sample cover letter for high school student with no experience

High School Student with No Experience Cover Letter Example

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Starting a cover letter as a high school student with no experience can be challenging, but you can focus on your enthusiasm, skills, and willingness to learn. Begin with a strong opening line that captures attention, such as: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As a motivated and dedicated high school student with a strong commitment to learning and personal growth, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] as [Position Name]." This introduction sets a positive tone and shows that you're eager to take on new challenges. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or any relevant projects that demonstrate transferable skills. Your goal is to make a connection between what you can offer and what the employer is looking for, even without direct work experience.

The best way for a high school student with no experience to end a cover letter is with enthusiasm and a clear call to action. Express eagerness to learn and contribute, and thank the reader for considering your application. Then, politely request the opportunity for an interview or further discussion. For example: "Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company/Organization Name] and eager to learn more. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my interests and enthusiasm align with the goals of your team. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange an interview. I look forward to the possibility of working with you." This approach shows initiative and respect, while also demonstrating your interest in the position and your proactive mindset, which are valuable traits even without direct work experience.

High school students with no formal work experience can still create effective cover letters by focusing on their skills, achievements, and activities that demonstrate their potential to employers. Here's what they should include in a cover letter: 1. **Header**: Start with a professional header that includes your name, address, phone number, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile or a personal website, you can include that as well. 2. **Salutation**: Address the letter to a specific person if possible. Use "Dear [Name]" or, if you can't find a name, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern." 3. **Introduction**: Begin with a strong opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention. Mention the job you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. 4. **Academic Achievements**: Highlight your academic successes, such as a high GPA, honors, or awards. Mention any relevant coursework or projects that have provided you with skills applicable to the job. 5. **Extracurricular Activities**: Discuss any clubs, sports, or organizations you're involved in. Explain how these activities have helped you develop teamwork, leadership, time management, or other skills that are valuable in the workplace. 6. **Volunteer Work and Community Involvement**: If you've done any volunteer work or participated in community service, describe your role and what you learned from the experience. This can demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others. 7. **Soft Skills**: Even without job experience, you likely have soft skills that employers look for, such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in school or other areas of your life. 8. **Personal Projects or Interests**: If you have any personal projects, hobbies, or interests that have taught you relevant skills or show your passion for the industry, mention them. For example, if you're applying for a tech job

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High School Student Cover Letter Example

Show that you're serious about your job search with this professional High School Student cover letter sample. You can use this example for free or revise it in our powerful cover letter builder.

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High School Student Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Liesbeth reenkes.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have read your advertisement on LinkedIn.com regarding the Summer Camp Counselor position and I believe that my skills and qualities make me a great fit for this role and that it would be a great opportunity for me to learn new things, meet new people, and grow not only personally but also professionally.

To shortly introduce myself, I'm a hard-working and dedicated high school student with a proven track record of exceptional academic results, including a perfect GPA of 3.97 and the representation of school at various competitions and contests where I won multiple awards, such as the 1st prize in the National Economics Competition, 2nd prize in the Human Rights Competition, and 3rd prize in the International Aerobics Contest. I am a pro-active individual who likes to participate in various societies and at school, I'm part of the Aerobics Society, Fitness Society, and Tennis Club.

However, my life is not focused only on education and I deeply enjoy getting a "real-world" experience. My work experience includes a job at FieldCore, Inc. where I worked as an Administrative Assistant. There, I was in charge of various tasks, for example, producing professional presentations, improving the existing office procedures, organizing documents, and arranging meetings but my main duty was to provide professional support to managers and supervisors with any tasks as required.

I am a self-driven person with the ability to work and perform well in team environments and to remain calm in stressful situations. Offering excellent time management skills, a highly professional attitude, and determination to achieve great results, I also have the experience of working as a Class Treasurer and Street Fundraiser. I'm passionate about working with other people and am able to use various software programs like MS Office, ProofHub, Netsuite, Trello, and Slack.

Thank you for your attention.

