Teen Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

So, you want to get a job but feel limited by your lack of experience? We get it. We’ve all begun our career paths with some self-doubt. No worries, our teen resume examples below touch on all the key points hiring managers want to hear, even if you’re searching for your first job.

Whether you’ve babysat, volunteered, or have some work experience but want a higher-paying job, we’ve consulted with hiring experts to deliver inspiration for how to write a teen resume and how to phrase your talents so that you shine.

Are you ready to write an awesome teen resume? Let’s dive in!

Teen Resume Samples

Alongside wearing the proper teenager interview attire, providing a stellar teen resume is the best way to outshine the job competition and get more experience to add to your future resumes and college applications.

Use these five teen resume examples below to articulate your qualities and showcase your experience, even if you’re searching for your first official job.

Entry-Level Teen Resume Example

Entry-level jobs require limited work experience and don’t ask candidates for fancy degrees, making them the best jobs to search for as a teen.

This teen resume sample is an excellent example of how to highlight your skills to get an entry-level job.

Work Experience 1: Host Staff

• Job Description: Greeted customers, coordinated seating charts, assisted servers with clearing tables or delivering food
• Results: Assisted the wait staff by answering questions while greeting and seating customers and shared featured menu items to boost sales
• Additional Competencies: Great communication skills and ability to perform in fast-paced environments
• Other: Earned the Host with the Most award

Work Experience 2: Volunteer at Pet Shelter

• Job Description: Efficiently maintained kennels, cleaned litter boxes, and strictly adhered to feeding and medication schedules
• Results: Ensured high quality of life for all animals and helped 10+ pets get adopted by networking and sharing news on social media
• Additional Competencies: Impeccable organizational skills and ability to manage various work tasks simultaneously
• Other: Created a TikTok account for the shelter that increased awareness and boosted adoption rates

Project Experience

• High School Debate Team: Three consecutive years of public speaking and articulately debating both sides of an argument
• Reading Buddy: Assisted grade one students with reading time

Skills

• Extremely organized
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong eagerness to learn
• Analytical skills
• Teamwork and relationship-building skill

Education

• Highschool Student – 2022 to Current: Earning a 3.8 GPA at Saint Anthony Village High School with AP chemistry, math, and French, expected graduation in 2026

Licenses & Accreditations

• French Delf B1
• Microsoft Office Suite and Excel

Why This Resume Works

This entry-level teen resume example works with hiring managers because it highlights exceptional qualities and a wide range of talents suitable for any industry.

This example candidate has experience with customer service in the host position, which requires strong communication skills and the ability to work in stressful restaurant environments. These are skills that are an asset in any field. Likewise, their volunteer experience at an animal shelter showcases a willingness to work and a responsible mindset.

Not only does this resume state the candidate’s eagerness to learn, but it also shows strong time management skills through the candidate’s ability to maintain a high GPA while juggling challenging courses, school teams, and working or volunteering.  

Participation in school teams, like the debate team, provides hiring managers insight into how this candidate can work as a team player and think critically.

Many entry-level positions require employees to have some skills in technology. This teen resume example shows these abilities through their social media marketing and accreditations.

Teen Resume With No Experience Example

Not having work experience is one of the biggest challenges of writing a teen resume. Luckily, you can include things on your resume to prove your ability and willingness to work, even if you don’t have previous work experience.

Once you land your first job, you have your foot in the door, and you’ll have more to add to your future resume.

Work Experience 1: Volunteer at Soup Kitchen

• Job Description: Assisted with gathering and sorting donations, cooking, serving food, and cleaning up
• Results: Helped provide nutritional meals to 100+ people in need every week for two years.
• Additional Competencies: Great communication skills, exceptional organizational skills, strong ability to work well in a team
• Other: Coordinated a donation drive with my school, resulting in over 3,000 donations of non-perishable food items

Work Experience 2: Garage Sale Coordinator

• Job Description: Organized and coordinated a neighborhood garage sale, created advertisements and managed sales and cash transactions
• Results: Encouraged over 100 people to attend and browse offerings, creating more significant profits than in previous years
• Additional Competencies: Proficient in sales, social media marketing, and door-to-door networking
• Other: Started a social media page with over 2,000 followers for our now annual garage sale.

Project Experience

• Swimming Team: Member of the swimming team for five consecutive years, with experience competing in championships  
• Volunteer at Pet Shelter: Summer volunteer at a pet shelter with a history of high performance and promptness

Skills

• Strong organizational skills
• Exceptional communication and sales talents
• Great with utilizing social media for marketing efforts
• Ability to commit to something and see it to completion
• Eagerness to learn and accept constructive feedback

Education

• Highschool Student – 2022 to Current: Earning a 3.7 GPA at Roosevelt High School, expected graduation in 2026.

