resume templates for 15 year olds

Crafting the Perfect Resume For Teens (Template & Expert Advice)

By Ammar Ahmed

Published: January 16, 2024

Teen Employment

Ammar Ahmed

Writer & Career Coach

Stepping into the job scene as a teenager might feel overwhelming, especially with little to no work history. If you’re drawing a blank on how to put together a resume for teens, you’re not alone. This article is here to help, offering simple tips and examples that’ll guide you in creating a resume that shines, even if it’s your first.

The Modern Job Market for Teens

Teenagers seeking jobs today face a different landscape than previous generations did. With the digital age in full swing, there’s a new playground that’s opened up.

Evolving Job Market

Today’s job market has seen a significant evolution. Gone are the days when teens were limited to jobs at local stores or summer camps. The digital revolution has ushered in opportunities in the form of remote work and participation in the gig economy. Whether it’s freelance writing , graphic design , or even virtual assistance, the horizon has expanded tremendously for teens.

Digital Presence & Resumes

Having an online presence is almost as crucial as having a well-crafted resume for teens. Just as a resume showcases your skills and achievements, online platforms, such as personal websites, LinkedIn profiles, and even certain social media accounts, act as an extension of this presentation. It’s where potential employers or educators can get a holistic view of who you are, both as a potential employee and as an individual.

Crafting a Professional Online Image

• Professional Profile & Headshot: Just as a resume needs to be polished, so does your online image. Start with a clear, professional headshot. This doesn’t necessarily require hiring a professional photographer; even a well-lit, high-quality photograph against a neutral background can work wonders.
• Bio/Summary: Draft a brief bio or summary focusing on your main interests, strengths, and future aspirations. This isn’t a space to be overly formal but be succinct and genuine. Let it reflect who you are and where you see yourself in the future.
• Engage with Relevant Companies: Identify and follow organizations or companies in fields you’re passionate about. This will not only keep you informed about the latest trends and job opportunities but will also demonstrate your genuine interest in that domain.
• Recommendations: As you build connections, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or endorsements, especially from individuals you’ve worked with or under whose guidance you’ve achieved something notable. These serve as testimonials, lending credibility to your skills and achievements.

To sum it up, today’s job market for teens is a blend of the traditional and the digital. By combining a well-prepared resume with a thoughtful online presence, teenagers can stand out and make their mark in this evolved job environment.

Teen Resume Template

Mapping out a resume for teens can feel like a maze, but with the right structure, it can be simplified. Here’s a tailored template to guide teenagers in creating a resume that captures attention:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary
• Work Experience
• Hobbies and Interests
• Achievements and Awards

1. Contact Information

Your contact details offer the first impression, even before face-to-face interactions.

• Name: Clearly state your full name. If common, include a middle initial, e.g., “James T. Kirk.”
• Phone Number: Provide a reliable contact, ensuring a professional voicemail greeting.
• Address: List your city and state, or a full address if comfortable.
• Email Address: Select a mature, straightforward email format, such as [email protected] . Avoid playful or quirky IDs.

This section is your gateway for potential opportunities, so it’s essential to appear polished and easily reachable.

2. Resume Summary

Your resume summary gives a quick overview of who you are and what you’ve achieved. Think of it as a brief snapshot of your abilities and goals.

• Introduction: Begin by identifying yourself. For instance, you might be a “committed high school junior” or a “tech-focused sophomore.”
• Your Achievements & Experiences: Reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far, even if it’s just within school or your local community. This can range from leading a successful school project to mastering a difficult subject or skill at home.
• Connect With Your Desired Role: Make sure that what you mention aligns with the job or position you’re aiming for. This shows that you understand what’s expected and that you’ve prepared yourself for it.
• State Your Goals: This is where you mention what you want to achieve, be it learning new skills, gaining work experience, or exploring a particular interest further.

Example Summaries:

“High school junior deeply involved in environmental projects. Successfully headed the school’s Earth Day event. Aiming to apply and grow these organizational skills in an environment-focused role.”

“Math-loving senior who’s excelled in advanced courses. Participated in school budgeting activities. Seeking an opportunity to further explore the world of finance and accounting.”

“Computer-savvy teen with experience in coding simple applications. Completed an online course in app development. Eager to contribute and enhance tech abilities in a related job setting.”

Your summary is essential. It’s the first main thing people read about you , so make sure it tells them about your strengths and how you want to use them in the future.

3. Education

Your education section shines a spotlight on your academic achievements and the courses you’ve taken that make you a fit for the job or opportunity you’re seeking.

• High School & Graduation Year: Start by stating the name of your high school and the year you’re set to graduate. This gives a clear picture of where you are in your academic journey.

“Springfield High School, Expected Graduation: 2026”

• Courses & Certifications: Here, highlight any courses that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. Also, if you’ve taken any additional certifications—like first aid or computer programming—this is the place to mention them.

“Relevant Courses: Advanced Math, Business Studies, Computer Programming Certification from XYZ Online”

• Achievements: Your academic accomplishments can be an asset, showcasing your dedication and hard work. Mention if you’ve consistently been on the honor roll, completed a standout project, or participated in any school-wide competitions.

“Achievements: Honor Roll for 3 consecutive years, Winner of the School Science Fair (2024), Lead Organizer for School’s Annual Charity Event.”

By neatly listing out these details in the education section of your resume for teens, you effectively communicate your academic foundation and the extra efforts you’ve put in during your school years.

4. Work Experience

The work experience section paints a picture of your real-world exposure, even if it seems minor or unrelated. Remember, every experience teaches something, whether it’s time management, responsibility, or teamwork.

• Part-time Jobs & Internships: Begin with any formal roles you’ve held. Include the job title, company or organization name, and the dates you worked there.

“Cashier, Green Grocer Shop, June 2022 – August 2022”

• Volunteer Roles: Volunteering can be as valuable as paid work. Mention any initiatives or community projects you’ve been a part of.

“Volunteer, Springfield Animal Shelter, September 2022 – December 2022”

• Extracurricular Activities: Being part of a school club, sports team, or drama group can showcase teamwork, dedication, and other valuable skills. Example: “Member, School Debate Team, 2021-2022”
• Job Shadowing: If you’ve spent a day or more observing a profession, it shows curiosity and a proactive approach. Example: “Shadowed, Springfield Town Hospital’s Pediatric Department, January 2023”
• Tasks & Odd Jobs: Babysitting , lawn mowing, or dog walking may seem mundane but highlight a sense of responsibility. Example: “Babysitter, neighborhood kids, various weekends 2022”

In crafting a resume for teens, the objective is to convey reliability, growth, and a willingness to learn. Your experiences, no matter how big or small, contribute to that image.

Skills are the tools in your toolkit that make you valuable in different settings, from the classroom to the workplace. As a teen, you might be surprised at the range of skills you’ve already developed.

• Foreign Language Proficiency: Being bilingual or even having basic knowledge of a second language can be a huge asset. Example: “Fluent in Spanish, Basic knowledge in French.”
• Basic Coding: In this digital age, understanding even the basics of coding can set you apart. Example: “Familiar with Python and HTML.”
• Graphic Design: If you’ve dabbled with design tools or taken a class, don’t hesitate to list it. Example: “Proficient with Adobe Illustrator.”
• Teamwork: Have you been part of group projects, sports teams, or clubs? This demonstrates your ability to work collaboratively. Example: “Experienced in collaborating with peers in school projects and sports teams.”
• Problem-Solving: This skill can be showcased through various instances, like finding a solution to a challenge during a school event. Example: “Handled scheduling conflicts during the school fest by creating a new event timetable.”
• Communication: Effective communication is crucial. This can be both written, like in essays, and verbal, like during class presentations.
• Example: “Gave multiple presentations in school and wrote articles for the school magazine.”

When creating a resume, it’s essential to recognize and present both hard and soft skills. These, combined with your education and experiences, form a comprehensive picture of what you bring to the table. To get a comprehensive understanding of what you can do in this section, review more examples of resume skill sections . 

6. Hobbies and Interests

Going beyond academics and work, the hobbies and interests section offers a unique window into who you are as an individual. It highlights your passions and showcases additional facets of your personality that might resonate with potential employers or institutions.

• Sports: Active involvement in sports indicates discipline, teamwork, and often, leadership skills.

“Varsity Basketball Player – Led the team as captain in 2022 and won the inter-school championship.”

• Music: Whether you play an instrument, sing, or even just appreciate certain genres, music can communicate dedication, creativity, and cultural awareness.

“Violinist – Played in the school orchestra for three years and performed in multiple concerts.”

• Arts: This could be anything from painting and drawing to drama. Artistic pursuits indicate creativity, patience, and a unique way of viewing the world.