Liesbeth Reenkes

High School Student

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 23.2 percent of high school students participated in the labor force in October 2021. Besides gaining work experience for your further career growth, having a job can certainly teach you valuable skills, such as teamwork, leadership or cooperation. That said, it is only natural that many high school students are eager job seekers. And there is no better way to land a job than to advertise yourself with a professionally written cover letter.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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High School Student Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these High School Student cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table of Contents

High school student cover letter example 1, high school student cover letter example 2, high school student cover letter example 3, high school student cover letter writing tips.

If you’re a high school student who wants to make a big impact on the world, a summer job could be a great way to get your foot in the door.

But before you can get hired, you need to create a stellar cover letter. Check out the examples and tips below to learn how to write a cover letter for a high school student.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the role at your company. After looking over the job description, it’s clear that you’re looking for a candidate that is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with the role, and can perform them confidently. Given these requirements, I am certain that I have the necessary skills to successfully do the job adeptly and perform above expectations. 

I am a hard-working recent high school graduate (4.3 GPA) who has consistently been praised as focused by my teachers and managers. During the course of my academic career, I also managed accrue nearly 4.5 years of work experience. I had the privilege of working for El Pueblito’s in a server role in my free time, where I learned valuable professional skills such as conflict resolution, team work, multitasking, customer needs assessment, and customer service. Whether working on academic, extracurricular, or professional projects, I apply proven communication, creative thinking, and critical thinking skills, which I hope to leverage into the associate role at your company. 

After viewing my resume, I hope you will agree that I am the type of competent and competitive candidate you are looking for. I look forward to elaborating on how my specific skills and abilities will benefit your organization.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

I am submitting this letter and the enclosed resume to show my interest in seeking a position at your organization.

I have recently graduated from high school and am seeking an entry-level position at your company. High school has taught me a variety of skills. One of them is the value of teamwork. I have played team sports and participated in event planning at school. This has taught me how to work with a team of diverse people to accomplish a specific outcome. Teamwork is not always easy. I used these opportunities to master the ability to inspire people to work in a team. I was recognized for this ability as I was appointed as captain and team leader in various after-school activities.

I managed to maintain good grades throughout my schooling career. I wouldn’t call myself a natural student. I’ve always had to work very hard to secure my achievements. This was, to me, a valuable life lesson which is that, if you want something you have to work for it. I regard this as one of my greatest strengths. I believe in perseverance and working hard to get anywhere in life.

Now that I’ve graduated, I’m looking forward to moving on to the next phase of my life. I want to start working and study part-time. I know that if you give me the opportunity to work at your organization, I can prove myself to be a dedicated employee. I believe that dedication and commitment are the main drivers of career success. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to describe what skills and abilities I could add to your company. I am also interested in finding out more about your organization to see where I would best fit into it.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

This cover letter serves as my application to be accepted in your institution to achieve academic excellence and build my future. Not only do I believe that I have the qualities that it takes to succeed at your school, but I also believe that the ethos of the school is in line with my own philosophies on education.

I can paint a rosy picture of a student that has all the talents in the world. I can tell you about my past academic achievements and that I participated in an array of sports. I can even tell you about the cultural activities that I excelled at, but it would not be the truth. I achieved outstanding grades and represented my previous school at the cross-country state championships. I also played the lead in our school’s rendition of Romeo and Juliet, but I did not achieve all of this because I am talented. Instead, I achieved it all because I am a hard worker.

From a very young age, I realized that anything that is worthwhile is never easy. I did not grow up in an affluent home, but I grew up in a stable home where my parents instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance.

Your school has an excellent reputation and I believe that if I apply myself in my academics, sport and cultural activities as I have done in the past, I will make a success and be an asset to the school. Education is a powerful tool, but any tool is only as effective as the person using it. Your school has astounding teachers and your educational philosophy resounds with my own.

I look forward to hearing from you and also becoming a member of the legacy that you have already built over the years.

Use your cover letter to show your maturity

High school students are often still viewed as children, so they need to demonstrate that they are mature enough for the job. Demonstrate your maturity in the cover letter by highlighting examples of leadership skills you have exhibited through sports, volunteering or other extracurricular activities.

