First Job Resume for High School Student: Examples, Template, and Tips

Applying for your first job is exciting, but writing the resume can feel intimidating.

You may be asking:

• What if I have never worked before?
• What do I write under experience?
• Should I include school activities?
• Do babysitting, volunteering, or sports count?
• What skills should I list?

A first job resume for a high school student should not pretend you have professional experience you do not have. It should show that you are dependable, respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.

Employers hiring students for first jobs usually care about basic workplace qualities: showing up on time, communicating clearly, following instructions, working with a team, and treating customers well.

This guide gives you a template, examples, and practical advice for writing your first job resume.

For the main guide, read High School Resume Guide. For no-experience help, see High School Resume With No Experience. For copy-ready examples, visit High School Resume Examples.

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Quick Answer

A first job resume for a high school student should include contact information, a job-focused objective, education, relevant skills, and experience from school, volunteering, activities, projects, babysitting, tutoring, sports, or family responsibilities. Keep it one page and tailor it to the job.

Basic first job resume template:

Full Name
City, State | Phone Number | Professional Email

Objective
Dependable high school student seeking a first part-time job where I can use communication, teamwork, and organization skills while learning professional workplace responsibilities.

Education
School Name, City, State
Expected High School Diploma, Month Year
Relevant Coursework: Course, Course, Course

Skills
Customer service, communication, teamwork, time management, organization, basic math, Google Docs

Experience
Volunteer or Activity Role
Organization Name
Month Year – Present
- Describe what you did.
- Show responsibility, communication, teamwork, or reliability.
- Include numbers when possible.

Activities
Activity or Club
Sport or Team

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What Employers Look For in a First Job Resume

Employers are not expecting a high school student to have a long employment history.

They are looking for signs of:

• Reliability
• Communication
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Customer service potential
• Basic math
• Organization
• Respect for rules and instructions

Harvard Career Services describes a resume as a concise summary of abilities, education, and experience that should be tailored to the position: Harvard Career Services. That advice applies even to a first job resume.

Your resume should not be long. It should be focused.

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First Job Resume Template

Full Name
City, State | Phone Number | Professional Email

Objective
[Positive trait] high school student seeking a first [job type] role where I can use [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3] to support [customers/team/company].

Education
School Name, City, State
Expected High School Diploma, Month Year
GPA: X.X/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Course, Course, Course

Skills
Skill, Skill, Skill, Skill, Skill, Skill

Experience
Role or Activity
Organization Name
Month Year – Present
- Start with an action verb.
- Explain what you did.
- Show a skill or result.

Volunteer Experience
Role
Organization Name
Month Year
- Describe your contribution.
- Show responsibility or teamwork.

Activities
Club, sport, or school activity
Club, sport, or school activity

Awards or Certifications
Award or Certification, Year

For more formatting options, use High School Resume Template.

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Complete First Job Resume Example

Sofia Martinez
Phoenix, AZ | 555-0126 | sofia.martinez@email.com

Objective
Dependable high school student seeking a first part-time retail associate position where I can use communication, organization, and teamwork skills to support customers and store operations.

Education
Desert Ridge High School, Phoenix, AZ
Expected High School Diploma, May 2027
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Business Applications, Personal Finance, Public Speaking

Skills
Customer service, communication, teamwork, organization, time management, basic math, Google Docs, Microsoft Word

Volunteer Experience
School Event Volunteer
Desert Ridge High School
August 2026 – Present
- Help set up tables, organize supplies, and welcome guests during school events.
- Answer basic questions from students and parents in a polite and helpful manner.
- Work with other volunteers to clean up event areas after programs end.

Activities
Student Store Volunteer
Track and Field Team

Awards
Honor Roll, 2026

Why This Works

This resume proves the student can communicate, follow instructions, stay organized, and work with others. That is exactly what many first-job employers want.

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Best Skills for a First Job Resume

Choose skills based on the job.

For a larger skills list, use Resume Skills List.

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First Job Resume Objective Examples

Retail:

Dependable high school student seeking a first retail associate role where I can use communication, teamwork, and organization skills to support customers and store operations.