“Drama Club Member – Acted in two school plays and helped with set design.”

• Crafts : Engaging in crafts suggests attention to detail, persistence, and sometimes, entrepreneurial spirit.

“Handmade Jewelry – Craft and sell necklaces and bracelets at local craft fairs.”

While this section might seem less formal, it’s integral to a holistic resume for teens. The activities you pursue in your free time can often provide valuable insights into your character, work ethic, and personal strengths. It allows potential employers or educators to see you as a well-rounded individual, not just a list of achievements.

7. Achievements and Awards

This section magnifies the moments where your dedication, skills, and efforts were recognized. It’s a testament to the hard work you’ve put into both your academic and extracurricular endeavors, helping to distinguish you from your peers.

• Academic Accomplishments: Recognition received for outstanding performance in school subjects or projects.

“Gold Medalist – Springfield High Math Olympiad 2022.”

• Extracurricular Recognition: Awards or commendations received outside of the regular curriculum but within the school environment.

“First Place – Schoolwide Poetry Slam 2023.”

• Competition Wins: Taking part in competitions, whether local, regional, or national, showcases your commitment and expertise in a specific field.

“Winner – Regional Science Fair 2023 for a project on sustainable energy.”

• Special Recognitions: These can be from outside of school, such as community awards or recognitions from workshops you’ve attended.

“Community Service Award – Recognized for 100+ volunteer hours at the Springfield Community Center in 2022.”

• Leadership Roles: If you’ve been entrusted with leadership positions, it’s worth mentioning as they underline qualities like responsibility, management, and guidance.

“Student Council President 2022-2023 – Led a team of 15 council members in organizing school events.”

In crafting a resume for teens, it’s vital to illuminate these achievements as they vouch for your capabilities and drive. They’re solid proof points of your dedication in various fields, making your application stand out. If you are still confused about how you should list your accomplishments, our guide will help you out!

8. References

References act as a bridge between you and potential employers or educational institutions. They vouch for your character, skills, and the authenticity of your accomplishments, providing an external voice that supports your claims.

• Character References: These individuals can speak about your personal qualities, work ethic, and attitude. They’ve seen you in action, whether in the classroom, in clubs, or during school events.

“Mr. John Doe, English Teacher , Springfield High. Witnessed my growth as a writer and communicator over two academic years.”

• Club Advisors and Coaches: If you’ve been active in extracurriculars, mentors from these activities can offer insights into your leadership, teamwork, and dedication.

“Ms. Jane Smith, Debate Club Advisor, Springfield High. Supervised and guided me during various inter-school debate competitions.”

• Professional References: For those who’ve dipped their toes into the work world, whether it’s a part-time job, an internship , or volunteering, references from these arenas are invaluable.

“Mrs. Emily Brown, Manager, GreenCafe. Oversaw my tasks during my summer job where I managed inventory and assisted customers.”

Always remember to ask for permission before listing someone as a reference . Inform them about the role or opportunity you’re applying for, so they’re prepared to give relevant insights if contacted.

In essence, a reference section complements the rest of the resume for teens. It doesn’t just vouch for what you’ve achieved but more importantly, how you’ve achieved it and the impact you’ve made. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured and informative resume, it’s equally important to show that you’re a passionate individual ready to grow and contribute. With this balanced approach, you’re sure to make a lasting impression.

How to Format a Teen Resume

Presenting your skills, experiences, and achievements in a structured and visually appealing manner is crucial. Here’s a guide on how to format a resume for teens, ensuring it stands out and leaves a lasting impression.

1. Functional Resume Format

A functional resume emphasizes skills and achievements over chronological work history. This format is ideal for teenagers as it allows you to spotlight your strengths and relevant experiences, even if you don’t have an extensive employment history.

Why It Works for Teens: The functional format is suited for those with minimal experience because it allows you to focus on your skills and potential. Instead of listing jobs in order, you’ll be showcasing qualities and achievements that make you a desirable candidate.

2.  Visually Appealing Layout

Your resume should be easy to read and navigate. A clean layout ensures the hiring manager or reviewer can easily spot essential information.

• Font & Size: Stick to professional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, usually in sizes 11 or 12. These fonts are universally recognized and easy to read.
• Font Color: Always use a black font color. It’s classic, formal, and readable in both print and digital forms.
• Bullet Points: Use bullet points to list skills, experiences, or achievements. It helps in breaking up large chunks of text, making the document more scannable.
• Concise Professional Language: A resume for teens should be straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms.

3.  Page Margins and Length

When setting up your resume, use spaces (margins) of about 1 inch on all sides; this makes your page look clean and organized. For most resumes, especially for teens, sticking to a one-page resume is a good idea. It’s long enough to show off what you can do but short enough to keep the reader’s interest.

4. Save as PDF

Always save and send your resume as a PDF. This format ensures that the layout, fonts, and formatting remain consistent, no matter where or how it’s viewed. Moreover, a PDF is universally accessible and maintains the integrity of your document.

Formatting plays a significant role in ensuring that your resume isn’t just informative but also engaging. By following these guidelines, teens can present a resume that reflects professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunities they seek.

Tips for Writing a Resume as a Teenager

Crafting a stellar resume as a teenager might seem challenging at first. However, by adopting a strategic approach and being attentive to details, you can create a resume that resonates with potential employers. Here are some vital tips to guide your resume-writing journey:

Read the Job Description Carefully

When you look at a job description, pay attention to specific words they use to describe the skills and experiences they’re looking for. These are called keywords. By including these keywords in your resume, you show potential employers that you’ve paid attention to what they want and that you might be a good fit.

Seek Feedback

It’s always a good idea to get a second pair of eyes on your resume. Talk to trusted adults, like teachers, family friends, or mentors, and ask them to look over your resume. They might give you helpful advice on making it better or point out things you missed.

Proofread for Errors and Clarity

Mistakes on a resume can make it look like you didn’t care enough to check your work. Before you send it off, read through it a few times. Look for spelling mistakes, grammar issues, and places where things might be confusing. This shows potential employers that you’re careful and pay attention to details.

Wrapping up, remember that lack of formal work experience doesn’t limit your opportunities. Many roles are perfectly tailored for teenagers. Interested in exploring further? Dive into our articles on summer jobs and internships for teens to kickstart your journey.

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What should a 16-year-old put on a resume?

If you are a high school or a college student struggling to make your first teen resume, you're not alone.

Generally, resumes showcase a candidate's professional experiences and skills.

However, as are a teenager applying for their first job, the basics for building a resume are slightly different.

For instance, a teen resume has an objective section instead of a resume summary.

Read on to learn more about teen resumes and related FAQs like the following:

• What is a teen resume?
• What sections should you include in a teen resume?
• How to create the header of a teen resume?
• How to create the objective section of a teen resume?
• What skills should you add to a resume for teens?
• How to write the work experience section in a teen resume?
• How to add education experience on a teen resume?
• How can you add certifications on a teen resume?
• Which additional sections can you add to a teen resume?

What is a Teen Resume?

A teen resume is a page-long document that showcases the best of your academic achievements and skills.

Whether you're applying for your first-part time job or college interviews, and internships, having a resume supports your application as it makes it easier for recruiters to see all your information in one place.

A teen resume is different than a professional resume as it focuses on academic achievements, volunteer work, projects, and extracurricular activities rather than work experiences.

According to the relevance with the job profile you're targetting, you can include the following volunteer work experiences in teen resumes:

• Volunteer work at animal rescue shelters
• Art museums
• National parks
• Political campaigns
• Food pantries
• Retirement homes
• Habitat for humanity
• Organizations like Red Cross
• Local libraries and
• Community blood drives

Also read: How to write a resume with no experience?

What Sections to Include in a Teen Resume?

First things first, you must compile all your information in a single file to streamline the process of building a teen resume.

Once you have all the information in one place, you can pick and choose which information you want to include in your teen resume, based on the job description.

Ensure to present this information in different sections to increase the readability of your resume by giving it a crisp and professional look.

Listed below are the must-have sections in a teen resume:

• Personal Information
• Internship/Volunteer experience (if any)
• Awards and Achievements
• Certifications

Extracurricular Activities

• Additional Information

Also Read: What are the different sections to add to a resume? .

Teenage Resume Header

The header is the topmost part of your resume which is the first thing that the recruiters will see.

Your teen resume header must always be your full name in the largest font size of 14-16 points.

If you have a middle name, you can initialize it like so - Mary J. Blige

Ensure that you don't go with generic resume headers like "CV" or "Resume."

Recruiters already know that the document is a resume. What they don't know is who it belongs to.

Thus, it makes sense to write your name as the header of your teen resume.

Also Read: How to write a perfect resume header in 2022?

