high school jobs that look good on a resume

Build my resume

• Resume builder
• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

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

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

High School Jobs that Look Good on College Applications

What’s covered:, why get a job in high school, 10 jobs that look good on college applications, how to list your job on your college applications, how do jobs impact your college chances.

Like many teenagers, you may be considering getting a job in high school. You might be surprised to learn that the type of job that you choose can actually impact your college admissions process. While working in general can be a great opportunity to showcase leadership skills and responsibility on your college application, certain jobs carry more weight in the eyes of admissions officers than others. So, which type of job is the best for you? Keep reading to learn more about the jobs that look best on your college apps!

There are many benefits to getting a job in high school. First of all, you’ll be making money of course. Even if your job is not highly paid, the money you earn will add up and can go towards anything, from investing in a hobby to opening a college savings account.  

Second of all, working allows you to explore your professional interests in a real world setting. Perhaps you have always been interested in a certain industry or career. Picking up a part-time job in your prospective field will not only provide exposure, but also help you to identify (or rule out) specific career paths in the industry. For example, if you are interested in the education sector, working at an after-school program for children could give you some perspective on whether you’d actually enjoy working in the classroom or if you’re more interested in administration or policy. Gaining real world experience early on can help you better tailor your college applications to the programs that best suit your unique interests.

Working in high school also teaches you personal responsibility. While you’ve likely had your share of group work in the classroom setting, at work, your ability to manage your time and responsibilities effectively ties directly back to business outcomes. Learning accountability and professionalism early on will make you a strong team player in the longer term.

Any of the skills you learn at work will be transferable to other areas of your life. High school students who work often build confidence and learn to solve real world problems on the job– skills that are essential for both college and post-graduate life.

As you look for a job, you may be wondering what college admissions officers take into consideration when they see a job listed on an application. We’ve compiled a list of the best jobs for high schoolers and how you should list your responsibilities and the skills you learn on your application. 

In general, the best kinds of high school jobs are the ones where you gain professional or unique skills that will make you stand out. The skills that you gain can include leadership, juggling many responsibilities, in addition to any field-specific technical skills. 

1. Tutoring

Are you good at a particular subject in school? Then why not monetize your skills? Many students need help in certain subjects, and becoming a tutor can highlight your academic achievements as well as your ability to teach others complicated concepts. Plus, if you’re a really great tutor, you can make a significant amount of money from this job.

2. Food Service & Hospitality

Working as a server at a restaurant or in the hospitality industry teaches you customer service and people skills which will be useful once you enter college. Additionally, hospitality jobs can teach you how to multitask, which will be beneficial both in and out of the classroom. 

3. Assistant Coaching

Coaching a sports team for kids has many benefits. Working with children can teach you the value of patience and make you a more empathetic leader. You’ll also interact with parents often in a coaching role, requiring you to maintain a professional and formal demeanor. 

4. Lifeguarding

Lifeguarding is an essential role that teaches you the value of responsibility and focus. Although you may never witness a lifeguarding emergency, the job requires strong swimming skills, attention to detail, and quick thinking.

5. Retail Work

Retail jobs are a great way to develop customer service skills and flexibility. Typically, these roles are very people-oriented, so pursue an opportunity like this if you’re comfortable in a fast-paced customer-facing role. Retail can help you develop great people skills, learn how to adapt quickly, and become comfortable working in a changing environment.

6. Starting A Self-Employed Business

If you’ve always thought of yourself as entrepreneurial, you may consider starting your own babysitting business. This job can be very lucrative, and it teaches you how to work with both children and adults. Babysitters must be very responsible and patient, and starting your own business can show colleges your willingness to take a healthy risk.

7. Freelance Writing

Are you interested in a remote position? Freelance writing may be for you! You can find writing jobs on freelance websites such as Fiverr or Upwork, which can be completed from the comfort of your own home. Writing professionally can demonstrate your communication skills in a non-academic context and enable you to build a strong portfolio.