Licenses & Accreditations

• Certified in CPR
• Red Cross Swim Instruction Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume for teens with no experience works with hiring managers because it shows that, despite not having conventional on-the-job experience, this candidate has the abilities and skills compatible with workplace environments.

With a high GPA, community activism, swimming and CPR certifications, and volunteer work, this candidate shows a range of attractive qualities to seeking employers.

Volunteer work and coordinating neighborhood events, like a community garage sale, take significant time management and organizational skills. Likewise, creating social media ads, door-to-door networking, and coordinating donations show exceptional initiative.

This example teen candidate highlights their teamwork abilities as a swim team member. When they list in the skills section that they display strong abilities to commit to tasks, they share an example of how with their five years commitment to the swim team.

Furthermore, being certified as a swim instructor and in CPR shows responsibility and dedication. These credentials also let hiring managers know that the candidate can learn new things and complete training programs, must-have qualities for new hires!

Simple Teen Resume Example

A simple teen resume targets a specific position by personalizing the details to match the job description. In this way, teenagers can simplify the included information with their most relevant experience and talents.

Gain inspiration for your next job search with this simple teen resume example below.

Work Experience 1: Cashier

• Job Description: Kindly greeted customers, scanned items with meticulous attention, flawlessly handled all monetary transactions, helped customers put items into bags
• Results: Maintained a fast pace to reduce customer dissatisfaction while providing stellar customer service to each person in line
• Additional Competencies: Strong ability to maintain quality performance in high-stress or fast-paced situations, excellent at communicating and de-escalating customer complaints
• Other: Earned the employee of the month award for four months consecutively

Work Experience 2: Busser

• Job Description: Efficiently and thoroughly cleaned tables, meticulously set tables, greeted customers and assisted with customer requests when possible
• Results: High performance with zero complaints from customers or staff and speedily enabled wait staff to maintain a steady customer flow
• Additional Competencies: Strong attention to detail, exceptional at performing work tasks quickly without sacrificing quality, high-level communication skills
• Other: Promoted to the cashier position within five months

Project Experience

• High School Chess Club: Member of the chess team for two years, leading our team to the semi-finals
• Baby Sitter: Three years of babysitting experience with 15 children for ten families  

Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong math skills for fast and accurate cash transactions
• Outgoing personality
• Punctuality
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Education

• Highschool Student – 2021 to Current: Maintaining a 3.9 GPA at Southwest High School, expected graduation in 2025.

Licenses & Accreditations

• Red Cross Babysitting & Advanced Child Care Certification
• Certified in CPR

Why This Resume Works

This example resume works with hiring managers because it shows growth, outstanding work performance, and customer experience. Meanwhile, the content is simplified to only relevant experience for entry-level positions teenagers are qualified for. Everything mentioned works together as statements backed up by examples.

This simple teen resume temple shows relevant work experience applicable in various fields.

For example, suppose the job listing was for a customer service position or an entry-level corporate setting. In that case, this candidate is exceptionally qualified in the eyes of a hiring manager because they have work experience as a busser and cashier in the customer service industry.

Hiring managers always look for green flags in teen resumes. This candidate offers valuable information by sharing that they got promoted to the cashier within five months. This promotion reveals that previous employers trusted them with more responsibilities and noticed their outstanding performance without taking up much space on the page.

In this example, the candidate shares examples of their responsibility, time management skills, commitment, and critical thinking skills with their babysitting experience and time on the chess team.

Remember, employers often run background checks on potential hires. Having certifications in babysitting shows you’ve had checks conducted previously, which is an excellent sign for hiring managers.

Teen Resume for First Job Example

Use this teen resume example to help you get your first job. Showcase your talents and skills with examples of ways you’re involved in your community, church, neighborhood, and school instead of feeling insecure about your lack of work experience.

Check out this sample teen resume for a first job and apply it to your own resume.

Work Experience 1: Volunteer at Food Bank

• Job Description: Coordinated food drives, organized donations, greeted guests, and assisted with serving food
• Results: Provided hot meals to over 200 people in need twice a week for two years
• Additional Competencies: Ability to have high-impact interactions without slowing down the line, great team player, strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Other: Implemented an organizational system that increased efficiency and allowed our team to communicate better about which donations were required.

