If you're 14, 15, 16, or 17 and applying for your first job, you might be staring at a blank document wondering what to write. Here's the secret: you have more to put on a resume than you think.
What to Include When You Have No Work Experience
- School activities: Sports teams, clubs, student government, yearbook, school newspaper
- Volunteering: Food banks, animal shelters, community events, church activities
- Informal work: Babysitting, lawn mowing, dog walking, tutoring neighbors
- Skills: Microsoft Office, Google Suite, social media, typing speed, languages spoken
- Awards or honors: Honor roll, dean's list, sports awards, academic competitions
The Basic Format for a Teen Resume
Keep it simple and clean. One page. Include:
- Your name and contact info (name, phone, email, city/state)
- Objective (1-2 sentences about what job you want and why you'd be good at it)
- Education (current school, grade, GPA if over 3.0)
- Activities & Experience (list any activities, informal jobs, or volunteer work)
- Skills (both hard and soft skills)
Sample Objective Statements for Teens
For retail/cashier: "Energetic and responsible 16-year-old looking for a part-time cashier position at Target. Quick learner with strong math skills and a friendly, customer-first attitude."
For babysitting/childcare: "Reliable and caring teenager with 2 years of experience babysitting for neighborhood families. CPR certified and experienced with children ages 2-10."
For food service: "Motivated student seeking a part-time position in food service. Known for reliability, punctuality, and working well under pressure."
Tips for Your First Job Application
- Apply in person when possible — it shows initiative
- Dress professionally when you drop off applications
- Get a work permit if required in your state (under 16 often needs one)
- Ask a parent, teacher, or school counselor to serve as a reference
- Follow up a week after applying to show continued interest
Build Your Teen Resume in 60 Seconds
QuickHire AI has a special Teen Mode that builds a resume designed for your first job — no work experience required. Just describe your school activities and interests, and it generates a professional resume you can use to apply right now.