how to make a resume as a high school student

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18 High School Student Resume Examples Created for 2024

High school student resume.

• High School Student Resumes by Experience
• High School Student Resumes by Role

High school is one of the best times of your life, but it can also be one of the most difficult when looking for your first or second job. You’ve got to fill out applications, prep for interviews, and write your resume.

Using ChatGPT for resumes  is a cool idea, but can still feel daunting and overwhelming. We’ve all been there, and what you really need is a free AI resume builder and solid student cover letters to get you on your way.

We’ve analyzed countless high school resumes to discover  what would get students job interviews in 2024 . While you may want to start with a simple  resume outline , keep reading to find 18 high school resume samples (plus writing tips) that are jam-packed with essential techniques and tricks.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you choose to use a template, make sure you adjust the  resume’s formatting  so that your text is big enough to read with one-inch margins on the side.
• However, you should write your bullet points like you would for a job. Highlight any responsibilities and accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for now.
• For example, if you’re looking for a job in sales, emphasize your ability to work in groups and create a good customer experience.

High School Student No Experience Resume

• If you don’t have work history, include projects and volunteer work instead. Treat them like a job and write bullet points according to your responsibilities.
• Make sure you start every bullet point with active verbs, and always double-check for typos. You’ve got this!
• Include your unique skills, your desired position, and the company you hope to work for to make your objective stand out from the rest!

First Job High School Student Resume

• To remedy that problem, add a  skills section on your resume  to give hiring managers an important overview of your strengths.
• To really highlight your abilities, incorporate the same skills in your work experience, too. Demonstrate how you used your skills to better your workplace, and you can’t go wrong!
• Adding stylistic elements like color and different fonts can help you show a bit of your personality (and make your resume more fun to read). 

Experienced High School Student Resume

• Remember, your resume is a highlight reel, so you need to include what’s most important (like your achievements and relevant metrics). 
• You can adjust your layout, font sizes, and margins, but keep it easy to read. 
• Use a bit of color and some fun fonts, provided it still looks professional. You’ve got this!

High School Senior Resume

• This statement must align with the potential employer’s needs, proving you understand the job requirements and have gone the extra mile to address doubts about your capabilities. As for experiences that might have prepared you for the job, workshops and volunteering programs you’ve participated in are prominent candidates.

Out of High School Resume

• Leisure activities range from soccer, hiking, drawing and sketching, robotics, and photography to journalism. But how do they fit in the picture? Well, a penchant for drawing and sketching could reflect creativity and an eye for detail, while journalism stints could hint at strong communication and critical thinking.

High School Graduate Resume

• Right from the first line of the career objective, you can see the candidate’s passion and willingness to work in this field. Notice how Serai’s love for photography is clearly backed by a previous project for a school newspaper.
• These details will be perfect when Serai’s ready for the AI cover letter generator to bring her application to perfection.

High School Diploma Resume

• In the education section of your high school diploma resume, include your diploma, the school’s name, and your start and end date. Add some useful software skills to the mix to secure your seat in any undergraduate program.

Recent High School Graduate Resume

• Begin with clearing which stream and degree you want to pursue. Next, follow suit with your mission and what you hope to gain by completing the program. Try some more personalization by linking your career goal with the college’s agenda.

High School Student Scholarship Resume

• Your high school student scholarship resume should vividly show your positive contributions to noble causes, such as offering ADLs to seniors, and emphasize your impact on society.

High School Student College Application Resume

• Ensure your high school student college application resume shows your practical and classwork achievements that emphasize your grand vision to make a positive contribution to society.

High School Student for College Resume

• Before hitting “submit,” always  check your resume  for typos and other minor errors. It’s amazing what you can miss during your first few reviews.
• A good GPA can demonstrate, at least in part, your willingness to work hard. We’d recommend including your GPA only if it’s above 3.5, but anything above a 3 is a good average.

High School Student for Customer Service Resume

• Including projects, volunteer work, or club memberships is a great way to add value to your resume.
• Your resume should focus on your abilities and other activities you’ve engaged in that will show your value.
• Read the responsibilities and qualifications to look for key skills and tasks. Then, incorporate some of those skills and responsibilities into your high school student customer service resume.

High School Student Internship Resume

• For example, if the job description lists responsibilities like writing and analyzing data, include “written communication” and “data analysis” in your skills section.
• One easy way to customize your resume is by focusing your  resume skills  on things that apply to the internship. 
• Make sure you keep your resume professional and to the point. You don’t want to include anything too personal about your beliefs, religion, politics, or personal information.
• For example, you can list “volunteering at local church,” but avoid saying “fasting every weekend.” It doesn’t show off relevant skills and is a bit too forward for a resume.

High School Student Office Worker Resume

• Good projects include anything that demonstrates your leadership abilities or desire for knowledge. Senior projects, personal blogs, or even being on a sports team are all good examples to include!
• Add work experience directly under your contact information and name, then add any relevant projects if you’re low on space. 
• While there are plenty of  resume writing tips , your resume should be as unique as you. Don’t get so caught up in what you think you “should” do that your resume is bland and cookie-cutter. 

High School Student Sales Resume

• Numbers demonstrate your value, and they’re useful tools for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that hiring managers use to sort through job applicants.
• Trust us, and incorporate metrics into at least 80% of your bullet points!
• For example, you know that different  resume templates  can change your resume’s appearance, but different templates can also stretch or streamline your content. 
• Mess with multiple templates to see what your content will look like—you may find a template that allows for more room, or one that allows you to highlight your skills better.

High School Student Athlete  Resume

• Think of a time you proved you were the MVP on your team—Did you lead your team to a championship? Perhaps you made the game-winning shot in a crucial, nail-biting game?

High School Student Music Resume

• When you include hobbies like songwriting or your interest in classical music in your high school student music resume , it conveys to your recruiter that you’re super dedicated and passionate about your craft.
• You can also include hobbies that are different, too. For example, if you enjoy experimenting with new recipes from around the world, that can show you’re ready to give new genres a whirl or that you understand that music—while art—is still supposed to be fun and adventuresome.

Related resume guides

• Entry Level

High School Resume - How-To Guide for 2024 [11+ Samples]

Whether you’re preparing your college application, applying for an internship, or looking for a part-time job, you’ll notice that every single place is asking for your resume. 

You sit down, work on your resume for an hour, trying to come up with what you can include.

And all you end up with is the name of the high school you’re attending.

“What gives?” you wonder.

“What else can I add to my resume, when I have zero work experience?”

That’s a more than valid concern and it’s exactly what we’re going to discuss in this article! 

We’re going to tell you exactly what to write so that your resume is as convincing as any other (even with zero work experience). 

• What to include in a high school resume
• 4 Free high school templates you can use
• A real-life high school resume example
• FAQ on high school resumes

Let’s start with the question you’ve been repeatedly asking yourself:

What to Include in My High School Resume?

At the end of the day, resumes are about showing an employer that you are the right person for the job. 

You want to show you’re a competent, passionate, and responsible individual, with the right skills to get the job done.

Well, work experience isn’t the only way to convince recruiters of that. 

Instead, you can focus on the following sections:

• #1. Contact Information - This is where you write down your personal and contact information (no surprise there) like first and last name, phone number, e-mail address, or links to other profiles.
• #2. Resume Objective - In 3-4 sentences, you should be able to describe your career goals and aspirations as well as list your skills.
• #3. Education - As you probably guessed, this is where you list your education history and relevant certifications.
• #4. Extracurricular Activities - These include participation in high school clubs, competitive events, and volunteer work.
• #5. Projects & Gigs - You can mention relevant projects you have participated in, as well as any internships.
• #6. Work Experience (optional) - If you don’t have any work experience, you can mention apprenticeships or volunteer work instead.
• #7. Languages - Language skills are always a plus for your application.
• #8. Hobbies & Interests - These offer some insight into your personality and can show that you’re passionate and interested in the industry.

As you can see, there’s a lot that can go into your resume to make up for the missing work experience. 

Now, we’ll dive into each of these sections in detail and teach you how to do each of them right!

So, let’s start with:

#1. Contact Information

The contact information isn’t too hard to pull off.

Here’s what you need to include here:

• First and Last Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address

Make sure to use a professional email address , something like: [email protected]. Using your middle school [email protected] account will not leave the right impression. 

#2. Resume Objective

A resume objective is a 3-4 sentence statement of your skills, achievements, and career goals . 

Think of it as a short summary of why you’re applying for this specific position and why you’d be a good candidate for it.

You should try your best to link this summary to the role you are applying for. 

For example, if you’re applying for a position as a sales associate, you should make a point of your good social skills, proficiency in math, and teamwork skills.

Let’s have a look at a concrete example of a resume objective for this case:

Hard-working, responsible high school student looking to contribute a positive and collaborative attitude in the retail field. Math-oriented individual with good attention to detail.

#3. Education

In a typical resume, this comes after the work experience section. 

For a high school resume, though, you’d want to do it the other way around, since you want to put more focus on your academic achievements.

This section will most probably consist of only one entry: your high school education. 

Here’s how you can format your education section:

• Name of the Degree
• Name of the Institution
• Years Attended
• GPA (if above 3.5)
• Honors (if applicable)
• Relevant Courses

High School Diploma (Honor Roll)

AB High School

09/2015 - 06/2019

• Relevant courses: AP Calculus, Statistics, Leadership

#4. Extracurricular Activities

Now, this section could be one of your biggest selling points. 

