How to Write a Teenager First Job Resume in 30 Minutes
Learn how to write a teenager first job resume in 30 minutes with ATS-friendly tips, resume examples, and skill section ideas.
It is a bit scary to write your first resume. But you don’t have to be. Most teenagers think they have nothing to put on a resume. This is not true. Employers are interested in your skills, school activities and experiences.
The following is a step-by-step guide. Follow along and finish your teenager’s first job resume in 30 minutes or less.
Key Takeaways
• A teenager’s first job resume focuses on skills and school activities not on a work history.
• Resume fits on one page and keeps a plain, simple and direct format.
• A good resume template saves your time and looks professional right away.
• Resume building tools help you complete your resume quicker and without mistakes.
Step 1: Choose the Right Resume Format
When looking for a resume layout for a teenager’s first job resume always use a simple one-column format. Don’t use fancy designs with 2 columns or graphics. The majority of job applications go through ATS software. ATS is an Applicant Tracking System. It first scans the resume before checking the human HR team.
A clean format passes ATS every time. This Minimalist ATS Resume Template on CreativeFabrica is a great starting point. It is simple, modern, and fully ATS-friendly.
Step 2: Add Your Contact Information
Put your full name at the top. Write in a large, bold font, so it’s easy to see.
Write these things below your name:
• Your phone number
• A professional email address (use your name, not a nickname)
• Your city and state (no need for your full street address)
• Your LinkedIn profile or portfolio link, if you have one
Limit the number of sentences in this section. One line for each item is enough.
Step 3: Write a Short Resume Objective
A resume objective is a brief (2-3 sentence) statement at the top of your resume. It introduces employers to you and your qualifications.
Here is an example:
“I am a hard worker and quick to learn. I am willing to work with a fast-paced team. I’m looking to be a part-time employee in a retail environment at a high school.”
Keep it short. A teenager’s first job resume works best with two sentences.
Step 4: List Your Education
Write your education section near the top of your resume if you don’t have any work experience yet.
Include:
• Your high school name
• Your expected graduation year
• Your GPA (only if it is 3.0 or above)
• Relevant courses like business, computer science, or communications
Do not overthink this section. Keep it to 3-4 lines.
Step 5: Add Skills and Activities
This is the most important section for a teenager’s first job resume.
Skills to consider adding:
• Customer service skills / communication skills.
• Understand ethical and legal issues regarding the use of information technology
• Time management and reliability
• Collaboration from projects and/or sports activities at school
Activities to include:
• School clubs or student council
• Sports teams
• Service learning or community service projects
• Part-time work (such as babysitting, mowing lawns, etc.)
These demonstrate your energy, responsibility, and preparedness to work for employers.
Ready-Made Template
It takes some extra time to build a resume from scratch. A template provides you with a blank template right away. Download this Minimalist ATS Resume Template and fill in your details. It is ATS-friendly, clean, and easy to edit. Or use the free resume builder at resume-template.net to build your resume online in minutes.
Resume Guides for Other Fields
If you already have some experience and are exploring other career paths? Read the complete Nurse Resume Template guide for a step-by-step example of a professional resume in healthcare.
Aleena Amin
This article was written by Aleena Amin. Explore more posts from this author for helpful insights and resources.