  8. Translation

If you speak another language fluently, you may consider working as a translator. This job can showcase existing skills or further your education in the target language. Best of all,  translation roles could be either in-person or online. Many freelance websites have remote work options for translators, but don’t be afraid to explore in-person opportunities local to you.

9. Caddying

If you’re a busy student and looking for a lucrative part-time job, caddying may be perfect for you. Caddies are responsible for taking care of golf players’ clubs and helping advise golfers on the course. This role can help develop your people skills, and even score you some niche scholarship money, as high school caddies are eligible for many prestigious scholarships, such as the Evans Scholarship.

10. Web Developer

Do you know how to code? If so, you could work as a web developer. Many freelance websites look for web developers for projects of varying sizes, however you could also start your own business and publicize your services through LinkedIn. Coding is a very valuable skill that shows colleges your special interest in computer science and allows you to execute on a variety of projects either collaboratively or independently.

If you already have a job, you may be wondering how you should list it on your college applications. On the Common App in particular, there are best practices to listing your extracurricular activities . As the application limits each entry to 150 words, your writing will need to be clear, concise and specific. 

When describing your ECs, it’s most important to highlight the skills that you developed and the impact that you had on others rather than listing off responsibilities, quantifying your impact whenever possible. For example, if you worked a restaurant over the summer, you may mention how many customers you served each shift. Remember, admissions officers only spend a few minutes looking at your application, so you should only include the most important facts. Some examples of a Common App extracurricular entry are below:

Topic Title: Server at Local Restaurant

Declared Time Commitment : 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year

Description: Served over 2,000 customers and managed the cash register during the lunch rush on Saturdays.

In this example, the description succinctly describes both the responsibilities of the server as well as a metric of how many people were served. For the reader, including the detail of the “lunch rush” implies that the restaurant is typically busy and the server took on many different tasks.

Topic Title: Assistant Coach for Little League Baseball

Declared Time Commitment: 4 hours per week on Saturdays, 30 weeks per year

Description: Helped teach 20 3-5-year olds the fundamentals of baseball. Provided empathetic leadership for the children and supported the head coach by developing drills for the players.

This example is well-written because the author’s character as a caring leader shines through. At the same time, the description tells the reader exactly what the assistant coach did–developed baseball drills for 20 elementary school children. 

Jobs are a great way to showcase a certain skill set you may have and gain valuable soft skills. College administrators often value work experience as it shows initiative and a willingness to work hard.

Extracurricular activities can be divided into 4 tiers. Tier 1 activities are rare and difficult to achieve. Below is a list of the tiers and how extracurriculars fall into each tier.

Tier 1: National awards for achievement, participating in a rare extracurricular with a national ranking

Tier 2: State rankings for sports, being the president of student council at school

Tier 3: Leadership positions in school clubs such as Model UN, debate, captain of a school sports team

Tier 4: Participating in a school club, volunteer positions, or having a job in high school

Typically, high school jobs fall under tier 4, unless you’ve started your own business or had management responsibilities. If you have the time and opportunity to do so, taking on additional responsibilities and gaining recognition at work can help elevate your job to a higher tier extracurricular . 

Wondering how you can maximize your chance of acceptance to college and how your job will be calculated by admissions officers? Check out our free chancing calculator! This handy tool will look at the various activities you participate in and give you an estimate of your chances of getting into the college of your choice.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

16 Best Jobs for High School Graduates

You can get these jobs with just a high school degree or some additional training.

(Getty Images) |

Careers for high school graduates

High school graduates have great options when it comes to careers. Here are 16 opportunities for those with high school degrees or equivalents. Some jobs on this list also require some postsecondary training, but there’s no need to go into college debt for them.

The jobs on the list are taken from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs ranking , and require only a high school diploma or no degree. Data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

16. Security Guard

Median salary: $34,750 Expected job growth by 2032: -1.3%

Security guards safeguard people, property and assets and are responsible for monitoring and patrolling designated areas to prevent theft or unauthorized access. Since most security guard positions offer on-the-job training, this job provides an opportunity to enter the workforce quickly without the need for extensive formal education.

