Your high school resume is your ticket to showcasing your unique skills and achievements to colleges, scholarships, and potential employers. Set yourself apart by learning how to craft a standout resume that reflects your strengths and potential.
Why a Resume Matters
A well-organized resume helps admissions officers, scholarship committees, and hiring managers see what you bring to the table. It highlights your:
- Academic accomplishments
- Extracurricular involvement
- Leadership experience
- Volunteer work and job skills
Even if you don’t have extensive experience yet, your high school resume is a great way to start building a professional profile.
Start with a Clear Format
A clean and organized layout makes your resume easy to read. Use sections to group similar experiences and present them in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
Recommended Sections:
- Contact Information
- Objective (Optional)
- Education
- Extracurricular Activities
- Volunteer Experience
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Awards and Honors
Pro Tip: Stick to a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman, use bullet points for clarity, and keep it to one page.
Include Your Contact Information
At the top of your resume, include your name, phone number, email address, and city/state. If you have a LinkedIn profile or personal website relevant to your goals, include those as well.
Example:
Name: Jordan Smith
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jordansmith@email.com
Location: Boston, MA
Highlight Your Education
In the Education section, list your high school’s name, location, and expected graduation date. If your GPA is strong (e.g., 3.5 or higher), include it. Mention any honors or advanced coursework, such as:
- AP or IB classes
- Dual-enrollment courses
- Relevant academic projects
Example:
High School: Lincoln High School, Springfield, IL
Graduation Date: June 2025
GPA: 3.8
Advanced Coursework: AP Biology, Dual Enrollment in English Composition
Showcase Extracurricular Activities
Your extracurriculars say a lot about your interests and dedication. Include activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or long-term commitment, such as:
- Sports teams
- School clubs (e.g., debate, robotics, or theater)
- Student government
- Music or arts programs
Example:
Varsity Soccer Team
- Captain (2024 season)
- Organized team fundraisers, raising $2,000 for new equipment
- Awarded Most Valuable Player (2023)
Pro Tip: Focus on the skills you gained or the impact you made in each role.
Detail Your Volunteer Experience
Volunteer work shows your commitment to giving back. Highlight experiences that align with your passions or career interests.
Example:
Community Food Bank Volunteer
- Assisted with sorting and distributing food to over 200 families weekly
- Developed organizational skills and learned the value of community service
Pro Tip: If you don’t have volunteer experience yet, look for opportunities at local nonprofits, libraries, or community centers.
Add Work Experience (If Applicable)
Even part-time or summer jobs provide valuable skills. Include the company name, job title, and a few bullet points describing your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Example:
Cashier, Local Grocery Store
- Managed transactions and provided excellent customer service
- Learned time management by balancing a 15-hour workweek with school
Highlight Skills
List hard and soft skills relevant to your goals. Hard skills are measurable, like coding or graphic design, while soft skills include qualities like teamwork and communication.
Examples of Skills to Include:
- Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
- Public speaking
- Bilingual proficiency
- Time management
Pro Tip: Tailor your skills to match the requirements of the opportunity you’re applying for.
Mention Awards and Honors
If you’ve received recognition for your achievements, include them in a dedicated section. Examples include:
- Academic honors (e.g., Honor Roll, National Honor Society)
- Competition awards (e.g., science fairs, speech contests)
- Scholarships or grants
Example:
Awards and Honors:
- National Merit Scholar Semifinalist (2024)
- 1st Place, Regional Science Fair (2023)
Write an Optional Objective
An objective statement is a brief sentence at the top of your resume that outlines your goals. Use it when applying for specific opportunities like scholarships, internships, or part-time jobs.
Example:
“Motivated high school junior seeking an internship in environmental science to gain hands-on research experience.”
Customize for Each Opportunity
No two resumes should look exactly the same. Tailor your resume to fit the college, job, or scholarship you’re applying for by emphasizing relevant experiences and skills.
Example: For a scholarship focused on leadership, highlight your roles in student government or club activities.
Proofread and Review
Small errors can hurt your credibility. Before submitting your resume:
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Ensure consistency in formatting, such as bullet points and font sizes.
- Ask a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend to review it.
Pro Tip: Save your resume as a PDF to preserve the formatting.
Moving Forward
Building a strong resume in high school is about more than listing achievements—it’s about telling your story. By focusing on your unique experiences, skills, and goals, you can create a resume that stands out to colleges, employers, and scholarship committees. Ready to get started? Start drafting your resume today and watch it grow with your experiences!