Address the specific job position

If you’re applying for a job as a high school student, it can be tempting to simply cut and paste your resume into the body of your cover letter. However, you should never do this because it won’t let hiring managers know why you’re interested in their company. To show that you have a passion for the role and why it interests you, write specifically about what attracted you to this particular company or job description. Be sure to include how your skills would benefit the company as well as any reasons why they should hire someone from your age group.

Be honest about your ability to handle the job

If you’re a high school student applying for a summer job, you’ll need to be honest with yourself and the employer about your ability to handle the responsibilities of this type of position. High school students often make the mistake of applying for jobs they are underqualified for because they overestimate their own abilities. Before you apply, make sure that you can complete all aspects of the job. If not, look for an entry-level position in which your responsibilities are more within your skill set or even better yet work as a volunteer or intern.

Avoid grammatical errors in your cover letter

A high school student’s cover letter is an important opportunity to prove they are the ideal candidate for the job. However, a poorly written cover letter will not leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Use proper grammar and spelling in your cover letter, as these two elements can speak volumes about yourself. Proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it. If possible, have someone else read over your work for any errors you may have missed.

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Letter Templates & Example

10 Cover Letter Templates for High School Students with No Experience

When it comes to applying for jobs, having a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference. However, for high school students who lack work experience, the task of writing a cover letter can be daunting. That’s where cover letter templates for high school students with no experience come in handy. These templates provide a great starting point for crafting a cover letter that highlights relevant skills and demonstrates enthusiasm for the position. Not only can students find great examples online, but they can also edit them to suit their individual needs. So don’t fret, high school students! With the help of these templates, you can confidently apply for jobs without worrying about your lack of experience.

The Best Structure for High School Students’ Cover Letter Templates with No Experience

When it comes to writing a cover letter as a high school student with no prior job experience, it can be daunting to even know where to begin. However, the good news is that it’s not impossible. You can have a successful cover letter that showcases your strengths, interests, and qualifications.

Here’s a structure that you can use to guide your writing process:

1. Greeting and Introduction

Start your cover letter by addressing the person who will be reading it. If their name is provided, address them by name; if not, use a professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager.” In your introduction, mention the specific job or internship you’re applying for, and briefly explain why you are interested in it.

2. Personal Information

Next, talk a bit about yourself. Mention your name, age, and the high school you attend. You can also include any extracurricular activities or clubs you’re involved in, as well as any relevant coursework.

3. Skills and Qualifications

Here is where you can showcase your strengths and relevant experience. Even if you haven’t had a job before, you can discuss any volunteer work you’ve done, any responsibilities you’ve had at school, or skills you have acquired that would be useful in the position you’re applying for.

In your conclusion, thank the reader for their time and consideration, and express your interest in further discussing your qualifications. End your cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Here’s an example of how you can structure your cover letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the Social Media Internship at XYZ Company. As an avid user of social media, I am intrigued by the role and would love the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field.

My name is Jane Smith, and I am currently a senior at ABC High School. Although I do not have any formal job experience, I have been involved in various volunteer opportunities in my community. For example, I helped organize a fundraiser for a local animal shelter and managed their social media platforms to promote the event. I also served on the student council at my high school for two years, where I gained experience working in a team setting and planning events for the student body.

I believe my skills in social media management, strong written and verbal communication, and passion for creativity will make me an ideal candidate for the internship. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

By following this structure, you’ll be able to craft a compelling cover letter that showcases your strengths and qualifications. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate to the prospective employer why you’re the perfect fit for the job, even if you don’t have prior experience. Good luck!

Cover Letter Templates for High School Students with No Experience

Applying for a summer internship.

