📝 Even without work experience, teens can create strong resumes by highlighting skills and activities.
đź“„ A resume shows professionalism and readiness, even for a first job.
đź’ˇ Good skills to include are time management, communication, teamwork, and willingness to learn.
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?”Â
Plus, we’ll highlight how Modak’s app can help teens earn money and build financial literacy while they work on their resumes.
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.
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:
Example: “Member of the school debate team, developing public speaking and critical thinking skills.” “Enjoys volunteering at local animal shelters, showing responsibility and compassion.”
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.”
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:
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
💳 Modak Visa® Debit Card helps teens manage earnings securely with parental oversight
.📲 Teens can get paid for gigs or small jobs through payment links in the Modak app.
🏆 Modak rewards teens with MBX for activities like walking and financial challenges.
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.
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.
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.
Wondering what good skills to put on a resume as a teen? Here are some great options:
These skills help you stand out to employers even if you don’t have work experience yet.
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.
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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