Learn more about security guards .

Getty Images | iStockphoto

15. Bus Driver

Median salary: $50,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5.4%

Bus drivers pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations following a predetermined route and schedule. To become a bus driver, you typically only need a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, most states require bus drivers to be at least 18 years old and 21 to drive across state lines. Once hired, bus drivers typically receive a few months of on-the-job training.

Learn more about bus drivers .

14. Carpenter

Median salary: $51,390 Expected job growth by 2032: 0.9%

Carpenters rank No. 6 among the  Best Construction Jobs and No. 19 among the  Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree. They construct and repair building structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. After earning a high school diploma, most carpenters go through an apprenticeship program in which they typically complete a set number of hours of technical training in areas like basic carpentry and blueprint reading.

Learn more about carpenters .

Getty Images |

13. Taxi Driver

Median salary: $30,670 Expected job growth by 2032: 20.6%

Taxi drivers take people to airports, across town and anywhere else they want to go. They may have flexible hours that allow them to take breaks and rest. Depending on the state, taxi drivers may need a special license, but no formal education credential is required.

Learn more about taxi drivers .

12. Construction Worker

Median salary: $40,750 Expected job growth by 2032: 4.4%

Construction workers are jack-of-all-trades professionals who often work in teams to complete construction projects. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the type of construction project, but they typically include erecting scaffolding, loading and unloading building materials, installing foundations and operating heavy machinery. Construction workers don't need formal education to start since they undergo ample on-the-job training.

Learn more about construction workers .

11. Optician

Median salary: $39,610 Expected job growth by 2032: 2.7%

Opticians are professionals who specialize in fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses. A bachelor's degree is not required to enter this profession since most aspiring opticians receive on-the-job training.

Note that some states may require opticians to be certified in eyeglass or contact lens dispensing by passing exams from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners.

Learn more about opticians .

10. Delivery Truck Driver

Median salary: $40,410 Expected job growth by 2032: 11.5%

Delivery truck drivers typically deliver packages from a distribution center to businesses and residences and stick to a particular delivery area. You can get started without a high school diploma in some cases, but employers usually prefer high school graduates. Once hired, you'll receive on-the-job training that may last up to a month.

Learn more about delivery truck drivers .

Median salary: $60,090 Expected job growth by 2032: 2.3%

Plumber ranks No. 4 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 8 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree. While you don't need a four-year college degree to become a plumber, many unions and businesses require prospective plumbers to receive a set amount of hours of technical education, which could include topics such as applied physics and math as well as up to 2,000 hours of paid training working alongside an experienced plumber.

Learn more about plumbers .

8. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Median salary: $45,230 Expected job growth by 2032: 22.3%

Solar photovoltaic installer ranks No. 3 among the Best Construction Jobs. This job usually requires only a high school diploma, but some workers may also take classes in community colleges or technical schools. Once hired, solar photovoltaic installers undergo a one-year training period. Depending on the state, a license may also be required.

These workers assemble solar PV panels on the roofs of buildings, and the panels convert solar power into electricity.

Learn more about solar photovoltaic installers .

7. Choreographer

Median salary: $50,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Choreographer ranks No. 2 among the Best Creative and Media Jobs and No. 9 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. Choreographers create and direct original dance movements and routines for performances and productions. They typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent although it's not required. Many start their careers as dancers and hone their skills for years.

Learn more about choreographers .

6. Maintenance and Repair Worker

Median salary: $44,980 Expected job growth by 2032: 3.6%

Maintenance and repair worker ranks No. 3 among the  Best Maintenance and Repair Jobs and No. 8 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. Maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment and buildings. To become one, you'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and practical on-the-job training. Some states may require you to become licensed as well.

Learn more about maintenance and repair workers .