I am writing to express my interest in the Summer Internship program at your organization. Though I have no prior experience in the field, I am a quick learner and have a strong desire to gain experience in the industry. As a tech-savvy high school student, I am excited to bring my skills in web design and coding to the table. Furthermore, I believe that this internship will provide me with valuable insights and networks that can help shape my future career goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Invitation to a College Scholarship Interview

Dear Admissions Committee,

Thank you for considering my application for the college scholarship. As a high school student with a strong academic record and active involvement in extracurricular activities, I am thrilled to receive an invitation to the scholarship interview. Although I have no prior experience in the field, I am passionate about pursuing higher education and creating a positive impact in society.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my strengths and goals with the committee and demonstrate my potential as a future college student. Once again, thank you for the invitation and the chance to further my education.

Applying for a Part-time Job

I am excited to apply for the part-time job position at your store. Though I have no prior experience in retail or customer service, I am a motivated high school student who is willing to learn and committed to delivering excellent customer experiences. I have a strong work ethic and am eager to contribute to the team in any way possible.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am confident that my interpersonal skills and dedication make me a suitable candidate for the job. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information or to schedule an interview.

Request for a Volunteer Position

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I am writing to express my interest in volunteering at your organization. As a high school student with a passion for community service and making a difference in people’s lives, I am eager to offer my time and skills to your cause. Though I have no prior experience in the field, I have volunteered at local hospitals and nursing homes and have gained a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from these experiences.

I am excited about the opportunity to continue contributing to our community and learn from experienced volunteers who share the same values as I do. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Request for a Letter of Recommendation

Dear [Teacher/Coach/Principal],

I hope this email finds you well. As a high school student who plans to pursue higher education, I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you. Though I have no prior experience in the field, I believe that my academic achievements and extracurricular involvement reflect my dedication and potential as a college student.

I would be honoured if you could speak to my character, work ethic, and academic progress in your letter. Please let me know if you require any further information or materials to assist you in writing the recommendation.

Thank you in advance for your help and support in this process.

Request for an Informational Interview

Dear [Name],

I am writing to request an informational interview with you. As a high school student interested in pursuing a career in [industry/field], I would like to learn more about your role and career journey. Though I have no prior experience in the field, I am eager to gain insights and advice from experienced professionals like yourself.

I understand that your time is valuable, and I assure you that the interview will only take [time frame]. I am flexible in scheduling and can arrange for any location or method that suits your preference. Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Request for a Work Experience Placement

Dear [Employer/HR Manager],

I am writing to request a work experience placement at your organization. As a high school student with a keen interest in [industry/field], I am eager to gain firsthand experience and exposure to the workplace. Though I have no prior experience in the field, I am a quick learner and have a strong desire to contribute to the team and learn from experienced professionals.

I am available to work for [time frame] and am open to any tasks or projects that you may deem suitable for my level of experience. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Tips for Writing Cover Letter Templates for High School Students with No Experience

Are you a high school student looking to apply for jobs but worried about your lack of experience? Don’t worry – a great cover letter can help you stand out and win over potential employers. A cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, skills, and enthusiasm for the job. Here are some tips for creating a strong cover letter template even if you don’t have any experience yet:

Start with a strong opening. Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you are applying for the job. Be sure to mention the company’s name and position you are applying for. This will show the reader that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the role.

Highlight your skills and achievements. Just because you haven’t worked before doesn’t mean you don’t have valuable skills to offer. Think about any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or school projects that demonstrate your abilities. Include these in your cover letter and explain how they relate to the job requirements.

Be enthusiastic. Show your passion for the job by conveying your excitement about the opportunity to gain new experiences and learn new skills. Use positive language and convey your willingness to work hard and contribute to the company in any way.

Use a professional tone. Even though you may not have any formal work experience, it’s important to present yourself professionally. Avoid informal language or slang and use proper grammar and spelling throughout your cover letter.

End with a call to action. Close your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Let them know that you are available for an interview and look forward to hearing from them soon. Leave your contact information so that they can easily reach out to you.

Remember, a cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression and convince the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the role. Follow these tips to create a standout cover letter template that showcases your skills, enthusiasm, and potential!

Cover Letter Templates for High School Students What is a cover letter and why do I need it?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume. It introduces you to potential employers and highlights your strengths. It also explains why you are interested in the job and what makes you a good fit for the position. A cover letter allows you to stand out from other applicants and makes a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Do I need a cover letter if I have no work experience?

