Resume Example for High School

A high school student resume looks different from a traditional one, and that is expected. Explore our student-focused templates, or build your first resume step by step if you prefer to start fresh.

Perfect High School Teacher Resume

As a high school student, your resume will naturally have less work history. This template helps you put together a resume with no experience by focusing on your academics, volunteer work, and extracurriculars that show responsibility and initiative.

high-school-entry-level-resume
CustomizeDownload

Why this resume works:

This resume highlights a strong educational foundation with a Master of Education in curriculum development and practical experience as an educational facilitator. Including education prominently shows you have the necessary background.

High School Resume Template (Text)

The text resume below is designed for high school students with limited work history. Copy it into your document and fill in your academics, extracurriculars, and any part-time or volunteer experience.

Jane Kim

Hillcrest, NY 11510

Professional Summary

High School Teacher with 8 years of progressive experience in optimizing educational programs and enhancing student performance through innovative teaching techniques and leadership.

Work Experience

May 2024 – March 2026

Springfield Academy – Hillcrest, NY

High School Teacher

  • Taught 120 students yearly.
  • Improved SAT scores by 25%.
  • Organized school science fair.

April 2021 – April 2024

Greenfield High – Hillcrest, NY

Secondary Educator

  • Increased graduation rates by 10%.
  • Reduced student absences by 15%.
  • Developed modern teaching methods.

March 2018 – March 2021

Hilltop Educational Center – Albany, NY

Science Instructor

  • Increased test scores by 30%.
  • Implemented digital learning tools.
  • Managed science club activities.

Education

May 2017
University of Illinois Hillcrest, NY
Master’s in Education Educational Leadership

May 2015
Illinois State University Hillcrest, NY
Bachelor’s in Teaching Secondary Education

Certifications

  • Certified Educator – National Education Association
  • Advanced Teaching Techniques – Educational Professional Institute

Skills

  • Curriculum Development
  • Classroom Management
  • Effective Communication
  • Interactive Teaching
  • Student Assessment
  • Tech-Enhanced Instruction
  • Collaboration
  • Critical Thinking

How to Write a High School Resume

For high school students, understanding how to write a resume involves showcasing your skills and experiences in a format that catches the attention of potential employers. Use the guidance below to highlight your strengths and customize your resume for the positions you’re interested in.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Be sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)
TipPRO TIP

Avoid including unnecessary personal information on your resume, such as age, gender, or social media links, unless the employer specifically requests these details.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introductory section, typically 2 to 4 sentences long, that highlights your key qualifications and strengths. It serves as an engaging pitch to hiring managers, aiming to spark their interest and motivate them to read more about your experience and skills.

This profile is placed at the top of your resume and can take the form of either a summary or an objective, each serving distinct functions. Understanding these differences is important for crafting a compelling introduction:

  • A resume summary showcases your top skills, relevant experiences, and achievements tailored to the educational context. This format is especially beneficial for students or individuals with varied backgrounds who aim to highlight their contributions as engaged high school participants.
  • A resume objective highlights your aspirations and details what you aim to achieve in your career. It’s especially helpful for recent high school graduates, individuals entering the workforce, or those transitioning into new fields like technology or healthcare.

Let’s compare a resume summary and a resume objective to better understand their distinct purposes:

High school resume summary example:

Dedicated high school teacher with over 6 years of experience fostering student engagement in diverse classroom settings. Proficient in curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and classroom management. Acknowledged for improving student performance and creating a supportive learning environment that encourages academic success.

High school resume objective example:

Recent high school graduate ready to launch a career in a dynamic work environment. Committed to teamwork and learning, eager to contribute strong problem-solving abilities and enthusiasm at an innovative company or educational institution.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is essential for showcasing your qualifications. Employers assess not only your job titles and responsibilities but also the contributions you’ve made in each role.

This experience illustrates how your background aligns with the skills and expectations of the position you’re applying for, making you a strong job seeker.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing your high school responsibilities and achievements

Customize your work experience bullet points to match the job description, using language relevant to your field. Begin each statement with a strong action verb such as “Organized,” “Developed,” or “Implemented” to clearly convey your role.