Teen Resume Personal Information

Right after the header, you must create a section for your personal information.

This section must include the following details:

A Reachable Phone Number

Ensure that it is a contact number on which you are available at all times.

Write your country's International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) code and a plus sign (+) before the number.

A Professional E-mail Id

E-mail addresses with names like '[email protected]' not only sound unprofessional but can also cost you your chances of getting shortlisted for the job.

So make sure that your e-mail address sounds professional. Preferably, one with your full name like [email protected]

Mention the city and state of your current location - not your hometown (if they are different).

Also, you don't need to provide details like your street address and zip code of your current location.

LinkedIn Profile Link

Provide a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile or an online portfolio if you have one.

In case you don't have a LinkedIn profile, consider making one as it can be beneficial for networking and finding job opportunities.

Profile Title

A profile title in your teen resume is the name of the profile you are applying for.

A few examples of profile titles that you can add to your teen resume are - industrial relations counselor, criminologist, dietician, etc.

Also, your profile title should be the second-largest text in your resume with a font size 12-14 points .

Also Read: How to write the contact information in resume in 2022?

Teen Resume Objective

Although the objective and key skills sections must be placed at the top part of your teen resume, it must be written only after writing the other sections so that you have a clear understanding of what your core skills and objective are.

When writing your objective section, don't write about your expectations from the company and the role.

Instead, write what you can provide to the organization as an ideal candidate.

Your objective statement must show how you could benefit the company with your skills and knowledge.

Highlight the skills that can fulfill the requirements of the role you're targetting and emphasize your proven track record of academic achievements.

Also Read: How to write a resume objective in 2022?

Key Skills for Teen Resume

The skills section of your teen resume must list the core skills that you possess in terms of the job description and requirements.

For instance, if you are applying for the job profile of an assistant, it must showcase skills like:

Remember to always refer to the requirements listed in the job description of the listing to understand which skills you must list in your resume (as long as it stands true to you).

The listed skills must be backed by your academic qualifications, volunteer or internship experiences, or academic projects that you've been a part of.

If you possess technical skills like proficiency in programming languages and familiarity with using specific tools or software, you can create a separate section under your key skills and list them.

Given below is a snapshot of the key skills and technical skills sections in a resume:

The following are some other examples of key skills that you can add to your teen resume according to your qualifications:

Also read: How to write a resume skills section?

Volunteer/Internship Work Section

Instead of a professional work experience section, your teen resume can have a volunteer or internship work experience section.

And depending on the relevance of it, you can either have the education section or this section before the other.

You can list your internship/volunteer experience using the reverse chronological format with the following details:

• Name of the Organization
• Location (city & state)
• Starting & completion dates
• Your designation
• The duties you performed

Also, here are some best practices you must follow to present your work experiences:

• Avoid writing in bulky paragraphs and use bullet points
• Begin your sentences with a power verb like managed, assisted, organized, etc. to create more impact with your one-liners
• Highlight the keywords in your bullet points
• Quantify your achievements and use figures whenever possible
• Use the cause-effect relationship to build your one-liners as shown in the following example:

Scheduled 10+ meetings every week by coordinating with clients and senior management to ensure smooth operations Assisted in making travel arrangements for 15+ clients who were traveling to the city on company business

Also Read: How to craft the perfect internship resume for college students in 2022?

Teen Resume Education Section

You need to leverage your fresh education to show your potential through your teen resume.

This section must present your college and high school qualifications along with some details about the coursework.

Write the name of the school/university, the name of the degree, along with the location and dates of enrollment & graduation.

If your GPA is higher than 3.5, you can mention that as well.

Also Read: How to write the education section of a resume in 2022?

Teen Resume Certifications

If you have taken up extra certification courses or training that is relevant to the job you're applying for, you can list them in this section.

Adding certifications to your teenage resume increases its value and helps you stand out from the crowd of applicants.

Provide the following details while listing your certifications:

• Name of the certification course
• Name of the certifying institution
• Dates of enrollment and graduation

Also Read: How to list certifications on a resume in 2022?

Additional Information for Teen Resume

Furthermore, to provide extra details about your academic experience and qualification, you can include additional sections like the following to your teen resume:

As teens don't have work experience to put on their resumes, you can list academic projects that you've been a part of.

Academic projects include the significant projects that you did in school or college.

To list your projects, use the format given below:

Name of the project | Dates of the project One line description of the project Projects objectives, your role, and the outcome of the project

Also Read: How to showcase projects on a resume in 2022?

Awards & Achievements

The awards and achievements section will include any major awards or certificates you received for exceptional academic performance or for participating in quizzes, sports, projects, etc., at the school or college level.

You can also include awards or recognition that you may have received for your volunteer work or internship.

Follow the given format to list your awards & achivements:

< Name of the Award > | < Reason for getting the award > | < Name of the awarding institution > | < Dates >

This section will mention all the extracurricular activities that you took part in at school or college.

It could be anything from being a part of the basketball team or leading the eco-club or becoming the captain of the soccer team.

Extracurricular activities showcase that you possess teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

If you speak multiple languages, list them in your teen resume as it can be an asset if you are planning to work in the service, tourism, and sales industries.

Also read: How to write an entry-level resume in 2022?

Key Takeaways

• You should start every point with a power verb in your teen resume internship/volunteer experience section
• Quantify your achievements wherever possible
• Use bullet points instead of bulky paragraphs in your teen resume
• The font size for your teen resume body should be between 10-12 points, as these font sizes are easily readable
• Use professional fonts like Ariel, Helvetica, and Tahoma to write your teen resume
• Ensure that your key skills match your work experience and the profile you're applying for
• Customize your teen resume according to the job description of the role you're applying for
• Write the objective and skills section after writing the other resume sections
• Your objective statement should focus on how you can benefit the organization with your skills and knowledge

If you want to build a stellar teen resume, use Hiration's resume builder which is powered by AI. You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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Resume Example for Teens + templates and tips

As a teen, looking for a job can be overwhelming, but it shouldn't be with a good teen resume.

All resume examples in this guide

Resume example for teens

Marry Jane 1245, West San Jose 734-394-5090 [email protected]

Professional Objective

A dedicated and responsible individual with an attention to detail. Multi-tasker who has handled various tasks while volunteering for an organization. Looking forward to building my skills and explore more by being an asset to the company.

Work Experience

Volunteer experience We Make Change, West San Jose (2018-2019)

• Organized donation drives that got 3x more donations than previous campaigns
• Collaborated with fellow volunteers and came up with creative solutions to tackle problems
• Used social media handles to reach out to more people for donations
• Set up new methods to carry out the functioning of the organization
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Multi-tasking skills
• Computer proficiency
• Detail-oriented

Academic Achievements

• Won the best presentation award
• Secured third in an art competition
• Head of sports club
• Team leader of group activity

Wonder high school, Ongoing

• GPA - 3.5/4
• English - Intermediate
• French - Basic

And by good, we don’t mean making it all fancy by adding your experiences to fit the job. Obviously, as a teen, you don't need to have all the experience in the world to land your first job. You may already have the skills required for the job; you just need to describe them in a way that pleases recruiters.

But don't worry about it! We're here to tell you just that with some tips, templates along with resume examples for teens (like you!) for you to land your first job and get your first paycheck.

Before we get into the writing tips to create your teen resume, let’s take a look at one of the teenage resume examples for teens below:

This is just one resume example for teens. If you want to see more, you can check out our other resume examples .

What to Put on a Resume for a Teenager

As a teenager, you don’t have to make your resume look like you’ve had all the experience to fit the job description. So, relax; we’ll show you how to write it outstandingly step by step.

You can add the following sections on your teen resume to attract employers:

• Contact Information
• Career Objective
• Volunteer Experience (Only if you’ve volunteered)
• Extracurriculars
• Achievements

Here, instead of a professional work experience section, you can either add your volunteering experience or anything you've done so far, be it babysitting, hosting a birthday party, or anything. It doesn't have to be about professional office jobs, so take it easy.

If you haven’t volunteered anywhere, you can sign up for one. But if there’s a time constraint, you can omit that section in your resume, and it’s totally okay! But you need to add your contact information at the very beginning.

Here are two quick writing tips for writing a good resume to help you:

The layout for a Teen Resume (and how to make It appealing)

The layout of a resume is how you align your text and use colors. You need to make it visually appealing, as that's what grabs the attention of anyone. Well, even recruiters' attention! We’ll help you make a good first impression with your resume layout here:

Resume for teens with pointers are easy to read, and it’s easy for recruiters to scan. Since recruiters don't spend much time reading every resume, having bullet points would be best for your future employers.