Restaurant:

Motivated high school student seeking a first restaurant team member role where I can use time management, teamwork, and customer service skills in a fast-paced environment.

Grocery store:

Reliable high school student seeking a first grocery store position where I can use basic math, organization, and communication skills to help customers and support daily store tasks.

Office assistant:

Organized high school student seeking a first office assistant role where I can use computer skills, attention to detail, and clear communication to support administrative tasks.

More examples are available in Resume Objective Examples.

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How to Write Experience for Your First Job Resume

If you have never had a job, include other experience.

Examples:

• Volunteering
• School events
• Clubs
• Sports
• Projects
• Babysitting
• Tutoring
• Helping family
• Fundraisers
• Community service

Weak bullet:

- Helped at school events.

Better bullet:

- Helped set up tables, organize supplies, and welcome guests during school events.

Weak bullet:

- Was on basketball team.

Better bullet:

- Balanced regular practices, games, and academic responsibilities while contributing to a team environment.

For stronger bullet writing, read Resume Achievements.

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First Job Resume Examples by Role

Retail First Job Resume Snippet

Objective
Friendly high school student seeking a part-time retail role where I can support customers, organize merchandise, and contribute to a positive store experience.

Skills
Customer service, communication, organization, basic math, teamwork, time management

Experience
School Store Volunteer
- Help organize merchandise, restock items, and assist students during lunch-period sales.
- Answer basic product questions and keep the sales area clean.

Restaurant First Job Resume Snippet

Objective
Motivated high school student seeking a restaurant team member role where I can use teamwork, time management, and customer service skills.

Skills
Teamwork, cleaning, food safety basics, communication, time management

Volunteer Experience
Community Dinner Volunteer
- Help set up tables, serve meals, and clean dining areas during community dinners.
- Follow food safety instructions and support volunteers during busy periods.

Office Helper First Job Resume Snippet

Objective
Organized high school student seeking an office helper role where I can use computer skills and attention to detail to support daily administrative tasks.

Skills
Google Docs, Microsoft Word, email communication, data entry, organization

Experience
Front Office Student Assistant
- Help organize forms, sort mail, and assist staff with basic office tasks.

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Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using a Generic Resume

Tailor your resume to each job. A restaurant resume should not look exactly like a retail resume.

Mistake 2: Leaving Out Volunteer Work

Volunteer work counts when it shows responsibility, communication, or teamwork.

Mistake 3: Listing Too Many Skills

Use 6 to 10 relevant skills instead of a huge list.

Mistake 4: Writing Long Paragraphs

Use bullet points. Keep each bullet clear and specific.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Proofread

Spelling mistakes can hurt your first impression.

For more, see Resume Mistakes.

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FAQ

What should I put on a first job resume as a high school student?

Include contact information, an objective, education, skills, and experience from school, volunteering, projects, activities, babysitting, tutoring, sports, or community service. Focus on reliability, communication, teamwork, and willingness to learn.

Can I get a job with no resume experience?

Yes. Many first-job employers hire students with no paid experience. A clear resume can still show responsibility through school projects, volunteer work, clubs, sports, and personal responsibilities.

Should I include school activities on a first job resume?

Yes, if they show useful skills. Student council can show leadership, sports can show teamwork, and volunteering can show responsibility. Choose activities that support the job you want.

How long should a first job resume be?

A first job resume should usually be one page. Keep it focused, easy to read, and tailored to the job.

Can JobFix.ai help with my first job resume?

Yes. JobFix.ai can help improve your resume, find missing keywords, tailor your resume to a job description, improve ATS readability, and generate a cover letter.

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Summary

A first job resume for a high school student should show potential, not a long career history.

Use your real experiences: school projects, volunteering, activities, sports, babysitting, tutoring, and family responsibilities. Then connect those experiences to skills employers want.

For related guides, read:

• High School Resume Guide
• High School Resume With No Experience
• High School Resume Examples
• Resume for High School Student

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Call to Action

Before applying, run your resume through JobFix.ai.

JobFix.ai can help you improve your resume, optimize your ATS score, identify missing keywords, tailor your resume to the job, create a cover letter, and prepare for interviews.