Yes, you do! Although you may not have any work experience, a cover letter provides an opportunity for you to highlight your academic achievements, skills, and extracurricular activities. It shows the employer that you are serious about the job and that you are willing to put in the effort to make a good impression.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Your cover letter should include your contact information, the employer’s contact information, the job title, and a brief introduction explaining why you are interested in the job. You should also highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a good candidate for the position. Finally, you should end with a closing statement that includes a call to action, such as requesting an interview.

How do I customize a cover letter template for the job I’m applying for?

You should always personalize your cover letter for each job you apply for. Make sure to research the company and the position to understand their needs and tailor your letter to address those needs. Highlight your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job description, and explain how you can contribute to the company’s goals and objectives.

What format should I use for my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be formatted like a formal business letter. It should have a clear and concise layout, with no more than three paragraphs. Make sure to use a professional font and keep your language formal and polite. You should also proofread your letter carefully to avoid any spelling or grammar mistakes.

Should I mention my grades and academic achievements in my cover letter?

Yes, you should! Your academic achievements are a valuable asset, especially if you don’t have any work experience. You should highlight any honors, awards, or special projects that demonstrate your skills and abilities. In addition, you should mention any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that show your interest in the field.

What should I avoid in my cover letter?

You should avoid any negative language or criticism of previous employers or schools. Don’t use slang or informal language, and avoid using cliches or generic statements. You should also avoid focusing too much on your needs or expectations, and instead, emphasize what you can offer to the company. Finally, make sure to keep your letter concise and focused on the job requirements.

Ready to Take on the World?

Writing a cover letter without any experience can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, with the help of these cover letter templates for high school students, you’ll be able to land your first job in no time! Just remember to keep it simple, highlight your strengths and passion, and always proofread for any errors. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check back for more tips and tricks on how to jumpstart your career!

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How to Write a Resume with No Experience [21+ Examples]

It’s time for your first job hunt !

You need to write a resume , which can be nerve-wracking if you don’t have any real-life work experience.  

You don’t know where to start, what to include, or which resume format to choose.

On top of that, most advice you find online isn’t relevant because it focuses on emphasizing professional background.

Chances are, you’re straight out of college with no experience to speak of. 

Or maybe you're a high-school student applying for a part-time job.

Whichever the case may be, you’re probably having trouble filling in the blank space on your resume that’s supposed to be the work experience section.

Worry not, though. In this guide, we’re going to help you create an AMAZING resume, no work experience is needed.

• How to format your resume with no work experience
• 4 sections to replace work experience (that help you stand out)
• 2 no-work experience resume samples (guaranteed to land you the job)

How to Format Your Resume [with No Work Experience + Examples] 

A resume format is the layout of your resume .

The ideal resume format usually depends on how much work experience you have. 

But what happens when you have none?

For a no-experience resume, we recommend that you use the reverse-chronological format . 

It’s the most popular format amongst applicants and a recruiter favorite.  

The sections in your reverse-chronological resume will be: 

• Header : Contact Information and Resume Statement
• Internships, extracurricular activities, projects, volunteer work  (These sections will replace your work experience)

In this article, we’ll walk you through each of these sections, and explain how to write them in a way that you stand out from the crowd.

Let’s dive in.

Start With Your Resume Header

Your resume header includes your contact information and your resume statement.  

Below, we’ll show you how to write both of these elements and how to include them in your header section.

Put Down Your Contact Information

Just like the name suggests, the first thing you add to your header is your personal and contact information.

It’s the easiest part to get right, just keep it short and to the point.

In your contact information section, mention the following:

• First and Last Name
• Phone Number
• E-mail Address
• A link to a professional profile (e.g. LinkedIn ) or personal webpage (if you have one)

Make sure to use a professional-sounding E-mail.

I.e. something along the lines of “[email protected].” 

You’re sure to leave a wrong impression if you use an email you created back in preschool ( “[email protected]” ).