Don’t make the following mistakes:

• Adding sentences with more than two lines.
• Keeping the font size too small or too big.
• Not using numbers or numbering the lists wrong

Use subtle colors and standard font size so that it doesn’t strain the eyes of hiring managers. Don’t use flashy colors like red and neon as they may not look professional. Give attention to these little details to make them appealing.

A well-structured resume will make you stand out of the crowd.

The best resume example format

Formatting your teen resume is the next crucial step. There should be a flow in your resume for teens so that hiring managers don't have to take longer to look for relevant information. The three standard ways to structure your teen resume are as follows:

The best format for a teen is to go with chronological order, where you put your education details in the beginning.

Start with the Header

Let's jump into the basics of creating a teen resume now. It’ll be a great kickstart for your career with a good resume.

The header is the first line that your recruiter sees. Just like the way you clicked this article after reading the heading, your hiring managers will pick your teen resume if your heading is good.

A good & a bad header for teenagers

We’ve given here two resume examples for teens of an incorrect and a correct header to give you an idea.

I am Mary Jane, I live in Texas, I am a babysitter, and I'm looking for a job. My professional email address is [email protected]

As you can see in the resume examples for teens, the first header is unprofessional, and the email address is too. The second one is clear, and the professional email address looks formal too.

Another thing that most people get confused about while writing a resume is adding your photo or not. Well, the thing is, if it is mentioned in the job description, you need to addit. Otherwise, don't include it. Adding a photo can be a distraction and lead to discrimination which is why in the US and the UK, they reject your application right away if there's a photo in your resume.

About me: how to write a professional objective with no experience

This section is where you talk about yourself and your skills. You should not only add what you do but also add how you do it. It shows how you approach things and whether you're responsible enough to handle them independently or not. This example is perfect for teenagers to tell the hiring managers what they can without having work experience.

If you have any work experience like we mentioned earlier, you can add a professional summary instead of an objective. But, for now, you can stick to the objective to land your first job. To give you a clear picture of how a professional objective should be, here are two examples of the correct and the incorrect.

Responsible individual with attention to detail and people skills. Managed donation drives end-to-end smoothly and gathered 3x donations by actively marketing, participating, and involving everyone in the team.

Hardworking and people-centric individual who can take up marketing roles and be the best in them. I'm looking for a similar job in your company.

The incorrect one does not seem professional, and it just says you can take up marketing roles but nothing but what you have done previously to be best at it. However, the correct example shows your skills and the outcome of managing the drive, which is great.

It means you can take up any responsibility and produce better results. Keep it relevant to the job.

Experience (+ what to do if you have no experience)

You may have no experience or have little experience doing summer jobs . If you have done any, you can add it in this section. It's alright if you have no experience. You can add the little things you have done in your neighborhood and high school.

Likewise, you can add your hobbies and interests, extracurricular activities, babysitting experience, and volunteer work. Add what you did in your high school and focus on your cover letter.

Here is an example of a high school resume:

Resume Example of experience for teens

Volunteer Work

We Make Change Org, 2020

• Responsible for successful implementation of donation drives in and around the city.
• Increased donation by 5x in 3 months by reaching out to people on various social media platforms.
• Collaborated with other volunteers, brainstormed ways to help the needy, and came up with practical solutions.

Highlight your education

The next section of the resume for teens is your education. You should add the high school you're studying in, your GPA, graduation date, and coursework here. If you have taken up any other courses online or elsewhere, you can include them too.

How to include your education

In this resume example for teens, here is how you write your education details with your high school:

Mountain Academy

Meansville, GA - Ongoing

Skills: best allies of teens with no work experience

Introduce the skills section and include both your hard and soft skills. Here is an example of it in our resume for teens. You can fill in as many you wish:

• Creative Problem Solving
• Customer Service
• Multi-Task Management
• Cheerful and energetic
• Computer Literate
• Team collaboration
• Resolution-oriented
• Weekly Payroll
• Team Leadership
• Approachable
• Excellent time management
• Cold Calling

What are the most sought-after skills for teenagers?

You need to add your hard skills like the software programs you’ve used in your high school or out of your interest and the soft skills in your resume.

If you've participated in a debate competition or any group project in your high school as a high school student, you can add communication and leadership skills too. To give you an idea, you can fill in the following skills:

• Microsoft excel
• Microsoft word
• Graphic design
• Public speaking
• Computer skills
• Coding skills
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Positive outlook
• Perfect attendance record
• Dedicated team player
• Reliable and dependable
• Excellent multi-tasker
• Professional and mature

You should add skills relevant to the job you're applying to, as that's what the recruiters will be looking at. They try to map the skills to the job and see how well you can complete the assigned tasks. It's very important not to add skills that are not relevant for the job.

Additional Headings for your Accounts Manager Resume

In a student resume, you need to add a section with a few headings that we'll show you here. In this section, you need to add your interests, languages that you know, and the certifications that you have gained so far. As someone new to the field this section can give you an edge over others.

Say, for example, if you know multiple languages and you're applying for a customer support job, it will quickly catch the attention of recruiters, and you'll get a call for sure . So, this section is very important when you're writing a student's resume. We also have a resume template with this section where you can check out.

Computer skills and certifications

If you've worked on your high school projects or designed posters as a club member for fests, or if you have made a good presentation in your group project, then these are some of the skills that can be added. In our resume examples for teens, we’ll show you what to include.

It can be any software you've worked on. You can write you have photoshop skills, proficient in PowerPoint and Microsoft word or excel. Add them in this section to get a call from the recruiters. People who are hardworking are always preferred.

Here, you need to write about your interests and hobbies. Adding this section shows recruiters your interests beyond the job responsibilities and how you can contribute to the company with a broad range of skills.

Writing a resume is easy when you have a resume template with you. In this section, add all the languages that you know so far. Being multilingual is great in any workforce. It brings people together and helps you network with a wide range of people too in your career. So, this is a perfect addition to your resume if you know several languages.

Formation this section in the following way:

Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Photoshop, Microsoft excel

Blogging, child care, art, volunteer work

• English (Advanced)
• Spanish (Intermediate)

What other sections to include?

You can add references in a separate section after the additional section where you can ask the organization you've volunteered for referring to you. You can ask for references from all the places you've worked and add them in this section, so the hiring managers know how you work through them. You can write a great resume by adding this section. You can also write your accomplishments and certifications you’ve received or online courses you’ve done to make it more impressive.

After completing your resume, you can check out Job search sites (or job search engines) and start applying. You can also go through our resume template to finish writing your resume quickly.

Summary: Key Points for Writing a resume for teenagers (even without experience)

That’s about it! Now that you know how to create your resume, you should ensure it is not more than one page, and everything is to the point. Let’s take a quick recap here:

• Format your resume with professional colors and layouts
• Structure your resume in the chronological order
• Add a good resume objective
• Add your experience and the responsibilities held if you have volunteered
• Make use of resume templates to write impressive resumes
• Include both your hard and soft skills
• Write your achievements, languages are known, and certifications in the additional section.
• Don’t forget to add your contact information such as your phone number, email address, and social media handles (preferable LinkedIn)
• Add referrals in the end.

Write a Cover Letter that matches your resume perfectly

If you want to know how to write one, you can check out a few resume samples of cover letters.

Have a look at the Best online jobs for teens and some of our templates to craft a good professional resume.

FAQs about resumes for teens

Yes, of course, a 14-year-old can have a resume. If you're looking for part-time jobs, you need to write a resume to attract the attention of the employers by keeping it relevant to the job. Writing resumes can be a challenging task initially, but we've given you some examples of resumes, sample resumes, and cover letters to help you out in this article.

A 14-year-old should put the relevant skills, education, contact details, volunteer experience, and others on a resume. You can check our resumes template to write one and our sample resumes and cover letters.

You can create a resume using a resume builder where you just have to add your details and choose your template, and the resume builder will automatically make one for you. Whether you're applying for part-time or internships, you can add all the sections we've mentioned for the employers to know better about you.

A teenager can include volunteer experience, babysitting experience, hard skills like computer proficiency and knowledge of different software, and soft skills in a professional resume. You need to keep it relevant to the job you’re applying to. Check out our sample resume and use our resume builder to create a great resume for you.

Create your resume with the best templates

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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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How to Make a Resume for Teens With Examples

You’ve scoured the job postings, picked the best of the bunch, and now it’s “game on” for getting hired. But before hitting “apply,” the first step is to learn how to make a resume for teens. It’s an ultra-important document that makes the first impression on your employer, and it’s your ticket for putting your best foot forward.

From advice about what to include (or exclude!) to writing a resume with no work experience to resume examples for teens, we’ve got the scoop on how to write a resume.

View our favourite Resume Examples for Teens .

What is a resume?

A resume is a formal written document that outlines your qualifications, such as your education, skills, work experience, and any notable accomplishments.