Work Experience 2: Babysitter

• Job Description: Engaged and played with children, maintained feeding and sleeping schedules, and adhered to the house rules for each family
• Results: Took exceptional care of 20+ children aged one to ten, allowing parents to have worry-free nights out
• Additional Competencies: Fluent in French, strong ability to maintain high energy and a positive attitude, and exceptional at time management
• Other: Generated significant tips for going above and beyond for each family and child

Project Experience

• Reading Buddy: Assisted and read to grade one students for two years
• Basketball Team: Member of the basketball team for three years, assisting our team to win the finals two years consecutively

Skills

• High-level ability to work with a team or independently  
• Strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Multilingual
• Excellent listening skills and ability to accept constructive feedback  
• Reliable

Education

• Highschool Student – 2021 to Current: Maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Battle Lake High School, expected graduation in 2025.

Licenses & Accreditations

• French Delf B1
• Red Cross Babysitting & Advanced Child Care Certification

Why This Resume Works

The experts say this teen resume impresses hiring managers because it accentuates the ideal qualities of a top-performing employee, even without traditional work experience.

Sometimes, employers can be wary of hiring teenagers, fearing they aren’t responsible. That’s why it’s essential to highlight relevant certifications, school clubs, and examples of ways you are responsible, trustworthy, and capable of performing well on the job.

This example candidate displays exceptional initiative with community volunteer work and a 4.0 GPA. Babysitting requires certifications and displays a high level of responsibility alongside an eagerness to work.

Employers look for candidates that can learn new tasks, manage their time, and work as a team. This example candidate shares these skills by maintaining high grades while participating in after-school sports and regular volunteer commitments.

Being multilingual is an asset to many companies, especially to businesses with a worldwide clientele. Not only is fluency in another language a valuable skill for customer service or marketing positions, but it also shows dedication and strong learning skills.

Customer Service Teen Resume Example

The customer service industry is one of the best ways for teenagers to enter the job market and get the experience needed to advance in their careers, whatever path they take.

Customer service jobs include fast food chains, restaurants, shopping malls, theme parks, telemarketing, and more.

Get motivated to improve your resume with this impressive customer service teen resume example below.

Work Experience 1: Cashier

• Job Description: Assisted customers by greeting them upon arrival, meticulously scanning items, expertly executing all monetary transactions, and helping bag items
• Results: Provided stellar customer service while swiftly and flawlessly charging customers and providing the correct change
• Additional Competencies: Great personality with a solid ability to communicate and problem-solve, prompt, and willing to help others
• Other: Organized avenues for improved communication between employees, like chat groups to change shifts or ask for help

Work Experience 2: Parking Coordinator

• Job Description: Greeted customers, safely navigated customers to the appropriate parking spots for local events like the fall fair, holiday market, and more, and professionally handled cash transactions.
• Results: Improved customer satisfaction by directing them to open spots and boosted parking lot safety by using traffic cones to block off pedestrian zones.
• Additional Competencies: Comfortable standing and moving for long hours, exceptional communication and analytical skills.
• Other: Promoted to the cashier position after two seasons  

Project Experience

• High School Volleyball Team: Member of the volleyball team for all four years of high school, earning various trophies and awards for performance and teamwork
• Volunteer at a Helpline: Experience answering phones and communicating effectively, following scripts, and adhering to protocols

Skills

• Strong ability to actively listen
• Reliable and prompt
• Competent in social media marketing
• Friendly
• Highly adaptable

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in English – 2023 – Current: Maintaining a 3.8 GPA for a BA in English at the University of Phoenix, expected graduation 2027
• Highschool Degree: Graduated with a 3.9 GPA from Cortez High School

Licenses & Accreditations

• Microsoft Office Suite and Excel
• Red Cross First Aid Certification

Why This Resume Works

This teen resume for customer service jobs works to get you hired because it shares valuable job experience relevant to every customer service position. Whether you’re in your early or late teens, the skills needed to excel at any customer service job include the following:

• Communication skills
• Reliability
• A pleasant personality and disposition

While employers train new hires in other pertinent skills, these abilities are what hiring managers are looking for.

From parking coordination to cashing out customers, this example candidate shares several examples of how they are familiar with customer interactions and staying mindful of customer satisfaction and safety.

This example candidate’s experience volunteering at a helpline is an outstanding addition that exemplifies strong phone etiquette, discretion, and communication and listening skills.

It’s a great sign to recruiters when they see advancement and promotions listed on a teen resume. Promotions show trustworthiness, reliability, and an eagerness to learn and grow.

This candidate also includes first aid and office software qualifications, making them ideal for in-person and remote customer service positions.

Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include On a Recruiter Resume

Maximize the impact of your teen resume by choosing your words wisely. Add relevant skills and action verbs to accentuate your talents throughout your resume and cover letter.

