How To Write A Resume For A 17 Year Old

Creating a resume for the first time can seem challenging, especially when you’re a teenager only 17 year old stepping into the professional world. You might wonder what to include and how to make your resume appealing to potential employers. This guide is designed to demystify the process and help you craft a resume that not only reflects your abilities and experiences but also resonates with what employers are looking for.

How To Write A Resume For A 17 Year Old (Step By Step Guide)

Choosing the Right Format

• Chronological vs. Functional: The chronological resume lists experiences in order, but as a teen, you might not have much work history. A functional resume focuses on your skills and achievements, which might be more relevant for you.
• Highlighting Your Strengths: Start with a brief introduction. Share what makes you unique. Are you great at problem-solving? Do you have excellent communication skills? This is your chance to shine.
• Skill-Based Sections: List your skills related to the job. If you’re applying for a tech role, mention your computer skills. For a retail job, focus on customer service abilities. Use examples from school projects or clubs to demonstrate these skills.

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job

• Relevance is Crucial: Only include experiences and skills that align with the job. If you’re applying to be a camp counselor, highlight your leadership in a school club, not your baking hobby.
• Less is More: It’s tempting to list every achievement, but focus on what’s most relevant. Your first-aid certification is more relevant for a lifeguard position than your piano grades.

Being Specific and Active

• Quantify Your Achievements: Instead of saying “participated in a fundraising event,” say “helped raise $500 for charity.” Numbers make your achievements more tangible.
• Use Action Words: Start descriptions with verbs like ‘organized,’ ‘developed,’ or ‘led.’ This makes your resume more dynamic and shows you’re a person of action.

Highlighting Key Skills

• Match Skills with Job Requirements: Read the job description carefully and mirror the language used. If they need someone ‘detail-oriented,’ and you are, make sure it’s on your resume.
• Technical Skills: If you have skills like coding or graphic design, make them stand out in a separate section.

Volunteer and Internship Experience

• Format Wisely: List these experiences in reverse order (newest first). Detail what you did and learned, making it relevant to the job.
• Bullet Points for Clarity: Use bullet points for each responsibility or achievement. It makes your resume easy to read and digest.

Education as a Strength

• Showcase Your Learning: Even if you haven’t completed high school, your recent education is valuable. Mention relevant courses or projects that align with the job.
• Order of Information: If your school achievements are strong, put them near the top.

Design and Presentation

• Choose a Clean Template: A simple, professional layout helps. Avoid cluttered designs.
• Readable Fonts: Use clear fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. This isn’t the place for fancy or hard-to-read typography.

Proofreading and Honesty

• Double-Check Everything: Typos or errors can be a turn-off for employers. Get a friend or family member to review your resume too.
• Stay True to Yourself: Don’t exaggerate your skills or experiences. Honesty is key in building trust with potential employers.

Resume Template and Sample For A 17 Year Old

Resume Sample 1: For a Retail Job

Jessica Miller

1234 Maple Street

Smalltown, USA 12345

(123) 456-7890

jessica.miller@email.com

Objective:

Energetic and friendly high school junior seeking a part-time position in retail. Aiming to use my communication skills and enthusiasm to provide excellent customer service at XYZ Store.

Education:

Smalltown High School, Smalltown, USA

Expected Graduation: June 2025

GPA: 3.7

Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic understanding of sales principles
• Experience in handling cash and using POS systems
• Good organizational abilities

Experience:

Volunteer, Smalltown Community Library

June 2022 – Present

• Assisted in organizing books and maintaining the library database
• Helped in setting up for events and managing sign-in sheets

Achievements:

• Member of the school debate team, enhancing public speaking and argumentation skills
• Regular volunteer at local food drives, demonstrating commitment to community service

Resume Sample 2: For an Internship

Michael Johnson

4567 Oak Avenue

Anytown, USA 67890

(987) 654-3210

michael.johnson@email.com

Objective:

Motivated high school senior looking for an internship opportunity in the field of graphic design. Eager to apply creative skills and learn more about the industry.

Education:

Anytown High School, Anytown, USA

Expected Graduation: June 2024

GPA: 3.8

Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
• Strong creative and artistic ability
• Excellent time management and organization
• Basic knowledge of marketing and branding

Experience:

Freelance Graphic Designer

January 2023 – Present

• Created logos and marketing materials for local small businesses
• Developed a branding package for a school event

Achievements:

• Winner of the school’s annual art competition (2023)
• Successfully completed an online course in Graphic Design Basics

Resume Sample 3: For a Part-Time Office Job

Emily Nguyen

7890 Willow Lane

Midtown, USA 34567

(555) 123-4567

emily.nguyen@email.com

Objective:

Organized and detail-oriented high school junior seeking a part-time administrative role. Looking to apply my organizational skills in a professional office environment.

Education:

Midtown High School, Midtown, USA

Expected Graduation: June 2025

GPA: 4.0

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team

Experience:

Office Assistant, Midtown Community Center

July 2022 – Present

• Managed front desk operations, including answering phones and greeting visitors
• Assisted in organizing community events and maintaining records

Achievements:

• Member of the school’s honor roll for consecutive years
• Active participant in the school’s business club, gaining insights into basic business operations and management

These resumes are just examples to give you an idea of how a 17-year-old might structure their resume depending on the type of job they are applying for. Each resume should be tailored to the specific job and its requirements.

Conclusion

Building a resume as a teenager is your first step towards your career goals. By focusing on your strengths, tailoring your resume to each job, and presenting your information clearly and honestly, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, your resume is a reflection of you, so make it count!

Pro Tip: Treat your resume as a living document. Update it as you gain new experiences and skills. This way, you’ll always be ready for new opportunities that come your way.