“The purpose of a resume is to showcase your skills and experience and to convince a prospective employer that it is worth calling you in for a job interview,” says Sabrina McTaggart , a career coach for young adults based in Ottawa, Ontario.

Most employers require a resume to apply for a job and it’s typically two pages maximum. It’s often accompanied by a cover letter—a one-page letter of introduction that summarizes why you’re applying for the job and what makes you an ideal candidate. 

Learn more about Best Summer Jobs for Teens in Canada

What should be on a resume for a teenager?

A resume is your chance to shine to a prospective employer. But avoid listing all things you’ve ever accomplished in your life. Here’s what should make the cut:

1. Your contact information

Your contact information should be front and centre. Specifically, the heading at the top of the first page should contain your name, address, email address, website, LinkedIn URL, and phone number.

Tip: Now is the time to create a professional email address. [email protected] is appropriate for corresponding with your peeps, but not with hiring managers. It doesn’t have to be complicated: you can use your name ([email protected]) or create a generic address ([email protected]). 

2. Summary/objective

Consider this section to be the “Coles Notes” version of your entire resume. Write a bullet-point listicle that rounds up the reasons why you’re the prime candidate for the job: from your educational achievements to your mad computer skills to awards and accolades. For example:

• Entering fourth year of secondary school studies at Pleasantville High School.
• Five years of experience caregiving for children.
• Proficiency in Word, Adobe, and Excel software.
• First Aid and CPR Certified.
• Strong attention to detail, superior organizational and project management skills.
• Familiar with social media.
• Hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence.

3. Relevant experience

This section should be a snapshot of past and present experiences that demonstrate your ability to do the job. 

You should include:

• Job or position title
• Name of employer or organization
• Dates of employment or participation
• A summary of responsibilities and accomplishments (written as a bullet point list is acceptable).

“Briefly outline your relevant work experience and volunteer experience and what skills you developed in that work,” says McTaggart. “You can add any relevant extracurriculars that might make you a more attractive candidate, such as athletic accomplishments or music competitions.”

It’s standard to list your experiences in reverse chronological order (e.g., start with the most recent and work backwards) and only include what’s relevant and recent. A laundry list of everything you’ve ever done is TMI. Instead, highlight unique or noteworthy experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle the job. 

Tip: Show, don’t tell. You may have been elected to the student council (e.g., “Student Council Treasurer 2022-2023”), but it’s more impressive to share what you accomplished in that position (e.g., “Managed the council’s annual budget of $25,000 and fundraised an additional $10,000 to kickstart a Gender and Sexuality Alliance Network at school”).

Learn more: 14 best part-time jobs for teens .

What to put on a resume with no experience

’If you’ve never had a job, think outside the box. Did you house sit for your neighbour? Do you coach your younger sibling’s soccer team? Did you volunteer for a beach clean-up last summer? A hiring manager is looking to see examples of when you’ve acted responsibly, which could translate to on-the-job cred.

“Employers are aware that teens often have little formal work experience when they are hiring for student jobs and entry-level positions,” says McTaggart. “Consider how you might demonstrate that you have some useful skills, such as organizing, planning, writing, communication, and a strong work ethic.” She suggests including skills you learned while doing chores for neighbours and relatives, babysitting, dog-walking, or tutoring peers in school.

4. Education

List any past, current, and future educational achievements in reverse chronological order (most recent first and work backwards). This should be the shortest section on your resume and include: 

• The name of your school(s)
• Any diploma/degree in progress or attained
• Major/field of study
• Enrollment dates
• Expected graduation date
• GPA (if above 3.5)
• Any notable awards

If you’ve just graduated, list your high school, and if applicable, any post-secondary institution that you will attend next year.

If you’re still a student with limited job experience, you can put this section at the top of your resume. But if you’ve graduated and have ample work experience under your belt, your education is slightly less important and can be parked near the bottom.

Tip: “Include details about your education, including any awards such as Honour Roll or Dean’s List,” says McTaggart. Just keep it short and simple: “Graduated third in a class of 200 students, with a GPA of 3.8.”

5. Relevant skills

Showcase personal and professional skills that are relevant to the position and give concrete examples. For instance, if you’re applying to a summer camp, spelling out that you’re “First Aid and CPR certified” may give you a leg up over other candidates. If driving is an essential part of the job, mention that you have a valid driver’s licence (as well as list the licence class and how long you’ve held it). 

This is also the place to park any computer skills; fluency in languages; and certifications, licences, or professional courses that you’ve completed (or are currently completing). 

“Are you proficient with any software?” asks McTaggart. “Be sure to note, for example, if you can use document, spreadsheet or presentation software, and especially if you have any experience coding at any level.” 

Possible skills could include:

• Customer service
• French language
• Basic coding
• Video editing
• Photography
• Social media
• Communication skills
• Microsoft Office
• Fundraising
• Valid drivers licence

To understand what skills to include, study the job description. Does the position require using a computer? Are you handling cash? Will you be communicating with customers? Read between the lines and pick out the most important competencies for the job.

“For example, if you volunteered to help seniors with their technology in a retirement home, you have demonstrated strong communication skills, patience, and reliability,” says McTaggart.

Tip: Resist the urge to embellish your skills. Hiring managers often do background checks to confirm details. They may even request a copy of your purported credentials.

Read more: Job interview questions for teens with sample answers .

6. Awards and achievements

This is your chance to humblebrag about your awesomeness! List any scholarships, bursaries, awards, or achievements. These could be through school, the community, or extracurricular activities. If you’re applying for your first job, these seemingly small achievements can help your resume sparkle above the rest. 

7. References (optional)

While not mandatory, you can list up to three professional contacts who can speak to your character and/or professional experience. Always ask before listing a potential reference on your resume. No one likes surprises, and a courtesy “heads up” gives the person time to think about what to say. 

Learn more about How to prepare for your first job interview . 

Tips for writing a resume for teens

• Stick to one to two pages : If you exceed that length, you risk overloading the hiring manager with information. Less is more!
• Make a professional email address : “Avoid things like hunnybunny@hotmail,” says McTaggart.
• Make your resume visually appealing : “This does not mean getting fancy,” says McTaggart. “It simply means making good use of white space and avoiding dense blocks of text.” Also, be consistent with fonts and formatting.
• Keep it simple: A resume should be eye-catching but not gaudy. “Unless you are applying for a role where a lot of creativity is required, it is advisable to avoid flashy colours and fonts,” says McTaggart. “The key to a good resume is to make it readable and professional.”
• Think about what the employer wants : Then, customize your resume to fit those qualifications. “Put yourself in the shoes of your prospective employer: they want a teen who is reliable, punctual, has a good attitude, can follow instructions and communicate clearly,” says McTaggart.
• Study the job posting : It gives clues about what the employer wants in a job candidate, as well as keywords to include in your resume. It might also give intel on possible interview questions.
• Prove you’re a leader: “Leadership skills are highly regarded by employers,” says McTaggart. “If you have ever been captain of a team, coached the younger members of your basketball club or taken a leadership role in your school play, be sure to highlight this.
• Use “action” words to paint a picture . Use descriptive language to leverage your skills and experience, as well as what you’ve achieved. Instead of simply saying you “did a thing,” consider if you could use these verbs such as led, researched, created, managed, delivered, resolved, founded, developed, tracked, collaborated, grew, or promoted. The thesaurus is your BFF!
• Proofread: Your resume should be squeaky-clean before you hit send. Run a spelling and grammar check—ideally, twice. Read the resume out loud to catch any awkward sentences or to trim length. Get a friend or family member to proofread for typos too.
• Ready your references : “If you have done good work for someone, even if informally like babysitting or snow shovelling, consider asking them for a letter of reference,” says McTaggart. “You can then list these folks under your ‘References’ section.” She also recommends making the request in person and routinely after you finish a job. While few people do this, it’s a good habit that can pay off later.
• Minimize your digital footprint : Hiring managers typically do online searches for job candidates. If you’ve got a digital presence that you’d rather not share with a potential boss, switch your social media settings to private. 

Tip: Include a cover letter with your resume. Learn more about how to write a cover letter for students .

Resume Examples for Teens

Need some help crafting your perfect resume? We’ve got you! Here are some resume template for teens that can help:

Resume with no work experience for teens

A sample resume for a high school student with no job experience:

Resume with work experience for teens

A sample resume for a first-year university student with job experience:

Last word about how to make a resume for teens

If you’ve made it this far, you should be well-equipped to take on the task of creating a resume. Start by studying the job description and brainstorming what skills and experiences might be highly valued by the hiring manager. Using these pro tips, draft a resume that showcases your skills and uses concrete examples that are directly relevant to the position. Remember to have a friend or family member proofread it before you hit send.

