidates who can manage their workload efficiently. Demonstrate your ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Share specific examples of how you have managed your time effectively to complete projects on time and handle unexpected challenges.

6. Organization

Employers seek candidates who are organized and can manage multiple tasks and projects effectively. Highlight your organizational skills by providing examples of how you have kept track of details, managed projects, and met deadlines consistently. Share specific examples of how you have organized your workday, kept track of project timelines, and prioritized tasks to meet deadlines.

7. Attention to detail

Employers look for candidates who pay attention to detail, especially in industries such as healthcare, finance, and law. Showcase your ability to catch errors, maintain accuracy, and deliver high-quality work. Highlight specific instances where your attention to detail has resulted in positive outcomes, such as catching errors before they become costly mistakes, ensuring compliance with regulations, or improving the quality of deliverables.

8. Adaptability

The job market is constantly evolving, and employers want candidates who can adapt to new situations and challenges. Highlight your flexibility by sharing examples of how you have adjusted to changes in your previous roles or how you have learned new skills quickly. Demonstrate your ability to be open to new ideas, take on new responsibilities, and adjust your approach to achieve results in a changing environment.

9. Customer service

Employers want candidates who can provide exceptional customer service to build strong relationships with clients. Highlight your experience in providing customer service and showcase how you have handled challenging situations to ensure customer satisfaction. Share specific examples of how you have handled difficult customers, resolved complaints, and exceeded customer expectations.

10. Communication

As a new graduate, it's essential to showcase your communication skills through your resume and interview. Employers seek candidates who can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey ideas, collaborate with team members, and interact with clients. Highlight your ability to tailor your communication style to different audiences, use active listening skills, and convey complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. Share specific examples of how you have effectively communicated in your previous roles or projects.

11. Data analysis

Data analysis is becoming increasingly important in many industries. Highlight your ability to collect and analyze data by showcasing your experience in data analysis tools and techniques. Share specific examples of how you have used data analysis to inform decision-making, identify trends, and solve complex problems.

12. Technical skills

Depending on your field, you may need to have technical skills, such as coding or proficiency in specific software programs. Highlight your technical skills by providing examples of how you have used them in previous roles or projects. Showcase your ability to learn new technical skills quickly and adapt to changes in technology.

13. Project management

If you've managed projects in the past, be sure to highlight your experience. Employers want candidates who can manage projects from start to finish. Showcase your project management skills by sharing specific examples of how you have planned, executed, and monitored projects, managed resources, and delivered successful outcomes. Highlight your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and communicate project progress effectively.

If you've worked in sales, highlight your experience. Sales skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your sales skills by providing examples of how you have achieved sales targets, built relationships with customers, and closed deals. Highlight your ability to prospect, negotiate, and communicate effectively with clients.

15. Marketing

If you've worked in marketing, highlight your experience. Marketing skills are valuable in many industries. Showcase your marketing skills by providing examples of how you have developed and executed marketing campaigns, managed social media platforms, and analyzed market trends. Highlight your ability to create compelling content, work with cross-functional teams, and measure the success of marketing initiatives.

16. Public speaking

Public speaking is a valuable skill that requires confidence, preparation, and effective communication. Showcase your ability to speak in front of an audience by highlighting your experience in delivering presentations, leading discussions, or participating in public speaking events. Emphasize your ability to connect with the audience, deliver messages with impact, and handle questions and feedback.

17. Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are essential in the workplace and involve communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders by providing examples of how you have worked with diverse teams, managed conflicts, and demonstrated empathy and respect. Emphasize your ability to listen actively, provide feedback constructively, and communicate effectively in different settings.

18. Research

Research skills are valuable in many industries and involve gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform decisions and solve problems. Highlight your ability to conduct research by showcasing your experience in designing and implementing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and synthesizing information. Emphasize your ability to use various research methods, tools, and technologies, and to present findings in a clear and compelling way.

19. Writing

Writing skills are essential in many industries and involve communicating ideas, information, and messages through various media. Highlight your ability to write by showcasing your experience in writing different types of documents, such as reports, proposals, emails, or social media posts. Emphasize your ability to write clearly and concisely, adapt to different audiences and purposes, and use correct grammar, syntax, and punctuation.

