First Job Resume for Teenager: How to Write One + Examples
Learn how to write a first job resume for a teenager with examples, templates, and tips. No experience? No problem. Get hired with this complete guide.
Introduction: The Teen Job Market in 2026
Getting your first job as a teenager is exciting—but writing a resume with no experience can feel impossible. This guide will show you exactly how to create a compelling resume that gets you hired, even if you have never had a job before.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **about 25% of teenagers aged 16-19 are employed**. According to the National Career Development Association (NCDA), teenagers who start building their resume as early as 14 have a significant advantage in the job market. A Monster survey found that **75% of teens find their first job through networking** rather than online applications.
According to a CareerBuilder survey, **50% of employers say they value soft skills like reliability and communication over hard skills for entry-level roles**. This means your attitude and willingness to learn matter just as much as your experience.
Whether you are 14, 15, or 18, this first job resume guide for teenagers covers everything you need: what to include, how to format it, and real examples you can copy and adapt.
“Teen Resume — Key Takeaways
25% of teens aged 16-19 are employed (BLS)
75% of teens find first jobs through networking
50% of employers value soft skills over hard skills
14 is the recommended age to start building a resume
1 page is the standard length for teen resumes
Focus on skills, volunteer work, and activities
List references from teachers or coaches
Proofread carefully and customize each application”
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- How to structure your first job resume
- What to include when you have no experience
- Expert tips from career counselors and recruiters
- How to highlight transferable skills
- A complete teen resume template
- Common mistakes to avoid
What to Include on a Teenager's First Job Resume
1. Contact Information
Make sure employers can reach you easily.
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address (professional, like firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- City and state
**Example:**
Sarah Johnson
(555) 123-4567
sarah.johnson@email.com
Los Angeles, CA
2. Professional Summary or Objective
This is a short statement that tells employers who you are and what you want. Since you have no experience, focus on your skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
**Example:**
"Motivated and reliable high school student seeking my first job to develop customer service skills and gain valuable work experience. Known for strong communication, punctuality, and a positive attitude."
3. Education
Include your school name, location, and expected graduation year. If you have a good GPA (3.0 or higher), include it.
**Example:**
James Madison High School, Los Angeles, CA
Expected Graduation: 2027
GPA: 3.6
Relevant Courses: Business Math, Computer Applications, English
4. Skills
List skills that are relevant to the job. Include both hard skills (technical) and soft skills (people skills).
According to a CareerBuilder survey, **50% of employers say they value soft skills like reliability and communication over hard skills for entry-level roles**. This means your soft skills are just as important as your technical abilities.
**Soft Skills:**
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Problem-Solving
- Customer Service
- Reliability
- Punctuality
**Hard Skills:**
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Social Media
- Basic Typing (40+ WPM)
- Cash Handling
- Basic Math
5. Volunteer Experience
Volunteer work counts as experience! Include any volunteering you have done, even if it was just a few hours.
**Example:**
**Volunteer** | Local Food Bank | 2024-2025
- Assisted with food distribution to 100+ families weekly
- Organized donations and maintained inventory
- Worked as part of a team to ensure efficient operations
**Tutor** | Peer Tutoring Program | 2024-2025
- Tutored 5 students in math and science
- Developed lesson plans and study materials
- Improved student grades by an average of 15%
6. Extracurricular Activities
Show employers you are active and responsible by including sports, clubs, and activities.
**Example:**
**Member** | Key Club | 2024-2025
- Participated in community service projects
- Attended weekly meetings and events
**Team Member** | Varsity Track and Field | 2024-2025
- 3-time regional qualifier
- Maintained academic eligibility with 3.5 GPA
- Demonstrated teamwork and dedication through daily practices
7. Awards and Achievements
Include any recognition you have received.
**Example:**
- Honor Roll (2024, 2025)
- Perfect Attendance Award (2024)
- Student of the Month (March 2025)
8. References
List 2-3 people who can vouch for you. Teachers, coaches, and school counselors are great options.
**Example:**
Jane Smith
Teacher, James Madison High School
(555) 987-6543
John Doe
Coach, Varsity Track and Field
(555) 321-0987
Teenager Resume Example (No Experience)
“ALEXANDER CHEN
(555) 123-4567 | alex.chen@email.com | San Francisco, CA
Professional Summary
Motivated and reliable high school student seeking my first job to develop customer service skills and gain valuable work experience. Known for strong communication, punctuality, and a positive attitude.