Find some superb examples of skills and action verbs for teen resumes recommended by recruiting experts below.

Common Skills for Teen Resumes

• Strong ability to actively listen
• Reliable and prompt
• Strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Friendly and outgoing personality
• Multilingual
• Ability to accept constructive feedback  
• Strong math skills
• Sales and customer service
• Punctuality
• Highly adaptable
• Attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Competent in social media marketing
• Commitment and dedication
• Eagerness to learn
• Analytical skills
• Teamwork and relationship-building skill
• Fundraising and event planning
• Data entry
• Flexibility

Common Action Verbs for Teen Resumes

• To achieve
• To negotiate
• To serve
• To motivate
• To create
• To accomplish
• To collaborate
• To participate
• To implement
• To supervise or oversee
• To help or aid
• To research
• To excel
• To improve

Tips for Writing a Better Teen Resume

Now that you’ve seen examples of teen resumes with action verbs, relevant skills, and ways to phrase your talents, you’re almost ready to start perfecting yours. First, check out these tips from managers, recruiters, and hiring experts to make your teen resume outshine the competition.

Highlight Skills with Examples

Showcase your exceptional talents by backing up your skills with examples.

Employers are more interested in skills that apply to their job postings than knowing the ins and outs of your previous job responsibilities. Use your resume to speak about the skills used to complete necessary work responsibilities or volunteer experiences.

Without repeating yourself, share relevant information that accentuates previously stated skills. For example, sharing Red Cross Babysitting certifications will reconfirm your responsibility, trustworthiness, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols.

Examples that help highlight the qualities of the best candidates include some of the following:

• Promotions
• Awards
• Grades
• Credentials
• Timelines

Match the Job Posting

Resumes are often scanned by software before getting narrowed down for recruiting managers. Some of the things recruiters and robots scan for are words that match the job posting.

Suppose the posting requires candidates to have a 3.5 GPA or above. In that case, a candidate will likely get overlooked if their teen resume doesn’t mention their GPA.

Likewise, feature the exact wording from the job posting in your resume. If the company seeks dedicated and reliable applicants, add these words when describing your work experience. Then, remember tip one and back it up with some examples.

Add Personality, but Keep It Professional

Adding personality is a fantastic way to set your teen resume apart from the rest. However, remain formal and professional to create an excellent first impression.

Adding color to your resume can help it pop and add some personality. Remember, employers will likely print your resume in black and white, so ensure that the colors don’t interfere with legibility. Be mindful of adding calming colors instead of bright colors that are harsh to look at.

Depending on the position you’re aiming for, try including personality traits that highlight why you deserve the job. For example, if you love to hike, include this hobby on a resume while applying for a position at an outdoor equipment supply store.

Get Creative, Not Discouraged

Looking for a job with limited experience can be discouraging. However, focus on your talents instead of your limitations and get creative around the definition of job experience.

There are many ways to highlight your skills to impress hiring managers without experience. Here are some recommendations from recruiting experts on how to get creative with displaying your qualifications:

• Share how fast you type by taking a free typing speed test to calculate your words per minute (WPM).
• Include hobbies, after-school activities, and clubs.
• Share high school community service experiences.
• Make a compelling resume summary and objective statement
• Follow up after applying

With these tips and tricks, you’re more likely to see success with your resume, get invited for an interview, and impress your future boss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about creating the best teen resume with answers to these FAQs.

Do You Need a CV as a 16-year-old?

Yes. To apply for a job, you need a resume or CV. The US Department of Labor states that the minimum employment age in the United States is 14, meaning youth in their early or late teens need a CV.

What is a Good Example of a Teen’s Resume Objective?

A resume objective is a statement about what the applicant wants and what they’ll provide. Focus your objective on what you hope to gain from your work experience and why you should be considered for the opportunity. A good example of objective statements for teen resumes includes the statement below:

• “Trustworthy and reliable sophomore student seeking a job opportunity to learn through hands-on experience, collaborate in a team, expand knowledge, and contribute to company growth.”

Similar Resume Types to Reference

Gain more inspiration and insight from experts with similar resume types for teenagers below.

• High School Student Resume: Use these top templates for high school students to make an exceptional first impression.
• Student Resume: Share your willingness to learn with example resumes for students.
• New Grad Resume: Get started in your career with tips and templates for high school or college graduates.

Wrapping Up

Now that you’ve seen top examples of the best teen resumes, learned words to describe your skills and talents, and gained insight from tips for writing a better teen resume, you’re ready to create or update yours and start on the path to financial independence.

Share this article with your friends, loved ones, or students, and let us know which tips worked best for you in the comments!