Teen Resume: Examples & Templates

An effective skills section on your teen resume is important for showcasing your abilities and potential. Focus on including both hard skills, like computer skill or language knowledge, and soft skills such as teamwork and adaptability. This mix not only highlights what you can do but also who you are as an individual ready to contribute.

To make the most impact, ensure you incorporate keywords from the job listing into this section. By aligning your skills with those specified in the job description, you're signaling to human recruiters that you understand their needs while simultaneously optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS). This strategy improves your visibility and increases the chances of landing an interview.

A robust skills section is especially important for a teen resume, since you're unlikely to have much experience. Pay close attention to how your skills fit the role and demonstrate your readiness for its responsibilities.

A strong work experience section should highlight not just your duties but also your achievements, demonstrating how you've used your skills effectively. Use this space to showcase real examples of how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, emphasizing accomplishments that are quantifiable and relevant.

Each job entry should clearly list your job title, the name of the employer, and the dates you were employed there. As a teen, it's OK if you don't have very much formal experience. Few teenaged candidates do. Use extracurriculars and volunteer experience to flesh out your resume and showcase relevant skills.

Embarking on your first job search as a teen may seem daunting, but your education and personal projects are excellent showcases for your skills. Even without formal work experience, classwork and school projects can highlight critical abilities like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These activities reflect your ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge effectively.

Consider the transferable skills you’ve gained from non-work experiences. Volunteering, extracurricular activities, or even managing school clubs can demonstrate leadership, organization, and time management skills. Think about how you’ve collaborated with peers or led initiatives—these experiences all contribute to your skillset.

The education section of your teen resume should list your academic credentials in reverse-chronological order starting with the most recent. Include any relevant programs or courses you have completed while omitting any education prior to high school. Highlight significant achievements such as honors or awards to make this section stand out.

If your education is ongoing, indicate your current level and include an expected graduation date. For those who are still studying, adding bullet points about relevant coursework, skills gained, or extracurricular activities can be beneficial. This is especially useful for students applying for internships or part-time jobs where educational background plays an important role.

Crafting a compelling profile section is important for your resume, as it serves as the first impression you make on potential employers. It’s your opportunity to succinctly present who you are and what you bring to the table, setting the tone for the rest of your application.

If you have several years of experience under your belt, a professional summary is an effective choice. This approach allows you to showcase your most significant accomplishments and skills right at the top of your resume. Most teen candidates won't have much experience. In that case, a goals-oriented resume objective is the stronger choice.

Including optional sections on your resume can highlight your distinct qualifications for teen positions. These segments allow you to present yourself in a way that goes beyond traditional work experience.

When you share relevant hobbies or volunteer experiences, you give potential employers insight into your values and skills. For example, if you've organized community events or participated in clubs, it shows your teamwork and leadership abilities. This additional information helps paint a fuller picture of who you are and how you might fit into their team.