20. Presentation skills

If you've given presentations in the past, highlight your experience in delivering effective and engaging presentations. Emphasize your ability to plan and prepare presentations, use visual aids and multimedia effectively, and deliver messages with clarity and impact. Provide examples of how you have adapted your presentation style to different audiences, managed time effectively, and received positive feedback.

Hard Skills vs soft skills

When crafting your resume or preparing for an interview, it's important to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills. Both types of skills are valuable, but they serve different purposes in the workplace. Here's a breakdown of hard skills vs. soft skills and how to showcase them effectively:

Hard Skills:

Hard skills are specific, technical skills that can be taught and measured. Examples of hard skills include programming, data analysis, or graphic design. These skills are typically learned through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience. Hard skills are often used to demonstrate proficiency in a particular area or to qualify for a specific job.

To showcase your hard skills, it's important to be specific and provide concrete examples of how you have used these skills in past roles or projects. Use relevant keywords and include any certifications or training programs you have completed to demonstrate your expertise in these areas. You can also highlight any technical tools or software programs you are proficient in.

Soft Skills:

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal attributes that are often harder to measure or quantify. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, and leadership. Soft skills are often considered to be just as important as hard skills because they can affect how well you work with others and adapt to new situations.

To showcase your soft skills, provide examples of how you have used them to achieve specific goals or overcome challenges. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, or lead a team. Soft skills can also be highlighted in your cover letter or personal statement, where you can discuss your personal values and work ethic.

Common Questions

What skills should i include on my resume.

It depends on the job you are applying for and the industry you want to work in. Generally, you should include skills that are relevant to the job and showcase your strengths and abilities.

How many skills should I include on my resume?

You should include the skills that are most relevant to the job, but try to keep it to around 10-15 skills. Including too many skills can make your resume look cluttered and unfocused.

Should I include soft skills on my resume?

Yes, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management are highly valued by employers. These skills can demonstrate your ability to work well with others and adapt to new situations.

How should I format my skills section on my resume?

You can format your skills section as a bullet list or a table. Use bullet points to list your skills and highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job. You can also group similar skills together and use subheadings to make the section more organized.

How can I showcase my skills on my resume?

You can showcase your skills by providing examples of how you have used them in past roles or projects. Use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and show how your skills can benefit the company.

Can I include skills that I don't have much experience in?

It's okay to include skills that you are still developing, but make sure to be honest about your level of experience. You can also highlight your willingness to learn and improve in these areas.

Should I customize my skills section for each job application?

Yes, you should customize your skills section for each job application to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description to ensure that your resume passes the initial screening process.

Should I include certifications or training in my skills section?

Yes, you can include relevant certifications or training in your skills section to demonstrate your expertise in a particular area. This can also show that you are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

In conclusion, as a new graduate, it's essential to highlight the skills that are in demand in today's job market. By including the skills listed above on your resume, you'll be able to show employers that you have the skills and abilities they're looking for in a candidate. Good luck with your job search!

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• How to Add an Expected...

How to Add an Expected Graduation to Your Resume + Examples

9 min read · Updated on August 13, 2024

Yes, you should include your expected graduation date on your resume.

You've been working hard for the past few years to make the grades and graduate from college. Now, that imminent graduation date is approaching, and you're excited about what lies ahead while also being a bit nervous about landing a job and starting life in the “real world.”  

It's okay. Some nerves are to be expected as you begin your job search journey. Fortunately, you have plenty of resources at your fingertips to support you in that journey, like this post.  

One of the first steps any college graduate has to take to land a job, similar to job candidates at any level, is to craft a well-written resume to garner the attention of prospective employers. As a soon-to-be college graduate, one common consideration as you embark on this task is whether you should include your expected graduation on your resume. 

In this post, we cover:

When to include an expected graduation date for college on your resume

When you shouldn't include an expected graduation on your resume

How to include an expected graduation on your resume

Tips on writing your education section

Expected graduation date resume examples

Pro tip: As you continue your college courses, bear in mind that you want to begin applying for jobs before you graduate. It's best to begin searching for jobs at least a semester prior to your graduation. It's common for employers to present job offers to college students before they graduate.  

Should you include an expected graduation date for college on your resume?

In short, yes, if you're on the traditional college path and know what your graduation date is expected to be, you should include that expected graduation date on your resume. Sharing your expected graduation date helps potential employers understand your current academic status and when you will be available for full-time work. It also presents them with information that helps define your level of experience – i.e., that you should be considered an entry-level candidate with little to no work experience for open positions.

