Resume Examples for Teens That Actually Work
Are you a teen looking for a good paying job and experience? You may not think you need a resume for a first job, and in many cases, that’s true. I didn’t even think to create a resume when I was 16 or even 20 but if I had, I think my chances of landing a better job than Papa Johns might have been better. (No offense, Papa Johns). Here are a few Resume examples for Teens and job tips that will help you land that good first job. We all find ourselves working jobs that we don’t necessarily like, but fast food shouldn’t be the only option, right? Unless, of course, you aspire to work in the restaurant industry. Then, by all means, my hats are off to you and I have a resume template for that also!
Basic Resume Templates for Teens
Obviously, you haven’t experienced too much in the job world, yet, but you are aspiring to! And a resume will be a great way to impress a potential employer and tell them a little more about who you are and what you’ve accomplished so far. Keeping your resume to one page is key, but highlighting all of your best talents and skills that pertain to the job will be essential. Even if it seems irrelevant. For example, if you’re going out for a social media job at the local Dairy Hut, make sure you mention you are an Instagram and SnapChat expert! Every piece of info you can offer about your skills pertaining to the job will be helpful.
Resume Examples for Teens
If you are seeking a more creative job role, feel free to use your creative talents to tell your story with a colorful resume that reflects who you are. Examples of teen job resumes can range anywhere from creative to classic and conservative, depending on who you are and what job or company you are applying for.
Teen-First-Resume-Example-Creative
Teen First Resume Example- Classic
Related article:
12 Creative Jobs for Teens
What Information to Add to Your Resume
There are several categories you’ll want to include in your resume: Objective, Skills, Experience, and Education are always included. But you may also add other categories if you feel as though you don’t have enough under the Experience section. This is especially true for teens just starting out who have yet to accumulate a ton of job experience. Telling your potential employer about your Hobbies, Future Goals or Aspirations (i.e. “I want to be the Mayor someday”) or Interests could also be valuable pieces of info. What you want to do is create a resume that truly highlights what you have to offer.
Your Summary, Objective or Statement
This first paragraph tells an employer in a few brief sentences who you are and why they should hire you for the job. If available, try to include your experience with specific duties or goals that are related to the job you’re applying for. For example: “I am a talented social media guru who grew XYZ Company from 0 to 12K Followers in 3 months. I am a self-starter, willing to wear many hats. I’m seeking full-time employment where I may contribute my skills and grow.”
Experience (or, Related Experience)
In this area, list your current or previous jobs. Include the company name location, your position held, and dates you worked. If it’s related to the job you are applying to right now, create a bulleted list including any highlights or accomplishments (example: Top seller for 3 months in a row, Helped company gain over 100 new sign-ups, Created a viral video)
Skills or Expertise
This category pertains mostly to your skills and or expertise for the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying to be a grocery store stocker, it wouldn’t be very pertinent to list ‘Photography’ or ‘Adobe Illustrator’ here. Instead, something like ‘Excellent organizational skill”s, “The king of Tetris”, or “Great attention to detail.” Obviously, you don’t want to fib, just let them know what mad skills you possess to be stellar at that position you want.
Activities & Hobbies
Without having much previous job experience, it might be in your best interest to list your activities and hobbies. This gives an employer a sense of what interests you, and how involved with the community or school activities you are. For example, “Volunteer at the local soup kitchen, Goalie on HS Soccer Team, Gymnastics, Photography, Early Childhood Education, Art, Clarinet, etc.
Education and Awards
The Education and Awards section gives your employer a chance to see where you are in your academia. If you have a strong GPA, include that with any awards you may have won in school.
Certifications
Certifications are very important if you’re looking to work as a lifeguard, babysitter or childcare center. If, you are a digital marketing guru and you’ve managed to get a few Google certifications, please list those as well!
Clubs or Memberships
Including clubs and hobbies to your resume helps give employers a better idea of who you are, also. List clubs you are a part of in school, or outside of school. Examples can be anything such as Yearbook Committee, Girls Who Code Club, Chess Club or Girl Scouts.
Your Brand
If you have a brand statement, be sure to utilize that. Whether it’s a signature font or color you always use. Social media has opened up a whole new world where we are our brand. Also, keep in mind that some employers may look at your social media profiles. So, if there is something you’d prefer they didn’t see, either delete it or set your profile to private.
Resume Tips
Apply to Specific Jobs, Be Personable.
We are generally aware of our limitations, so only apply to jobs where you’re certain you can handle the environment and workload. Be selective if you are able. It doesn’t make much sense to shoot your resume out to hundreds of companies hoping one will bite back, even if they aren’t a good fit. Create a brief cover letter expressing your interest in their company and in working for them and why you would be a good fit. Make sure to address the HR manager or owner by name if you are able to find out who they are. It does take a little more work, but it’s worth it.
Market Yourself
Teen and student resumes are usually limited to volunteer, school and intern experiences. But it’s OK! Employers aren’t expecting to see a huge list of experience, but they may expect enthusiasm and charisma. Think outside the box and really market yourself! Find creative ways to make your experience shine. It doesn’t matter if you weren’t being paid to be on that prom or yearbook committee, you and your team created the best yearbook or sold the most tickets, ever!
Keywords are Important
Some job finding apps, companies, and platforms such as Indeed use keywords and algorithms to sort through so many applications. This prevents an HR nightmare of having to go through dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes before finding a few qualified candidates. Look at the job listing and make sure you are using keywords they are using and add them to your resume if it fits your skill set.
First Impressions
You only get a few seconds to make a first impression, make sure you use a font that is easy to read, and doublecheck for spelling errors! List your top highlights of who you are and what you’ve accomplished first. Some people have begun using photos on their resume (I do). It used to be frowned upon or seen as strange, but with the integration of social media in our lives, it’s not so unusual anymore. Having a face to a name adds a very personal touch to a resume. Just make sure it’s a clear photo of your face, shoulder to head – and make it as professional quality as possible.
Best of luck in your job search!
