How to Write a Resume for a High School Internship

Crafting a resume for a high school internship can be a pivotal step in launching your career. A well-organized, impactful resume not only highlights your skills and experiences but also positions you as a proactive and capable candidate. This guide will walk you through the essential elements of creating a compelling resume that stands out to employers.

1. Start with a Strong Header

Your resume should begin with a clear and professional header. Include your full name, contact information (phone number and email address), and optionally, a link to a professional online profile or portfolio if you have one. For instance:

Jane Doe
1234 Maple Street, Apt. 56
Hometown, State, ZIP
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
[LinkedIn Profile] (optional)

2. Craft a Compelling Objective Statement

An objective statement is a brief, impactful summary of your career goals and what you aim to achieve with the internship. Tailor it to the specific role you're applying for:

Objective:
Motivated high school student with a passion for environmental science and community service seeking an internship at GreenTech Solutions to leverage analytical skills and contribute to sustainability projects.

3. Highlight Your Relevant Skills

In this section, focus on skills that are relevant to the internship you are applying for. These can include both hard skills (like technical abilities) and soft skills (like communication and teamwork). Use bullet points for clarity:

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Basic knowledge of HTML and web design (if applicable)
• Experience with social media platforms and digital marketing tools

4. Detail Your Educational Background

Include your current educational status and relevant coursework. If you have notable achievements, such as awards or honors, be sure to mention them:

Education:
Hometown High School, Hometown, State
Expected Graduation: June 2025
Relevant Coursework: Biology, Environmental Science, Advanced Mathematics
Achievements: Honor Roll (2022, 2023), Science Fair Winner (2023)

5. Showcase Your Experience

Even if you don't have professional experience, include any relevant volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or school projects. Emphasize responsibilities and skills you gained:

Experience:
Volunteer, Hometown Community Center
June 2023 – August 2023

• Assisted with organizing community events and workshops
• Managed registration and provided customer service
• Developed promotional materials and social media posts

Extracurricular Activities:
Member, School Debate Team
September 2022 – Present

• Participated in regional and state-level debate competitions
• Conducted research and prepared arguments on various topics

6. Add Additional Sections if Necessary

Depending on the internship and your background, consider including sections such as Certifications, Languages, or Projects:

Certifications:

• CPR and First Aid Certification (2023)

Languages:

• Fluent in English and Spanish

Projects:

• Environmental Awareness Campaign: Developed and executed a school-wide campaign to promote recycling and waste reduction.

7. Tailor Your Resume to Each Internship

Customize your resume for each internship application by aligning your skills, experiences, and objective with the specific role and organization. Use keywords from the job description to enhance your resume's relevance.

8. Proofread and Format Carefully

Ensure your resume is free of grammatical errors and typos. Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and spacing. Keep it to one page if possible.

9. Seek Feedback

Before submitting your resume, ask a teacher, mentor, or family member to review it. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes and provide valuable feedback.

10. Submit Your Resume

Follow the application instructions carefully. Submit your resume as a PDF unless otherwise specified, and ensure that all required documents are included.

By following these steps and focusing on your strengths and experiences, you'll create a resume that effectively showcases your potential and makes a strong impression on potential employers.