Even if you have a not-so-special GPA, extracurriculars can turn your resume around. These activities are typically school-related, like participation in clubs or student societies. 

Involvement in such, especially in leadership positions like club president or team captain, shows you are sociable and active in your pursuits. 

When listing your extracurricular activities, you should format each entry like this:

Student Body Treasurer

Student Government, AB High School

• Managed the student council’s funds and expenses, kept financial records, and worked with the president and vice president to create budgets and allot funds for clubs and events.
• Participated in organizing student activities like dances, spirit weeks, community service, and fundraising movements and assemblies.

#5. Projects & Gigs

Here you can mention (or even link to) any independent projects you’ve worked on - something you’ve done on the side, unrelated to academics. 

This could be a personal project, small business or startup, side-gig, blog, etc.

Such activities add a lot of value to your resume. They show you’re a self-starter and that’s a quality that’s very much appreciated in any role and industry.

Neighborhood Book Club 

2019 - Present

• Founded a local book club, initially for my friends, and later for all the teenagers of my neighborhood.
• Prepared a monthly book calendar for the club, combining trending, relevant, and classic books.
• Organized weekly meetings to discuss the progress on the books and our thoughts upon finishing them.

#6. Work Experience (Optional)

If you have some work experience, awesome! Here’s how you’d format it on your high school resume:

• Company Name
• Dates Employed
• Achievements & Responsibilities

Sandwich Artist

Joe’s Sandwich Emporium

06/2020 - 09/2020

• Prepared several types of sandwiches for customers.
• Promoted new products on the menu directly to customers.
• Worked with the cash register.
• Interacted with dozens of customers on a daily basis.

If you don’t have any work experience, though, worry not! You can always replace it with another “Other” section.

Volunteer work, for example, is another great addition to your resume. If you also have any informal work experiences like babysitting or dog walking, you should include them in the section. 

Even if you didn’t get a paycheck out of that work, such experiences show you are skilled and reliable. 

For example, an entry for volunteering experience can look like this:

Educational Team Member

Save the Children

2018 - Present

• Assisted in giving weekly art history and drawing lessons to children at the local orphanage
• Helped organize visits at local museums and art galleries

#7. Language skills

Are you bilingual or can speak another language apart from your native one?

Make sure to mention it on your high school resume!

Wherever you might be applying, you can rest assured that they’re going to appreciate your language skills.

Even if you’re applying for a job in the service or retail industry, proficiency in an extra language or two is going to give you an advantage over other applicants, especially if you write your CEFR level , and can back up the claim in conversation.

Who knows when some foreign customers will come in and your knowledge will come in handy!

With that scenario in mind:

Be mindful not to exaggerate your skills, as lying on your resume can only get you in trouble.

#8. Hobbies & Interests

It might feel like you’re just filling up some space, but actually, the hobbies and interests you list on a resume can be significant, especially if you don’t have a lot of extracurriculars or work experience.

You need something to hint as to who you are as a person and employee, and listing hobbies and interests will do that for you. 

They also show that you are an engaged individual and well-rounded applicant. 

However, you should be selective with what you mention here. 

Listing 6+ hobbies will end up having the opposite effect - it will look like you’re just throwing in some random words, hoping some of them will be impressive. 

A good strategy is to look for hints on the job ad i.e. if they are looking for a team player, mentioning a team sport as one of your hobbies is a great idea. 

Keep in mind, though, that you should also avoid hobbies that don’t add to your profile as a candidate.

E.g.: your gaming hobby doesn't make you a better candidate for the role of a sales manager.

4 Free High School Resume Templates

So we’re all done with theory at this point. 

There’s one thing left for you to do: sit down and start preparing your resume. 

To help you with that, we’ve gathered 4 free resume templates , perfect for a high school resume. 

All you have to do is pick the ones you like best & get started with your resume!

#1. Simple Resume Template

This versatile template works for all kinds of applicants - from those with plenty to those with zero work experience. 

The neutral colors emphasize information over flashiness and the structure is easy to follow.

#2. Professional Resume Template

This next template is an all-time favorite of ours. 

Unlike the first template, the Professional one is formatted into two columns. It’s simple, yet stands out with its blue accent color (which you can change into any color you like). 

#3. Modern Resume Template

The Modern template adds something more to the traditional resume look. There is a faded design in the background and some of the sections are boxed by large brackets.

It’s a template that stands out without being too loud or wild. 

#4. Creative Resume Template

If you’re applying for a position in a creative field (marketing, design, etc.), this is the template for you. 

It uses accent colors and has a bold header that makes a statement. 

High School Resume Example

As important as picking the right template is, the content of the resume is what’s going to seal the deal. 

Here’s one example of a high school student resume, so you can get a clearer idea of what it should look like!

High School Resume FAQ

If you still have some questions regarding your high school resume, check out the FAQ and our answers below:

1. How can I write a high school resume with no work experience?

As a high school student, it’s more than normal for you to have no work experience. This shouldn’t scare you. 

There’s a lot of activities you can add to your resume that can substitute work experience.

Extracurricular activities, like participation in school clubs, projects, and gigs, are a great indicator of your skills and personality. Any informal work experiences should also be mentioned.

As long as you are showing the recruiter that you are capable of doing the job, your resume will be just fine without a work experience section.

2. How long should a high school resume be?

When it comes to high school resumes, the answer is undebatable: one page. 

A 2018 eye-tracking study showed that recruiters spend about 7 seconds skimming a resume before deciding whether to discard it or not. 

A 2-page resume will be simply excessive. 

Heck, even if you’re a professional with 10 years of work experience, we’d still recommend sticking to 1 page.

For more on resume length best practices, check out our article.

3. What’s the best way to make a high school resume?

An important and time-consuming part of making a resume is getting the formatting right. 

This means meticulously editing a Word or Google doc in order to get the right typeface, font size , line spacing, margins, etc.

What we’re getting at here is, if you’re making your resume manually, it can take you hours…

And then you make a tiny change on your layout, and your resume starts spilling into the second page!

Want to save time and effort?

Just use a resume builder ! The formatting is done for you, and all YOU have to do is fill in the resume!

Key Takeaways

That pretty much covers all you need to know about writing a high school no-experience resume . 

Quite simple and doable, right?

Finally, here’s a recap of what you should keep in mind when writing your high school resume:

• Instead of work experience, talk about extracurriculars like school clubs, personal projects, or gigs.
• Use sections like education, hobbies & interests, and languages to emphasize your skills and give an idea of your personality.
• Grab the recruiter’s attention with a concise resume objective that clearly highlights your top skills and career goals.
• Keep your resume at a maximum of 1 page.

And finally, good luck with your job search!

Related Resume Examples

• No Experience Resume
• Internship Resume
• College Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• Students and Graduates Resume
• Teacher Resume

Suggested readings:

• The Complete Guide to Remote Work [W/ Tips & Tricks]
• 101+ Achievements to List On Your Resume [In 2024]
• The Ultimate Guide to Job Hunt - Land Your Next Job in 2024

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High School Student Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Getting your high school student resume right can be a game-changer. Whether you're going for your first job or applying to college, a good resume can make all the difference. 

Crafting a great resume might feel like a challenge, but don't worry — you've got this! With the right guidance, handy examples, and helpful templates, we can walk through this together. So, let's start building your resume, a showcase of your skills, abilities, and proudest moments, ready to impress.

In this guide, we'll teach you everything you need to know about writing a resume as a high school student. Keep reading to learn all about:

• Exploring high school student resume examples
• Choosing the best format for a high school student resume
• Writing a strong resume summary as a high school student
• Selecting top skills for a high school student resume
• Describing effectively past work experience and impact
• Powering up your resume with effective action words
• Properly listing education on a resume
• Selecting relevant extra sections for your high school student resume
• Avoiding common mistakes on a high school student resume
• Pairing your resume with a relevant cover letter
• Accessing top resources for job-seeking high school students

High school student resume example

Why does this high school resume sample work?

• The all-rounder advantage: A key highlight of this high school resume sample is how it showcases the candidate's ability to handle a diverse range of tasks. It neatly captures their administrative skills, organizational abilities, process improvement initiatives, teamwork, and even presentation know-how. By listing these varied responsibilities, the candidate demonstrates their adaptability and proficiency in handling multiple roles, making them a highly versatile asset for any employer.

What could we improve?

• Making a clear impact: While the resume showcases diverse abilities, its work experience section could use more specific details. Phrases such as "improved administrative procedures" and "prepared professional presentations" are a bit generic. Spicing them up with specifics could add a punch. For example, how many procedures were improved? How much efficiency was achieved? How many presentations were prepared? By including these details, you'd add weight to your responsibilities and make the impact of your work clear.

Part-time job resume sample

What makes this part-time job resume sample effective?

Acing clarity and initiative: The strength of this part-time job resume is its clarity and demonstration of initiative. In just a few concise sentences, the candidate presents themselves as a driven, communicative high school student ready to thrive in a sales role. The crown jewel is their account of creating a new Business Society at school and expanding its membership from scratch to 150 — displaying terrific initiative and leadership, both of which are highly attractive in a candidate.

What could be improved?

• The unnecessary self-reference in the profile: The main improvement area for this part-time job resume lies in the self-reference within the professional summary. While it's common to write resumes in the third person, direct mentioning of your name ('Charlie') is usually avoided as it can come across as repetitive and unsophisticated. As resumes are personal documents, it's understood that the achievements and skills listed are yours. Removing such self-references can provide a cleaner, more professional presentation.