One last piece of advice: avoid the pressure to be perfect. At this age and stage, no one expects you to have a jam-packed resume with fancy awards and job experience. Avoid “padding” your resume with complicated or overblown achievements.

“As a teen, you’re not applying for Senior Vice President roles!” says McTaggart. “Keep it simple.”

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This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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Teenager Resume With No Work Experience

Creating a resume as a teenager can be hard, but it’s not impossible.

Even without formal work experience, there are many ways to showcase your potential and demonstrate your value to prospective employers.

For your convenience, we have created a great sample teenager resume and expert writing tips that will ensure you stand out from the crowd.

This sample resume will provide you with a solid framework to organize your information effectively.

Similarly, our guidance will help you craft compelling sections such as your objective statement, skills, education, and achievements.

Have a look.

Sample Teenager Resume With No Work Experience

Maria Johnson Houston, TX (000) 251-5214 [Email]

OBJECTIVE Motivated and responsible high school student seeking a part-time job as a clerical assistant. Bringing strong work ethic, punctuality, and dedication to contribute to the success of the organization.

EDUCATION High School Diploma XYZ High School, Houston, TX Expected Graduation Date: May 2024

Relevant Coursework:

• Introduction to Business
• Communication Skills
• Entrepreneurship
• Creative Writing

Achievements:

• Received the “Outstanding Student of the Year” award for exemplary academic performance and dedication to community service
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Organization
• Time management
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Quick learner

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• Member of the school debate club: Developed public speaking and critical thinking skills
• Volunteer at the local animal shelter: Demonstrated compassion and responsibility
• School community service club: Organized and participated in various community events

REFERENCES Available upon request.

How to Write a Teenager Resume With No Work Experience?

Creating a resume as a teenager without work experience might seem challenging, but it is an excellent opportunity to highlight your skills, achievements, and potential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an impressive resume:

1. Contact Information

Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address.

2. Objective

Write a short, focused objective that outlines your career goals and why you’re applying for the job.

3. Education

List your educational background, including the name of your school, the year you’re expected to graduate, and any notable achievements or relevant coursework.

Highlight skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These can include both hard and soft skills.

5. Volunteer Work and Extracurricular Activities

Include any volunteer experience, internships, or participation in school clubs and sports, as these demonstrate responsibility and commitment.

6. Awards and Honors

List any awards or recognitions you’ve received that can showcase your abilities and hard work.

7. References

You can include a statement that references are available upon request or list the contact information for 2-3 references who can vouch for your character and abilities. This can include teachers, coaches, or supervisors from volunteer work.

Final Tips:

• Keep your resume to one page.
• Use a clean, professional font and format.
• Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
• Customize your resume for each job application to match the job requirements.

Following these steps will help you create a polished and professional resume, even without work experience.

• Work From Home Resume No Experience Sample
• High School Graduate Cover Letter With No Work Experience
• Resume Writing Tips for High School Students with No Experience
• Fast Food Worker Resume With Less or No Experience

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• Safety at work
• What is unfair dismissal?
• What to do if you get sacked
• Rights of apprentices and trainees
• Rights of casual workers
• Rights of full-time and part-time workers
• Rights of workers under 15
• Salary guides
• What is your minimum wage?
• Buying a car
• How to get your Ls
• 10 things to know for the drive test
• Getting your Ps
• Friends and friendships
• Gender identity
• Same-sex attraction
• Sex - are you ready?
• Buying stuff
• Credit cards
• How to do a tax return
• Personal loans
• Phones and phone plans
• What is Tax?
• Concessions for young people
• Government financial assistance
• How to manage debt
• How to write a grant application
• What grants are available?
• What is an auspice organisation?
• How to budget and save
• Superannuation
• Binge drinking
• Facts about alcohol
• Food and diet
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Choosing a healthcare professional
• Immunisation
• Private healthcare
• Sport and fitness
• Support for people with a disability
• Buying a property: What help is available?
• Buying or renting a home: which is better?
• How to find a property to buy
• Emergency accommodation options
• Government housing assistance
• About youth homelessness
• How to get help if you are homeless
• Gas, electricity and services
• Household budget
• Insurance for renters and tenants
• Setting up a home: the essentials
• Finding housemates
• How to choose a housemate
• How to look for a place to rent
• Paying rent
• How to deal with breakages and repairs
• Problems with housemates
• Problems with the landlord
• Signing a lease
• Tips for sharehouse success
• Your rights as a tenant
• General safety tips
• How to have a safe party
• Cyberbullying and trolling
• Cybersafety
• How to avoid spam and scams
• How to behave when you're online
• How to shop safely online
• Parties - what to do if something goes wrong
• Consumer rights
• How to deal with the police
• Sexual assault
• Victim rights
• Where to get legal advice
• Discrimination and harassment
• Making a complaint
• Privacy rights
• Driving interstate
• Planning a trip around Australia
• Tips for affordable travel in Australia
• Travel in Australia: How to stay safe
• Working interstate
• A backpacker's survival guide
• Affordable Travel
• Getting around overseas
• Health & Safety Overseas
• Planning your trip
• FReeZA Program
• Contact organisations and companies
• Develop skills by volunteering
• Join or organise a protest
• Organise an event
• Recruit people to your cause
• Run a meeting
• Start or join a group or cause
• Plan a campaign
• Research an issue
• Stay committed to your cause
• Contact decision-makers
• Get support online
• How to contact a journalist
• Promote an event
• Publish something online
• Speak in public
• Speak on radio or TV
• Start a petition
• Write a letter to the editor
• Write a media release
• Information for community
• Resources and support for teachers and schools
• Information for young people
• Live at the Steps - All Ages Gig!
• PushIt! Lab: Applications Now Open!
• FReeZA Push Start
• Alexander Biggs
• Charm of Finches
• Chelsea Bleach
• Fraser A. Gorman
• Hi-Tec Emotions
• Hollow December
• Jungle Cuffs
• Loose Tooth
• Max Goes To Hollywood
• Milwaukee Banks
• Mosé + The FMLY
• Seth Sentry
• Shrimpwitch
• Sophiegrophy
• The Bean Project
• Void Of Vision
• Event Management
• FReeZA Committees and Audiences
• How to Enter and Prepare for a Freeza Push Start Competition (For Artists)
• How to Write a Blurb to Promote your Event
• How to Write an Event Review
• Making and Promoting a Great Event Page on Facebook
• Safer Spaces and Accessibility at Freeza Events
• Safety and Risk Management
• Event Guide
• An Intimate Afternoon with Anthony Fantano
• Deep As F*X
• FReeZA Push Start Heats - Wodonga
• Lilydale Street Party
• New Slang w/ Tiny Little Houses, Alex Lahey + more
• The Monash Music Battle
• Communication Guidelines
• Reporting Requirements
• Useful Contacts
• Barwon South West
• Gippsland Region
• Grampians region
• Hume region
• Loddon Mallee region
• Eastern Metro region
• North West Metro Region
• Southern Metro region
• Check or change your enrolment
• Enrolling to vote
• Federal Government and elections
• Getting involved in an election
• How to participate when you can't vote
• Local Councils and elections
• Run as a candidate
• State Government and elections
• Vote in a referendum
• Victorian Young Achiever Awards
• Community Radio - SYN Media
• Early Intervention and Support
• Empower Youth
• Multicultural Victoria
• Scholarships & Philanthropic Programs
• Scouts and Guides
• 2023 Victorian Youth Congress
• Victorian Youth Week
• Wakakirri goes digital
• Youth Mentoring
• Youth Parliament
• Backing South Sudanese youth to be the best they can be
• Talk, Test, Treat
• Accessibility

Use this sample resume as a basis for your own resume if you:

• Have completed (or are currently completing) VCE 
• Have little or no formal (paid) work experience

For sample resumes designed for other levels of education/work experience, check out our Sample CVs page . 

Download this sample resume template:

• Sample Resume: VCE + No Work Experience - Word (133.87 KB)
• Sample Resume: VCE + No Work Experience - PDF  (123.51 KB)

NOTE: DON'T SUBMIT YOUR RESUME AS A .PDF. Always submit your resume as a .doc, .docx or .rtf. If you have trouble with this sample resume, contact us at [email protected] .

If you've finished or are currently doing VCE (or an equivalent) but you haven't had much - or any - paid work experience, this sample resume can help you focus on the personal attributes you can contribute to the needs of an organisation.

