Skyra RoadmapHow to Write a Resume With No Work Experience (Teen Guide)
Everyone's first resume has the same "problem": no jobs yet. Here's the secret — you have more to put on it than you think, and employers hiring teens know you're just starting.
A first resume isn't about proving you've worked. It's about showing you're reliable, capable, and worth training. You do that with what you've already done — in school, in your community, and on your own. Here's how to build it.
What to include instead of jobs
- A one-line objective — e.g., "Dependable high school student seeking a part-time role in customer service, known for reliability and a strong work ethic."
- Education — your school, expected graduation year, and GPA if it's strong.
- Skills — real ones: communication, teamwork, basic computer skills, a second language, time management.
- Volunteer work — any community service shows initiative and responsibility.
- Extracurriculars — sports (teamwork), clubs (commitment), leadership roles.
- Informal work — babysitting, lawn care, pet sitting, tutoring all count as real work. List them.
- Awards & projects — honor roll, a science-fair project, a personal project you built or ran.
A simple template
Your Name
City · Phone · Professional email
Objective — One line on what you're looking for and what you bring.
Education — School name, expected graduation, GPA (if strong).
Skills — 4–6 relevant skills.
Experience & Activities — Volunteering, informal work, clubs, sports — with a short bullet on what you did.
Awards — Any recognition or achievements.
Not sure what kind of job to aim for?
Take the free Skyra quiz — it points you toward work (and first jobs) that fit how you're wired.
Take the free career-fit quiz →Mistakes to avoid
- Going over one page. Keep it tight and scannable.
- An unprofessional email. Make one that's just your name — skip the childhood nickname.
- Typos. Proofread, then have an adult read it. Errors read as careless.
- Being vague. "Helped out" is weak; "Babysat 3 kids weekly, managed meals and bedtime" shows real responsibility.
- Lying or padding. Don't. Honest and modest beats impressive and false, every time.
Next: actually land the job
A resume gets your foot in the door — landing the job is the next step. See our guide to the best first jobs for teens and how to get one for where to apply and how to stand out with no experience.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a resume with no work experience?
Lead with what you do have: school achievements, volunteer work, clubs, sports, projects, and skills. Use a short 'objective' line, highlight transferable skills like reliability and teamwork, and include any informal work (babysitting, lawn care, tutoring). One clean page is plenty.
What should a teen put on a resume?
Contact info, a one-line objective, education (your school and expected graduation), relevant skills, and sections for volunteering, extracurriculars, awards, and any informal jobs. Anything that shows responsibility, reliability, or initiative belongs on it.
How long should a teen's resume be?
One page — always. At this stage a single, clean, well-organized page is far more effective than padding. Employers hiring teens spend seconds scanning; make it easy.
Do you need a resume for your first job?
Not always — many first jobs just need an application — but having one makes you look serious and prepared, and it helps you organize what you'd say in an interview. For babysitting or neighborhood gigs it's optional; for retail, food service, or anything formal, it helps you stand out.