Resume for a 16-year-old. Guide & Examples

So, you're gearing up to write your first resume. Whether it's for a summer job, a part-time position during the school year, or even a volunteer opportunity, you're not alone. In fact, around 6.36 million American teens aged 16 to 19 are part of the labor force.

But here's the catch—you might be thinking, "I don't have any work experience to put on a resume." Don't worry, that's completely normal. At this stage, employers don’t expect a lengthy job history. They're looking for qualities like responsibility, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

This guide will show you how to spotlight your existing skills and experiences—from school projects and extracurricular activities to volunteer work and hobbies—and create a resume that actually hits different.

What makes a resume for a 16-year-old different?

At 16, you’re in a unique spot—you’re old enough to work most jobs, but still young enough that employers know you’re probably balancing school and other responsibilities.

But here’s the real challenge—most 16-year-olds don’t have formal job experience yet. That’s completely normal, and employers hiring at this level don’t expect it.

What they do look for is:

• Reliability: Will you show up on time and do what’s expected?
• Trainability: Are you willing to learn and follow instructions?
• Basic social and work skills: Can you communicate, stay organized, and work with others?

The good news is you already have these skills—you just need to learn how to include them on your resume. Whether from school, volunteering, extracurriculars, or even helping out at home, your experience is more relevant than you think.

But how do you actually put all of that into a resume that looks professional and makes employers take you seriously?

How to write a resume for a 16-year-old student

A good resume shows employers why you’d be a great hire. Since you don’t have a long work history (yet!), the key is knowing what to write where so your strengths stand out immediately.

Since this is likely your first job search, you’ll need a more general resume to start applying. In that case, follow the structure below to build a strong foundation.

We’ll cover these three very important parts:

• The top third: This section is the first thing employers see, so it needs to make an impact fast. We’ll explain what contact details to include and how to craft a strong objective statement.
• Education section: At 16, your education is a big part of your experience, and you can use it strategically. We’ll go over how to highlight relevant coursework, academic achievements, and leadership roles in school.
• Demonstrating experience (without a job history): Even without formal work experience, you still have valuable skills. We’ll show you how to use extracurricular activities, certifications, and hobbies to prove you’re responsible and capable.

By structuring your resume this way, you’ll play to your strengths and show employers exactly why you’re ready for the job.

Now, let’s break down your resume into clear, easy-to-follow resume sections.

The top third of a 16-year-old’s resume—first impressions matter

Think of the top segment of your resume like a handshake—it’s your first impression, and you want it to be confident, professional, and clear. This is the part hiring managers will scan in just a few seconds, so it needs to tell them three key things:

• Who you are (your name and contact details).
• What you’re looking for (your resume objective).
• Why they should keep reading (a strong start builds interest).

If this section is cluttered or missing important details, the rest of your resume might not even get a second glance.

Look at how to do it right.

A clear header

The resume header answers the question: How can employers reach you?

Here, you should write your name and contact information, but making sure they look professional is key.

Now, let’s move on to a crucial part of your resume—the objective statement. It’s like the bio on your favorite social media profile—a quick snapshot that tells people who you are and what you’re about.

Resume objective

How do you sum up what makes you an awesome employee in just a sentence or two? It’s not easy! That’s why we recommend writing this section last—after you’ve built the rest of your resume. That way, you’ll have a clearer picture of your strengths and can skip the fluff.

Since you’re just starting out, you won’t have a work experience section at the top of your resume like a seasoned professional would. Instead, the objective statement is your chance to show what you bring to the table and what kind of job you’re looking for.

Below is an example of what you can write on a high-schooler’s resume for a tutoring position.

However, you’ll need to back your claims up and that’s where your education section comes in.

How to use your education section to your advantage

For seasoned professionals, the education section often gets pushed to the back of a resume, overshadowed by work experience and certifications. But at this stage, your education is one of your biggest assets—it’s where you’ve likely discovered your passions, built key skills, and taken on responsibilities that prove you’re ready for your first job.

Your ongoing education will do a lot of the heavy lifting on your resume, so let’s make sure it works in your favor.

Look at a good example of listing high school education on a resume:

Your academic background proves you’re building the skills and mindset needed to succeed at work. And since you likely have little to no formal work experience, this section is where you can spotlight what you’ve learned and how it applies to the job you’re targeting.

Let’s explore what else you can do to compensate for the lack of direct experience.

How to show experience on a resume when you’re 16

For some 16-year-olds, this part is easy. Maybe you’ve walked dogs, babysat for extra cash, or had a short-term gig, so you can fill out a basic experience section without much trouble.

But for most of you, there’s no formal work history yet—which means you need a smart workaround (pun intended) to avoid a half-empty resume.

Good news: You have plenty of options! Experienced job seekers might spread these across different resume sections, but for you, the following strategies will act as a career kickstarter—showing employers you’re responsible and ready to work.

Skills

Your skills section is proof that you already have valuable abilities, even if you haven’t had a formal job yet. The key is choosing the right skills, presenting them effectively, and weaving them naturally throughout your resume.

Normally, you’d need a dedicated tech skills (or hard skills) section. Younger applicants tend to be comfortable with technology which can give you an advantage, especially for jobs involving computers, social media, or basic office work.

Even if you’re applying for something like dog walking or tutoring, showing that you’re tech-savvy makes you look adaptable and resourceful.