But what if you're not on the traditional college path or going straight through college? Let's take a deeper dive into this question based on different scenarios that might define your situation.

Should I include an expected graduation on my resume if I'm far from graduating?

Suppose you still have a ways to go before you graduate or have just started a program. In that case, it can still be beneficial to include an expected graduation on your resume. This is especially true if you're applying for internships or co-ops during college. 

However, if your graduation date is more than a couple of years away, another option to consider using is “Anticipated Graduation Date” vs. “Expected Graduation Date,” since a lot of things can happen over a four-year period that could impact your graduation date.

Should I include an expected graduation on my resume if I'm taking a break from college?

It's not uncommon for students to take a break from college for various reasons today. You might be taking a semester off to clarify your goals or to gain experience through travel or work. Regardless, if you're still on the course to finish college, you should include your expected graduation date on your resume. To reiterate, this information is relevant to prospective employers when you're applying for jobs that commence after you complete your college degree. 

What information should I include if I'm not completing or didn't complete my degree?

If you didn't complete your studies to graduate or you know you're not going to complete your degree, then you won't have an expected graduation date to include. If you did include an expected graduation date under these circumstances, it would lack integrity, which is no way to start your job search journey. Instead, you will include the dates you attended following the degree you were pursuing, with the relevant coursework you completed. We include an example of how to do this near the end of this post.  

When should you not include expected graduation on your resume?

There are several reasons why including an expected graduation date on your resume is a smart idea. There are also a couple of reasons why you don't need to or shouldn't include it.

It's not relevant to the job you're applying to. It might be that you're applying for a job that doesn't require a college degree, or it's a part-time job that isn't related to your degree. In those cases, you don't need to include your expected graduation on your resume. 

You're not yet in college. If you haven't started college courses yet, don't include anything related to a college degree on your resume, even if you know for certain that you're going to college. Only include your college degree once you're in college, and at that time, include your expected or anticipated graduation date.

How to include an expected graduation date on your resume

When including an expected graduation on your resume:

Place it in the Education section next to the degree you're pursuing.

Include only your expected graduation date. Leave off the start date.

Use one of the standard formatting options and the mm/yyyy style for your date. 

In terms of what belongs in your education section, here are the required pieces of information if you have recently received or are pursuing a college degree:

Name of the degree

Issuing institution

Expected graduation date if still in college

If you recently graduated, you can include your graduation date, as well, though it's not required.

Here are the optional pieces of information you can include if you're a student or recent college graduate:

Grade point average (GPA) if you achieved a 3.5 or higher

Academic awards, like Dean's List or Latin honors, which include cum laude , magna cume laude , and summa cum laude  

Scholarships

Relevant coursework

Academic projects

Certifications achieved through academic coursework

As you advance in your career after landing your first job, it's good to know that people who graduated from college more than two years ago or have at least a couple of years of work experience under their belts should leave items like GPA, Dean's list, and scholarships off their resume. Employers are most interested in the degree obtained. 

Based on personal circumstances, it can still be beneficial to include academic-related information, like Latin honors, relevant coursework, projects, and certifications, as an experienced hire. 

When in doubt, you can always hire a professional resume writer to guide you.  

Tips for adding education and graduation information to your resume

Below are some tips to consider as you craft your resume's Education section.

Emphasize your education in lieu of experience

If you're a student or soon-to-be college graduate with little relevant work experience to include on your resume, you'll list your education above your work experience. If you happen to have a sufficient amount of relevant experiences, like internships, co-ops, work-study, or leadership roles in extracurricular activities, then you'll include your Work Experience section before your Education section. In either case, the name of your degree should always be listed first, with any additional details you choose to include coming after.

Include relevant coursework

If you've completed coursework relevant to the job you're applying for but haven't yet graduated, including such information on your resume can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. List these courses under a subheading like "Relevant Coursework" within your Education section to highlight your specialized knowledge.

When writing an expected graduation date, it's important to keep it concise and clear. For instance, instead of writing "Expected to graduate in the spring semester of 2023," use any of the following formatting options following your degree:

Expected Graduation: May 2023

(expected May 2023)

(expected graduation May 2023)

Expected: May 2023

Expected 5/2023

Any of these options provide the necessary information in a more digestible format and don't take up as much space on your resume. Use the formatting that looks the best on your resume as a whole. In most instances, shorter is better.  