5. Pharmacy Technician

Median salary: $37,790 Expected job growth by 2032: 5.6%

Pharmacy technician ranks No. 7 among the Best Jobs Without a Degree. After getting a high school degree or equivalent, a pharmacy technician may learn the role through on-the-job training. They fill prescriptions, communicate with customers about medications, and work with pharmacists or other medical professionals.

Learn more about pharmacy technicians .

4. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11.4%

Flight attendant ranks No. 3 among the Highest-Paying Jobs Without a Degree and No. 5 among the  Best Social Services Jobs. Flight attendants are members of the flight crew responsible for maintaining the safety, security and comfort of passengers. Most airlines require flight attendants to have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate as well as experience working in customer service.

Learn more about flight attendants .

3. Electrician

Median salary: $60,240 Expected job growth by 2032: 6.4%

Electrician ranks No. 1 among the Best Construction Jobs and No. 7 among the Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to get started as an electrician. From there, you can go to technical school or start an apprenticeship program that may take up to five years. Most states require electricians to be licensed.

Electricians install and repair wiring, electrical power and lighting systems in new buildings and established properties.

Learn more about electricians .

2. Community Health Worker

Median salary: $46,190 Expected job growth by 2032: 14.1%

Community health worker ranks No. 2 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. Community health workers can get started with high school diplomas and some on-the-job training. Depending on the employer, certification may be required.

Community health workers are the point people for social services and health services providers. They find out what health-related issues affect the people they serve, then share that data with services providers.

Learn more about community health workers .

1. Hearing Aid Specialist

Median salary: $59,020 Expected job growth by 2032: 14.5%

Hearing aid specialist ranks No. 1 among the Best Jobs Without a College Degree and No. 4 among the  Best Health Care Support Jobs. Hearing aid specialists help individuals with hearing loss to fit, select, and maintain their hearing aids and enhance their quality of life. To become one, you can either obtain a degree in hearing instrument fitting and dispensing or receive on-the-job training at your workplace.

Learn more about hearing aid specialists .

RECOMMENDED

You May Also Like

Will ai steal my job.

Robin Madell April 23, 2024

Is Consumer Services a Good Career Path?

Jamela Adam April 18, 2024

13 Signs You May Be Facing a Tech Layoff

Jamela Adam and Janica Ingram April 11, 2024

Why You Feel Disengaged at Work

Robin Madell April 8, 2024

9 Sites for Legit Remote Jobs

Robin Madell April 3, 2024

7 Best Technology Jobs in the U.S.

Jamela Adam March 26, 2024

What Are Soft Skills?

Hallie Crawford March 25, 2024

11 Best High-Paying Business Jobs

Jamela Adam March 21, 2024

8 Best Finance Jobs to Pursue

Jamela Adam March 19, 2024

14 High-Paying, No-Degree Jobs

Jamela Adam March 14, 2024

The 15 Best Jobs That Help People

Jamela Adam March 12, 2024

25 Jobs That Pay $80K or More

Jamela Adam March 7, 2024

15 Best Jobs You've Never Heard Of

Jamela Adam Feb. 27, 2024

What Is the 'Act Your Wage?'

Robin Madell Feb. 23, 2024

20 Best Jobs for Work-Life Balance

Jamela Adam Feb. 22, 2024

15 Jobs to Consider for a Career Change

Jamela Adam Feb. 14, 2024

What Is Shift Shock?

Robin Madell Feb. 7, 2024

How We Determined the Best Companies

Jan. 29, 2024

10 Best Part-Time Jobs to Pay the Bills

Jamela Adam Jan. 26, 2024

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

Jamela Adam Jan. 22, 2024

• High School
• College Search
• College Admissions
• Financial Aid
• College Life

The (Surprisingly) Best Skill-Building Jobs for High School Students

Having a job while you’re in high school gives you extra cash for clothes, movies, food, or even building your savings before college. But that’s not the only benefit: High school jobs can help you build skills that prepare you for college and your future career.

As a high school student, your job options are limited. Still, you’d be surprised by how much you can learn from some high school-level opportunities. In this article, we’ll look at the best skill-building jobs for high school students.

