How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (2024)

Resume For a 16-Year-Old

Dive into the secrets of making a standout resume when you have no experience.

Sep 8, 2022

2 min read

How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (1)

How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (2)

How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (3)

Evgeni Asenov

Sep 8, 2022

2 min read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Sample resume template for a 16-year-old
  • Resume formatting tips for a high-schooler
  • What to write instead of experience
  • key takeaways

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a teenager looking for a job! It can be difficult to build a resume and find a job when you have little to no experience and are just entering the workforce. But don’t worry, this is a guide to help you find your way!

In this article, you’ll learn:

  • how to build a professional resume;
  • what to put on it when you have little experience;
  • and some examples to help you imagine what your resume could look like.

Sample resume template for a 16-year-old

Below is a sample resume template to help guide you in building your own. Your resume should look something like this when you complete it:

Amanda Smith

Phone: 808-707-0404
Email: amandasmith05@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amanda_smith05

I am a responsible and reliable sophomore striving for real-life work experience and a place to grow my familiarity and confidence in the workforce. I thrive in a team environment but also exemplify self-sufficiency on designated tasks. I hope to help a business be more successful through my determination and enthusiasm.

Education

  • Sophomore at Adams High School with As and Bs
  • Taking Spanish, English, Calculus, World History, and Biology

Skills

  • Reliable punctuality
  • Excellent communication
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail

Hobbies and Interests

  • Reading books of all kinds and expanding my horizons
  • Hiking in nature to get back to my roots and experience the outdoors
  • Watching documentaries to learn more about the world

Other Activities

  • Weekly volunteering at animal shelters
  • Part of a reading group for kindergarteners after school

Resume formatting tips for a high-schooler

Keep these tips in mind when making your resume. Following these guidelines ensures a professional and legible resume.

  • Choose the best format
    Chronological formats are the easiest to write and easiest to understand.
  • Adjust page margins to the appropriate length
    Make sure the margins aren’t too big or too small to avoid an awkward appearance.
  • Choose a professional font
    Don’t go with Comic Sans or something funky, stick to Times New Roman or something simple.
  • Keep it one page
    Keep it short and sweet so employers can easily digest it.
  • Save as PDF
    Save as a PDF so your formatting stays the same across platforms.

What to write instead of experience

Below are some suggestions for filling in your experience on your resume. Many teenagers don’t have loads of job experience, but you can supplement with the following subjects:

  • Education
    Include bullets with classes, extracurricular activities, student memberships, studies, and anything relevant to your education.
  • Hobbies and interests
    Anything that will showcase your relevant skills should go in this section.
  • Actual skills
    Try to match the skills to the job description and draw from previous experience.
  • Volunteering
    Mention any volunteering you have done to exemplify your enthusiasm and spirit.
  • Extra sections
    Mention language skills, personal projects you’ve done, or other relevant activities.

key takeaways

Here are the key takeaways for 16-year-olds building a resume:

  • Include anything that shows your positive character
  • Highlight your relevant skills
  • Express your enthusiasm for employment
  • Display all contact information prominently
  • Use a helpful resume builder

Make your move!

Your resume is an extension of yourself.
Make one that's truly you.

Rate my article:

Resume For a 16-Year-Old

Average: 4.71 / 5.00

(

629

people already rated it)

How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (4)

Evgeni Asenov

Build your Enhancv resume

Get an ATS-optimized resume that’s an extension of yourself.

How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (5)How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (6)How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (7)

Build Your Resume

Resume Guides

Continue Reading

Check more recommended readings to get the job of your dreams.

How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old (2024)

FAQs

How to Write a Resume If You're a 16-Year-Old? ›

Include bullets with classes, extracurricular activities, student memberships, studies, and anything relevant to your education. Anything that will showcase your relevant skills should go in this section. Try to match the skills to the job description and draw from previous experience.

How should a 16 year old write a resume? ›

Include bullets with classes, extracurricular activities, student memberships, studies, and anything relevant to your education. Anything that will showcase your relevant skills should go in this section. Try to match the skills to the job description and draw from previous experience.

Do you need a resume for your first job at 16? ›

Although many of the jobs you're pursuing won't require a resume, going the extra mile to create one can help you make a positive first impression on prospective employers.

Can a high schooler have a resume? ›

Having a resume in high school can help you start thinking about your future and the skills and experiences you'll need to be successful in your career. Plus, once you create your first high school resume, you'll be able to edit it and build upon it as you gain more and more education and experience.

What skills would a 16 year old have? ›

Essential Life Skills for 16-Year-Olds
  • Help your teen tackle these need-to-know tasks. ...
  • Money Management. ...
  • Smart Shopping Skills. ...
  • Finding and Holding a Part-time Job. ...
  • Conversing and Making Connections. ...
  • Navigating to and from Unfamiliar Places.
Sep 17, 2019

Do minors look good on resume? ›

Key takeaways: Listing your college minor on your resume is critical, especially if you're creating a student resume, a recent graduate, or have limited work experience; it can make your education section stand out and strengthen your candidacy.

What's the easiest job to get at 16? ›

11 of the best first jobs for 16-year-olds
  • Lifeguard.
  • Barista.
  • Camp counselor.
  • Retail sales associate.
  • Blogger.
  • Dog walker.
  • Babysitter.
  • Tutor.
Apr 18, 2024

Do I need a resume if I have no experience? ›

No problem! Everyone needs a resume for their first job, but how do you write one with no work experience? We're here to show you! Writing a basic resume with no work experience is a cinch once you know how to match your strengths with the right tools.

Can my high school resume be 2 pages? ›

For résumés, limiting your document to one page is a good approach for new college graduates and high school students. Some employers may specifically ask for a one-page résumé. However, do not shy away from adding that extra page of accomplishments—as long as it is relevant and persuasive.

Should I put AP classes on my resume? ›

Write down everything after graduation from 8th grade. Also include impressive courses- AP/IB, Dual Credit classes, and relevant electives. Colleges get student transcripts so don't list every class taken.

At what age do you stop putting high school on resume? ›

I'd say these need to be removed or replaced as soon as you have any notable university or career achievements, or when you turn 21, whichever comes first. Unless you are applying for a job that is targeted at high school students, it will be awkward for the hiring manager to read high school related resume items.

What does a 16 year old put on their CV? ›

If you're like most 16-year-olds, and you're writing a CV with no work experience, then do this: Write a list of your skills, strengths, and experience. Focus on your education and any extracurricular activities, such as sports. Highlight anything that would help you do well on the job you're applying for.

Which resume format is best for high school students? ›

What constitutes the "best" format for a high school resume depends on how much relevant work experience you have. If your past employments, volunteer work and extracurricular activities can fill out a Work Experience section, you could do well with the chronological resume format.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 5722

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.