First job resume sample

What makes this first job resume sample stand out?

• Well-structured and comprehensive: One of this part-time resume's compelling features is its clever organization. Despite limited professional experience, it effectively starts with the most crucial part — education — setting a solid foundation. It further showcases a full range of both hard and soft skills, painting a complete picture of the candidate's abilities. The addition of volunteering activities is the icing on the cake, adding depth by highlighting initiative and a broader set of experiences.

What could be done better?

• Outdated phrasing: Despite the well-arranged structure, one area that could use a touch-up is the use of the phrase 'was responsible for.' This term has outlived its usefulness in modern-day resumes, coming across as outdated and vague. A more impactful rephrase of "Was responsible for multiple society functions and supervised more than 20 other students." could be: "Oversaw multiple society functions, leading and coordinating the tasks of over 20 students." 

1. Choose the best format for your high school student resume

In general, the standard resume format is the reverse-chronological resume . This resume focuses on work experience, listing your most recent job first and working chronologically backward from there.

However, unless you have many years of experience working in professional positions, then you will likely not have enough work experience as a high school student for this format. As a result, you may want to consider one of the following alternative formats:

• The Functional Resume: Functional resumes remove the focus from work experience and instead place it on education, skills, and unpaid experience (volunteer work, internships, etc.). This is often the best format for current students, as it allows you to prioritize academic experience and extracurriculars.
• The Hybrid Resume: Hybrid resumes spread the focus of a resume out more evenly between all sections. This type of resume is well-suited for students who have held part-time jobs and have some work experience to showcase alongside their academic experience.

Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. craft an eye-catching high school student resume summary.

A resume summary is a brief introductory statement at the beginning of your resume that helps to show your best attributes to the person reading it.

When writing your summary, it's important to include compelling details such as academic accomplishments or key work experience. This will catch the attention of employers and encourage them to read further into your resume and remember you later on.

To help demonstrate how to write an effective resume summary, here is an example of a weak one followed by a correction and explanation.

Bad example of a high school student resume summary

Soon-to-be high school graduate seeking employment as an office assistant. Served as the school’s morning announcer and office assistant for several years. Flexible schedule, with after-school club activities on Tuesdays.

Why does it fall short?  In this example, the student includes great examples of their professional goals and how their in-school experience ties into these goals. However, they should strive to provide more specific and quantifiable details, such as how many years they worked as an office assistant or what clubs they are a part of.

Good example of a high school student resume summary

Hard-working High School Senior with 2+ years of experience volunteering as the high school office assistant, providing morning announcements and assisting with student check-ins. Co-president of the Student Debate Club, responsible for planning weekly Tuesday meetings.

Why is this example better?  In this example, the applicant is far more specific with their experience as an office assistant. Rather than stating they are a “soon-to-be graduate,” the applicant instead says the exact year in school they are (High School Senior). Overall, this example has a lot more detail and specificity that makes it a more compelling summary.

3. Select top skills to put on your high school student resume

When listing skills on your resume, it is important to include a variety of different types of skills to choose from. Most abilities can be divided into two main categories:

• Hard Skills: Hard skills refer to learned abilities, like being able to play a sport or learning a new concept in school. These skills are gained through education and training, showcasing your talents and technical ability.
• Soft Skills: Soft skills are your people skills. These abilities deal with communication and comprehension, often governing how well you work with other people and understand the world around you. Soft skills can be both inherent and learned.

Including both of these types of skills on your resume is essential, as it will show the person reading the document that you know the importance of both. Plus, it will help you to showcase your diverse skillset!

With this in mind, here are 10 examples of both hard and soft skills that are great to include on a high school student’s resume:

The best high school student hard skills for your CV

• Mathematics
• Athletic ability
• Graphic design
• Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Computer skills (typing, making presentations, etc.)
• Public speaking
• Active listening
• Bookkeeping
• Data analysis

Effective soft skills for your high school student resume

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Responsibility
• Adaptability
• Willingness to learn
• Self confidence

Find out your resume score!

4. Effectively describe your past work experience as a high school student

As a high school student, you likely do not have very much work experience just yet.

If you have worked in part-time positions, then these should be included within your work experience section. However, if you have never worked a job, you may need to consider extracurriculars you can describe and sub in for formal jobs in a section simply titled “Experience” or “Hands-On Experience.” This can include academic positions you have held, such as being a team captain or club president.

No matter what experience you choose to describe on your resume, consider which details will make these examples more compelling. The more specific you can be the better!

Bad example of a work experience section

Barron Collier High, Naples, FL Varsity Soccer Captain  August 2020 to Present 

• Led soccer practices.
• Got approval for new uniforms.
• Encouraged teammates.

Why is it ineffective? This example lacks depth and specificity, making it less impactful compared to a well-detailed description. It simply lists duties without assigning much meaning to them or demonstrating their value. It doesn't fully capitalize on the chance to highlight essential skills or achievements related to the role.

Good example of a work experience entry from a high school student’s resume

Barron Collier High, Naples, FL Varsity Soccer Captain August 2020 to Present

• Led team of 20+ students in daily practice drills, physical conditioning, and scrimmages.
• Designed new uniforms for the team and successfully presented these designs to the Head Coach for approval.
• Provided teammates with encouragement and motivating speeches, helping several to create more balanced schedules with time for their school work set aside. 

Why does it work? This example is detailed and purposefully tailored to reflect specific tasks, accomplishments, and the candidate's contributions to the team. By demonstrating leadership skills, initiative, and impact, it effectively presents a more compelling picture of the candidate's experiences and potential.

5. Power up your high school resume with action words 

Using action words in your high school student resume can make a big difference. They're dynamic 'doing' words that breeze energy and accomplishment into your application. 

These words can: 

• Reflect your pro-activity and initiative
• Illustrate your ability to make things happen
• Make your resume more engaging and easy-to-read

Here are some power-packed action words for your high school student resume

• Coordinated
• Volunteered
• Participated
• Contributed

Integrating these action words throughout your resume can help you paint a vivid picture of your strengths and achievements, giving you an extra edge in your job or college applications.

6. Properly list education on your high school student resume

When you write a resume as a high school student, you will likely still be in the process of completing your education and earning your high school diploma.

It is always necessary to indicate on your resume that your education is ongoing. Additionally, you should list your expected date of graduation, as well as the specific name of the school to give credibility to your educational credentials .

If you have any notable academic achievements — such as membership in an honor society or extracurriculars — these can make good extra details to add to your education section as well.

Here's an example of a well-crafted education section on a high school student’s resume

East Rowan High School, Salisbury, NC High School Diploma

• Expected Graduation: May 2023

Academic Achievements:

• Student Body President, 2021 to Present
• Principal’s Honor Roll, 2020 to Present

7. Select relevant extra sections for your high school student resume

Beyond your academic achievements and extracurricular activities, the extra sections you include in your resume can add depth and dimension to your profile, making you stand out from the crowd.

Choose extra sections that reflect your passions, talents, and experiences . For instance, if you're a budding artist, showcase your artistic endeavors with a " Creative projects " section, where you can list any art competitions, exhibitions, or personal projects you've worked on.

Another excellent addition could be a " Leadership and Volunteer Experience " section, where you can highlight any community service, mentoring roles, or leadership positions you've held. These extra sections paint a vivid picture of who you are beyond the classroom, making your resume an inspiring tapestry of your accomplishments and aspirations.

Here's an example of how to list an extra section on your high school student resume

Creative Projects

Art Competition - First Place Winner, City Art Fest (Date)

• Participated in the annual City Art Fest and won first place for my acrylic painting titled "Vibrant Visions."

School Mural Project, School Name (Date)

• Collaborated with a team of students to design and paint a mural representing diversity and unity on campus.

Personal Art Portfolio, Ongoing

• Curated a personal art portfolio showcasing various drawings, paintings, and digital art pieces.

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

8. Avoid common mistakes in a high school student resume

Creating a flawless resume may seem daunting, especially as a high school student at the start of your professional journey. Fear not, let's go through some typical mistakes and how you can avoid them:

• Irrelevant information:  Include only information relevant to the role you're applying for. That trophy you won in third grade? Probably not essential here. 
• Too wordy:  Keep it concise. Resist the urge to write an essay about each experience. Aim to be clear, concise, and specific.
• Forgetting numbers:  Wherever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers provide a tangible measure of your success and make your contributions easily understood.
• Skipping proofreading:  Ensure your resume is free from typos and grammatical errors. These can give an impression of carelessness. 
• Inconsistent formatting:  Consistent formatting helps your resume look professional and easy to read. Stick with one font style, size, and layout.

Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool. Making it as polished and compelling as possible starts by avoiding these common pitfalls.

9. Pair your resume with a relevant cover letter

Including a cover letter with your high school student resume can be a wise move. It provides an extra opportunity to showcase your personality , explain achievements , and highlight why you're a strong fit for the job or college you're applying for.

Your resume and cover letter serve different purposes . Your resume is like a factual summary of your skills, accomplishments, and experiences. It's typically a quick, at-a-glance document for employers to assess your qualifications.

On the other hand, your cover letter is your chance to tell a compelling story about who you are. It's where you can dive deeper into specific accomplishments or experiences and explain why you're interested in the opportunity. A well-written cover letter can complement your resume and give recruiters more context about you as a candidate.