Use reverse-chronological formatting

The most used formatting option for resumes is the reverse-chronological format . If you have more than one degree, include your most recent degree first and work backward. The same goes for your Work Experience section – begin with your most recent experience first.

Use consistent formatting

Be consistent with the formatting you use throughout your resume. In other words, the date format you use in the Education section should be the same as what you use in your Work Experience section. The same goes for the type of font and bullet points you might use. 

Always remember that honesty is crucial when listing your GPA or expected graduation date. Misrepresenting this information could lead to complications down the line if an employer finds out that you won't be graduating when initially stated or have a lower GPA. 

Only include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher. If there are uncertainties about your graduation timeline due to factors like double majors or part-time status, consider using "Anticipated Graduation Date" instead of “Expected Graduation Date.”

Now, let's take a look at some examples of how the above guidance all comes together on a resume. 

1. Expected graduation date example

Bachelor of Business Administration | ABC UniversityExpected Graduation: May 2024

2. Expected graduation date example with GPA

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (expected May 2024)WXY UniversityGPA 3.6

3. Expected graduation date example with honors

Bachelor of Science in Political Science (expected August 2025)XYZ UniversityDean's List, 4 semesters

4. Expected graduation date example with GPA and coursework

Bachelor of Arts — Clinical Psychology | Expected December 2024ABC University

COURSES: Abnormal Psychology, Psychology Theories and Techniques, Trauma-informed Approaches to Treatment, Childhood Development, Basic Pharmacology 

5. Expected graduation date example with multiple and advanced degrees

Master of Education - Counseling (expected May 2025)BBB CollegeBachelor of Art - Psychology ( cum laude ), 2023University of AAA

6. Example with incomplete degree and relevant coursework

Bachelors in MarketingXYZ UniversitySept. 2020 to Dec. 2022

Relevant courses: Introduction to Marketing Communications, Business Statistics, Marketing Analytics, Internet Marketing, Advanced Marketing Techniques 

Expected graduation on a resume is expected

Including expected graduation on a resume is necessary if you want to give prospective employers a clear idea as to your availability for work. Use the information provided here to guide you in incorporating your expected graduation on your resume, and best of luck with your job search!

Are you still wondering the best way to include expected graduation on your resume? Why not submit your resume for a free resume review and let our experts help you decide?

Recommended reading:

How to Include a Minor on Your Resume

How to Check if My Resume Is ATS-Friendly for Free

Hard Skills Explained (and the Top 8 for Your Resume)

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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How To Write a Resume for Your First Job

Imagine yourself stumbling across your dream job listing. You’re reading through the responsibilities and job tasks and you find yourself getting more and more excited as the list goes on. Then, it’s time to apply. But you have no real-world job experience. You’re just a student! How will you ever write a resume for your first job when you haven’t had one yet?

Knowing how to write a resume for your first job does not come naturally. In fact, it feels like a daunting task. If you have little applicable experience yet, or you’re just entering the workforce, how can you prove you’re the right fit for the position? 

Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history.

We’ll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and confidence.

• Do you need a resume?
• What should you put on a resume?

Crafting a resume with no experience

Finalizing your first job resume, quick guide: write your first resume in 6 steps, do you need a resume for your first job.

While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants. A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job.

Even for entry-level positions, when many applicants don’t have a prior work history, sharing a resume will give you a competitive edge when written persuasively.

The role of a resume in job applications

A resume plays an important role when applying for jobs. It serves as an introduction to potential employers and those in the company who will decide whether or not to move forward with your application. It also provides a summary of what you bring to the table for those who will be interviewing you during the application process.

The resume is essential for showcasing your skills. A well-crafted and persuasive resume can highlight your achievements and knowledge, even if you have limited work experience in the field you’re applying to. Because your resume is the first contact point between you and a potential employer, it’s crucial to understand how to write a resume for your first job – and how to write it well.

What should you put on a resume for your first job?

There are a few things every resume must include – and those are some of the most essential details.

Contact information

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the most important part of your resume – sharing your contact information. Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview.