Education
Lincoln High School, San Francisco, CA
Expected Graduation: 2026
GPA: 3.7
Relevant Courses: Business Math, Computer Applications, English
Skills
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Microsoft Office
- Google Suite
- Cash Handling
- Problem-Solving
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer | City Food Bank | 2024-2025
- Assisted with food distribution to 100+ families weekly
- Organized donations and maintained inventory
- Worked as part of a team
Tutor | Peer Tutoring Program | 2024-2025
- Tutored 5 students in math and science
- Improved student grades by an average of 15%
Extracurricular Activities
Member | Key Club | 2024-2025
- Participated in community service projects
- Attended weekly meetings
Team Member | JV Basketball | 2024-2025
- Demonstrated teamwork and dedication
Awards
- Honor Roll (2024, 2025)
- Perfect Attendance Award (2024)
References
Jane Smith
Teacher, Lincoln High School
(555) 987-6543
John Doe
Coach, JV Basketball
(555) 321-0987”
Teenager Resume Template
“[YOUR FULL NAME]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [City, State]
Professional Summary
[2-3 sentences about who you are, your skills, and what you are looking for]
Education
[High School Name, City, State]
Expected Graduation: [Year]
GPA: [Your GPA if above 3.0]
[Optional: Relevant courses]
Skills
- [Skill 1]
- [Skill 2]
- [Skill 3]
- [Skill 4]
- [Skill 5]
Volunteer Experience
[Organization Name] | [Dates]
- [Key responsibility or achievement]
- [Key responsibility or achievement]
Extracurricular Activities
[Activity Name] | [Dates]
- [Key responsibility or achievement]
Awards
- [Award 1]
- [Award 2]
References
[Name]
[Title, School]
[Phone Number]”
Tips for Teenagers Applying for Their First Job
- **Highlight transferable skills:** Even without work experience, you have skills from school, sports, and volunteering.
- **Keep it to one page:** Employers prefer concise resumes from teens.
- **Be honest:** Do not exaggerate or lie about experience.
- **Proofread carefully:** Spelling and grammar errors look unprofessional.
- **Use a professional email address:** Firstname.Lastname@gmail.com, not cutesocialgirl@gmail.com.
- **Ask for help:** Have a teacher, parent, or school counselor review your resume.
- **Customize for each job:** Tailor your resume to match the specific job you are applying for.
Expert Quotes to Remember
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 25% of teenagers aged 16-19 are employed.”
“According to a Monster survey, 75% of teens find their first job through networking rather than online applications.”
“A recent survey found that 50% of employers say they value soft skills like reliability and communication over hard skills for entry-level roles.”
“The National Career Development Association recommends that teenagers start building their resume as early as 14.”
“Guidance counselors report that students with a resume are 40% more likely to be referred to job opportunities.”
Sources & References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Teen employment statistics (25% of 16-19 year olds employed)
- National Career Development Association (NCDA) – Career readiness standards, resume building at 14
- CareerBuilder – 50% of employers value soft skills over hard skills
- Monster – 75% of teens find first jobs through networking
- Department of Labor – Child labor laws, work permits
Conclusion: Build Your Teen Resume Today
Getting your first job is an exciting milestone. With this guide and template, you can create a professional resume that gets you noticed, even with no experience.
According to the National Career Development Association (NCDA), teenagers who start building their resume as early as 14 have a significant advantage in the job market.
According to a CareerBuilder survey, **50% of employers say they value soft skills like reliability and communication over hard skills for entry-level roles**.
Remember: employers value reliability, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Highlight these qualities, use the examples above, and you will be ready to apply for your first job with confidence.
**Next Steps:**
1. Use the template above to build your first resume
2. Ask a teacher or parent to review it
3. Customize it for each job application
4. Build your resume with our ATS CV Maker
How does a teenager write a resume with no experience?
Focus on soft skills like teamwork and communication, highlight volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and school achievements. Include a strong objective statement that shows enthusiasm. Use a skills-based format and include references from teachers or coaches.
What should a teenager put on a resume for their first job?
Include contact information, a professional summary or objective, education (high school name and GPA if above 3.0), skills (both hard and soft), volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, awards and achievements, and references.
Can a 14-year-old have a resume?
Yes, teenagers as young as 14 can have a resume. Focus on school achievements, volunteer work, sports, and extracurricular activities. You may also include skills like teamwork, communication, and technology proficiency.
What is a good objective for a teenager's first job resume?
A good objective is: 'Motivated and reliable high school student seeking my first job to develop customer service skills and gain valuable work experience. Known for strong communication, punctuality, and a positive attitude.'
How long should a teenager's resume be?
Keep it to one page. Teenagers typically have limited experience, so a concise one-page resume is appropriate and preferred by employers.
What skills should a teenager put on a resume?
Include both hard and soft skills. Soft skills: Communication, Teamwork, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Customer Service. Hard skills: Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Suite), Basic math, Typing, Social media knowledge.
About the Author
Ash is a resume expert and career strategist who helps job seekers land their dream roles. With years of experience in resume writing and ATS optimization, Ash has helped thousands of candidates create resumes that get noticed. Ash's work has been featured in leading career publications and is trusted by job seekers worldwide.
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