Incorporate numbers or measurable results whenever possible. Quantifying accomplishments with data highlights your impact and makes your experience stand out from other job seekers.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Supervised and mentored a team of 15 students in the science lab, leading to a 20% increase in overall class performance on standardized tests.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Achieved a 95% pass rate on final exams by implementing interactive learning strategies and hands-on experiments.

Explore more examples of work experience for high school students and teachers further down the page.

4. Skills

The ATS-friendly resume includes a skills section that offers a concise overview of your professional abilities, specifically tailored to high school opportunities. This improves ATS compatibility and helps hiring managers quickly evaluate your qualifications. Skills can be organized into three key areas:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that impact how students interact and collaborate in high school. Important soft skills include communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.
  • Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities gained through education, training, or hands-on experience. For high school teachers, examples include developing lesson plans, evaluating student performance, and using classroom management techniques.
  • Technical skills are the practical abilities required to operate specific tools and technologies. In high school, these include using educational software, managing digital presentations, and navigating learning management systems like Google Classroom.

Overall, aim to showcase a well-rounded selection of relevant skills that meet the job criteria to illustrate your qualifications. For more examples tailored to specific professions, please explore other sections.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re an entry-level professional, place your skills section higher on your resume after the summary to grab attention. For those with more experience, it’s better to position this section lower and weave your skills into the details of your work history for a more integrated approach.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for presenting your qualifications clearly. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, including both the type of degree and the name of the institution. If you have recently graduated, consider adding your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher), any honors received, or relevant coursework to improve your profile.

High school resume education section example:

High School Diploma
Lincoln High School, Springfield, IL
Graduated: 2023 | National Honor Society Member

TipPRO TIP

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, always arrange them in reverse-chronological order, beginning with the most advanced degree, such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) followed by Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

6. Certifications

Certifications highlight your qualifications and ensure you’re informed about the skills that employers expect. While not always included in a traditional resume, this section holds significant value for many professionals across various fields. Specific credentials are often necessary for specialized positions, such as IT certifications for tech roles or teaching licenses for educators.

Make sure to prominently display relevant certifications that bolster your application. Keeping these credentials up to date and clearly formatted helps present you as a strong applicant.

High school certification examples:

  • High School Diploma | State of New Jersey | Expires: 06/2028
  • First Aid Certification | American Red Cross | Expires: 04/2028
  • CPR Certification | American Heart Association | Expires: 10/2027
  • Food Handler Certificate | National Restaurant Association | Expires: 12/2027

Start Building Your Job-Winning Resume

Use Your Existing Resume

Import your current resume to transfer your information to one of our professional templates.

Improve My Resume

Create a New Resume

Start fresh with a template that catches your eye and follow the prompts to add your details.

Choose Free Template

Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience section is not just a collection of job titles. It provides a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the tangible impact you’ve made in your field, showcasing achievements and contributions relevant to your profession. This approach also ensures that you make an ATS-friendly resume that aligns well with applicant tracking systems (ATS), making it easier for them to identify your qualifications.

To create an effective work history, tailor each entry to the specific role you’re pursuing by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. Begin by carefully analyzing the requirements outlined in the posting. Look for frequently mentioned skills or qualifications and make sure to highlight those in your experience descriptions.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in our Resume Builder.

  • Tutored and supported 15+ students in math and science subjects, resulting in a 20% increase in overall class performance.
  • Organized study groups that improved peer collaboration, helping to boost student engagement by 30%.
  • Created and implemented lesson plans for diverse learners, improving comprehension levels across various learning styles.
  • Used digital tools like Google Classroom to streamline communication and resource sharing among students.
  • Mentored new tutors, providing guidance on effective teaching strategies and fostering a positive learning environment.

