Life Skills: How to Write a Resume -Even if You’ve Never Had a Job
This post may contain affiliate links.
Need to learn how to write a resume for the first time? This important skill will help teens feel confident and ready for the future. Whether it’s for a first job, internship, volunteer opportunity, or scholarship application, today’s real life skill is how to write a resume.
And yes — even if your teen has never had a formal job, they absolutely have experiences and strengths worth highlighting. This guide will walk you through creating a simple, effective resume that’s perfect for a first job.
This is part of my ongoing life skills series!
Why Teens Need a Resume (Even Without Job Experience)
-
Many employers ask for a resume, even for entry-level jobs
-
It builds confidence in communication and self-awareness
-
It teaches how to organize your strengths on paper
-
It can help teens prepare for interviews and future job applications
What You’ll Need to Write a Resume:
-
A computer or Google Docs account
-
This blog post + free printable template (optional)
-
30–45 minutes of quiet time
-
Your teen’s school/volunteer/extracurricular info
How to Write a Resume for Teens & What to Include
Don’t worry if your teen doesn’t have job experience — the goal is to show character, skills, and readiness to work.
Here’s a simple, effective format:
1. Contact Information
-
Full name
-
Phone number (cell or parent’s with permission)
-
Email address (professional-looking: avoid “soccerqueen1997”)
-
City + state (no full address needed)
2. Objective (Optional but Helpful)
A short statement about what kind of job they’re seeking and what they hope to gain.
Example:
Hardworking high school student seeking a part-time job to build responsibility and gain real-world experience. Enjoy working with people and learning new skills.
3. Education
-
School name
-
Grade level or graduation year
-
GPA (optional)
4. Skills & Strengths
This section is super important for teens without job history. Include relevant skills for the job you are applying for.
Examples:
-
Great with kids
-
Comfortable with computers or technology
-
Good at following directions
-
On time and responsible
-
Strong communication skills
-
Willing to learn and take feedback
5. Extracurricular Activities or Volunteering
This helps show initiative, teamwork, and responsibility.
Examples:
-
Church youth group
-
Babysitting siblings or neighbors
-
Sports teams
- Achievements & accomplishments
- Hobbies
-
Volunteer work hours
-
School clubs
-
Helping at home with responsibilities
6. Work Experience
Many teens do not yet have work experience, but if you have it, it’s important to include it! List the location, contact information and duration of time worked.
7. References (Optional)
You don’t have to list them on the resume — just say: “Available upon request.”
Download the Free Template to Write a Resume
To make this even easier, I’ve created a simple fill-in-the-blank teen resume template you can print or type right into. This is in a Google Drive File. To use it, make a copy of the file and edit it to customize it.
Resume Skills for Teens (Choose 5–8 That Fit Best)
Need help filling out that skills section? These work well for teens with little to no job experience:
People & Communication Skills
-
Friendly and outgoing
-
Good listener
-
Comfortable speaking to adults
-
Strong written communication
-
Works well in a team
Responsibility & Work Ethic
-
Reliable and punctual
-
Follows directions well
-
Takes initiative
-
Organized and detail-oriented
-
Honest and trustworthy
Problem Solving & Adaptability
-
Quick learner
-
Stays calm under pressure
-
Handles feedback well
-
Good at solving everyday problems
Tech & Task Skills
-
Familiar with Google Docs / Microsoft Word
-
Basic typing skills
-
Comfortable with email and scheduling
-
Follows multi-step instructions
-
Experience using tools or doing chores at home
Extra Bonus Skills
-
Babysitting or pet care experience
-
Creative thinker or artistic skills
-
Handles money (like running a lemonade stand)
-
Event planning (church, school, family)
-
Basic cooking or meal prep
Tips:
-
Practice filling it out together — talk about strengths your teen might not realize they have
-
Print a copy for job fairs, interviews, or even as a homeschool assignment
-
Keep a digital version saved and updated over time
Helping your teen write a resume is more than just preparing for a job — it’s about building confidence and showing them that they do have valuable experiences and skills, even without a traditional job yet.
Also, check out Canva’s Free Online Resume Creator!
See More Life Skills Posts from My Site:
Life Skills: How to Sew a Button for Beginners
Oh, the Skills You’ll Need Before You Leave: Life Skills for Teens
Life Skills: Writing a Check Worksheet for Kids
Kids Cooking Lesson: German Pancakes
Kitchen Skills for Kids: Age-by-Age Checklist and Easy Recipes
