Resume Templates for High School Students + Examples

Creating your first resume as a high school student can feel overwhelming. You might be thinking, "How do I write a resume when I barely have any work experience?" Here's the truth: you have more to offer than you think.

Whether you're applying for your first part-time job, seeking a scholarship, applying to college, or landing an internship, the right resume template combined with the right approach can open doors you never thought possible. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about high school resume templates, complete with real examples that have helped students land opportunities in 2025.

Understanding High School Resume Templates

A resume template is essentially a pre-formatted document that provides structure for organizing your information. Think of it as a blueprint that helps you present your qualifications in a way that hiring managers and admissions officers expect to see.

For high school students, the right template makes all the difference because it helps you focus on what matters most: your potential, your skills, and your achievements, rather than years of work experience you simply don't have yet.

Why You Need a Professional Template

Using a professional template offers several advantages:

Types of Resume Formats for High School Students

Before diving into templates, you need to understand the three main resume formats and which one works best for your situation.

Functional Resume (Best for Most High School Students)

This format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It's perfect when you have limited or no work experience. The functional format lets you showcase what you can do through your academic achievements, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and transferable skills.

Combination Resume (For Students with Some Experience)

This format blends skills and work experience, giving equal weight to both. If you've held a part-time job, done internships, or have substantial volunteer experience, a combination format can showcase both your abilities and your practical experience.

Chronological Resume (For Experienced Students)

This traditional format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. It's best suited for high school students who have accumulated significant work experience through multiple jobs or long-term positions.

Essential Sections Every High School Resume Needs

Regardless of which template you choose, your high school resume should include these core sections:

Contact Information

This section should be clear and professional. Include:

• Full Name: Use your first and last name (middle name optional)
• Phone Number: Your personal cell phone with a professional voicemail
• Email Address: A professional email (firstname.lastname@email.com)
• City and State: Just your city and state, no full address needed
• LinkedIn Profile: Optional, but valuable if you have one

Resume Objective or Summary

This brief 2-3 sentence statement appears at the top of your resume and tells employers who you are and what you're looking for. For high school students, an objective statement works best because it focuses on your goals and what you bring to the table.

Education

As a high school student, your education section is one of the most important parts of your resume. Here's what to include:

• High school name, city, and state
• Expected graduation date
• GPA (if 3.5 or higher)
• Relevant coursework or AP classes
• Academic honors and awards
• Class rank (if impressive)

Experience Section

Don't worry if you don't have traditional work experience. Your experience section can include:

• Part-time jobs (retail, food service, babysitting)
• Volunteer work
• Internships
• School projects
• Leadership positions in clubs or organizations
• Community service
• Freelance work or side hustles

For each experience, include the organization name, your role, dates, and 3-5 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Skills Section

Your skills section should highlight both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal qualities). Focus on skills relevant to your target position.

Extracurricular Activities

This section shows you're well-rounded and can manage multiple commitments. Include:

• School clubs and organizations
• Sports teams
• Student government
• Arts programs (theater, band, choir)
• Academic competitions
• Community involvement

Pro tip: Don't just list activities. Highlight leadership roles and specific achievements within these activities.

Best Resume Builder for High School Students

10 High School Resume Examples for Different Situations

Let's look at how different students can structure their resumes based on their specific situations and goals.

Example 1: First Job with No Work Experience

This resume focuses heavily on skills gained through school, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities.

Example 2: College Application Resume

This resume emphasizes academic achievements, leadership, and well-rounded involvement in school and community.

Example 3: Scholarship Application Resume

This resume highlights community service, overcoming challenges, and financial need context where appropriate.

Example 4: Internship Application Resume

This resume connects school projects and coursework to professional skills needed for the internship.

Example 5: Part-Time Retail Position

Example 6: Food Service Position

Example 7: Summer Camp Counselor

Example 8: Library or Office Assistant

Example 9: Athletic Resume for College Recruitment

Example 10: Creative/Arts Position

Writing Tips: How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Now that you've seen examples, let's talk about specific strategies to make your resume more compelling.

