Whether your teen has working experience or not, most jobs require a resume. Making an effective resume can be nerve-wracking when they first start to put it together. They might have no idea where to start or how to format their resume. Well, you’re in luck! Because today I've pulled together a collection of free resume templates for teens, as well as some details on what to include in those resumes, and tips on how to spice up their resume. So your teen can get ready to apply to their first job with confidence!

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Explore Free Resume Templates for Teens With Little to No Experience

Can’t decide which resume template to pick to apply for a job? This list narrows down three of the best templates for teens.

1. Modern, Informative Teen Resume Template

This template has all the elements needed for a perfect resume. It includes many categories that can be filled regardless of whether or not your student has any work experience. Its readable and eye-catching design will make your resume stand out from the bunch. In addition, what's very cool with a Canva template is that you can also print your resume and they'll mail them to your home, so you can easily pass them out. In fact, Canva has many high school resume templates to chose from that are easily editable.

2. Classic Teen Resume Template

Resumes can have colorful graphics. But they do not always need them. Some of us like a classic resume that can be made right inside of Google Docs or Microsoft Word. This resume gets the job done, and includes everything needed to secure a job. It's also easily digestible by AI screening processes, where as resumes made in Canva are not. So if your teen is not emailing their resume directly to a person, Google Docs may be the best way to go.

3. White Minimalist Teen Resume Template

This resume’s minimalist and breathable design give it a new, but familiar approach. It has all of the tried and true elements of a traditional resume but adds flair with simplicity. This template is perfect for teens with little to no work experience.

4. Major Achievements Resume Template

This graphically bold resume from the Adobe library puts a focus on your high schooler's major achievements in classes and sports. There's also an opportunity to express their career goals, and highlight volunteer or work experience. It's clean, keeping the reader focused and able to digest the content quickly, while also having a punch of color to stand out. Adobe has a nice selection of high school templates, which you just have to create an account to access.

Free Tools for Making a Resume for Teens with Any Level of Experience

There are plenty of tools out there that can help teens create awesome resumes.

1. Canva

Canva is a free-to-use graphic design tool that is easy to use and allows the user to create amazing visual content. To get started with Canva with the help of a live expert instructor, enroll your teen in beginner-friendly Canva classes, where they'll learn all the tips and tricks they need to make a standout resume.

2. Google Docs

Google Docs is a free tool that allows students to easily type and format resumes. Once complete, they can export their file as a PDF, for sending.

3. Dribble

This is a platform where your teen can easily create a portfolio page showcasing their engineering or designing work.

What Should a Teenager Put on a Resume?

Without job experience, your teen may be wondering what to put on their resume. Luckily they have tons of options:

  • Education
  • Community service/volunteering
  • Awards, honors, and accomplishments
  • Extracurricular activities, and interests
  • Special skills (Such as knowing specific programming languages) or tools
  • Name and contact information
  • Objective statement (This can fill in white space they may have due to lack of experience)
  • A statement that describes their short-term professional goals

Writing Tips for Resume Templates for Teens

Here are a few quick pointers to keep in mind as your teen further develops their resume:

  • Double check it: Proofread and edit your resume.
  • Customize it: Tailor the resume to fit the position you are seeking. For example: include your babysitting experience if you apply for a daycare.
  • Pick a clear font: Use a readable font, ideally san-serif, and ensure it's at least size 12 or larger. For example: Do not use Comic Sans. Perhaps use Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica.
  • Include key phrases: Use buzzwords such as “keen to learn”, and “self-motivated”. These help to show that you will be an asset to the company.
  • Keep it short: Make sure your resume is not longer than one page. Most hiring managers will not look at the second page.

Download Free Resume Templates For Teens

Help your teen make a fantastic resume. If your teen wants to improve their resume and add specialized skills, encourage them to learn how to code by joining live online classes. Are they interested in starting their own company and creating their own website with web design skills? Enroll your teens in our WIX website classes led live by an expert instructor, and designed by professionals from Google, MIT, and Stanford.

Written by Create & Learn instructor Gabrielle Cindric. Gabrielle is a Computer Science student by day and a STEM instructor by night. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and hanging out with her poodle Bailey and cat Asphalt.