What Skills Are Important to Employers?

First, it’s helpful to know what skills are important to employers. Hard skills — specific, measurable knowledge and abilities — will vary from job to job. Hard skills include mathematics, proficiency with a foreign language, web design, computer programming, and so on.

Employers also look at soft skills . Soft skills are less measurable and less teachable. They are personal attributes, characteristics, and communication abilities. Unlike hard skills, desirable soft skills remain much the same from job to job.

A PayScale survey asked 63,924 managers which skills recently hired college graduates were lacking. Managers reported that college graduates were missing the following hard skills:

• Writing proficiency (according to 44% of managers)
• Public speaking (39%)
• Data analysis through programs like Excel and Python (36%)

Missing soft skills included:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving (according to 60% of managers)
• Attention to detail (56%)
• Communication (46%)
• Leadership abilities (44%)
• Interpersonal and teamwork skills (36%)

The great news is you can get a head start on building most of these skills with a high school job. You may not learn about Excel or Python, but you can certainly develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. You can also lay the foundation for leadership and public speaking abilities, among others.

Here are some of the best jobs that can help high school students build these vital skills.

Entry Level Positions in Professional Fields

Do you already have a career in mind? Are you considering a few career options? Build relevant skills and experience by finding an entry level position in the field.

For example:

• Interested in business or marketing? Work as a sales associate , personal assistant , or a front desk receptionist .
• Planning to go into medicine? Work as a non-medical assistant or a pharmacy assistant .
• Passionate about STEM? Find a research assistant position . (These positions are sometimes unpaid, so make it clear that you’re looking for a position with compensation.)

Starting from the bottom isn’t always fun, but you’ll gain more insight into your future career. You can observe your future work environment, network with/ask questions of people in the field, and ultimately decide if it’s really the career for you .

If it is the career for you, start building experience and skills before even starting college. The head start will pay off!

Jobs That Develop Interpersonal Skills

If you don’t have a specific career in mind or can’t find a relevant position, work on building skills that apply to virtually every job.

For instance, no matter what job you have, you’ll probably have to talk to people. And when you do, you’ll want to appear confident, assertive, and likeable.

Finding a job that requires you to speak with coworkers and customers is a great way to sharpen your teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills. If that sounds scary, all the more reason to do it! You’ll have to talk to people eventually, so work on learning the skill and addressing the fear now, and you’ll be much better off in the future.

Retail or restaurant jobs are a sure way to enhance your interpersonal skills. You may operate a cash register, man the customer service desk, answer the phone, wait tables, and/or circulate the store/restaurant answering questions and offering help.

You’ll need to make polite small talk with customers and, on occasion, navigate tricky situations and potential conflicts. Of course, you’ll also work with a team and hone your collaboration and cooperation skills.

When I was in high school, I landed my dream job at the local Books-A-Million. In addition to looking at books all day, I offered help and book recommendations to customers, answered phones, and sold BAM discount cards.

It wasn’t a fancy job, but I credit my time at Books-A-Million with increasing my confidence and my ability to hold a conversation with anyone. Those skills have certainly served me well in my career and in the real world.

Communication skills are important, and even a simple high school retail or restaurant job can help you enhance yours.

Jobs That Develop Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills

Leadership is another vital skill that can be developed through a variety of high school jobs. For instance, you can work as a lifeguard , swim or ski instructor , or junior referee/umpire . If you perform well at just about any high school job, you may be asked to help train new high school hires.

These jobs require you to project authority, be responsible for both yourself and others, and exert influence. To advance in any career field in the future, these abilities will be key.

At each of these high school jobs, you will also need to exercise your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Any time you’re in charge of others, problems may arise, and you will be tasked with finding a solution.

Whether it’s resolving a conflict between opposing teams, helping a swim student overcome a fear of water, or finding ways to motivate a new hire, your problem-solving skills will be put to the test and ultimately improved.