When it comes to soft skills—the ones that show how you work with people and handle challenges—it’s better to demonstrate them throughout your resume rather than just listing them.

For example, instead of simply writing “Good communicator,” highlight how you “Presented ideas in school debate competitions” or “Managed customer requests while volunteering at a charity event.”

Certifications and recognitions

At 16, you might not have a long job history, but certifications and awards can show employers that you’re skilled, responsible, and proactive about learning. They act as proof that you’ve developed real abilities.

If you have any of these, make sure to include them! Placing them near your education section reinforces your commitment to learning and self-improvement.

Volunteering

Volunteering is one of the best ways to demonstrate you’re hardworking and community-minded. Whether you’ve helped at a local charity, school event, or community organization, this experience proves you can follow through on commitments and work well with others—just like in a paid job.

Here’s how to list volunteering work on your first resume:

• Position title: Instead of “Volunteer,” use a title that reflects your role (e.g., “Event Assistant,” “Library Helper,” “Youth Mentor”).
• Organization name and location: The name of the nonprofit, school, or program.
• Dates of involvement: Include the months and year to show how long you participated.
• Key responsibilities: Use bullet points to describe what you did and the impact you had.

Treat it like a real job! Even though it’s unpaid, structure it just like a regular work experience section.

Like so:

Here are some pro tips to make your unpaid experience shine. Compare them to the example above to see what makes this section effective.

Before jumping into your first job, you’ve probably spent time on activities you genuinely enjoy—now it's time to leverage those on your resume to emphasize valuable experience.

Hobbies and interests

Your hobbies and interests might not seem like a big deal on a resume, but they can actually help paint a fuller picture of your skills and personality—especially when you don’t have much formal work experience yet. Employers love to see passion, commitment, and creativity, and the right free time activities can show just that.

However, not every hobby belongs on a resume. The key is choosing ones that spotlight useful skills or show dedication to something beyond school.

For more tailored advice and ready-to-use templates, read our extensive high school student resume examples and guide for 2025.

How to format a resume for a 16-year-old so it looks professional

Now that we’ve covered the foundational sections of your resume, it’s time to focus on how to present them the right way. A well-formatted resume isn’t just about looking polished—it makes it easier for employers to quickly read and understand your qualifications.

Here are some essential tips to ensure your resume reflects your stage in life while still looking clean and job-ready:

• Keep it concise: You don’t need more than one page at 16, so don’t stretch it.
  Use a clean design: Traditional fonts (Arial, Calibri, Rubik), 1-inch margins, and clear section headings help with readability.
• Skip complex graphics: This isn’t an art project. A cluttered layout and fancy colors can distract hiring managers.
• Use a teen-friendly resume template: A simple, single-column document keeps your content looking substantial, organized, and without unnecessary clutter. Check out our student resume templates page for inspiration!
• Proofread before you send: Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your chances. Ask a teacher, parent, or friend to review it before submitting. Alternatively, run your finished file through Enhancv’s free resume checker which spots missteps and shows areas for improvement.

Your resume should look just as professional as one written by someone with years of experience—the difference is what you highlight.

Check out the example below and experiment with it to draft your first job resume.

Resume sample for a 16-year-old

If you're short on time, try Enhancv’s resume builder—it comes with a 7-day free trial, giving you plenty of time to create an attention-grabbing resume.

What to do after you finish your resume

You’ve built your resume—now what? Landing your first job isn’t just about having a strong resume— it’s also about knowing where to apply, how to submit your application, and how to follow up.

Here’s what comes next.

Where to apply

Not sure where to start? These industries frequently hire teens and offer great first-job opportunities:

Retail stores: Clothing stores, bookstores, and department stores often hire part-time associates.
Fast food and restaurants: Cashiers, kitchen assistants, or servers.
Grocery stores: Bagging, stocking shelves, or working as a cashier.
Tutoring & childcare: Babysitting, tutoring younger students, or coaching sports.
Online jobs: Freelance writing, virtual assistant work, or social media management.

How to submit your resume

Some employers prefer walk-in applications, while others only accept online applications. Check the company’s website or ask in-store to know the best way to apply.

For in-person applications:

• Dress neatly and bring a printed copy of your resume.
• Ask to speak with a manager when handing it in.
• Be polite and confident—this might be your first impression!

For online applications:

• Many companies list job openings on their websites or job boards like Indeed or Snagajob.
• Upload your resume in PDF format to ensure it keeps its formatting.
• Double-check for typos and correct contact information before submitting.

Following up after applying

Hiring managers get a lot of applications, so reaching out again can help set you apart.

It’s best to wait three to five workdays after applying before you call or email the hiring manager with a polite message like:

Preparing for interviews

Got called in for an interview? Congrats! Now, let’s make sure you’re ready.

• Prepare some examples of responsibility: Be ready to talk about times you showed up on time, worked hard, or helped others (school projects, volunteering, or personal responsibilities count!).
• Practice answering common interview questions: Questions like “Why do you want to work here?” and “Tell me about yourself” are standard.
• Dress appropriately: No need for a suit, but wear clean, neat, and workplace-appropriate clothes.
• Be polite and confident: Shake hands (if appropriate), make eye contact, and thank the interviewer at the end.

Conclusion

Writing your first resume at 16 might seem intimidating, but don’t stress—your resume will grow with you. Employers care more about attitude and responsibility than a perfect resume. Pair that with a proactive attitude and you’ll be well on your way to building valuable experience for the future.