A high school résumé with no paid work experience can show education, school projects, volunteer work, family responsibilities, activities, and relevant skills. Describe what you actually did and connect it to the position. You do not need to invent a job title to demonstrate reliability or initiative.
Start with a simple, readable document. For a first résumé, one focused page is a useful target unless the application asks for something different. The reader should be able to find your contact information, availability or objective when useful, and evidence that fits the role.
Copy this first-résumé template
Replace every bracketed instruction and remove sections that do not apply.
[Your name]
[City, state] | [Professional email] | [Phone you can answer]
OBJECTIVE — optional
High school student seeking [specific role], with experience in [relevant project or responsibility] and [relevant skill].
EDUCATION
[High school], [City, state] — Expected graduation: [Month, year]
Relevant coursework: [Courses that matter to the position]
PROJECTS AND EXPERIENCE
[Accurate role or project name] | [School, organization, or context] | [Dates]
• [Action you took] to [complete a task or help a person or team].
• [Specific responsibility, improvement, or result you can explain].
ACTIVITIES OR SERVICE
[Activity and role] | [Dates]
• [Contribution and relevant responsibility].
SKILLS
[Specific software, language proficiency, equipment, or other relevant capability]
HONORS — if applicable
[Exact award name, issuer, and date]
This is a structure to adapt, not a finished résumé. Follow the employer's file-type instructions and review the exported document before sending it.
What can count when you have never had a paid job?
Relevant experience can come from several parts of your life. CareerOneStop's résumé guidance emphasizes describing work and education clearly; your task is to identify evidence appropriate to an entry-level role.
- A class project with a clear deliverable and your own contribution.
- A recurring volunteer role with an organization.
- Club responsibilities such as scheduling, equipment preparation, or meeting notes.
- Babysitting, tutoring, yard work, or other informal work, described accurately.
- Family responsibilities that demonstrate relevant planning or dependability.
- Creative or technical projects you can show and explain.
Do not imply that family responsibilities were formal employment if they were not. You can name the context plainly and include only information you are comfortable sharing.
Turn a task into a useful bullet
Use action + task + context or result. Numbers can help when they are accurate, but a truthful description does not require a statistic.
| Weak bullet | Stronger fictional example |
|---|---|
| Helped in a club | Prepared meeting agendas and sent reminders so project tasks were clear before each session. |
| Good with computers | Built a spreadsheet to track supply requests and checked entries for missing information. |
| Did volunteer work | Sorted pantry donations according to the coordinator's categories and flagged damaged packaging. |
| Worked on a group project | Organized source notes and presented our group's findings to the class. |
The examples illustrate writing style. Replace them with your own actions. Do not adopt a number, result, or responsibility simply because it sounds stronger.
Tailor the résumé to the role
Read the posting and identify the tasks the employer needs done. Then select your most relevant evidence.
For a customer-facing role, a tutoring or event-helping example may show clear communication. For an office role, careful recordkeeping or spreadsheet work may be relevant. For a technical role, a project can show what you built, tested, or repaired within your skill level.
Use familiar labels and spell out unusual club names. Do not describe yourself as an expert in software you have only opened once. Be ready to discuss every skill and project in an interview.
Keep the format easy to use
Choose a readable font, clear headings, consistent dates, and enough spacing. A simple layout is easier to adapt and check than a page filled with icons, ratings, or decorative columns.
Save an editable copy and send the requested format. Avoid including a Social Security number, full birth date, or other unnecessary sensitive information. A full street address is usually unnecessary for an initial résumé; follow any separate application requirements.
Check your email spelling and voicemail. If the employer cannot reach you, strong bullets will not help.
Common first-résumé questions
Should I include my GPA?
Include it when requested or when it adds useful, accurate context. Follow the school's reporting scale. Do not label a GPA as an academic honor.
Should I list references?
Usually keep a separate reference list unless the application asks for them on the résumé. Ask each person before sharing their contact details. The recommendation guide can help you make a respectful request.
What if my only experience is schoolwork?
Choose a project that shows a relevant skill, identify your contribution, and describe a result you can explain. Coursework is a legitimate starting point when labeled honestly.
Can I use AI to improve the wording?
Editing assistance should not introduce false facts or replace your judgment. Verify every line, protect private information, and follow the application's rules.
Build experience you can keep describing
Save examples of completed work and update your résumé after a meaningful project. If you want another practical experience, explore community service ideas that fit your schedule. Keep the detailed stories in a brag sheet for future applications.
Choose your next guide
Keep building on your progress
Your first résumé is a starting point. Keep adding evidence of skills you have actually practiced.
Honor Society® is a private membership organization focused on recognition and success. Use its scholarship listings to review awards and eligibility, and its educational guides to prepare for your next step.
Joining is free and creates a free account. Professional Track™ is an optional paid membership; benefits vary. Membership does not guarantee a scholarship, admission, or a job. Review the membership disclosures before deciding.
Editorial source note: CareerOneStop, “Resume Guide: Education,” “Work experience,” and “References.” Template and fictional bullet examples developed for this guide. Reference check: October 12, 2026.