Use Action Verbs

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb. This makes your resume more dynamic and shows you're a doer, not just a participant.

Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers grab attention and provide concrete evidence of your impact. Whenever possible, add specific metrics to your accomplishments.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

One of the biggest mistakes students make is sending the same resume to every opportunity. Instead, customize your resume for each application by:

• Reading the job description carefully and identifying key skills they want
• Using similar language and keywords from the job posting
• Highlighting the most relevant experiences for that specific position
• Adjusting your objective statement to match the opportunity

This is where a tool like Adaptit.Pro becomes invaluable. Rather than starting from scratch each time, you can easily create multiple versions of your resume, adjusting content based on whether you're applying for a retail job, a scholarship, or college admission.

Keep It to One Page

Hiring managers typically spend only 6-7 seconds scanning a resume initially. A concise, one-page resume ensures they can quickly see your qualifications without getting overwhelmed.

Tips for staying on one page:

• Use a font size between 10-12 points (11 is ideal)
• Set margins to 0.5-1 inch on all sides
• Be selective about what you include - quality over quantity
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
• Remove older or less relevant experiences

Proofread Meticulously

Spelling and grammar errors can instantly disqualify you from consideration. Before submitting your resume:

• Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing
• Use spell check, but don't rely on it exclusively
• Have a teacher, parent, or counselor review it
• Check that all dates and contact information are accurate
• Ensure formatting is consistent throughout

Common Resume Mistakes High School Students Make

Avoid these pitfalls that can hurt your chances of getting an interview:

Mistake 1: Using an Unprofessional Email Address

Mistake 2: Including Irrelevant Information

Leave these items off your resume:

• Physical characteristics (height, weight, age)
• Social Security number
• A photo (unless specifically requested)
• Personal social media accounts (except LinkedIn)
• Hobbies unrelated to the position
• References (provide separately when requested)

Mistake 3: Being Too Generic

Avoid vague statements like "hard worker" or "team player" without backing them up. Instead, show these qualities through specific examples and achievements.

Mistake 4: Poor Formatting

Common formatting errors include:

• Using multiple font styles or colors
• Inconsistent spacing or alignment
• Dense blocks of text without white space
• Fancy graphics that don't scan well in ATS systems
• Font sizes that are too small or too large

Mistake 5: Lying or Exaggerating

Always be truthful on your resume. Employers verify information, and dishonesty can cost you the job even after you're hired. If you embellish your GPA, job duties, or achievements, it will likely come back to haunt you.

Understanding ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Many employers use ATS software to screen resumes before human eyes ever see them. Understanding how these systems work can help you optimize your resume.

What is ATS?

ATS is software that scans resumes for specific keywords, qualifications, and formatting. If your resume doesn't meet the system's criteria, it may never reach a hiring manager, even if you're qualified for the position.

How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly

Beyond the Template: Building Your Resume Strategy

Creating a strong resume is just the beginning. Here's how to maximize your success:

Start Early

Don't wait until you need a resume to start building experiences worth including. Throughout high school:

• Volunteer regularly in your community
• Join clubs and organizations that interest you
• Take on leadership roles when opportunities arise
• Participate in school activities and sports
• Seek out internships and job shadowing opportunities
• Document your achievements as they happen

Keep a Running Document

Throughout high school, maintain a master document listing all your activities, achievements, volunteer work, and skills. When it's time to create a resume, you'll have everything at your fingertips rather than trying to remember what you did freshman year.

Gather References

Build relationships with teachers, coaches, employers, and community leaders who can serve as references. Ask permission before listing someone as a reference, and keep them updated when you're actively job searching.

Create a LinkedIn Profile

Even as a high school student, having a professional LinkedIn presence shows maturity and initiative. Your profile can mirror your resume but include more details about your experiences and aspirations.