So, when should you include a cover letter? When it's specifically requested , or when you feel that the resume doesn't capture the whole picture of your potential. It's one more tool in your job application toolkit, and if used well, it can help you stand out and make a strong impression.

Let your cover letter write itself — with AI!

10. find top job search resources for high school students .

When you're in high school and looking for your first job, it can feel like a bit of a minefield. Navigating the job market isn't easy, but thankfully there are plenty of resources out there designed specifically to help high school students like you: 

• Your school's career center: Most high schools have a career center that provides various resources from resume help to job listings specially catered for students.
• Websites & apps: Websites and apps such as Snagajob , Indeed , and LinkedIn offer part-time, internship, or entry level job listings suitable for high school students. Make sure to set filters suitable for your experience level while searching.
• Job fairs: Attend job fairs conducted in your local community or school district. These provide a platform to meet potential employers face-to-face. 
• Networking: You can network with people through your connections at school or community activities. Volunteering can also be a great way to meet people and build connections.
• Internship programs: Check out internship programs in your local area or fields of interest. Websites like Internmatch or Chegg Internships can provide leads.
• Career-focused social media: Platforms such as LinkedIn provide an excellent space for professional networking and job search. And what's more, you can turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume within a few seconds.

Remember, the job search can be a bit of an adventure, so keep an open mind and keep learning along the way. Don't be disheartened by rejections. Treat them as learning experiences and continue refining your search. Happy job hunting!

High School Student Resume FAQ

Can i include non-work related activities on my high school student resume.

Absolutely! Non-work related activities, particularly those involving leadership roles or skills directly related to the job you're applying for, can demonstrate your values, commitment, and versatility. Highlight team sports, club participation, volunteer work, or even notable class projects.

How should I handle the lack of work experience?

It's completely normal for high school students to have limited work experience. Focus on transferable skills you've gathered from school, extracurricular activities, or volunteering. Think of instances where you've demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership, as these are highly desired by employers.

What format should a high school student resume follow?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but typically starting with a strong introduction about yourself, followed by education, experience/extra-curricular activities, and skills sections work well for high school students. Remember to keep it concise, clear, and relevant.

How important is the design of my resume?

While function should definitely take precedence over the form, a clean, professional, and easy-to-read resume can make a great first impression. Steer clear of overly complicated designs and stick with standard fonts, bullet points, and white space to improve readability. 

Should I tailor my resume for each job application?

Absolutely. Customizing your resume for each job application shows the employer that you're genuinely interested in the role. Highlight the relevant skills and experiences that match the job description - it takes a little extra effort, but it can make all the difference.

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

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How to Write a Resume for High School Student First Job

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Written By Miranda Zavala   |   High School , Resources   |   0 Comments   | June 10, 2024

Post Views: 36

Creating the perfect resume for your first job as a high school student might seem tough. By following some simple advice, you can build a strong resume that makes employers notice you. You need to focus on your unique skills when creating your resume for high school student first job.

I remember my first job hunt. I was a nervous wreck, wondering how I could compete with all those experienced candidates. But then I realized something: I had unique skills and experiences that set me apart. 

Alright, let’s jump in. You might even enjoy yourself along the way.

Table Of Contents:

Contact information, objective or summary statement, work experience, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, resume with no experience, part-time job resume, experienced high school student resume, mcdonald’s resume, customer service resume, camp counselor resume, use action verbs, highlight relevant skills, keep it concise, proofread carefully, what if i don’t have much job experience, should i include my gpa on my resume, do i need a cover letter, what skills should i focus on, what to include on a high school student’s resume for their first job.

Crafting a high school student resume for your first job can feel overwhelming. But don’t stress. Even if you’re a high school student with zero work experience, you still have plenty to offer potential employers.

Figuring out what to include and how to show off your strengths is key. In this post, we will break down the must-have parts of a great high school resume, with lots of resume examples for inspiration.

First things first: make sure employers can easily reach you. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and city/state at the top of your high school student resume.

Double-check that your email is professional (think [email protected], not [email protected]).

Creating a professional email apart from your school email or personal email will work great for college applications and even for future job en

Next up: a brief, punchy intro to grab the hiring manager’s attention. As a high school student, an objective statement is your best bet. In 1-2 sentences, state the job you’re seeking and the skills/traits that make you a great fit.

For example: “Hardworking high school student seeking a part-time retail position. Eager to apply my strong communication and organizational skills in a customer-facing role.”

Since you’re still in school, education should be a key focus of your resume for high school student first job. List your high school name, expected graduation date, GPA (if above 3.0), and any honors/AP classes.

If you’ve taken courses related to the job you want, definitely include those.

Now, for the section that stresses most high school students: work experience, But guess what? Babysitting, mowing lawns, and helping with the family business all count.

List any paid jobs or ongoing side gigs, with bullet points highlighting your duties and achievements. No formal work experience yet? No worries – we’ll cover some other options next.

Volunteer work is an awesome way to build skills, show initiative, and boost your high school student resume. Include any volunteer gigs, charity work, or community service you’ve done. Aim for bullet points that illustrate the value you added or relevant skills you developed.

This is your moment to shine by sharing what you’re passionate about. Are you active on a sports team? Do you belong to any clubs or play an instrument?

These activities are all fair game. Talk about leadership roles you’ve held and any special accomplishments. Even skills like teamwork and technical abilities are worth mentioning since they can translate well into job settings.

Wrap up your high school resume with a dynamic skills section. Focus on the job you are aiming for and list relevant abilities like foreign language skills, software knowledge, or essential soft skills such as teamwork and time management.

The best resume format for high school students is one that clearly showcases your strengths, passions, and potential – even if you have limited work experience. By thoughtfully including these key sections, you’ll be well on your way to landing that exciting first job and impressing those job seekers.

High School Student Resume Examples

Looking at strong examples is a great way to make your high school student resume shine. By observing how others showcase their skills and experiences, you can find inspiration for crafting the perfect resume that stands out from the crowd.

This section offers various high school student resume samples for different needs. If it’s your first time applying for work or you’re going after something more challenging, these straightforward resumes will guide you.

When I was crafting my first high school resume, I remember staring at a blank page and thinking “I have nothing to put.”

But that’s rarely true – with a little creativity, most high school students can find relevant experiences and skills to include, even if they’ve never held jobs.

If you’re a high school student working on your resume and don’t have formal job experience, highlight volunteer work, extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and soft skills like communication or problem-solving. Emphasize where you’ve taken responsibility or made an impact in other areas of life.

If you’re seeking a part-time job, like retail or food service, highlight any customer service experience you have. This could be from a previous part-time gig, but also from volunteering, school projects, or even babysitting.

For example, I once helped my friend draft a resume sample for a grocery store job high school student. We focused on her volunteer role greeting visitors at a local festival and her experience collaborating on group projects in class – both showed off her friendly demeanor and teamwork skills.

It is also important to use the job description to your advantage. When reviewing a job description be sure you have the same skills they look for and include them in your resume under the skills section.

Some high schoolers have quite extensive work experience – whether from summer jobs, student internship roles, or starting their own small businesses. If you’re one of these go-getters, then your high school student resume should definitely focus on your work history.

One of my past high school students kicked off a thriving dog-walking business in her local area. We showcased on her resume how she mastered marketing, customer service, managing time efficiently, and pet care through this venture.

Applying for a job at McDonald’s or another fast food chain? Emphasize your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple tasks at once, and provide friendly customer service. Any experience in food service or cash handling is a major plus.

I remember helping my younger cousin with his McDonald’s resume. Even though he’d never had a “real” job before, we highlighted his experience helping with a busy concession stand at school football games.

The skills he’d gained there – working quickly, handling money, and dealing with cranky customers – were super relevant for a sales associate role.

If you’re interested in a customer service job, like working at a call center or retail store, your resume template should showcase your communication and problem-solving skills. Think about times you’ve helped resolve conflicts, handled tricky situations, or gone above and beyond to assist someone.

A high school student I mentored had an amazing summer gig at the local library where she volunteered. She got really good at assisting people in finding books, fielding various questions, and even dealing with unhappy guests now and then. Those abilities were ideal for jobs that involve interacting directly with customers.

Applying to be a camp counselor? Your high school student resume should include leadership, responsibility, and a love for working with kids.

Highlight any experience you have leading groups, planning activities, or supervising children. If you’re CPR certified or have other relevant training, definitely include that too.

One of my all-time favorite high school student resume examples was from a girl who’d been a “mother’s helper” for years, assisting neighborhood families with childcare and errands. She described planning educational games, preparing healthy snacks, and mediating sibling squabbles – all fantastic examples of her childcare abilities.

There are plenty of high school student resume examples that can help you get started. By checking out how others list their skills and experiences, you’ll pick up tips on making your own stand out to hiring managers.

Customize your resume for each role, use strong action verbs, and don’t forget to proofread before sending it off. With an impressive resume ready to go, you’re set to dive into the job market.

Even if you lack formal work experience, you can still create a strong resume by highlighting your education, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and relevant skills. Tailor each section to the job you’re applying for and use real-world examples to show off your strengths.

Tips for Creating a Standout High School Student Resume

One of the most important tips for creating a standout resume for a high school student’s first job is to tailor it to the specific position you’re applying for. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference this can make.

When I was hiring for a part-time sales associate position, the resumes that stood out were the ones that highlighted relevant skills like customer service and teamwork. They didn’t just list generic achievements or classes.