Why share a link to your LinkedIn profile ? LinkedIn is now an essential part of the job search market. It serves as a shareable resume in addition to showcasing your network. Employers can see if you have any professionals in common from work or personal life, which may help build your credibility as a candidate.

Be sure to act professionally on LinkedIn. Share relevant news and insights to highlight your interest and knowledge of an industry, but be wary of getting too personal or engaging in inappropriate dialogue. Behave on LinkedIn as you would in an office setting with colleagues.

Educational background and achievements

Start by listing your educational information, such as schools attended, graduation dates and relevant academic achievements or awards. Include your major and minor, field of study and GPA. If you were enrolled in courses, projects or study abroad programs relevant to the job, include details to show your knowledge and interests.

Skills section

While you likely have some combination of hard and soft skills, a skills section will showcase the hard skills you’ve learned to prepare you for the job. Soft skills are best to be included in the bullet points to describe your accomplishments in your experience section.

• Hard skills include specific technical skills you’ve learned along the way. For example, computer proficiency, language skills, lab skills or specific training or certifications.
• Soft skills , or human skills, include job aspects that apply to many (if not all) job roles. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’re particularly adept in any of these, showcase them and be prepared to share real examples of these skills in action.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

Employers look for candidates who go the extra mile to be involved in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your commitment to becoming a well-rounded human being. Highlight clubs, sports or volunteer activities that you were involved in, especially emphasizing leadership roles or particular responsibilities you had in these activities. This extracurricular activity showcases your ability to multi-task, prioritize time and develop skills and interests.

Example Resume & Writing Guide

See a real-life example of a strong resume, including tips for gathering your own persuasive experience and skills using our Resume Writing Guide !

As a young adult or new graduate, you may wonder how to write a resume for your first job with no real-world experience. Don’t fear – there have been many in your shoes before you!

What does a resume look like for a first job?

Your resume should be straightforward with a clean and concise design. It should be easy to read with a simple flow highlighting information from most important to nice-to-have details. Do not go overboard with design details, fonts or graphics. 

Furman recommends that you use Microsoft Word to build your resume as it can be easier to make changes to a Word document than it is to change a template. However, you can use free resume builder tools online to build your resume in standard formats.

• Myperfectresume.com
• Resumenerd.com

Using strong action words and job-specific keywords in your resume for your first job will significantly impact you. Describe experiences and achievements using strong action verbs, such as:

• Collaborated
• Volunteered

What to put on a resume with no experience?

You can learn how to write a resume for your first job that impresses potential employers, even without relevant work experience, by emphasizing relevant coursework. Doing this demonstrates skills learned in a classroom or group project setting. Highlight personal or academic projects showcasing your abilities, such as experiences where you took the lead as a group or team leader.

Before submitting your first job resume, review and edit the document for mistakes or improvements.

Proofreading and editing

Attention to detail is critical to potential employers. Check your resume for typos and grammatical errors. Mistakes on your resume may eliminate you as a candidate, especially if grammatical adeptness or attention to detail is essential to the job.

Similarly, ensure a consistent design throughout your resume. Stick to one format, using one legible font and minimal design details. A professional resume appearance can set you apart from other applicants’ resumes that may appear messy or disorganized.

Seeking feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, mentors or even career services at schools or community centers. A peer review from your fellow students, teachers or mentors can provide invaluable input on skills you may be forgetting, plus the extra set of eyes can help detect errors and typos.

Career services at your school or library also serve as an excellent third-party validation and review resource. Furman’s Malone Center for Career Engagement offers in-depth career preparation services for students, such as resume and cover letter assistance , career fairs and networking , personalized advice from advisors and interview prep – just to name a few.

Webinar: Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch

Watch the free Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch webinar for an in-depth look at creating your resume and preparing a pitch to potential employers straight from a Furman career advisor.

Now, do you feel ready and excited to write a resume for your first job? We hope you jotted down notes specific to your experience as you read through the post, but in case you didn’t, writing your resume can be simplified to these simple steps.

• Start with your contact information , including full name, phone number and email address. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• List your education experience , including relevant projects, courses and extracurricular activities.
• List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Explain your roles and responsibilities in your projects and extracurricular activities, especially those where you acted in a leadership capacity, using strong action verbs.
• Proofread and gather feedback.

If this is your first time writing a resume for your first job, approach the process with confidence and positivity. Your attitude will shine through the resume, so stay positive!

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

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