Creating your first resume feels overwhelming when you have zero formal work experience. But here is the truth: you already have more experience than you realize. Babysitting, pet-sitting, lawn mowing, volunteering, playing on sports teams, and participating in clubs all count as valuable experience that employers want to see.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 53% of young people ages 16 to 24 were employed in July 2025, and the youth labor force grows sharply each spring and summer as students seek their first jobs. The competition is real, but a well-structured high school resume template can set you apart by showcasing your achievements and potential, even without traditional work history.
This guide walks you through exactly what to include, how to write each section, and provides concrete examples you can adapt for your own first resume.
What Should a High School Student Resume Include?
Your high school resume needs five core sections that together paint a complete picture of who you are and what you bring to the table. Getting the structure right matters because every section serves a distinct purpose in convincing an employer to call you back.
Contact Information and Header
Your resume header sits at the top and gives employers a fast, clear way to reach you. Include your full name in a larger or bold font, your phone number with area code, a professional email address, and your city and state. Skip your full mailing address for privacy.
If you have a LinkedIn profile, add the URL and customize it to remove the random numbers LinkedIn assigns by default. A professional email address matters more than you might think. An address like janesmith2026@gmail.com signals professionalism, while partygirl99@gmail.com gives employers a reason to move on before reading a single line.
