If you are a high school student trying to build a resume, it can feel like you have nothing to include. No job. No internship. Nothing that seems “impressive.” But here’s the reality: most students start in the same place.
Colleges, employers, and training programs are not expecting you to have years of experience. They want to see how you spend your time, what you are interested in, and whether you take initiative. A strong resume is not about having the most experience. It is about showing effort, growth, and potential.
Quick Answer: How do you build a resume with no experience?
You can build a strong high school resume by including school activities, volunteer work, personal projects, and skills you have developed. Even informal experiences like babysitting, helping family, or tutoring count. Focus on what you did, what you learned, and the impact you made.
What Counts as Experience
You do not need a formal job to have experience.
You can include:
- school clubs and sports
- volunteer work or community service
- babysitting, tutoring, or helping family
- personal projects (small business, content creation, etc.)
- online courses or certifications
- part-time or seasonal work
If you spent time doing something consistently and learned from it, it counts.
High School Resume Template (Copy and Use)
You can copy the structure below and fill it in with your own experiences. Start simple and improve it over time. You can see more resume templates and download resume templates from Level All’s How to Write the Perfect High School Resume.
Resume Formatting Tips Most Students Miss
Even strong content can get overlooked if your resume is hard to read.
Use a Simple, Professional Font
Stick to:
- Arial
- Calibri
- Times New Roman
Font size:
- Name: 16–18 pt
- Headings: 12–14 pt
- Body: 10–12 pt
Keep It One Page
Your resume should be one page. Focus on your strongest and most relevant experiences.
Do Not Include Your Full Address
For privacy, include:
- city and state only
Do not include your street address or zip code.
Avoid Images, Graphics, and Columns
Do not use:
- profile pictures
- icons
- multiple columns
These can break formatting and are not ATS-friendly.
Use Bullet Points
Each role should include 2–3 bullet points. Start with action words like:
- Led
- Organized
- Assisted
- Built
Save as a PDF
Unless told otherwise, submit your resume as a PDF to keep formatting consistent.
What Is ATS and Why It Matters
Some employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. But what really is ATS? It’s a tool for recruiters that will scan your resume and flag if you are a good candidate. To make your resume ATS-friendly:
- use standard headings like “Education” and “Experience”
- avoid graphics and unusual formatting
- keep everything simple and readable
Even for part-time jobs, a clean resume helps you stand out.
How to Make Your Resume Stronger
Even without formal experience, you can improve your resume by:
- taking on leadership roles in clubs
- volunteering consistently
- starting a small project or side activity
- learning a new skill or certification
- working a part-time or summer job
Small actions over time make a big difference.
If You Really Have Nothing to Put on a Resume
Start now. You can:
- Volunteer in your community
- Help a neighbor or family member regularly
- Take a free online course
- Start a small project (tutoring, reselling, content)
Even a few weeks of consistent effort give you something real to include.
If You Are Not College-Bound
Your resume still matters. Focus on:
- hands-on experience
- reliability and work ethic
- certifications or training
- real-world skills
Employers and trade programs care about what you can do and how you show up. Not sure what path is right for you after high school? Level All can help you explore careers, trade programs, and next steps so you can start building real experience now.
Quick Resume Checklist
Before submitting your resume, make sure:
- It’s only one page
- You included 2–3 experiences
- Each entry shows what you did and learned
- Formatting is clean and consistent
- There are no spelling or grammar mistakes
Common Mistakes
- Leaving sections blank because you think you have no experience
- Listing tasks without explaining impact
- Using complicated formatting
- Making your resume too long
Final Thought
Everyone starts with no experience. What matters is what you do next. Your resume is simply a way to show your effort, growth, and potential. Want help building your resume and planning your next steps? Explore Level All’s guides for guidance on college, careers, and life skills.
