Your first job is a big step: your own money, new responsibilities and real-world experience. To get there, you need a resume, even for a part-time role at a store, café or summer camp. The good news is that a first job resume does not need to be long or complicated. It just needs to show that you are reliable, friendly and ready to learn.
What a first job resume should include
- Contact information: name, phone, professional email, city
- Objective: one or two sentences about the job you want
- Education: your school, grade and any achievements
- Experience: volunteering, school roles, informal jobs
- Skills: practical and personal strengths
- Availability (optional): helpful for part-time and shift work
Example first job resume layout
MAYA CHEN
Mississauga, ON | 905-555-0142 | maya.chen@email.com
Objective
Friendly and dependable Grade 11 student seeking a part-time crew member position. Eager to provide fast, cheerful service and learn new skills on a busy team.
Education
Westwood Secondary School, Mississauga, ON — Expected graduation June 2028
Honour Roll (2025, 2026) · Business Studies, Food and Nutrition
Experience
Volunteer, Community Food Bank — Sep 2025 – Present
• Sort and pack donations for 150+ families each month
• Greet visitors and help them find what they need
Babysitter, Private Families — 2024 – Present
• Care for two children weekly, including meals and homework help
Skills
Customer service · Teamwork · Cash handling (school store) · English and Mandarin · Food Handler Certificate
Availability
Weekdays after 4 pm, weekends, and full-time in July and August
Tips for common first jobs
Retail
Highlight friendliness, comfort talking to people, basic math and any experience with money, such as a school store, fundraiser or bake sale.
Restaurants and fast food
Show you can stay calm when busy, work as a team and follow instructions. A Food Handler certificate is a strong plus if you have one.
Summer camps and recreation
Mention experience with children, sports, coaching, leadership clubs, First Aid and CPR, and lifeguard or swim qualifications.
Grocery stores
Point out reliability, attention to detail and physical tasks such as stocking or sorting, for example from volunteering at a food drive.
Write bullet points that sound confident
Start with an action verb and keep it specific:
- “Helped run a school fundraiser that raised $800.”
- “Coached a team of 10 kids in a weekend soccer league.”
- “Managed social media for the school drama club, gaining 300 followers.”
Mistakes to avoid on your first resume
- Silly email addresses. Create a simple one with your name.
- Spelling errors. Ask someone to proofread.
- Too much personal information. No photo, age or home address needed.
- Going over one page. Keep it short and neat.
How to apply
Many first jobs accept online applications, but dropping off a printed resume in person can still help at local stores and restaurants. Go at a quiet time, dress neatly, ask for the manager and smile. First impressions matter.
Need a cover letter too? YoungResume includes a free Cover Letter Maker. Choose a ready-made letter for students, first jobs, experienced roles or career changes, add your details and download a PDF with no watermark, then build your matching resume in the same style. Try the free Cover Letter Maker.
Build your first resume today
YoungResume guides you section by section, so you never stare at a blank page. If you are worried about having no experience, start with our guide to writing a resume with no experience.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you need to be to get a job?
It depends on your province, state and the type of work. In Ontario, for example, the general minimum age is 14 for many jobs; see the province’s page on the minimum age for work. Check your local employment rules.
Should I include references?
Not on the resume. Prepare two or three references, such as a teacher, coach or volunteer supervisor, on a separate page.