Make sure to double-check, triple-check your contact information. After all, the recruiter can’t contact you if you have a typo in your phone number.

(Optional) Write Your Resume Objective

A resume objective is a short heading statement in your resume, where you describe your professional goals and aspirations.

Fun fact - hiring managers look at your resume for 5-6 seconds max .

Yep, that’s right. In most cases, the hiring manager is literally drowning in resumes. So, they have a couple of seconds to skim each one.

Well, this section is your chance to catch their attention (and let them know you’ve got what it takes).

A resume objective is usually 3-4 sentences max and includes information on:

• What your field of study is;
• What your skills and experiences are (ones that are relevant to the job );
• Why you’re applying for this position and/or this company.

As with contact information, you don’t need to label your resume objective with a title. Just write it underneath your contact information section.

Here’s an example of what a resume objective looks like:

“ Recent Communications graduate looking to apply for the role of Secretary at XYZ inc. Extremely organized with good writing and multitasking skills. Practical experience in management gained through several university projects, which involved coordinating tasks between different team members and ensuring that everyone was in sync with the latest information. ”

Emphasize Your Education

In your average resume, the first section would be work experience.

Since you don’t have any, though, you’ll want to omit that and replace it with the education section.

This way, you bring a lot more attention to your education, which is one of your main selling points. 

What should you include in the Education section? 

List the following features in this order:

• Name of the degree
• Name of the institution
• Years attended
• Location of the institution (optional)
• GPA (optional)
• Honors (optional)
• Relevant coursework (optional)
• Exchange programs (optional) 

As a general rule, if you studied in a prestigious university, you can add the name of the institution before the degree . This way, you will catch the recruiter’s attention faster.

Now, let’s go through some real-life examples:

BA in Computer Science

Tufts University

Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts

10/2015 - 06/2018

Magna Cum Laude

• Exchange Program in Greenville, NY

University of the Arts London

BA in Interior Design 

10/2017 - Ongoing

Westwood High

Boston, Massachusetts

Class of 2018 

Education Section Q&A

Still have some questions about the education section? Worry not, we’re about to give you all the answers!

Do I include my GPA?

• The answer here is a “maybe.” We’d recommend including a GPA if it’s higher than 3.5. Anything lower than that, and you might be underselling yourself. Keep in mind, though, that most employers don’t care about your grades.

Should I include my coursework?

• Yep, but just as long as it’s relevant. If you have no work experience, including courses can help establish your expertise in a field. Feel free to skip out on any basic courses, though. No one cares about your Maths 101 course.

Do I mention my degree if I dropped out?

• If you studied for more than 2-3 years, yes. A half-finished degree is still better than no degree. If you dropped out after a semester, though, that doesn’t really mean much.

Do I mention my high school degree?

• Only if it’s your only degree. If you have any higher education, your high school degree will only take up space.

4 Sections to Replace Work Experience [With Examples]

Now that you’ve listed your education, it’s time to fill that work experience gap in your resume.

You aren’t still worried about your lack of experience, right?

Because here are four sections you can use instead:

1) Internships

Have you done an internship that is relevant to the position you are applying for?

Now’s the time to mention it. 

Here is how you add an internship to your resume:

First , place the Internship section right after the education section. 

Title it: Internships

Second , write your internship title and role . Be specific.

If your internship was in the marketing department, instead of just “Intern”, say “Marketing Intern”. 

Third , put down the company name , location , and duration of the internship - in that order.

Marketing Intern

Full Picture

New York, NY

09/2019 - 12/2019

Easy and straightforward, right?

One more step:

Last , add a list of responsibilities you had as an intern in bullet point form. 

If you have any tangible achievements , even better! Write those in as well.

Finally, tailor both the responsibilities and achievements to the role you’re applying for.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

You used to be an Advertising Intern .

You’re applying for the position of Social Media Assistant . 

Here’s how you would put down your internship entry:

Internships

Full Picture Company

• Analyzed various social media platforms for trending content
• Managed company social media accounts
• Posted interested content on company Facebook page, increasing engagement by 25%

The listed responsibilities and achievements are directly connected to the Social Media Assistant job requirements.