Final Thoughts: These Are the Best Skill-Building Jobs for High School Students

As a high school student, it’s helpful to find an entry-level job in a professional field of interest, a job that builds interpersonal skills, or a job that enhances your leadership and problem-solving abilities.

This includes jobs like:

• Sales associate
• Personal assistant
• Front desk receptionist
• Non-medical assistant
• Pharmacy assistant
• Research assistant
• Retail worker
• Call center representative
• Fast food worker
• Waiter/waitress
• Restaurant host/hostess
• Valet parking attendant
• Junior referee/umpire
• Swim instructor

Working any high school job will also teach you time management, responsibility, and dedication. The process of finding a job will enhance your ability to create a resume, fill out applications, and answer interview questions.

Building these foundational skills now will give you a competitive advantage as you seek internships and jobs in the future.

You’ll also learn about potential careers, enhance your college application, and foster the skills that employers say many candidates are lacking. When you’re ready to enter the real world and begin your career, you’ll be confident and prepared to succeed.

Author: Jason Patel

Jason Patel is the founder of Transizion, a college counseling and career services company that provides mentorship and consulting on college applications, college essays, resumes, cover letters, interviews, and finding jobs and internships. Jason’s work has been cited in The Washington Post, BBC, NBC News, Forbes, Fast Company, Bustle, Inc., Fox Business, and other great outlets. Transizion donates a portion of profits to underserved students and veterans in of college prep and career development assistance.

More Articles By Niche

If you have ever wanted to become an RA and are looking for some tips on how to excel in the process, you have come to the right place.

When used to its potential, AI can help you streamline your process. Here are some ways you can use AI to help you land your next job.

When it comes to extracurricular activities, there’s no set rule concerning how many you should be involved in or how involved you must be.

• Success Stories
• AI Scholar Program
• Startup Internship Program
• Research Scholar Program
• GOALS Academic Support Program
• Test Prep Program
• Passion Project Program
• For Families
• For Schools
• For Employers
• Partnerships
• Content Guides
• News And Awards
• College Admissions
• Events and Webinars
• Applications

Best High School Jobs for College Admissions Resume

Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents, do you really need to get one of the best jobs for high schoolers, features of the best high school jobs for college admissions, the best jobs for high school students.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

Many high school students get a job because they want some extra spending money. Others may want to get a head start on a career or begin saving money for college. All of these are excellent reasons for students to start working; some of the best jobs for high schoolers offer much more than just a bit of extra money.

Even though working, in general, can help students learn employable skills, not all jobs are equal. The type of job you have can even impact your chances of getting into certain colleges — some jobs catch the eyes of college admissions team members more than others.

Most colleges are interested in what students do with their time when they are not attending classes. They look for students who are well-rounded and responsible, students who are quick to accept challenges. 

Having a job and balancing responsibilities with family life and school is impressive, but there are some jobs that colleges really look for and take note of.

Regardless of what your plans are for after you graduate, there are many advantages to getting a job as a high school student. While earning money is one benefit, getting a job will also let you explore your career interests in the real world.

You’ll gain exposure to various aspects of the career field you may pursue during college, and this can also help you rule out others. Gaining work experience early on in high school can help you hone skills you have and learn new ones as you practice time management, prioritize duties, and take on new responsibilities. 

College admissions counselors seek students with a variety of talents and skills. They look for students who show initiative, a sense of duty, self-discipline, and leadership skills. There are certain types of jobs with specific characteristics that colleges want to see:

Jobs That Demonstrate Leadership Skills

These days, it’s no longer enough just to have a job to impress college admissions staff members. The best jobs for high school students are those that allow them to hone leadership skills. Colleges want students who are leaders , so it’s best if you get a job that lets you take on leadership duties.

Colleges want to see evidence that you are motivated to impact your community positively and are working on building your leadership skills. Roles like swim teachers, tour guides, managers, and assistant managers are some jobs that fit into this category of the best jobs for college admissions resumes.

