Creating a resume at age 16 can feel overwhelming, especially with little or no job experience. A well-crafted resume helps teenagers stand out to employers, showing them the skills, interests, and potential they bring to a part-time job or internship.
This article will guide teens through the important steps of making a strong first resume. Readers will find practical tips and examples to help them get started with confidence.
1) Contact Information: Full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile
Contact information is the first section on a resume and should be clear and easy to find. A 16-year-old should include their full name, an active phone number, a professional email address, and a LinkedIn profile if available. This section lets employers know how to reach the applicant quickly and professionally.
It is important to only include information that is safe and relevant. Avoid using nicknames, unprofessional email addresses, or multiple phone numbers. If a student does not have a LinkedIn profile yet, they should consider making one since many employers now look at online profiles as part of the hiring process. RoboApply, with its AI resume builder, makes setting up this section simple by offering user-friendly templates.
Here is an example of a contact information section for a 16-year-old’s resume:
Emma J. Carter
Houston, TX
emma.carter@email.com
(555) 123-4567
linkedin.com/in/emmacarterList the name at the top in a larger font. Add the city and state, but there is no need for a full street address. Make sure the email address looks professional and is checked daily. Including a LinkedIn profile, even for teenagers, shows that the applicant is ready for the workforce and understands how to present themselves online. Helpful tips for formatting contact information on a resume can also be found at LinkedIn’s resume header guide and EasyResume’s contact list tips.
2) Resume Summary: A brief statement highlighting your strengths and goals
A resume summary is a short section at the top of a resume. It introduces the applicant and tells employers what skills and goals they have. For a 16-year-old, this summary should focus on qualities like responsibility, eagerness to learn, and communication skills. A good summary makes the resume stand out right away and gives context for the rest of the document. Examples and tips from Monster.com and Job Description and Resume Examples show that summaries should be clear, direct, and tailored to the job.
Here is a ready-to-use example for a 16-year-old seeking a part-time job:
Hardworking and responsible high school student with strong communication and organizational skills. Experienced in customer service through volunteering and team sports. Eager to learn new skills and contribute positively to a team. Looking for a part-time position to build work experience and help grow a business.
To write a strong summary, RoboApply’s AI resume builder makes it easy. It reviews your background and suggests relevant strengths based on your input, saving time and helping you avoid common mistakes. RoboApply also checks grammar and offers advice for improving your summary, helping you get noticed by employers faster. For more on writing a resume summary, see these examples for extra guidance.
3) Education: School name, grade level, and expected graduation date
This section tells anyone reading the resume where the student goes to school, what grade they are in, and when they expect to graduate. Even if the student has not yet finished high school, including an expected graduation date helps employers know how far along they are in their education. It’s important to keep this part simple and clear so it is easy to find.
Start by listing the full name of the school, the city and state, the grade level (like “11th Grade”), and when graduation is expected. Writing it this way looks clean and professional. For students still in high school, the words “Expected graduation” with a month and year are usually enough. See practical tips and examples on listing an expected graduation date here.
Here is a complete example that can be used as-is:
Education
Lincoln High School, Seattle, WA
11th Grade, Expected graduation: June 2026
A student can list this section at or near the top of the resume if they do not have much work experience yet. Using RoboApply’s AI resume builder can help make this section look neat and free of spelling or grammar errors. RoboApply will also check formatting and can offer suggestions based on top resume standards.
4) Work Experience: Any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer roles
Adding work experience to a 16-year-old’s resume shows employers real skills and responsibility. This includes any part-time job, summer internship, or volunteer experience, even if it was for a short time. Each listing helps demonstrate reliability and a readiness for the workplace.
Start with the most recent or important role and list other positions in reverse order. For each experience, include the job title, company or organization, location, and dates worked. Then add a few bullet points that describe tasks or skills gained in the role.
Short, clear descriptions work best. Try to highlight teamwork, time management, communication, and other workplace skills. Do not worry if the work was not paid; unpaid experiences count just as much.
Example:
Sales Associate
Springville Books, Springville, NY
June 2024 – August 2024
- Helped customers find books and answered questions about new arrivals
- Operated the cash register and handled payments
- Organized book displays and kept the store tidy
This work experience format is easy for hiring managers to scan. RoboApply’s AI builder lets any student quickly fill in these details and checks for grammar, so their section looks professional.
Volunteer work can go in the same section as paid jobs, especially for those with little job history. For more tips and examples, see guides on listing volunteer work effectively on a resume.
5) Skills: Relevant abilities like communication, Microsoft Office, or customer service
The Skills section is a key part of any resume, especially for a 16-year-old with less work experience. This is where applicants can show their strengths, even from school, volunteering, or hobbies. Employers want to see clear, relevant abilities, like communication or knowing how to use Microsoft Office.