Example of High School Skills

Including the right skills on your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the abilities required to thrive in your field, as explained in skills for your resume. Since resumes are often reviewed quickly, it’s best to keep your skills focused, relevant, and matched to the job description.

The skills listed below represent those currently valued in this profession. They commonly appear on strong resumes and resonate with hiring managers seeking qualified job seekers.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective communication
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management skills
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Critical thinking ability

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Curriculum development
  • Classroom management strategies
  • Assessment techniques (formative, summative)
  • Educational technology integration (Google Classroom, Zoom)
  • Student engagement methods

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Use the school’s language when showcasing your experiences and skills—it aids both ATS and human reviewers.
  • Highlight quantifiable accomplishments to demonstrate impact. Include specific metrics (e.g., GPA, volunteer hours, leadership positions) to make a strong impression.
  • Select an appropriate format based on experience level. New students might opt for a functional layout, while those with more experience should consider reverse-chronological resumes.

More Resume & CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my high school resume?

There are three primary resume formats to choose from when applying for a job. Your selection should reflect your experience level and highlight the skills or achievements you wish to emphasize:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume is the most widely used format, emphasizing your work history by outlining your roles and accomplishments. It’s particularly suitable for individuals whose consistent experience improves their qualifications, as it reinforces their expertise and credibility in the job market.
  • Functional: The functional resume, often referred to as a skills-based resume, prioritizes qualifications and an extensive skills section over chronological work history. This format benefits job seekers lacking direct experience in their desired field or those with gaps in employment, allowing them to showcase relevant abilities prominently.
  • Combination: The combination resume format merges chronological and functional styles, showcasing both skills and work history. By mixing these elements, this approach benefits professionals who want to highlight their competencies alongside career advancements, which is particularly useful for individuals transitioning fields or focusing on growth in their careers.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter when applying for a position after high school. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to express your enthusiasm for the job and highlight experiences, such as internships or volunteer work, that may not be evident on your resume. It shows potential employers that you’re invested in the opportunity and willing to take the extra step to make your application stand out.

If you’re hesitant about writing a cover letter, many resources can guide you through the process. You can find helpful articles on how to write a cover letter tailored for entry-level positions and access examples of effective styles. Additionally, exploring various formats will help you choose one that best presents your background and aspirations.

To make the writing process easier, consider using a cover letter generator, which can assist you in creating a structured and professional document based on your specific job application needs.

How long should a high school resume be?

For high school graduates entering the job market, a one-page resume is typically adequate to showcase education, skills, and any relevant experiences. Highlight key achievements, extracurricular activities, and certifications that demonstrate your abilities and potential.

For job seekers with specialized training or significant volunteer work, a two-page resume may be appropriate if it remains focused on relevant content. Ensure each detail improves your qualifications without unnecessary embellishments or filler language, maintaining clarity throughout the document.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To ensure your resume passes an ATS screening, focus on incorporating keywords and phrases directly from the job posting. Highlight skills like “lesson planning,” “classroom management,” or “student engagement” to demonstrate your alignment with the role. Include relevant certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and any teaching credentials you hold.

If you’re proficient in educational tools like Google Classroom or Smart Boards, make sure to mention these as well. Tailor each section of your resume to reflect the specific requirements listed in the job description for a better chance of reaching the interview stage.

Is it important to add volunteer work or community service on my resume?

Yes, including volunteer work is vital, especially if you’re entering the job market. This experience demonstrates your commitment and skills in real-world situations, helping you differentiate yourself when formal job history is limited.

Kirsten Chorpenning profile image
Kirsten Chorpenning Career Advice Expert

Kirsten Chorpenning is a career advice writer who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers find rewarding jobs in today’s dynamic work environment.Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in writing, Kirsten combines academic knowledge with five years of career industry experience to provide practical job search guidance. She focuses on the nuances of the modern job market and effective strategies for job applications. Her work, which focuses on providing actionable advice on how to secure interviews and achieve long-term career success, has been featured in Forbes, Money Talks News, MSN, and FlexJobs.

See More From Kirsten Chorpenning