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

In this Guide:

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 sophom*ore 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

• Sophom*ore 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
  

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