Another key tip is to use strong action verbs in your experience descriptions. Instead of saying “responsible for stocking shelves,” write “efficiently stocked shelves and managed inventory.”

Highlighting these traits paints you as a motivated, results-focused collaborator. Your high school student resume becomes way more engaging this way.

If you are applying for a customer service role, highlight skills that matter most. Show off how well you communicate and solve problems effectively.

For a more technical position, you could emphasize your proficiency with certain software programs or your quick learning skills. The key skills section of your high school resume is valuable real estate – make every word count.

It’s also crucial to keep your resume for a high school student’s first job concise. Aim for one page and use a clear, easy-to-read resume font and formatting.

Bullet points are your friend – they help keep things skimmable. If you find yourself going over one page, see what you can cut. Each piece of information should be essential and relevant.

Finally, before hitting “send” on your high school student resume, be sure to proofread it carefully. I recommend proofreading it multiple times and even having others look over it. A resume with typos or formatting issues can quickly land in the “no” pile.

Ask a teacher, guidance counselor, or parent to review it as well for an extra set of eyes. With careful attention to these tips, your high school resume will be in excellent shape to help you land that first job. Remember, a standout resume is within reach – it just takes some strategic thinking and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About High School Student Resumes

As a high school student crafting your resume, you probably have a lot of questions. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common questions I hear from job seekers about high school student resumes.

Many high school students haven’t had formal jobs yet, and that is totally fine. Your resume can still shine by including your volunteer experiences, involvement in clubs or sports teams, and skills picked up through high school student internships or class assignments.

Make sure to talk about your transferable skills and how they fit into a job setting. For instance, if you’ve been in charge of a club or sports team, you can point out your leadership qualities and ability to work well with others.

It depends. If your GPA is strong (3.5 or above), it could be worth including, especially if the job you’re applying for is academically focused (like tutoring).

But if your GPA is lower, it’s probably best to leave it off and focus on other strengths.

When building your high school resume, focus on showcasing skills and experiences you gained outside the classroom. Keep the education section short just include your school’s name and when you expect to graduate.

A cover letter might not be mandatory, but I strongly suggest including one with your high school student resume. It’s an opportunity to let them see who you are beyond grades and activities, share why this position interests you, and argue convincingly that you’re the right person for it.

Keep your cover letter concise (one-page max) and tailor it to the specific job. Use specific examples to illustrate your technical skills and experiences. Don’t forget to proofread it just as carefully as your resume.

As a high school student with limited work experience, some of the most valuable skills to highlight on your resume are:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Foreign language skills

If you have technical skills, like knowing how to use specific software programs, definitely mention those. Highlighting these abilities can show employers that you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Remember, your high school resume is a chance to sell yourself to potential employers. By focusing on your strengths and tailoring your resume to each job, you’ll be well on your way to landing that first position. Don’t be afraid to highlight what makes you unique – that’s what will help you stand out from the crowd.

To make your high school resume stand out, tailor it to the job. Use action verbs and highlight relevant skills.

Keep it concise with clear formatting and bullet points. Proofread carefully before sending.

Creating a resume for high school student first job isn’t so bad after all. By highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and achievements, you can create a resume that stands out from the crowd.

Remember, employers aren’t expecting you to have a ton of work experience. They’re looking for enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Show them that you’ve got what it takes, and you’ll be well on your way to landing that first job.

So go forth and create that killer resume. The world is your oyster, and your first job is just around the corner.

Student Hires offers micro internships for high school students to learn a multitude of life skills. Some include creating resumes, conducting mock interviews, and even working within the community. 

Whether you’re a high school or college student looking for work experience there is help for everyone. Join the mission today by getting involved with Student Hires .

Last Updated on  June 10, 2024 by  Miranda Zavala

About  Miranda Zavala

Miranda Zavala is currently a student at California State University of San Bernardino earning her degree in Design with a concentration in marketing. Miranda enjoys inspiring students, and helping them find their passion just like her.

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High School Student Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a High School Student Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

High School Student Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Brenda Martin (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Tampa, FL 33601 | www.linkedin.com/example

Reliable high school student with strong recent sales experience at a major clothing retailer. Committed to providing positive service experiences to new and returning customers. Motivated and adaptable to new work schedules, challenges, and conditions.

• Creative problem-solving
• Customer service and relations
• Inventory monitoring and control
• POS systems
• Product sales and merchandising

Work Experience

Sales Associate, XYZ Clothing, Tampa, FL | May 2022 to September 2022

• Provided high-quality service to new and repeat customers of this popular clothing store
• Greeted and directed store visitors to their desired apparel section
• Assisted customers with sizing and product choices
• Efficiently operated cash register to process order payments
• Tagged and displayed incoming merchandise and performed markdowns on previous season styles
• Maintained a clean and tidy work area at all points

Highlight :

• Won “Employee of the Month” in August 2022 for outstanding customer service

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

Candidate: Diploma, Tampa High School, Tampa, FL | expected June 2025

Michelle Hamilton (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/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.

• Data gathering and entry
• Filing and documentation
• Microsoft Word, Excel
• Task prioritization
• Team collaboration
• Veterinary procedures and equipment

Volunteer Experience

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic , Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to Present

• Assist veterinarians and staff with various daily tasks such as animal feeding, walking, and cage cleaning
• Facilitate phone, mail, and email communications with pet owners
• File and maintain information on over 150 clients and their pets
• Help maintain an adequate inventory of pet medications
• Refill paper towels and other exam room essentials as needed

Candidate: College Prep Diploma, Sacramento High School, Sacramento, CA | expected June 2024

High School Honors & Activities

Member, Debate Team | August 2022 to Present

• Collaborate closely on a 10-person team to form and organize compelling debate arguments

Attendee, National Honors Society Conference | May 2022

Aliya Jackson (111) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Sacramento, CA 94248 | www.linkedin.com/example

High school student with recent formal experience helping care for toddlers. Dedicated to providing children with fun, educational indoor and outdoor activities. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Childcare Provider, Sacramento, CA | January 2021 to August 2022

• Assisted and collaborated with parents of two children, ages 4 and 6
• Created engaging, educational indoor and outdoor activities for each child
• Organized and cleaned the play area regularly
• Provided meals and snacks and assisted with nap times
• Candidate: Diploma, Texas Preparatory School, Austin, TX | expected June 2023
• 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 2022

High School Athletics

Member, Volleyball Team | August 2021 to present

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for the Spring 2022 season
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and adaptability in a high-pressure setting

Fluency in Spanish

If you’re a high school student searching for a job, having a well-crafted resume can help you find potential opportunities. But you may be unsure where to start, especially if you’ve never written your resume. How do you present your education when it’s still underway? And how do you get interviews with little or no work experience?

These concerns shouldn’t keep you from writing a great resume for high school jobs. Chances are, even at a young age, you have experiences you can translate into strong resume content. The trick is focusing on the relevant skills like foreign languages, writing, or leading groups you’ve gained through work, educational, and volunteer experiences. Read on for tips and examples that will help focus your high school resume.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

In a brief paragraph, your profile summary should describe your top three to five qualifications for your target high school job. You may think this resume section isn’t necessary for young job seekers and entry-level positions. Yet, at every career level, the profile section improves your resume by focusing the hiring manager’s attention on whatever makes you a great fit.

If you’ve worked before, you may want to base your profile points on that job experience. But you could also base them on your high school experience or other activities. It just depends on what’s relevant to the role you’re pursuing. For instance, maybe you have volunteer experience that overlaps strongly with your target job duties. Or you’ve excelled in an AP class at school that relates to your goal. Maybe you have advanced skills in a foreign language and would like to use those in a work setting. Whatever your top qualifications, feature them in the profile, and you’ll ensure your resume makes a great first impression.

Profile Example 1

Profile example 2, 2. add a pertinent experience 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 a clear view of how you fit their needs.

You don’t need directly related work experience (or any experience) to draft a solid high school resume. But you must brainstorm how you’ve applied yourself in other ways and write how those experiences helped prepare you for the job you’re seeking. This may sound tricky, but you can use details about your high school activities, volunteering, or any other area of your life so far.

Below is a list of experience areas you might develop for your high school resume:

• 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, take 10 minutes or so to 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)?

Next, determine which of your answers overlap with the key skills required for the job you’re now pursuing. Include on your resume anything that overlaps and leave out anything that doesn’t. With this approach, you can show the most relevant aspects of your life and give hiring managers a better sense of the skills you offer. For instance, say you’re applying to be a pizza delivery driver. In citing any high school sports on your resume for this job, you could focus on the relevant skills you gained, such as teamwork or adaptability.

Work Experience Example

Volunteer experience example.

Sacramento Veterinary Clinic, Sacramento, CA | August 2021 to present

High School Athletics Experience Example

• Won “Most Valuable Player” for Spring 2022 season

3. Include your high school education and certifications

You may wonder how (or whether) to give education details when you’re still working toward your diploma. It’s actually pretty simple – see below for a template you can use to accurately show your in-progress high school education and a template for any certifications you’d like to add as well. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• Candidate: Diploma, High School Name, City, ST | expected graduation date
• [academic awards or distinctions]

Certification

• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
• Service Excellence Certificate, VCU Advanced Solutions | 2023

4. List key skills and proficiencies

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 problem-solving 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. Below are some common key skills for high school resumes:

How To Pick the Best High School Student Resume Template

A clear and straightforward resume template is usually best for high school students. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most relevant information. Use a simple resume font , and avoid any template that has an overly colorful or elaborate design.