This sample resume has been designed to focus on:

• A marketing statement that highlights your capabilities and demonstrates what you bring to the job
• Personal attributes that will help you to transition into the work environment
• Any achievements, commendations or awards you received at high school that show you are honest and reliable
• Any volunteer placements that demonstrate your willingness to contribute to the community

Other things you can put on your resume include:

• Any sporting or community club participation (if relevant to the job)
• Work placements or work experience that show you know how to work in a professional environment
• Key skills that demonstrate your employability (and examples of their use) 
• Written testimonials provided by supervisors, sporting club coaches, teachers or others involved in volunteer and community clubs
• Any hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job

This sample resume is one page long. A one-page resume is more than acceptable when you're just starting out in the world of work. You may end up with two pages if you include all of the suggested additional information.

If your resume ends up being three pages long, you're probably providing too much information - try cutting some things out and sticking to two pages maximum.

For more about resumes and cover letters, check out these pages:

• Sample Cover Letters
• How to Write a Resume
• How to Write a Cover Letter

Email: [email protected] Mobile: XXXX XXX XXX

VCE graduate seeking casual employment in a dynamic organisation

Personable and astute student with proven time management and collaboration skills developed from sporting and volunteer engagements. Strong interpersonal skills enhanced by taking part in theatre activities to develop confidence and communication abilities. Understanding of general employability skills and the importance of working as part of a team, learning from others and developing as a professional. VCE graduate looking for first-time employment in a position that requires a dedicated, young and enthusiastic employee.

• Customer Service (phone and face-to-face)
• Problem solving
• Cash management
• Sales reconciliations
• Transaction processing
• Sales refunds
• Dispute resolution
• Data processing
• Inventory control
• Store-based security
• Stock receipting
• End-of-day processing
• Sales negotiations
• Product selection

Software Skills: Microsoft Word ~ Microsoft Excel ~ Microsoft Outlook ~ Firefox ~ Internet Explorer

All Saints Anglican College VCE 2013 ATAR: 88.7

Achievements:

• 2013: Class captain (in partnership with one other class representative)
• 2012: Represented school at National Youth Day events
• 2012: Recognition award for contribution to the local community and volunteering

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Effective Communication Skills:  Articulate communicator with appreciation for the different communication styles required when working with other team members or with customers.
• Honest and Reliable:  Strong morals and ethics ensure honesty, reliability and ability to undertake tasks responsibly.
• Flexible:  Understanding of need to remain flexible to support last-minute demands and changes. Comfortable in changing environments and situations, ensuring ability to remain flexible and adaptable at all times.

STUDENT WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS

Taylor Smith Partners (2-Week Work Placement - 2013)

Achievements and Contributions

• Customer Service:  Responded to incoming calls. Screened telemarketing and direct sales calls while transferring customer enquiries to appropriate department.
• Administration:  Typed general communication and letters to customers and businesses as directed. Ensured accurate development of communication by providing correspondence to supervisor for approval.
• Records Processing:  Entered customer information into internal records management system. Updated existing customer records while creating new data files as directed.

VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS

Melton Community Gardens (2011 - current)

Worked in community gardens assisting members of the local community in planting and caring for allocated sections. Assisted with setup and preparation of community garden, including general repair and maintenance works.

St Vincent De Paul (2010-2013)

Provided support during various fundraising activities for local community group. Assisted at events and gatherings including providing suggestions to help meet fundraising targets. Personally attended various events, including spending time with homeless youth in Melbourne CBD.

PROFESSIONAL REFEREES

Joanne Boyle Manager St Vincent De Paul Society Phone XX XXXX XXXX

Allan Blue Maintenance Manager Melton Community Gardens Phone: XX XXXX XXXX

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CV template for teenager

When you’re looking to make the transition from education to employment, your CV is your first impression to employers, so it needs to be strong.

If you don’t have any work experience or limited industry exposure, you can still create an impressive CV and highlight your transferable skills  to recruiters.

This comprehensive guide, which includes 3 CV examples for a teenager, will show you how to produce your own interview winning CV.

Guide content

• 3 CV examples
• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Your education
• Vital skills for your CV

CV templates 

Teenager CV template 1

Teenager CV template 2

Teenager CV template 3

The above CV is a great example  of how to make your educational history and voluntary experience a focal point within your CV, showcasing your transferable skills.

As this guide continues, we’ll walk you through how to produce an attention grabbing CV, even if you have no or limited work experience.

Build your CV now 

If you want a full run through of this CV, check out my video guide to writing a CV when you have no experience

CV structure & format

Your CV needs to grab recruiters’ attention at first glance, drawing them in with a clear and defined structure  and enabling them to simply navigate your experience.

This below infographic gives you the tools to create a distinctive format, informing you of what sections to include and handy tips to producing your CV.

Formatting Tips

• Stick to a professional CV design instead of overcomplicating it with imagery such as company logos or headshots, instead have a simple font and muted colour pallet
• Allow recruiters to simply navigate your experience by breaking up information with bullet points, clear sections and bold headers
• Your CV should be no longer than 2 sides of A4, but don’t add to your CV just to boost the length , it’s okay to submit a CV that is 1 side of A4

Structuring your CV

Break up the information within your CV by working to distinctive sections, allowing you to pinpoint key information in your CV easily.

Use the below structure when compiling your CV:

• Contact details – you want your contact details visible at the top of your CV, so recruiters can easily reach you
• Profile – engage recruiters with an opening paragraph, making your educational history, core skills and any voluntary experience a focal point
• Education – document your educational history, highlighting courses most applicable for the sector you’re pursuing
• Work experience – include  any voluntary experience , personal pursuits or freelancing undertaken
• Interests and hobbies – record your hobbies, documenting the transferable skills you acquired

Now the guide will walk you through what to include within each section.

CV contact details

When adding your contact information ensure all information is correct before submitting, sticking to only the key details as below:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Location (the city you live in is enough information)

Avoid adding additional information such as marital status, headshot or date of birth as these are irrelevant to your application.

Top Tip –  stay away from childish email addresses and if you don’t have a professional email address already, look to create one for your job applications.

Begin your CV with the most essential information, detailing why you’re the perfect candidate for positions in the sector you’re pursuing.

A CV profile or personal statement  should be a punchy opening paragraph between 5-10 lines, that summarises your educational history, transferable skills and documents why you should be considered for roles.

The tips below will help you produce your CV profile:

• Be unique in your descriptions, tailoring yourself to the industry you’re applying to, avoid overused statements such as “I am a team player” or “I give 110%” that just make you blend into the crowd
• Your profile should be no longer than 5-10 lines, grabbing the recruiters attention and allowing you to elaborate elsewhere in your CV
• Ensure you research the sector you’re looking to enter before producing your profile, this will allow you to add relevant skills and keywords

What to include in your CV profile?

• Qualifications – Your education should be a focal point, documenting courses specifically those that are required for the industry you’re looking into
• Core skills –  Highlight your transferable skills such as communication, team work, the ability to build relationships quickly or problem solve
• Passions –  Discuss why you think you’d be a good fit to the industry and why you’re exploring this avenue

Core skills & achievement section

Directly underneath your profile, add a section that displays your core skills and key achievements  to recruiters at first glance.

This should be comprised of 2-3 columns of bullet points, tailoring these skills to the industry you are considering

Use your sector specific research to guide you in crafting this section so you’re a custom fit, showcasing why you’re suitable for roles.

If you’ve limited or no work experience, your educational history should be a key area of focus within your CV.

Document any qualifications or courses you’ve obtained, providing depth around any group or individual coursework you completed, using bullet points to break up each qualification.

Structure your education by heading the qualification gained, detailing the dates obtained and the establishment (school or college) you attended.

Clubs and Memberships

Within the education section, also look to incorporate any clubs you are part of or memberships acquired.

For example, were you a prefect or champion at school, part of a debate club or did you captain a specific sports team.

See also: Graduate CV – School leaver CV

Work experience

Work experience isn’t limited to full time paid employment, you can also add any voluntary experience, freelance or personal pursuits you have taken on.

Structuring your roles

In a similar way as to how you would format  full time paid positions, break each part of your experience into three clearly defined sections.

A summary of your voluntary experience, the role you assumed, the company you worked for and the department you were part of.

“Supported as a volunteer in a marketing firm, learning the industry and supporting the marketing executives .”

Key responsibilities

Bullet point your key responsibilities, including any extra duties taken on.

• Attending meetings alongside the marketing executives, making notes
• Supporting with administration duties, writing  letters, filing paperwork and shredding documents

Key achievements

Record the impact you have had within a position, including any related facts and figures to validate your examples.

• Through market research, was able to create 5 client leads

Interests and hobbies

If you have limited or no work experience the hobbies  and interest section of your CV, is a great way to boost your experience and demonstrate your core skills.

Avoid generic hobbies and instead consider interests that have allowed you to acquire a new skill set.