You’re applying for a Content Writer position. Take a look at the same entry now:

• Assisted the Marketing Manager in writing press releases and new blog posts , which increased web traffic by 25%.

Notice how the internship title remains the same. 

But in this case you’re applying for a Content Writer position, so you are highlighting your writing experience instead.

For more examples, check out our full guides to an internship resume and how to write a cover letter for an internship .

2) Extracurricular activities

Still have a ton of empty space in your resume?

Extracurricular activities are always a great addition!

Whether they’re related to the job you’re applying for or not, they still show one thing:

You’re hard-working and motivated.

Imagine you’re the HR manager, and you can pick between these 2 candidates:

• Josh Johnson. Studied at Massachusetts State. 4.0 GPA, but that’s all he did in college - no extracurricular activities, internships, or anything else.
• Suzie Activeson. Also studied at Massachusetts state. 3.2 GPA. Vice-president of the business club. Served as a student government senator for 2 semesters. Organized several events as part of the marketing club.

Sure, Josh is probably qualified, but we don't know anything about him, other than that he studied a lot.

Suzie, on the other hand, can manage a team (business club VP), organize events (marketing club), and is passionate about making a change (student government).

So, which one would you pick?

Now, let’s explain how to list extracurricular activities on your resume:

• Title of the section: Extracurricular Activities
• Name of the organization and/or team 
• Your role in the organization
• Time period
• Noteworthy awards or achievements

Extracurricular Activities

Public Speaking Club

Vice-President

09/2018 - 09/2019

• Organized 10+ public speaking lectures
• Brought in speakers from all over the state
• Conducted public speaking workshops

3) Volunteering Experience

Volunteering shows dedication and passion to apply yourself. 

And there’s nothing recruiters love more than a committed employee.  

Whether you spend your free time in a soup kitchen, or you helped collect trash in the countryside, you can mention it in your resume!

But how do you list volunteering experience?

Well, it follows the same logic as your internship and extracurriculars:

• Title of the section: Volunteering Experience
• Name of the organization
• Relevant tasks and achievements (bullet points)

Volunteering Experience

Grand Archive Library Volunteer

Washington, D.C

08/2017 - 02/2019

• Performed secretarial activities, such as sorting mail, filing documents, answering phone calls, and taking messages. 
• Led a poetry reading event twice a month. 

4) Projects

In this section, you can add any relevant projects you were part of during your time in school or at an internship.

Your capstone project, graduation thesis, or research project go here. 

No need for work experience!

You can also mention any other type of project you’ve worked on in school, including:

• Business project for a real-life client
• Mock website you created in Web Design 101
• Fake magazine you created as a capstone project
• Market research you did as part of your graduation thesis
• Software you developed in Software Engineering class

...And so on!

Here’s how you put them down:

• Title of the section: Projects
• Project name
• Project type
• Related organization 
• Relevant responsibilities and achievements (optional)

And now, for some practical examples. Here’s what a journalism student project could look like:

Online Privacy and Social Media: a Journalistic Study of Facebook and Cambridge Analytica

Journalism Capstone Project

Harvard University

09/2018 - 11/2018

And here’s a law school example:

In-House Pro Bono Project

Columbia Law School

11/2018 - 03/2019

• Completed a full petition for U nonimmigrant status, interviewed legal persons and drafted affidavits.

If you have anything physical to back up your project with, feel free to include a link.

For example, if you’re a developer, you could include a link to your GitHub profile.

Stand out with your Skills 

There are two types of skills you can include on your no-experience resume: 

Soft skills and hard skills. 

What’s the difference? 

Soft skills are attributes or habits that describe how you work. They are not specific to a job, but indirectly help you adapt to the work environment. 

Here are some of the most popular ones: teamwork, responsibility, leadership, creativity, etc.  

Hard skills , on the other hand, refer to specific tools, technical knowledge and training and other work-specific skills. They apply directly to the job. 

Technical writing, C++, financial accounting, etc. are all examples of hard skills.