Frequently Asked Questions: High School Student Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for high school student resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by using a good mix of action verbs in your experience section. The following verbs list will help you brainstorm and capture the various ways you’ve applied yourself so far:

How do you align your high school student resume with a job posting? -

As of 2021, more than 36% (or 6 million) of U.S. teens held jobs for at least part of the summer season. This was the highest rate of summer employment for teenagers since 2008.

You can get more interviews for high school jobs if you tailor your resume to each application. Look at the job post text and highlight words or phrases that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these highlighted phrases against the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, look for ways to align your resume language with the job post (while not copying phrases or misrepresenting your background).

For example, if the employer is looking for someone collaborative, you can name that aspect of your experience with a profile line as simple as “Thrive in team-oriented work settings.” Or say the organization has many non-English speaking customers. You could highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each new opportunity.

What is the best high school student resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your relevant skills and experience. It’s also simplest for you to modify based on your job goals.

With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience section(s) and an intro section. (This combination of experience and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also include an awards or career highlights section.

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To increase your chances of an interview, write a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our high school cover letter guide to learn how. For other related examples, see our student and internship cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

College Student Resume Examples and Templates

Internship Resume Examples and Templates

Student Resume Examples and Templates

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• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
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High School Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your teens resume should emphasize any part-time work or volunteer experience you have. Showcase responsibilities that demonstrate your commitment and work ethic. Highlight your extracurricular activities, as they reflect your ability to manage time and prioritize. These experiences can illustrate valuable transferable skills such as teamwork and leadership.

All resume examples in this guide

High School Student No Experience

Experienced High School Student

High School Student Internship

First Job High School Student

High School Student For College

High School Student For Customer Service

High School Student Office Worker

High School Student Athlete 

High School Student Music

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By Experience

You are young, motivated and full of energy but struggle to find a job/internship?

Yes, this paradox is something common for high schoolers.

After all, you are nothing more than a lad with big dreams for the recruiters.

But don't get upset! We are here to show you the right path to success. You might have little to no experience, but your approach matters.

Grab your pencil and take notes from this 2022 guide for building a breath-taking high school resume.

• How to describe your education and specific knowledge by providing vital skills, achievements and responsibilities
• How to include your previous experience no matter what it is
• The difference between summary and objective and the steps to write them
• What other resume sections will fit the high school resume and pro tips for building them

You know that amazing feeling when the school year ends knowing that you are lying in bed doing nothing for two months?

Of course, you do! However, this is not the vibe you want to radiate!

After all, you are just a student with almost no life experience! Why do you think employers can trust you?

If you play your cards well, you have the right to be confident in yourself!

The approach when building your high school resume is crucial:

The first thing to do is to tailor it to the job description .

Such action is what separates successful from unsuccessful candidates.

You should use keywords and skills that express confidence and eagerness to achieve goals and learn.

You are a teenager, not a chief manager. You are not expected to have deep expertise but to gain knowledge.

Remember that recruiters want to know how you could contribute to their business.

You should prove to them that you could apply all you’ve learned from schools/training/courses.

Emphasize skills and strengths like communication, self-motivation and time management.

References from your tutors will be a bonus!

Do you know any foreign languages-they are the golden ticket to landing a job as a youngster!

Do not hesitate to add extraordinary talents or achievements that make you different from your peers.

Continue reading the high school resume guide and make their jaw drop when they understand you are just a high school student!

You have three main options when it comes to resume formats:

• Reverse-chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Hybrid resume

Years of experience and industry expertise are the two key factors that define your choice of a resume format:

• Reverse-chronological resumes will give an advantage to people with some experience in a specific niche.
• Functional resumes are perfect for career changers and job seekers. Nevertheless, this format isn’t popular among employers.
• Hybrid resumes are suitable for all types of professionals-beginners and seniors.

Pay attention to the style and layout! Here are some resume tips :

• Utilize the 12p resume font size
• 10’ resume margins are your optimal choice
• If you have under 10 years of experience-use one-page resume, otherwise-two-page resume
• Pay strict attention to your grammar and spelling
• Use the PDF format

Add References and Languages if you want to increase the chances of landing your first internship/job.

Top resume sections:":

• As a youngster, a coherent Education section makes you stand out
• If you have any experience, you will mesmerize recruiters
• Your summary introduces your goals and intentions for the future
• Listing crucial skills and strengths should be your priority
• References from your teachers prove you are a smart and respectful young person

What recruiters want to see:

• How will you bring value to the recruiter’s business based on your previous experience?
• How can you apply learned from school/training/courses into practice? Do you share your knowledge with others?
• What are your personality traits? How do you see yourself in the big world? What do you want to accomplish?
• Are you a self-motivated and communicative student? How do you act in intense and stressful situations? Do you like working in a team?

Your name and contacts are the first things employers see in your resume.

However, do not naively expect recruiters to remember any of them.

Therefore, you should focus on building an attention-grabbing header section .

Here are some tips to secure that you’ve done your job well:

• Write down your first and last name: make sure that they are the same as on your ID card and social profiles
• Be creative with the title: it should show your intentions for the position and your out-of-the-box thinking
• Adding your phone number and email is a must
• A web portfolio address or social media account will provide extensive information about you as a person and go-getter

Read these examples and avoid common mistakes.

2 High School Resume Header Examples

The summary is not always the “let’s boast-off” section where you put facts like: 

“Graduated from Harvard and became a Vice President at Google!”

We wish you had similar professional results, but you most likely start from zero.

You’ve got no professional accomplishments and a multibillion-dollar company behind your back.

However, the Summary section gives you the opportunity to:

• Introduce yourself as a self-motivated and ambitious youngster ready to learn
• Your intentions for the future and your personal goals
• What you’ve learned from school and our life experience so far

So, don’t lose hope and follow this advice to build a jaw-dropping summary section:

• Emphasize the knowledge you have in a specific subject
• Use quantitative data and action verbs to radiate dedication
• Mention skills that you acquired and how you could apply them in this particular position
• Include achievements and other accomplishments from authoritative institutions and people
• Add a foreign language that you can speak fluently
• Include say what you are looking for in the job you apply for

These tips are so powerful that they could sky-rocket your career.

Therefore, do not lose time and take notes from the examples below before writing your one-of-a-kind high school resume summary:

2 High School Resume Summary Examples

The following candidate made three crucial mistakes:

• The text is not tailored to the job description, and the candidate’s goals look vague
• It offers too general statements that bring no value
• Repetitiveness and starting almost every sentence with “I”

Therefore, you should research before writing your high school resume summary.

This one is way better as it follows all the tips above.

The applicant obviously did what’s expected from them:

• Offered a cohesive introduction that prove value to employers
• Outlines the student’s experience and positive personality traits

The alternative of a Summary section is a straight-to-the-point high school resume objective.

It’s brief, contains action verbs and reveals your intentions and goals.

You might include the position of the skills/strengths you want to acquire and excel.

Remember to add experience (if you have) like internships, previous summer jobs, competitions, conferences and similar events you took part in.

It’s vital to mention the exact position you are looking for and the company.

Below you can see a great example of a high school resume objective :

What is the synonym for the phrase "land a successful career"? 

The answer is a deep experience . 

So, it's simple to name it but so hard to gain it. 

Yes, even as a high school student, your expertise might play a crucial role. 

Not only jobs but internships also require some experience. 

But it's okay! 

With the right approach, you can move mountains.

Follow these steps and start building your high school Experience section:

• Try to use action verbs and quantitative data to support your statements
• Do not hesitate to mention your extraordinary achievements that made a positive impression
• Pay attention to skills you acquired and the way you applied them at work
• Give proof of work in a team and the outcomes from this collaboration
• Add duties and responsibilities that underline your self motivation, communication and organization skills

How did you utilize your communication skills and foreign languages at work?

Are your employers happy with your performance? How did you impress them? 

How did you manage to balance school and work? 

Did you work in a team, and did you make valuable relationships? 

High school resume experience examples

• • Supervised a lot of students
• • Delivered lectures to students
• • Prepared new course material
• • Fostered conversations with parents

You can try to give more detailed information about your work.

This candidate gives a bad example as they had a chaotic approach.

Recruiters do not care about what you did, but how you did it.

If you don't follow the advice and stick to mediocrity, you won't succeed.

• • Supervised 20+ 7–10-year-old students
• • Delivered 15 lectures on empathy and teamwork to 100+ students
• • Assisted in preparing the new course material for 4th-grade students
• • Fostered conversations with 10+ parents and received 98% positive feedback

Pro tip."

It's preferable to mention your age when listing your extraordinary achievements. Recruiters would love to invest in young talents like you.

Be so good they can’t ignore you.

Steve Martin, American Actor

You should list skills that you are confident you mastered. Just listing several skills won’t impress the recruiters. That’s why it’s a good idea to support and mention them in other sections of your high school resume.

You don’t have a second chance, so consider your skill choice carefully.

7 high school student soft skills:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Collaboration
• Self Motivation
• Time Management
• Fast Learning
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability

7 High school student hard skills for your resume

• Foreign Languages
• Basic Computer Skills
• Microsoft Office
• Google Drive
• Customer Service
• Public Speaking & PowerPoint Presentations

The Strengths section is an amazing opportunity to stand out from the competition.