Communication skills are important. They can help in almost every job, from working as a cashier to helping customers in a store. Examples of communication skills include listening, speaking clearly, writing emails, and working in a team. RoboApply makes highlighting communication skills easy by offering tailored resume templates and suggestions based on each job.
Microsoft Office skills like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are valuable for many entry-level jobs. Even basic knowledge is often enough for a first role. Instead of just saying “good with computers,” list out the actual tools you know, such as “Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.” Learn more about how to list Microsoft Office skills on your resume.
Customer service abilities make a young candidate stand out. Being able to help others, solve problems, and handle stress gracefully are skills that many employers look for. Include examples like “Greeted customers and answered questions at school events” or “Helped organize ticket booths at football games.” For more tips, check out this list of important customer service skills for resumes.
Here is a plain-text example of a Skills section for a 16-year-old’s resume:
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Friendly customer service attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Basic PowerPoint and Google Slides
- Time management and organization
6) Achievements and Awards: Academic honors, sports, or club recognitions
Adding achievements and awards to a resume shows a 16-year-old’s dedication, skills, and leadership. These honors can set them apart from other candidates, especially if they have limited work experience. Academic awards, sports trophies, and club recognitions all count.
When listing awards, use a simple format: award name, group or event, and the year received. This makes it easy for employers to scan.
Academic honors can include things like Honor Roll, Principal’s List, or any subject-specific medals. If the student was recognized in a national or state-level contest, that also stands out. Here’s a clear example:
Academic Excellence Award
Jefferson High School
2024
Sports awards prove reliability, teamwork, and discipline. Even non-varsity teams are worth mentioning. For those with sports honors, use this format for clarity:
Most Improved Player, Soccer Team
Jefferson High School
2023
Club achievements show commitment and active participation outside the classroom. These can include leadership roles or winning regional competitions. A full example:
First Place, Science Club Regional Competition
Jefferson High School
2024
RoboApply’s AI resume builder helps teens highlight these achievements in the best format. It can also check resume grammar and optimize ATS scoring to increase the chances of getting noticed. For more award ideas, check out these examples of academic honors and awards for students.
7) Hobbies and Interests: Activities that show responsibility and teamwork
Adding hobbies and interests to a resume helps employers see more than just grades or job titles. Activities that highlight responsibility or teamwork make a 16-year-old applicant stand out, especially if they lack work experience. This section shows commitment, initiative, and social skills that matter in a first job.
Team sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball demonstrate group work, communication, and commitment to practice schedules. Membership in a school club or student government shows the ability to manage responsibilities and work with others. Volunteer experience or group projects can also highlight a helpful attitude.
Here is a complete, plain-text example anyone can use as a Hobbies and Interests section:
Hobbies and Interests
- Member of the school basketball team (teamwork, communication, leadership)
- Volunteered at local animal shelter (responsibility, compassion, reliability)
- Participated in debate club (public speaking, collaboration, critical thinking)
- Organized school recycling drive (initiative, teamwork, organization)
When building or updating this section, RoboApply can help identify which hobbies and interests best match each job to maximize impact. RoboApply’s resume grammar checker and ATS resume score optimizer also ensure each resume section is clear and effective. For more tips and ideas, read this list of hobbies and interests to include on a resume.
8) References: List of two or preferably three adults who can vouch for you
References help show employers that a 16-year-old has adults who can talk about their character, attitude, and reliability. These should not be family members. Good choices are a teacher, sports coach, club leader, or a manager from a part-time job. Some schools or volunteer programs may also have people who can act as references.
A simple way to list references on a resume is by adding their name, relationship to the applicant, phone number, and email address. It’s best to let each reference know ahead of time so they are prepared if someone calls them. Most resumes include two or three references near the end.
Below is a full, ready-made example of how to format a reference list for a resume:
References
Ms. Laura Smith
Math Teacher, Central High School
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: lsmith@centralhs.edu
Mr. John Davis
Coach, City Youth Soccer Club
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: coachdavis@mail.com
Ms. Rebecca Lee
Shift Supervisor, Green Market
Phone: (555) 555-2030
Email: r.lee@greenmkt.com
If you want to make your reference section look professional or check for mistakes, RoboApply can help organize and format your list clearly. Its resume builder and grammar checker make sure your references are easy to read and error-free. You can also use RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard to keep track of which references you’ve used for different applications.
Only include references when asked by an employer, or state “References available upon request” if you’re short on space. For more on how and when to list references, see the guide on when to list references on a resume.