Jobs That Relate to Your Interests

If you already know what you are passionate about and what you might choose as a course of study in college, try to land a job that is related to that. Colleges look for long-term continuity with interests and passions; they want to see evidence of something more than just a fleeting spark of interest that fades quickly. 

Getting a job that is related to your intended major shows colleges you are serious about what you plan to do as a career. It can also show them that you are taking steps to gain major-related experience.

If you plan to major in mechanical engineering but spent your high school time working at a floral shop, an accounting firm, and a grocery store, your true passions may not be evident to college admissions officers. 

However, if your major will be education and you spent your high school days as a teaching assistant in an after-school program, your seriousness, intentions, and passions are more clear. 

Jobs That Show Creativity and Your Mentoring Potential

Colleges love to see students with creative minds! Creativity is the foundation of new ideas, and innovation is a key characteristic that catches the attention of college admissions team members. Creativity can be expressed in the form of visual arts, performing arts, or even construction.

Many creative people are also wonderful mentors because they enjoy sharing their passion for creation. Consider opportunities for jobs that allow you to build your creativity and mentor others, too. These jobs include tutoring, assistant teaching, assistant coaching, lifeguarding, babysitting, and being a camp counselor.

Jobs That Show Self-Discipline and a Great Work Ethic

It takes a lot of self-discipline to succeed as a college student, so naturally, college admissions teams look for self-disciplined students who will see their education through to the end. An excellent indicator of self-discipline is the type of job a student held during high school.

If you have the work ethic required to hold a job in high school, colleges will see that you have the potential for academic success as well. Jobs that show self-discipline and an excellent work ethic include restaurant server, delivery driver, cashier, valet parking attendant, landscaper, and amusement park attendant.

The best jobs for college admissions resumes are those that make you stand out among the other students who will be vying for a spot in the same college class. Jobs in which you take on responsibilities, learn new skills, hold leadership positions, and gain field-specific experience are ideal.

So what are the best jobs for college admissions resumes?

Everyone knows that jobs in the retail industry are not always easy, and those who hold these jobs develop a strong skill set that includes communication and customer service skills. They also learn flexibility and develop a high sense of responsibility. 

Retail is often a fast-paced, customer-facing industry, and students who work in it learn to adapt quickly and maintain high performance standards in an ever-changing environment. You’ll also learn transferable skills, including dealing with the public, conflict resolution, teamwork, and patience.

Freelance Web Developing

If you know how to code, you can work as a web developer. There are many websites in need of coders for all kinds of projects. You could even start up your own business and advertise your services on social media and LinkedIn.

Web development and coding are jobs that show colleges you are detail-oriented and driven and that you have what it takes to succeed in computer science. As the internet grows, people who know coding are very much in demand, making it one of the best high school jobs for college admissions.

Lifeguarding

Lifeguarding is one of the best jobs for high schoolers because it puts a tremendous amount of responsibility in a person’s hands. If you’re an excellent swimmer and want a job during high school where you can use your strong swimming skills, engage in quick thinking, and put to work your strong attention to detail, consider lifeguarding.

Hospitality or Food Service Industry 

One of the most valuable skills students can learn from a job in the food or hospitality industry is multitasking. Balancing several tasks simultaneously shows perseverance, focus, and responsibility, which are all important qualities colleges seek in students. 

Both of these industries are fast-paced and require customer service skills and self-discipline. All of these tasks are beneficial to students both in and out of the classroom.

Tutoring Students

If you’re exceptional in a particular school subject, you might be a great tutor for students who struggle. Many students need help in a wide variety of subjects, especially math. Becoming a tutor can help others and earn you some money while highlighting your ability to teach others complicated topics. 

Along with drawing attention to your academic achievements, a tutoring job will show college admissions personnel that you are also personable and able to communicate well.

Office Work

Office jobs allow students to gain valuable skills and explore opportunities as a professional. In fact, any job that shows initiative and professionalism is an excellent high school job. 

Jobs that fit this category include jobs in radio or TV, office settings, hospitals, medical centers, and libraries.