Here you could list your talents or the skills that you excelled at.

Then, you can back them up with examples or quantitative data.

Of course, it’s crucial to focus on strengths related to the job description and focus on positive personality traits.

Take a deep breath and focus because the Education section will define the outcome of your job applications.

You can look at it as experience, as it:

• Offers proof of your self motivation and attitude toward learning and applying knowledge
• Shows your relationships with other students and feedback from your teachers
• Outlines your interests: employers will bet on candidates whose interests match the job offer

Do you get it now?

High school years are not just 5 years in which you party and drink.

It also shows your perception of the future.

So, to impress recruiters, follow these tips:

• List your favorite subjects and provide evidence for your top performance
• Mention achievements: awards or similar recognitions backed up with quantitative data
• Include extracurricular activities: competitions, conferences, and meetings you participated in. Emphasize teamwork.
• Add GPA (higher 3.6) and references from tutors  

There are countless courses to join and certifications to acquire.

However, the vital element here is to mention those that match the job description.

Otherwise, they will be useless.

Here are the most common and respected types of certifications to mention in your high school resume:

Top 4 high school student certificates:

• Foreign Language Certification
• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
• Google Certification
• First Aid Certification

Let us tell you one universal truth:

If you learn how to manage your time early in life, there is a 99% chance you will be successful.

And employers will be impressed by it.

A person who clearly understands the price of time also considers it the most vital asset.

Nevertheless, students make one crucial mistake.

They do not mention how the job/internship they apply for will fit their schedule.

Thus, employers feel uncertain whether you will give 100% attention and energy.

So, look at the example below and carefully consider what to add to the diagram.

• Focus on communication and self motivation skills: prove you are a go-getter and ready to learn
• Emphasize duties, achievements, awards and responsibilities
• Mention the skills and knowledge you acquired from school and how you apply them in real life
• Add References, Languages, Strengths and similar sections that build trust

Teens resume examples

Explore additional teens resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Teens resume?

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10 Best Resume Tips and Tricks : Students and Experienced Professionals

A resume is the mirror that tells about the candidate and breaks them a chance of getting their dream job. But creating an eye-catching resume is not an easy task.

It requires skills that can eventually create a good impression on the recruiter. Because when any company rolls a vacancy for any particular position it certainly wants the best candidate. Whether you are a college student stepping into the workforce or an experienced professional seeking career advancement, your resume plays a vital role. An excellent and professional resume helps you to stand out from the crowd and calls for the attention that you want in order to get that job.

So what do you think a resume requires, to grab the attention of any recruiter?  

Some many styles and techniques can be applied to make an appealing resume , and these few things, such as relevant experience, education, or relevant skill, are in every resume out there. But we have to stand out from others so to become different from everyone and get our dream job, tips for resume formatting such as using simple font, focusing on keywords, writing a short and crisp summary, providing links of your work, etc., can be applied.

10 Tips for Writing a Resume

So, in this article, we will be talking about how you, whether you are a college student or an experienced professional , can work on your resume to make it unique and different from others:

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job :

According to a CareerBuilder survey, customized resumes are preferred by 61% of recruiters as they directly align a candidate’s experience with the job requirements. Detail specific projects or roles that mirror the responsibilities and skills listed in the job description.

• Identify Key Requirements : Look for skills and experiences that are frequently mentioned in the job ad. For example, if the job requires expertise in “Adobe Creative Suite ,” ensure this is clearly highlighted in your resume if you possess this skill.
• Match Job Title and Keywords : Use the exact job title and industry-specific keywords from the job posting. This helps in aligning your resume with what the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and the recruiter are searching for.
• Customize Professional Experience : Adapt the descriptions of your past roles to emphasize how your contributions directly align with the job requirements. For instance, if the job seeks someone who can “lead a team,” include a specific example from your experience that demonstrates this ability, such as “ Led a team of six in developing a new client acquisition strategy that increased company revenue by 15%. “

2. Use a Professional Format :

When creating your resume, choose a clean and organized format. Use clear headings like “ Work Experience ,” “ Skills ,” and “ Education ” to divide different sections. This makes it easier for employers to find the information they need quickly. Use bullet points to list details neatly and keep the document’s font style and size consistent. This will give your resume a professional look that is easy to read. Research from TheLadders indicates that recruiters initially spend only about 6 seconds on a resume. A clean format with well-organized sections and bullet points helps ensure that key information catches the eye quickly.

3. Start with a Strong Summary :

A LinkedIn study found that profiles with summaries receive more views. A resume summary acts similarly, providing a snapshot of your professional identity and making a memorable introduction. When writing your resume, begin with a compelling summary at the top. This should be a brief paragraph that showcases your key skills, experiences, and career goals. It’s your chance to grab the recruiter’s attention quickly by highlighting why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Make sure this summary is tailored to reflect the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for.

4. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties :

Job seekers who demonstrate their value with quantifiable achievements (e.g., “ increased sales by 20% “) significantly increase their chance of being noticed compared to those who list duties alone.

When updating your resume, highlight what you’ve achieved at your jobs, not just your responsibilities. Here’s a simple way to do this:

• Use Numbers : Show how your work made a difference (e.g., “ increased customer satisfaction by 15% “).
• Start with Strong Verbs : Begin descriptions with verbs like “ led ,” “ designed ,” or “ improved .”
• Describe the Results : Mention the outcomes of your efforts (e.g., “ cut down report generation time by 25% “).

5. Highlight Relevant Skills :

According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, leadership and problem-solving are among the top skills employers seek. Clearly listing relevant soft and hard skills can make your resume more attractive.

Showcase the skills that match the job you’re applying for in your resume. Here’s a quick guide to help you do it right:

• List Key Skills : Include both technical and soft skills that are directly relevant to the job.
• Match the Job Description : Look at the skills listed in the job posting and make sure those are visible on your resume.
• Use Skill-Related Keywords : Incorporate industry-specific keywords that match your skills to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

6. Include Keywords from the Job Description :

As per Jobscan, more than 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Including keywords from the job description ensures that your resume passes through these systems successfully. To make your resume stand out, include keywords from the job description. This helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems and grabs the attention of recruiters. For example, if the job description mentions “project management” and “agile methodologies,” make sure these terms appear in your resume, particularly in the skills or experiences sections. This approach demonstrates that your qualifications align closely with the job requirements.

7. Showcase Your Education :

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that higher educational attainment correlates with lower unemployment rates, making this section particularly important for recent graduates or those in academia. Highlight your educational background prominently on your resume to catch the attention of recruiters. For instance, list your degrees, relevant courses, and any honors or distinctions you’ve earned. Example: “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of XYZ, Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List for four consecutive years.” Also, include any certifications or ongoing training that are pertinent to the job you are applying for. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and relevance in your field.

Education Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of Cityland, Graduated Summa Cum Laude May 2022 Specialized in Strategic Management President of the Business Strategy Club Bachelor of Arts in Economics State College, Magna Cum Laude May 2018 Minor in Finance Treasurer of the Economics Society Certifications Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Level II Candidate

8. Proofread for Errors :

A survey by Accountemps found that 76% of resumes are discarded for an unprofessional email address or typos. Thorough proofreading can prevent your resume from being rejected for simple mistakes. Always double-check your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors before sending it to potential employers. For example, ensure that your job titles and company names are spelled correctly and that all dates are accurate and consistently formatted. A simple mistake like “Manger” instead of “Manager” can create a negative impression. Having a friend or a professional review your resume can also help catch errors you might have missed.

Here are some examples of common typos to watch for when proofreading your resume:

• Incorrect company names : Typing “Googel” instead of “Google”.
• Misspelled technical terms : Writing “Javascript” instead of “JavaScript”.
• Common word mix-ups : Confusing “their” with “there” or “they’re”.
• Title typos : Writing “Assitant” instead of “Assistant”.
• Misused terms : Using “effect” when you mean “affect”.

9. Keep It Concise :

A study by ResumeGo found that a concise, one-page resume is more effective for professionals with less than ten years of experience, helping to maintain the recruiter’s attention. Ensure your resume is short and to the point, ideally one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. For example, rather than detailing every task for each job, focus on the most relevant achievements. Use bullet points to summarize roles and highlight key accomplishments like, “Increased sales by 30% within one year through strategic partnerships .” This approach helps recruiters quickly understand your qualifications without sifting through excessive information.

10 Include Contact Information :

Ensure your contact information is professional and up-to-date. LinkedIn reports that profiles with professional photos get 21 times more views and 36 times more messages, suggesting the importance of professional presentation in all elements of your resume.

Make sure your resume includes up-to-date and professional contact information. This should be placed at the top of your resume and include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile URL. For example:

• Name : Jane Doe
• Phone : (123) 456-7890
• Email : [email protected]
• LinkedIn : linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Hence, these resume tips were the ways in which you, whether a college or experienced professional , can make your resume grab the recruiter’s attention and make it stand out from others.

Resume Tips for Software Engineer

Whether you’re a college student just starting out or a seasoned working professional , crafting an effective resume as a software engineer is key to catching a recruiter’s eye. This section provides straightforward advice on highlighting your technical skills, showcasing relevant projects, and tailoring your resume to specific job listings. We’ll help you present your achievements in a way that stands out, ensuring your resume makes a strong impression in seconds.

1. Highlight Technical Skills :

Clearly list programming languages, software, and tools you’re proficient in. Include frameworks and technologies relevant to the job you’re applying for.