So, which of these skills should you include? 

That depends on a lot of factors, but as someone with no work experience, you should opt more for hard skills .

See, you could write all the cool buzzwords like “Critical Thinking” and “Leadership,” but the recruiter won’t believe you.

Fun fact - that’s what 90% of students do.

Instead, you should focus on skills that make you stand out , and in most cases, those are hard skills.

So, how do you decide which hard skills to mention? Easy! Just check the job ad you’re applying for.

Let’s say you’re applying for an entry-level creative internship, and you find these requirements in the job description: 

• Video editing experience (Premiere, After Effects)
• UI design experience
• Photo editing experience (Photoshop)
• Photography experience
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator

You’d transfer this into your skills section:

• Premiere & After Effects - Expert
• Photoshop - Expert
• UI Design - Intermediate
• Adobe Illustrator - Intermediate
• Photography - Intermediate

Not sure which skills to mention? Check out our article on 150+ must-have skills for all sorts of professions !

Other Sections You Could Include in a No-Experience Resume

A resume without experience does have one advantage: extra space . 

You can use this space to create other sections that highlight how awesome you are!

Here are some sections you could include:

• Hobbies and Interests . Add flair to your resume by showing your genuine passion and interest in the industry.
• Languages. Do you know a second language? Or even a third? Awesome! Most companies these days are pretty international and appreciate an extra language skill or two. Be mindful not to over-exaggerate your proficiency, though. Only knowing how to ask “¿Donde está la biblioteca?” doesn’t warrant a Spanish entry on your resume.
• Awards & Certifications . Do you have any fancy pieces of paper that show you’re smart? Maybe it’s an award for a terrific essay in a competition, or a certificate from an online course . Whichever the case may be, awards and certifications show that you’re a winner, so definitely include them in their own respective section.

Need Inspiration? 2 No Work Experience Resume Samples

Do you still have questions or don’t know where to begin?

That’s when a resume sample comes in handy. 

It provides you with a predetermined format.

It also helps you picture how your no-experience resume is supposed to look like. 

As Picasso put it: Good artists copy; great artists steal! 

Here are 2 no work experience resume samples you can borrow ideas from:

Business Student Resume Sample

High-school Student Resume Sample

Create a Matching Cover Letter

All done with your resume?

It’s not over yet. You need to write a cover letter to go with it.

A cover letter is a single-page letter that accompanies your resume and is part of your job application.

Look at it this way: your resume describes your experiences, and your cover letter explains (in simple words) how they’re relevant to the job.

Now, here’s a quick infographic on what to include in a cover letter:

Finally, as with everything else in your resume, make sure to keep your cover letter relevant, short, and concise.

The hiring manager doesn’t have time to read an autobiography, they’ll only review your cover letter for a few minutes. 

There’s a lot more to creating a good cover letter than what we just explained.

For a complete, all-you-need-to-know walk-through, check out our Complete Guide on How to Write a Cover Letter !

Key Takeaways

...and that’s a wrap!

At this point, you should know everything there is to know about writing a killer no-experience resume.

Just to keep things fresh, though, let’s quickly go through everything we’ve learned so far:

• When creating your no-experience resume, use the reverse-chronological format.
• You can create a killer no-experience resume by emphasizing your education instead. Include relevant internships, soft & hard skills, and projects.
• Other sections you can include on your resume are hobbies & interests, languages, certifications, or achievements.
• Keep all the content on your resume clear, precise, and relevant. Use bullet points for all your descriptions.
• After you’re done with your resume, you want to write an awesome cover letter that goes with it. The cover letter is a one-page letter that tells the story behind your resume content and reemphasizes why you’re a great fit for the job.

Related Resume Examples

• Internship Resume
• High School Resume
• Research Assistant Resume
• College Resume
• Students and Graduates Resume
• Teacher Resume

Recommended Readings:

• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024
• 20+ One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]
• 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers [Complete List]

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16 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 up until now, there hasn’t been a good resource for high schoolers to help  craft compelling resumes or student cover letters .

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 16 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 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