9) Formatting Tips: Use a clean, easy-to-read font and consistent layout
A neat, easy-to-read format is important for any resume, including one for a 16-year-old. Start by choosing a clear font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Set the size to 10, 11, or 12 points. Try to keep font style and size the same throughout your whole resume to make it uniform and easy to scan.
Leave enough white space by using wide margins and line spacing of 1.0 or 1.15. Do not use crowded text or very small fonts. If possible, keep your entire resume to one page. This helps employers spot key facts quickly. For more detailed font and layout advice, check LinkedIn’s resume formatting tips.
Align text to the left and use bold for section headings like “Education” or “Skills.” Avoid overly bright colors or fancy styles. Use bullet points to list information under each section. This keeps everything tidy and simple, so employers won’t have to search for details.
Be consistent with how you list dates, locations, and bullet points. For example, if you use dashes for bullets in one place, use them everywhere. This improves the professional look and makes your resume more readable. To make sure you don’t miss any formatting mistakes, take advantage of RoboApply’s built-in resume grammar checker and ATS resume score optimizer. These features can quickly check your format, font, and structure and suggest improvements before you send out your resume.
Finally, always double-check your resume before submitting it. Print it or view it as a PDF to make sure everything looks balanced and aligned. A simple, clean format creates a strong first impression and makes your experience stand out. For step-by-step formatting tips, take a look at this guide to resume formatting.
10) Include Keywords: Tailor the resume to each job description using keywords
Employers often use software called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort through resumes. These tools scan resumes for specific words and phrases that match the job description. Including the right keywords helps a 16-year-old’s resume get noticed.
To tailor a resume, first read the job description closely. Look for important skills or tasks mentioned, like “teamwork,” “cash handling,” or “customer service.” Use these exact words on the resume where they honestly fit. This shows the employer the candidate matches what they need.
For extra help, RoboApply’s AI resume builder can quickly find and add the best keywords for each application. This makes sure no important skills are missed and increases the chances of being seen by real hiring managers. RoboApply can also review the resume for missing keywords with its ATS optimizer.
A simple trick is to check the first few lines of the job posting. These usually list the main responsibilities. Mirror that language in the resume’s skills, experiences, or summary sections. You can see more tips for matching resume keywords in this step-by-step guide for tailoring resumes.
When applying for several jobs, update the resume for each position. Even small changes in keywords can help. This careful approach can make a big difference and help a 16-year-old stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teens looking for their first job often have questions about how to create a strong resume without much experience. Including the right details and using helpful tools like RoboApply can make the process easier and help young applicants stand out.
What should a 16-year-old include on a resume when they have no work experience?
A 16-year-old should focus on sections like contact information, a short resume summary, education details, skills, extracurricular activities, and any volunteer work or internships. Key information includes their full name, phone number, email, school name, grade, and expected graduation date. Highlighting communication skills, teamwork, and reliability is valuable even without job history.
How can a teenager create a compelling resume for their first job?
Teens can use RoboApply’s AI resume builder to craft concise, well-formatted resumes that highlight their strengths and goals. Focus on a short summary, clear skills section, and achievements from school or clubs. RoboApply’s grammar checker helps polish sentences so each section sounds professional and trustworthy. Always review the layout using RoboApply’s ATS score optimizer to see how recruiters view the resume.
What are some strong resume objectives for teenagers entering the workforce?
A strong resume objective for a teenager should state their interest in the role, willingness to learn, and relevant skills or strengths. For example:
Motivated high school student seeking a part-time retail position to build teamwork and customer service skills. Reliable, organized, and eager to learn on the job.
Tailoring the objective to the job and using RoboApply’s optimization features increases the chance of getting noticed.
Can you provide a sample structure for a 16-year-old’s first resume?
A clear structure helps employers quickly find the required information. Here’s a plain-text example layout:
Full Name
Phone Number | Email Address
Resume Summary:
Hardworking high school student with strong communication skills and a passion for helping others. Seeking a part-time opportunity to build experience and learn new skills.
Education:
[School Name], Grade 11, Expected Graduation: 2026
Skills:
- Communication
- Time Management
- Microsoft Office
Extracurricular Activities:
- Volunteer, School Food Drive
- Member, Debate Club
References available upon requestWhat extracurricular activities or achievements should a teenager highlight on their resume?
Include activities that show responsibility, teamwork, leadership, or dedication. These can be student council, sports teams, volunteer work, debate club, or awards. Listing accomplishments like raising money for a cause or winning a competition can also stand out. For more tips and examples, see this teen resume guide.
How can a 16-year-old format their education section on a resume?
List the school name, current grade, and expected graduation date. If grades or academic awards are strong, include them. Mentioning relevant coursework can be useful for certain jobs. RoboApply offers templates that ensure the education section is clear, neatly formatted, and easy for employers to find.
