How to Write a Résumé (Even If You Have No Experience!)

If you’ve never had a job before, writing a résumé might feel impossible. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a job history to create a strong, professional résumé. All you need to do is show what you can do — and that you’re ready to learn.

This guide is made for teens like you. Let’s build your first résumé together.

Start with Your Contact Info

At the very top of your résumé, include:

• Your full name

• Email address (make it professional — like jane.doe@gmail.com)

• Phone number (if you have one)

• City and province (no full address needed)

Tip: Check that your voicemail greeting and email name are appropriate for job applications!

Write a Short Summary or Career Goal

This is 1–2 sentences that tell the employer who you are and what you're hoping to do.

Example:

“Motivated high school student looking for a part-time position to gain work experience and contribute to the community. Dependable, eager to learn, and always on time.”

List Your Education

Even if you’re still in school, this section matters!

Include:

• School name

• Grade level or expected graduation year

• Awards, honors, or standout subjects

Example:

Weston High School — Grade 10 (Expected graduation: 2027)Honor Roll (2023–2025), Math Club Member

Show Off Your Experience (Even If It’s Not a Job)

Experience doesn’t have to mean a paycheck. Employers care about responsibility, not just work history.

You can list:

• Volunteering

• Babysitting or pet sitting

• School clubs or leadership roles

• Helping with family businesses or community events

Example:

Volunteer, Local Library – Summer 2024 Shelved books and organized materials Helped kids during summer reading events Practiced teamwork and communication skills

Highlight Your Skills

This section shows what you’re good at — both “soft” and “hard” skills.

Soft Skills:

• Time management

• Teamwork

• Problem-solving

• Responsibility

• Organization

Hard Skills:

• Google Docs / Canva

• CPR/First Aid certified

• Social media

• Bilingual/multilingual

• Typing speed

Tip: Think about what skills you’ve used at school, clubs, or even at home!

Optional: Add Hobbies, Interests, or Certifications

This part gives your résumé some personality and shows what makes you unique.

Example:

Interests: Creative writing, photography, volleyballCertifications: CPR Certified (2024)

Final Tips

• Keep it to one page

• Use a clean, simple layout (try Canva, Google Docs, or Word)

• Save and send your résumé as a PDF

• Name your file like this: firstname_lastname_resume.pdf

Need Help?

We’ve got some templates you can use! Plus, if you're a Premium member, you can get your résumé reviewed by our team.

👉 [Check out our Templates & Tools section]👉 [Upgrade to Premium for personalized feedback]