How to create a high school student resume that works
A resume is a one or two-page document designed to quickly summarize a person’s accomplishments in a format that’s pleasing to the eye. A high school resume should give an employer or hiring manager a good sense of a student’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments while also providing a glimpse into their character.
Making an effective resume isn’t easy — it takes time and imagination. That’s why we've created a number of high school resume templates you can share with your students to use as a starting point.
How to write a resume as a high school student
Employers, hiring managers, and recruiters love simple and clear resumes.
What should a high school student put on a resume?
Encourage your students to include these key elements of an effective high school student resume:
- Name and contact information
- An objective statement that explains the type of employment the student is looking for
- Relevant work experience and extracurricular activities that show a well-rounded personality
- Any awards, honors, and special skills that make them stand out
Explore Adobe Express high school resumes that include the above items in clean, attractive formats.
What is an objective statement on a resume?
The most common question students ask when creating their resumes is: “What‘s an objective statement?” An objective statement is a quick pitch about who the student is and what they‘re looking for. For example, a student’s objective statement might read something like this: “Smart, reliable junior looking for data analysis experience.” Remember to tell your students to keep their statements short and simple.
List experience, including extracurricular activities, honors, and awards
Remind students that when they list their work experience and extracurricular activities, they should add a few words or phrases explaining what those experiences entailed. For example, if a student was president of the chess club, you might encourage them to include something like: “Organized fundraisers and led the scheduling of chess tournaments.” That way, a prospective employer can identify the skills the student gained from their leadership role.
Don’t forget to have students include any honors or awards they’ve earned. These details will help employers see the ways their job candidates have gone above and beyond in academics, athletics, and other areas.
Encourage students to list special skills on their resumes
One thing students often forget to add is a section that includes special skills they’ve learned in the course of their studies, work experience, volunteer experience, or extracurricular activities. Students often shine in this section — this is where they can write about mural-making or software coding, horseback riding or fencing. Encourage your students to really pack this section with any skills that might catch a recruiter’s eye.