Jobs That Spark Curiosity

The ultimate way to make your college application stand out is to fill it with interesting information — an unusual job can be just the thing! Admissions officers are trying to learn who you are as a person beyond what your GPA and test scores show. Unusual jobs that are presented well can draw attention to you. 

Some jobs that fit this category include jobs on a farm, in a circus, as a handyperson, as a seamstress, or in a woodshop.

When all is said and done, if you want to get the attention of college admissions officers, the best job for you during high school is whatever job highlights your interests and shows that you have what it takes to succeed in college. 

The best way to describe your job on your application is to reflect on the experience and identify the value you gained. Relay information about lessons and skills you learned, and connect with the reader on a personal level. When you can tie your job to your future success, you’ll make an impression on admissions officers in a meaningful way.

Share this article:

College apps can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. empowerly college counseling is in it with you., related articles.

Do You Need a Counselor For College Admissions?

College Admissions Counseling Helps You Get Into College

The Public Health Benefits of Online College Counseling

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

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Anatomy of a High School Résumé

What is a résumé.

A résumé is a document that summarizes your knowledge, skills, abilities, experiences, and accomplishments. Think of a résumé as an introduction, helping people get to know you. A high school résumé outlines your interests and goals so people know what you enjoy and where you see yourself going.

Do I need a résumé in high school?

Yes! High school is a good time to begin putting your résumé together. Whether you’re thinking about getting a job, going to college , or doing volunteer work, you may be asked to provide a résumé. A common use for a résumé is to screen applicants for potential jobs . Employers can look through a résumé to quickly determine if someone’s skills, experience, and interests match what they’re looking for. In addition to employers, colleges often invite applicants to include a résumé. Therefore, having a résumé that’s detailed, properly formatted, and up to date is important.

Where do I begin?

Résumés have many acceptable résumé templates and formats─including both paper and digital versions. When choosing the format you want to use, think about what the standard is for the job or organization you’re applying to. Many places have preferred formats.  Follow any guidelines provided to improve your chances for success. Look for résumé examples online to see how other people have crafted their résumés, and apply what you like to your résumé. However, keep in mind that format is less important than content. Focus most on what you’re sharing, not on document design.

How do I write my résumé?

Typically, a high school résumé consists of these sections:

• Header: Include your name and contact information.
• Education: List schools you’ve attended, including graduation dates (if you’ve graduated). Include special courses or areas of interest, particularly if they’re related to the job, school, or opportunity you’re applying for. Include academic honors and awards.
• Skills and Experience: List and skills you learned or demonstrated in paid employment or unpaid volunteer work. Put everything in reverse order, adding start and end dates. List relevant extracurricular activities, as well as club or organization leadership roles.  Show the reader your accomplishments, not just responsibilities. Presenting data such as the number of people you served, projects you completed, or awards received can help tell your story.
• Special Skills: List skills that could be a benefit to the school or employer. This could be languages you speak, computer programs you know how to use, or personality traits (e.g., good with kids, comfortable talking on the phone, enjoy public speaking).

Résumé Writing Tips

If you’re new to résumé writing, it can feel overwhelming. Take your time and be patient. Here are some tips to get started writing your résumé in high school:

• Write your résumé in reverse chronological order. Put your most recent experience and schooling at the top. Then work your way backward.
• Make sure that everything you’ve included is relevant and worded concisely. Limit the résumé to one page.
• Don’t worry about making your résumé flashy. It’s better to keep everything simple, clear, and easy to read than to use unique fonts, images, or layouts. 
• Remember to be accurate. Never exaggerate or bend the truth.  
• Make sure to proofread your résumé more than once, looking for typos, misspellings, and incorrect grammar and punctuation. Then have someone else look over it. Mistakes can make the reader feel you’re not as thorough, careful, or detail oriented as they’d like you to be. 
• Add new experiences and skills to your résumé as you gain them. As time passes, delete the oldest and least relevant experiences. It’s okay to revise your résumé as your interests and goals change.  

Related Articles