For example, if you are looking to get into a career in marketing, hobbies such as designing websites in your spare time, blogging or making YouTube videos are perfect interests to be adding to your CV, displaying your creativity, passion and desire to pursue a new industry.

Essential skills for your teenager CV

Record the skills you have obtain throughout your educational history and voluntary experience, tailoring these to the industry you’re pursuing:

Organisational Skills –  being able to juggle voluntary work, studies and extra curriculum activities

Team Work –  working in a team to achieve a common goal, whether through sporting team involvements or in class projects

Commitment and Drive –  displaying your willingness to achieve, going above and beyond

Customer Service –  a capacity for putting customers first and providing an excellent experience

Communication –  having the ability to speak with people of all levels

Writing your CV

First impressions count in the recruitment process, so your CV needs to be strong, highlighting your marketable skills.

When you have limited work experience, ensure your educational history is a focal point, adopting a structure that showcases why you’re ideal for the sector you’re pursuing.

Using this guide, you’ll be able to create an engaging CV that lands you your dream job.

Best of  luck in your next application!

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
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• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder

Jobs for 14- and 15-year-olds: examples + advice

What sort of jobs are near me for 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds?

In-person jobs for 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds, remote jobs for 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds, fast-food chains and restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment .

You’re only 14 years old, but want to earn some extra money. Maybe you want to help out your family or save for a big ticket item like a car. After all, you’ll soon be eligible for a driver's license. It’s great to have goals! 

Good news: There are plenty of jobs for 14-year-olds, whatever your motivation. But you also need to be aware that there are limitations. Child labor laws designed specifically to protect teens aged 14 and 15 may restrict how much and what hours you work.

Luckily, this blog will break it down. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The number of hours 14-year olds and 15-year-olds are allowed to work
• The best types of jobs for teens
• What companies hire 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds
• Tips for getting your first job

How much are 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds allowed to work?

In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act separates work into agricultural and nonagricultural categories, and the rules differ between those two. This law defines how much 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds are allowed to work.

Here are the limitations on work for minors 14 and 15 years old:

• No manufacturing, mining or hazardous work
• No more than three hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, eight hours on a non-school day, or 40 hours in a non-school week
• No working before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m., except in the summer (defined as June 1 through Labor Day), when teens in your age group may work until 9 p.m.
• Students in a Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP) may work up to 23 hours in school weeks and three hours on school days (including during school hours)
• Students in a work-study program work during school hours.

State regulations vary. For a complete list, go to the U.S. Department of Labor and choose your state.

What sort of work can 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds do?

If you have a theatrical side, you’re in luck! People of any age may perform in radio, TV, movie or theater. Depending on your view, this next bit may be good or bad: Your parents can have you work in their small business (as long as it does not fall into the above forbidden categories).

If you’re looking for work now, you’re also in luck! Many entry-level positions are going unfilled and employers are beginning to sweeten the pot to attract job seekers. That means you may have more options and better working conditions.

For even more ideas, check out our comprehensive blog on jobs for teens .

So are there really jobs for 14-year-olds?

The very short answer is yes! We may be past the days when youths rode their bikes with a pile of newspapers to throw onto porches, but there are plenty of other opportunities out there. 

For one, teens your age may work in agriculture after school hours as long as the job is not dangerous. If you like the outdoors and don’t mind hard work, this may be for you. But many other environments are out there.

If you have a theatrical side, you’re in luck! People of any age may perform in radio, TV, movie or theater. 

Depending on your view, this next bit may be good or bad: Your parents can have you work in their small business (as long as it does not fall into the legally forbidden categories noted above).

If you’re looking for work right now in any number of fields, you’re also in luck! Many entry-level positions are going unfilled and employers are beginning to sweeten the pot to attract job seekers. That might mean more options and better working conditions than ever for young teens.

For some jobs, you won’t even have to leave your room! But, let’s start with those jobs you have to arrive on-time for and learn to function in a business environment.

You probably know about the classics: non-official work such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pet-sitting or dog walking, and babysitting. But you may not think this work counts as "regular," so if you want or need to earn a set amount of income, these may not be the best choices. On the other hand, these entrepreneurial jobs show off your can-do spirit and can lead to greater opportunities.

If you want to get experience working with a team or in a structured work environment, many people start their working careers in fast food or other service industries such as coffeehouses, movie theaters or supermarkets.

It has long been a job search rule that experienced professionals should not put hobbies and interests on resumes. However, as work/life boundaries shift, employers are increasingly interested in the broader aspects of a candidate’s personality. Time for a rethink.

If you’re an ace programmer, 3D modeler or have other complex computer skills, you’ll have no trouble finding work. Maybe you’re already selling your apps online or are mixing the audio for your friends’ band. These skills can earn you cash. Here’s a more complete list of computer-based jobs.

Our guide to the top 10 remote jobs will offer more ideas, although not all are teen-oriented.

Like to share your opinion? Did you know you can get paid to review songs online? Or fill out surveys (some sites have a minimum age above 15)? What about watching ads ? 

Blogging, vlogging and freelance writing are also open to teens. But be aware that these jobs require a lot of marketing plus a healthy helping of luck.

Do you have a professional phone voice? A few companies, including U-Haul, will hire 14-year-olds as customer service representatives. Detail-oriented? Data entry may be a great starting point for you. 

Consider all your talents. Are you acing algebra? You can tutor other students. Do you handcraft gifts for friends and family? Etsy may be your ticket. Are you known for your pithy sayings or graphic design skills? Check out CafePress . Creativity will lead you to other jobs you can get as a 14-year-old that will take advantage of your hobbies and talents and may lead to career opportunities.

What companies hire 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds?

The top companies that hire 14-year-olds and 15-year-old are, not surprisingly, those that rely on unskilled labor and a short on-the-job training session. These employers understand that most likely you are not looking for a career, but simply an afterschool job. However, if you choose to stick with them through your high school years, many also offer opportunities for advancement.

If you want to get out of the house, plenty of large companies will give you a chance. Check your state’s regulations and the locations near you for more specific information. For example, in Montana — but only in Montana —   Starbucks hires 14-year-olds.

• Baskin-Robbins
• Ben and Jerry’s
• Boston Market
• Burger King
• Chick-Fil-A
• Dairy Queen
• Rita’s Italian Ice
• Giant Eagle
• King Soopers
• Stop & Shop
• Wegmans (minimum age 15)

Many supermarket positions are entry-level so they only require the skills you already possess. Including a cover letter with your job application is vital to highlight the transferable skills and personality traits that hiring managers are looking for. The advice in this writing guide is illustrated with adaptable wording from a supermarket cover letter example.

AMC Theaters hires teens under 16, but you may also want to check into the other entertainment options in your community. Here are some ideas:

• Bowling alleys
• Indoor skydiving
• Indoor water parks
• Rock climbing

If you are unsure which job suits you the best, have a look at our Top 12 Career Aptitude Tests. . 

Summer jobs for 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds

If school is your priority, but you want to earn extra cash in the summer, amusement parks are a great option. Six Flags hires young teens. Your local YMCA or park district are other seasonal employers who rely on teens for a variety of jobs including landscaping, maintenance, reception, concession worker and, of course, camp counselor. Check out your local day camps as well.

You may become American Red Cross certified as a lifeguard if you are 15 or older by the end of your training session.

Not interested in working with young campers? What about these ideas?:

• Caddying at a golf course
• Landscaping
• Care for plants at a nursery
• Clean pools
• Work at the zoo

How much do jobs for a 14-year-old or 15-year-old pay?

Companies that hire teens are required to pay them the minimum wage. The federal minimum wage is $7.25, but many states and municipalities have a higher minimum wage. However, companies may pay as little as $4.25 for the first 90 calendar days that you are employed.

Exceptions exist for full-time students, student learners, apprentices, and workers with disabilities, so be sure to check with your locality.

Interviewing is stressful. Preparation and practice are the best ways to get yourself ready for the big day. This interview guide helps you to walk into that interview with the best chance of getting a positive result.

How to get your first job as a 14-year-old or 15-year-old

What about jobs for a 14-year-old without experience? If you’re applying online, or even if you are walking into businesses cold and asking about work, you will need to describe your work experience and who you are. You will look a lot more impressive if you have a resume. But how do you do that when you have never had a job? 

Check out our advice on how to write a resume with no experience ! Then, take it a step further with our how-to guide on cover letter writing for your first job.

First impressions matter, so if you apply for a job in-person, make sure you dress appropriately and adopt a professional tone.

Key takeaways:

• There are plenty of jobs for 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds, although their hours are limited by both federal and state laws.
• Certain companies are known for hiring young teens and are prepared to teach you on-the-job skills.
• Don’t forget to consider your own skills and interests — there’s a job for everyone!