How to make a resume for your first job?

Getting your first job is an exciting milestone for any teenager. Whether it’s working at a retail store, babysitting, or helping out at a local business, a resume is often the very first step in landing that job. But how do you make a resume for your first job when you have little to no work experience?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of how to make a resume for first job, step by step. We’ll answer common questions like “Do you need a resume for your first job?” and “How do I write a resume for first job with no experience?” 

Plus, we’ll highlight how Modak’s app can help teens earn money and build financial literacy while they work on their resumes.

The importance of learning about careers for kids

Before diving into the specifics of creating a resume for a first job, it’s important to understand the importance of learning about careers for kids, and especially the importance of learning about careers for elementary kids.

The earlier teens (and pre‑teens) begin to understand the value of work, money, and career opportunities, the better prepared they’ll be for the future. By teaching kids about different job roles, how to budget, and the importance of setting financial goals, you’re helping them develop lifelong skills.

It’s not just about earning money, t’s about learning to manage that money and make informed decisions.

What to include in a first job resume

A resume for a first job teenager doesn’t need to be complicated, even if you don’t have formal work experience. The goal is to showcase your skills, interests, and any volunteer or personal experiences that help you stand out. Include:

• Contact Information: Name, phone, email, city/state, and (optionally) LinkedIn or a personal site.
• Objective Statement: “High school student seeking a part‑time position to gain work experience, develop skills, and contribute to a team environment.”
• Education: Current school, grade level, relevant courses or academic achievements.
• Skills: Communication, time management, computer proficiency, customer service, etc.
• Volunteer Work & Extracurriculars: Charity events, clubs, sports, leadership roles.
• Hobbies & Interests (if relevant): Show leadership, teamwork, or creativity.

Example: “Member of the school debate team, developing public speaking and critical thinking skills.” “Enjoys volunteering at local animal shelters, showing responsibility and compassion.”

Resume summary examples for teens

Here’s a quick resume summary example for teens applying to their first job: “Motivated and responsible 16-year-old student with strong communication skills and a passion for helping others, looking for a part-time role to gain experience and contribute to a team.”

Resume examples for first job

Sample resume for teenager's first job

Looking for a resume teenager's first job template, or a ready-to-fill resume example? Use the layout below and customize it in Google Docs.

John Doe‍

Phone: 555-555-5555

Email: john.doe@example.com

Location: Anytown, USA

Objective:‍

High school student looking for a part-time job to gain valuable work experience and develop strong communication and time-management skills.

Education:‍

Anytown High School

Grade Level: 10th

Relevant Courses: Business, Computer Science

Skills:

• Strong communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Google Docs
• Organized and dependable

Volunteer experience:‍

Volunteer at Anytown Animal Shelter, June 2022 - Present

Helped care for animals and assisted with shelter events.

Hobbies and interests:‍

Member of the school soccer teamEnjoys reading and creative writing

How to write a resume at 15 or 16 without experience

If you’re 15 or 16 and wondering how to write a resume with no experience, the process is very similar to what we’ve described above. The key is to focus on your skills, education, and any volunteer or extracurricular activities you’ve participated in.

Even without paid work experience, you can highlight personal achievements and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

Do you need a resume for your first job?

Yes, many employers expect a resume even for entry-level jobs. If you’re asking, “Do I need a resume for my first job?” the answer is usually yes.

Having a resume shows you’re prepared, professional, and serious about getting hired. It also helps you organize your strengths and experiences.

How to write a CV for a 15 year old

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) for a 15-year-old is essentially the same as a resume. It should include your contact information, objective statement, education, skills, and any relevant volunteer work or extracurricular activities.

The term “CV” is often used interchangeably with “resume,” but generally has a more formal tone, often used for academic or research positions.

Good skills to put on a resume for your first job

Wondering what good skills to put on a resume as a teen? Here are some great options:

• Time management
• Communication
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Computer literacy
• Problem-solving
• Willingness to learn

These skills help you stand out to employers even if you don’t have work experience yet.

How Modak can help your teen manage their earnings

Once your teen lands their first job, managing their earnings can be just as important as earning money. That’s where Modak comes in.

Modak offers a simple way for teens to manage their money using a Visa® Debit Card¹. Parents can transfer money directly to their teen’s Modak account, which they can spend or save. Teens can even create payment links to get paid for gigs or small jobs they do, making it easier to manage payments.

Moreover, teens can also earn MBX through Modak’s app by completing challenges and participating in activities like the “Walk to Earn” feature³. This gamified experience helps kids build good money habits while earning pocket money.

Teens can earn up to 70 MBX per week², through various activities, which convert to real dollars, just by walking or completing financial challenges in the app.

By using Modak, your teen can start learning how to manage their money early on, which will set them up for success in the future.

Conclusion

Creating a first job resume doesn’t have to be a daunting task, even without experience. By focusing on your skills, education, and extracurricular activities, you can craft a resume that shows you’re responsible, eager to learn, and ready to contribute to a team. And if you want to really stand out and be prepared, make sure to check what you should bring to your first interview to make a great impression.

And once your teen lands their first job, Modak can help them manage their earnings, save for goals, and build financial literacy, all while earning rewards through the app’s gamified features.

Getting started on the right foot with a good resume and money management tools like Modak will help your teen take control of their financial future and start building essential life skills.

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1. Deposit account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Legend Bank, N.A., FDIC-Insured. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC insured financial institution. Funds deposited into a Deposit Account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance.
2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2025). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, click here for more information on MBX‍
3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.