Resume Building

Today's high school students must market their experiences, skills, achievements, and accolades to set them apart from others when applying to college or for a job. 

Key Parts to a good high school Resume: 

Basic Information: Name & Contact Information

Objective or Summary Statement

Education

Work Experience (part-time jobs count)

Relevant Skills (including soft skills)

Extracurricular Activities

Volunteer Work

Awards, Honors, Accomplishments, and Leadership Roles

Special Skills

References or Letters of Recommendation

Many colleges ask for a "List" of activities, honors, awards, and experiences per grade level including hours spent in each. You may, also, provide a resume in some cases. If applying to a college, be prepared with both. 

You may, also, be asked to include either for scholarship applications. 

Parts of a Resume

1. Write a dynamic profile or objective summarizing your qualifications

In a brief paragraph, your profile summary should describe your top three to five qualifications for your target high school job, college, or scholarship.  

Example: High school student with recent volunteer work at a veterinary clinic. Naturally curious and motivated to learn about new health care procedures and equipment. Passionate about supporting the health and well-being of all types of animals. 

Example: Self-motivated, industrious student-athlete seeking admission to a distinguished university to pursue studies in (degree program).  

Example: Ambitious high school student and honor society member with a 4.0 GPA seeking to obtain a four-year degree at (specify university) in (degree program).  

2. Include your high school education and certifications

Your resume should also include: Name of your high school, Your expected graduation date, Your GPA (if above 3.0), Class rank, if applicable, Specific courses that pertain to your intended major (such as CTE classes), and any dual enrollment college or AP courses taken

Example: 

• Candidate: Diploma, North Buncombe School, Weaverville, NC | expected June 2025

• 3.9 GPA and perfect attendance record to date

• Taking advanced core curriculum classes in math, science, and language arts for college credit

• Voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by the student body in 2024

3. Add an experience/extracurricular activities section

Your resume’s experience section should center on your relevant duties, skills, and highlights. By focusing on your relevant background (whether in or outside high school), you can give hiring managers/colleges a clear view of how you fit their needs. This section is where you can "list" you extracurricular activities. Regardless of the purpose of your resume--employment, college admissions, or scholarships-- adding your extracurricular activities provides a boost. Extracurriculars demonstrate your interests and prove you can make meaningful contributions, maintain a commitment, and manage your time and priorities. 

Example: Assistant, Paw Plus Pet Shop, Tampa, FL | June 2021 to September 2021

• Gained a strong foundation in customer service, helping visitors find their desired products

• Stocked shelves and maintained inventory

• Worked the cash register and helped other retail associates as needed

Example: Student Council, 11th and 12th grades

• Participated in varies community events, 15 hrs. a semester

• Organized and Implemented Homecoming parade

• Class Secretary 11th, 12th

4. List key skills, honors, awards, accomplishments, leadership roles

Include a “key skills” section to help further focus your resume on your relevant background. For many high schoolers (especially those with limited work experience), this section should include “soft skills” like solution-seeking and collaboration. But also feel free to add specific software programs you’ve used or other technical skills you’ll need in your target job. 

5.  REFERENCES OR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Since this is likely one of your first resumes, you may not have extensive work experience. Add letters of recommendation or list references from teachers, coaches, mentors, or other adults. As long as a close family member does not write it, a reference shows that others value what you bring to the table.

When writing a resume, here are some areas you can add to your high school resume. You can begin these at anytime and build upon them as you move through high school: 

• Community service

• High school athletics

• High school clubs and societies

• Hobbies and interests

• Internships

• Leadership experience

• Personal accomplishments

• Research experience

• Summer camps or coursework

• Travel or study abroad experience

• Volunteer experience

• Work experience

For each of the above areas you have experience in, brainstorm answers to these questions:

1. What were your primary roles, duties, or focus areas?
2. What are you most proud of about this experience?
3. What general skill areas did you develop (e.g., teamwork, efficiency, customer service)?