Teenager's First Job Resume: A Template That Works at 16
The manager reading your first resume isn't looking for experience — they're looking for signals you'll show up on time, stay friendly under pressure, and not quit in week two. Every line should feed one of those three signals.
What goes on it
Contact block: name, city, phone, a sensible email. Two-sentence summary: who you are, what you offer — "Responsible sophomore with a year of dog-walking clients and weekend availability." Education: school, year, GPA if strong, relevant classes like business or Spanish. Experience: babysitting, lawn care, tutoring, chores-for-pay, school fundraisers — all real. Skills: languages, cash handling from bake sales, Google Sheets, lifeguard or first-aid certification.
The availability line most teens forget
Part-time managers hire around schedules. Add one line: "Available weekday evenings and all day weekends; can start immediately." It answers their first practical question before the interview.
What to skip
Objectives about "gaining experience" (the job is the experience), photos, middle-school achievements, and exaggeration — your first reference call is one shift away.
Keep it honest and short
Half a page to one page. A tidy, truthful teen resume already beats most of the pile.