2. Showcase Your Projects :

Include a section or a link to your GitHub repository to display your coding projects. Describe the project, your role, the technologies used, and any quantifiable outcomes.

3. Quantify Achievements :

Use metrics to highlight your contributions (e.g., “ Reduced application load time by 30% by optimizing code “).

4. Tailor Your Resume :

Adjust your resume for each job application to include keywords from the job description, focusing on specific skills and experiences the employer is seeking.

5. Include Soft Skills :

Mention teamwork, problem-solving, and other interpersonal skills that are crucial for working effectively in software development teams.

6. Professional Summary :

Start with a strong summary that emphasizes your years of experience, key skills, and career goals related to software engineering.

Also Read Our Full Guide : How to Make a Resume

Truly, creating an enriching and professional resume along with considering various prominent parameters like ATS-friendly, short & concise, creative, etc. is not an as easy task as it seems, especially for freshers or students. However, GeeksforGeeks can help you with that as it provides you FREE Online Resume Builder that allows you to create a professional and engaging resume within a few minutes.

GeeksforGeeks Resume Builder offers you numerous enriching resume templates that can surely help you to grab the attention of the recruiters and eventually get hired at your dream company. 

It is important that you include all the above-mentioned points in your resume as highlighting vital things without any error will definitely take you a step forward toward your dream job!

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Mary Williams, 52, says she is the first in her family to go to college. After an earlier stint at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College, she re-enrolled in 2020 to continue an associate degree program in childhood special education. Originally from Trinidad, she aims to eventually earn her master’s degree.

“I want to finish what I started,” says Williams, who takes night classes after her full-time day job working with special needs children. She also wants to show her daughter, now 22 and attending college herself, the importance of higher education — “doing something to better yourself, enhance your career.”

Williams is among the one-third of college undergraduate students who are at least 25 years old, according to a 2023 White House report. Her story, like millions of others, is a contrast to typical college narratives focused on the youngest adults — ages 18-24 — many of whom go directly from high school to college.

Generally, college students 25 and older are described as “adult learners.” But the term can also encompass younger students who are financially independent from their parents and whose primary identity is shaped by something other than being a student — for example, being a parent, a worker or a veteran, says Becky Klein-Collins, vice president of Research and Impact at the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and author of the book Never Too Late: The Adult Student’s Guide to College .

“These are students for whom it's not always an option to go to a four-year residential college. Oftentimes, they can't just drop their family or their work or their financial obligations to go to school,” Klein-Collins says. “They have to find ways to make school fit around where they are at as this person, at this time in their life.”

If you can find a program that fits into your life and budget, it can pay off. Adults who graduate from college at 25 or older experience “substantial” earnings premiums, with the sharpest gains going to students who were at least 30 years old at graduation, according to a February 2024 report published by the Brookings Institution, a nonprofit think tank.

“It's never too late to go to college, but it’s not for everybody,” says Moshe Buchinsky, an economics professor at Sciences Po in Paris and a co-author of the report.

From tips to finding the right school to financial aid and scholarships, here’s what you should know before you go to college as an adult learner, according to experts and students who’ve been in your shoes.

Consider your post-college goals

Your first step should be self-reflection. Think about what type of degree or credential you want, what you want to get out of your college experience and how much you’re willing to go into debt for it, says Klein-Collins. “You don't want to get three-quarters down the road and realize, ‘Oh, I'm in the wrong major,’ or, ‘this is not going to lead me to the job that I need’.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ database can help you gauge the salary potential of different careers. If you were previously enrolled in college, check with that school’s registrar's office to see how many credits you’ve already earned and how many you still need to finish your degree.

Reflecting on your motivations can help you stay positive if challenges arise during your college journey, says Terah Crews, CEO of ReUp Education, a company that offers personalized support and coaching to adult learners.

Your motivations might not be tied solely to career outcomes. For example, Alexander Foreman, a 28-year-old working towards his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, has clearly defined both career and life goals after graduation.

Foreman aims to work for a company that promotes renewable energy resources. Beyond that, he says, “I really just want to enjoy life, I don't want to just survive it ... I really want to give myself what I never had growing up, which was a sense of financial freedom, a sense of security in my home, a capacity to do the things that I love and a capacity to spend time with the people that I love.”

Research colleges that support adult learners

Look for a college that values who you are at this stage in your life, says Klein-Collins. These schools may offer flexible class schedules, academic coaching, academic credit for past work or military service, free admissions applications and clear career pathways. Some colleges, like those in the public City University of New York system, even offer on-campus child care to support student-parents.

A local community or technical college may be a great fit. These institutions are “designed specifically for people who are trying to juggle work and learning, and they're often the most affordable option,” Klein-Collins says. “They also offer lots of short-term, professional or occupation-oriented programs that are often very state of the art, and really focused on the hybrid occupations of today's labor market.” Nearly 44% of community college students are at least 25 years old, the 2023 White House report found.

However, if you’ve completed some college, the best path is likely back to your original institution, Crews says. You can usually pick up where you left off, which can save you money and time.

Tap into scholarships, grants, tuition benefits and other 'gift aid'

Though a college degree can increase your earning potential, try to minimize college costs by tapping into financial aid, including “gift aid” — grants and scholarships that you don’t have to repay.

“Make sure that you're finding options that are affordable, that you are not taking on too much loan debt, and if (debt) is your only option, keep asking questions,” Klein-Collins says. “Keep looking for other opportunities until you find something that's going to work for you. If not, it's probably not worth it to go so far into debt that it ends up affecting your ability to support your family down the road.”

You must fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for most types of financial aid, including federal student loans and the need-based Pell Grant , which can give you up to $7,395 per year.

Working adults should check if they qualify for tuition benefits from their employer , Klein-Collins says. Military education benefits , like the G.I. Bill, can also help cover college expenses for service members, veterans and their dependents and spouses.

Some states, colleges and private organizations offer scholarships intended for adult learners, or for students with specific life experiences like parenting or military service. State grants, in particular, are often underused, Crews says. Here are some examples of state financial aid programs designed for adult students:

Alabama’s (Re)Engage program. Grants for students age 25 and up who’ve been out of school for at least two years.

Colorado’s Finish What You Started program. Financial and academic support for students re-enrolling in college. 

Indiana’s Adult Student Grant . Grants of up to $2,000 for working adults in college.

New Jersey’s Garden State Guarantee . Free or discounted tuition for students in their third or fourth year of a bachelor’s degree program. 

Michigan’s Reconnect program. Free or discounted community college tuition for students age 21 and up.

Ohio’s College Comeback Compact . Up to $5,000 in student debt forgiveness for students who re-enroll at a public Ohio institution. 

Massachusetts’s MassReconnect program . Free community college for students age 25 and up. 

Many adult learners — like Williams — work through college. Among undergraduates ages 16-64, about 40% of full-time students and 74% of part-time students work while taking classes, according to a 2022 report by the National Center for Education Statistics. Earning money while studying can help you manage college costs.

After you maximize grants and scholarships, student loans can cover remaining bills. Prioritize federal student loans , which offer flexible repayment options and borrower protections. Private student loans should be used as a last resort to fill in any funding gaps.

If you previously took out student loans but left school before earning your degree (and the income and career boost that can come with it), finishing that degree is almost always the best financial move, says Crews. “Until you complete the degree, you've got the [debt] burden without the uplift.”

Negotiate financial aid offers

You may also be able to negotiate for more financial aid or to restore aid that you previously lost. Foreman says he lost his original financial aid package in 2018 after Western Michigan dismissed him for poor academic performance. He spent time off working to save money and wrote a financial aid appeal letter to the school with the help of his ReUp coach, which led to his aid being reinstated.

That restored aid package, along with student loans and savings he built working during his time off, made it possible for Foreman to re-enroll as a full-time student. He’s on track to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2025.

Bring any questions about your financial aid package to your prospective college’s financial aid office. And if you previously tapped into financial aid to pay for college, ask if that could impact what you’re eligible for today.

Klein-Collins adds: “You should never fully commit to enrollment before you have had those conversations, and they shouldn't expect you to.”

Lean on your support network

Both Williams and Foreman emphasize the importance of a support network as they navigate college. Whether it’s from family, friends, classmates, neighbors, partners, a religious community or college advisors, a support network can cheer you on and help you manage the logistics of going back to school.

This may be especially true for the nearly 1 in 4 undergraduates who are parents, according to a 2023 data compiled by the Urban Institute, a nonprofit think-tank based in Washington, D.C. Williams says she waited until her daughter was older to go back to school and relied on her husband to help with child care. "You go to school, you come home, you're tired,” Williams says. “I'm not going to lie to anybody. It's very challenging. It's very challenging.”

Organizations focused on adult learners, like ReUp, can also be part of your support network. ReUp pairs students with coaches who help them navigate college — at no cost to the student.

“I understand how overwhelming and how daunting [going back to college] can be,” says Foreman, who credits his ReUp coach for helping him get back to school. “If there's one thing I could recommend, it sounds so simple, but honestly, just believe in yourself, take your time and ask for help.”

Even with support, you’ll be your own biggest advocate in the classroom.

“Don't assume that you're going to be the oldest person in the room and also recognize that you have a lot to contribute,” Klein-Collins says. “You have the benefit of your work and life experiences that you're bringing to that classroom, and that's an asset for the learning of everybody.”

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