Different Resumes for Different Purposes

Remember that you may need different resume versions for different purposes. Here's how to adjust your approach:

For Part-Time Jobs

Focus on: Availability, reliability, customer service skills, ability to work in teams, specific skills relevant to the job (cash handling, food service, retail experience)

Emphasize: Your schedule flexibility, transportation access, previous work or volunteer experiences showing responsibility

For College Applications

Focus on: Academic achievements, GPA, test scores, challenging coursework, leadership roles, unique experiences or perspectives

Emphasize: How your experiences align with your intended major, evidence of intellectual curiosity and personal growth

For Scholarships

Focus on: Community service, overcoming obstacles, financial need context (if applicable), academic excellence, leadership in underrepresented areas

Emphasize: Your impact on others, commitment to giving back, clear connection between the scholarship and your goals

For Internships

Focus on: Relevant coursework, related projects, technical skills, passion for the field, willingness to learn

Emphasize: How the internship connects to your career goals, specific skills you can contribute and want to develop

Complementing Your Resume with a Cover Letter

While not always required for entry-level positions, a strong cover letter can set you apart. Your cover letter should:

• Be addressed to a specific person when possible
• Explain why you're interested in this specific opportunity
• Highlight 2-3 key experiences that make you a great fit
• Show enthusiasm and personality
• Be concise (typically 3-4 paragraphs)
• Include a call to action (expressing your desire for an interview)

Many students overlook cover letters, so taking the time to write a personalized one can give you a significant advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a high school resume be?

Your resume should be one page. At this stage in your career, you likely don't have enough experience to warrant a second page, and hiring managers prefer concise resumes they can quickly scan.

Should I include my GPA?

Include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher. If your overall GPA is lower but your GPA in relevant subjects is strong, you can list your major GPA instead. If your GPA is below 3.5, you can leave it off and focus on other strengths.

What if I have no work experience at all?

Focus on transferable skills from school projects, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and personal projects. Babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting, helping with family businesses, and organizing events all count as experience.

Should I include references on my resume?

No, references should be on a separate document. You can note "References available upon request" at the bottom of your resume, but this isn't necessary. Prepare a separate reference sheet with 3-4 contacts to provide when asked.

Can I use color in my resume?

Minimal, professional use of color can help your resume stand out, but keep it subtle. A colored header or section dividers in navy, dark green, or grey can add visual interest while remaining professional. Avoid bright or neon colors.

How often should I update my resume?

Update your resume every 3-6 months or whenever you gain new experiences, skills, or achievements. It's much easier to add information while it's fresh in your mind rather than trying to remember details later.

Should I use a resume template or build from scratch?

Templates are highly recommended for high school students. They ensure proper formatting, help you include all necessary sections, and save significant time. A professional template from a platform like Adaptit.Pro also ensures your resume will pass ATS screening systems.

What font should I use?

Stick with professional, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size. Avoid decorative or script fonts that are difficult to read or may not scan well in ATS systems.

Is it okay to have gaps in my experience?

Yes, this is completely normal for high school students. You don't need to account for every month of your life. Focus on highlighting the experiences you do have rather than worrying about gaps.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Creating your first resume might feel overwhelming, but you now have all the tools and knowledge you need to build something impressive. Here's your action plan:

Remember, your resume is a living document that will evolve throughout your high school years and beyond. As you gain new experiences and skills, continue updating and refining it.

Final Thoughts

Creating a resume as a high school student is an important step toward your future. While you might not have years of work experience, you have unique strengths, accomplishments, and potential that employers and admissions officers want to see.

The key is presenting yourself authentically while highlighting your best qualities. Use the templates and examples in this guide as inspiration, but make sure your resume reflects who you truly are and what you have to offer.

Your first resume won't be your last. As you continue through high school and beyond, you'll constantly refine and improve your professional presentation. The important thing is to start now, learn from the process, and continue building experiences worth including.

You've got this! With the right template, a strategic approach, and tools like Adaptit.Pro to guide you, you're well on your way to creating a resume that helps you achieve your goals.