How to Write a Resume for Your First Job

A resume for your first job is one page with your contact details, a two-line summary of the job you want, your education, and the activities that show you are reliable and can learn: volunteering, clubs, sports, school projects and informal work such as babysitting or yard work. Employers hiring for first jobs mostly look for availability, reliability and a good attitude, so make those visible.

What to include on your first resume

1. Contact details: name, city, phone and a plain email address.
2. Summary: "High school junior looking for a weekend cashier job. Reliable, comfortable handling money from running the snack stand at school games."
3. Education: your school, expected graduation year, and a strong GPA or honors if you have them.
4. Experience and activities: volunteering, teams, clubs, informal jobs, each with one to three bullets.
5. Skills: languages, software, certifications such as CPR or food handler, and your availability if the job is hourly.

How to describe things you have done

Start each bullet with a verb and add a detail that shows responsibility: "Ran the cash box for the school snack stand at 10 home games" or "Walked and fed three neighbors' dogs on a weekly schedule." Small numbers make the work concrete. More examples are in how to write a resume with no experience.

First-resume checklist

• One page, one simple layout, readable font.
• Email address based on your name.
• No photo, age or date of birth for US applications.
• Spelling checked by someone else.
• Saved as a PDF named "Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf".

The Campus template is designed for students and first jobs, and the free resume builder walks you through each section.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a resume for a part-time or summer job?

Often not required, but bringing one makes you look prepared and helps you fill in application forms. See resume for part-time jobs.

Should I list references on my first resume?

No. Have two references ready (a teacher, coach or volunteer supervisor) and share them when asked.