First: yes, this stuff counts as experience
The biggest mistake teens make is leaving the experience section empty because "I have never worked." If someone relied on you to show up and do something, it counts:
Regular clients = a real job. "Babysat two kids, ages 4 and 7, every Friday night for 18 months."
"Maintained 6 neighborhood lawns weekly each summer" is a small business, and managers know it.
Stocking, register, cleanup, weekends at the shop. Paid or not, it is work experience.
Treasurer, captain, section leader, stage crew. Responsibility with witnesses.
Food bank shifts, church events, library help, coaching little kids. Count the hours and say the number.
"Tutored two freshmen in algebra weekly" shows patience and communication, exactly what first jobs need.
A complete teen resume example
High school junior seeking a part-time cashier position at FoodMart. Available weekday evenings and weekends. Known for showing up early and staying calm when things get busy.
- Care for three kids (ages 4 to 9) on a regular weekly schedule, including meals and bedtime.
- Trusted with house keys, emergency contacts, and a strict no-screens rule that I actually enforce.
- Take orders and handle cash for crowds of 100+ at home games, about $600 per night.
- Count the drawer with the booster treasurer after every shift, no shortages yet.
North High School, Class of 2028 · GPA 3.6 · Honor roll, 3 semesters · Spanish Club
Cash handling · Customer service · Conversational Spanish · Reliable transportation · Weekend availability
Why this works: No fake corporate language, real numbers ($600 a night, 3 kids, 18 months), and the objective tells the manager the two things they actually care about: when you can work and whether you will show up.
What to skip
- A photo. Not expected on US resumes at any age.
- Your full address. City and state is enough.
- Middle school anything. Once you are in high school, middle school is history.
- Fancy fonts and graphics. A clean one-page layout reads as more mature, not less.
- Made-up jobs. Managers call references for teens more often than you would think.
The work permit thing (US)
In many states, workers under 18 need a work permit or "working papers" before starting. You usually get these through your school's front office or counselor after you have a job offer, not before. Rules differ by state, so a 2-minute conversation with your counselor saves you a surprise later. Employers who hire teens regularly will walk you through it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a resume for a first job at 16?
Often the application form is enough, but walking in with a one-page resume instantly separates you from every other teen applicant. Many managers interview the kid with the resume first because it signals effort.
What counts as experience if I have never had a job?
Babysitting, lawn mowing, pet sitting, helping a family business, school clubs, sports teams, volunteering, tutoring, and personal projects all count. If you showed up, did the thing, and someone relied on you, it belongs on a teen resume.
Do I need a work permit?
In many US states, workers under 18 need a work permit or working papers, usually arranged through your school office or state labor department after you get a job offer. Rules vary by state, so ask your school counselor.
Should my resume be one page?
Yes. At this stage one page is expected. If you are struggling to fill it, add coursework, activities, and a skills section rather than padding descriptions.
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