How to Write a Resume for a Teenage Internship: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding an internship as a teenager can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never written a resume before. But don’t worry—learning how to write a resume for a teenage internship is simpler than it seems. Whether you’re applying for a summer gig, a part-time role, or your first professional experience, a strong teenager resume can open doors. This guide will walk you through every step to create a standout resume, even if you have little or no work history.

In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of crafting a high school resume, share practical resume tips for teens, and provide a sample to get you started. Let’s dive in and build a resume that impresses employers looking for fresh talent.

Why a Teenager Resume Matters for Internships

A resume isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your chance to show employers who you are and what you can do. For teenagers, internships are a golden opportunity to gain skills, explore career paths, and build a foundation for future jobs. Knowing how to write a resume for a teenage internship helps you stand out, even among other high school students. Employers don’t expect you to have years of experience, but they do want to see effort, enthusiasm, and potential.

Key Components of a Teenager Resume

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s break down what goes into a resume for a teenage internship. Here’s a quick table to give you an overview:

Section

Purpose

Example Content

Header

Your contact info

Name, phone, email, address

Objective

States your goal and strengths

“Eager to contribute teamwork skills”

Education

Shows your school background

High school name, GPA, graduation year

Skills

Highlights what you’re good at

Communication, organization, coding

Experience

Lists activities or jobs

Volunteer work, club projects

Achievements

Shows your wins

Honor Roll, science fair award

Extracurriculars

Adds depth to your profile

Sports, clubs, community service

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Resume for a Teenage Internship

Ready to start? Follow these steps to craft a teenager resume that shines.

1. Start with a Professional Header

Your header is the first thing employers see. Include:

Full name (bold and slightly larger font)

Phone number

Email address (use a professional one, like [email protected])

Home address (optional, just city and state is fine)

Optional: LinkedIn or portfolio link

Example:

Sarah Johnson

Seattle, WA | 555-123-4567 | [email protected]

2. Write a Clear Objective

An objective is a short sentence that tells employers why you’re applying and what you bring to the table. Keep it specific to the internship.

Example:

“Dedicated high school junior seeking a marketing internship to apply strong communication skills and learn from industry professionals.”

3. List Your Education

Since you’re a teenager, education comes next. Include:

School name and location

Expected graduation year

GPA (if 3.0 or higher)

Relevant classes (tailor to the internship)

Example:

Westwood High School – Seattle, WA

Expected Graduation: June 2026

GPA: 3.5

Relevant Coursework: Digital Media, Business Essentials

4. Highlight Your Skills

Skills show what you can do, even without formal work experience. Pick 5-7 that match the internship.

Sample Skills List:

Proficient in Google Docs and Microsoft Word

Basic graphic design (Canva, Adobe Express)

Teamwork from sports and group projects

Time management from balancing school and activities

Problem-solving from math club challenges

5. Add Experience (Even If It’s Not a Job)

Don’t panic if you’ve never had a paid job. Use volunteer work, school projects, or club roles. Focus on what you did and the results.

Example:

Volunteer, Seattle Food Bank

Seattle, WA | September 2023 – Present

Organized food donations for 50+ families weekly.

Improved teamwork skills by coordinating with 10 volunteers.

Member, Robotics Club

Westwood High School | October 2022 – May 2023

Built a robot that placed 2nd in a regional competition.

Solved technical issues under tight deadlines.

6. Show Off Achievements

Awards and honors make your teenager resume pop. Keep them short and relevant.

Example:

National Honor Society Member, 2024

First Place, School Science Fair, 2023

7. Include Extracurricular Activities

Clubs, sports, or hobbies show you’re well-rounded.

Example:

Varsity Swim Team, 2023 – Present

Treasurer, Environmental Club, 2024

Sample Teenager Resume

Here’s a full example to see how it all comes together:

James Carter

Austin, TX | 512-555-7890 | [email protected]

Objective

Enthusiastic high school student seeking a summer tech internship to apply coding skills and gain hands-on experience in software development.

Education

Austin High School – Austin, TX

Expected Graduation: May 2026

GPA: 3.8

Relevant Coursework: AP Computer Science, Algebra II

Skills

Basic coding in Python and JavaScript

Strong problem-solving from math competitions

Team collaboration from group projects

Organized and detail-oriented

Comfortable with Google Workspace

Experience

Volunteer Tutor, Austin Library

Austin, TX | January 2024 – Present

Helped 5 middle school students improve math grades by 15%.

Developed patience and clear communication skills.

Member, Coding Club

Austin High School | September 2023 – June 2024

Created a simple game app with a team of 4.

Learned to debug code efficiently.

Achievements

Honor Roll, 2023 – 2024

Completed 40 hours of community service, 2024

Extracurricular Activities

JV Basketball Team, 2023 – Present

Volunteer, Local Animal Shelter, 2023 – Present

Top Resume Tips for Teens

Here’s a handy list of tips to make your teenager resume even better:

Keep It Short: One page is perfect—don’t stretch it out.

Match the Job: Use keywords from the internship description.

Be Honest: Don’t exaggerate; showcase what you’ve really done.

Use Action Words: Start sentences with verbs like “led,” “designed,” or “organized.”

Proofread: Typos can sink your chances—double-check everything.

Quote:

“Your resume is your first impression. Make it clear, concise, and confident.” – Career Coach Lisa Adams

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to write a resume for a teenage internship, watch out for these pitfalls:

Too Much Info: Skip unrelated details like your favorite TV show.

Unprofessional Email: Use [email protected], not [email protected].

No Focus: Tailor your resume to each internship—don’t send the same one everywhere.

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Want to go the extra mile? Here’s how:

Add a Project: Mention a school assignment or personal hobby (like a blog or art portfolio) if it fits the internship.

Example: “Designed a website for a history project using HTML.”

Get Feedback: Ask a teacher or parent to review your teenager resume.

Format Cleanly: Use bullet points, bold headings, and plenty of white space.

Quote:

“Employers love seeing initiative, even in small ways. Show them you’re ready to learn.” – Hiring Manager Emily Chen

Key Takeaways

Learning how to write a resume for a teenage internship is about showcasing your strengths, not your job history.

Use school activities, volunteer work, and skills to fill your high school resume.

Keep it professional, simple, and tailored to the internship you want.

A strong teenager resume can help you land your first job or internship opportunity.

Conclusion

Writing a resume as a teenager might seem tricky, but it’s a skill worth mastering. By following this guide on how to write a resume for a teenage internship, you can create a document that highlights your potential and gets you noticed. Start with your education, add skills and experiences, and polish it with a clean format. Soon, you’ll have a teenager resume ready to kickstart your career journey. Take your time, customize it for each application, and you’ll be one step closer to that internship!

FAQ: How to Write a Resume for a Teenage Internship

Q: What if I’ve never had a job?

A: No problem! Use school projects, volunteer roles, or club activities to show your skills.

Q: How long should my teenager resume be?

A: One page is ideal—keep it short and focused.

Q: Can I include hobbies?

A: Yes, if they relate to the internship (e.g., coding as a hobby for a tech role).

Q: How do I know what skills to list?

A: Check the internship posting for clues, then match them with what you can do.

Q: Should I add references?

A: Not unless the application asks—save space for your achievements.

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