Can I get a job at 14 or 15?

Yes! Many places hire at 14 or 15 with a work permit (depending on your state laws). Common jobs include: Grocery Bagger, Camp Counselor, Lifeguard, Referee, and Fast Food crew.

What should a teenager put on a resume?

Put your Education (High School, GPA if >3.0) first. Then list 'Experience' which can include volunteering, clubs, sports, babysitting, yard work, or helping at family businesses.

Do teens need a resume for McDonald's?

Yes. Even McDonald's uses an online application system. Having a resume prepared with the right keywords (Teamwork, Availability) helps you fill out that application faster and look more professional.

What are the best soft skills for teens?

Responsibility, Willingness to Learn, Punctuality, and Respectfulness are what managers want most. They know you don't have job skills yet; they want to know you will be a good employee.

How do I show I'm a 'quick learner'?

Use keywords like 'Adaptable,' 'Trainable,' 'Motivated,' and 'Academic Achievement' (if you have good grades).

Teen Resume Keywords (2026): A Guide for Ages 14-19

🚨 Being young is your superpower, not your weakness.

Employers want to hire teenagers. You are energetic, you learn fast, and you are ready to work. But they are terrified of one thing: Immaturity.

Your resume has one job: To prove you are mature enough to handle the responsibility.

In 2026, even summer jobs at the pool or the ice cream shop use software to sort applicants. To get hired, you need to speak "Professional," not "High School."

👉 Scan Your Teen Resume to See if it Sounds Professional — Free

Why Teen Resume Keywords Matter

When a manager hires a teenager (especially for a first job), they are taking a risk. Will they show up on time? Will they stay off their phone? Will they be polite?

Your resume keywords act as calm, confident answers to these fears.

By using professional terms like "Punctual," "Customer-Focused," and "Collaborative" instead of casual language, you signal that you are taking this seriously. You stand out instantly from the other kids who just scribbled their name and phone number on an application.

What Are Teen Resume Keywords?
Keywords for 14-15 Year Olds
Keywords for 16-19 Year Olds
School & Sports Keywords
Summer Job Keywords
Resume Examples for Teens
FAQ

What Are Teen Resume Keywords?

These are words that translate your student life into work life.

The Golden Translation:

You don't just "do homework" → You have Time Management skills.
You don't just "play basketball" → You have Teamwork and Dedication.
You don't just "babysit" → You provide Childcare and insure Safety.

Keywords for 14-15 Year Olds

At this age, jobs are limited to things like grocery bagging, refereeing, camp counseling, or unofficial work (babysitting/lawns).

Activity	Keywords
General	Responsible, Energetic, Polite, Follows Instructions, Safety Conscious, Honest
Babysitting	Child Safety, Activity Planning, Meal Prep, Conflict Resolution, Punctual
Yard Work	Physical Stamina, Tool Maintenance, Reliable, Detail Oriented (mowing straight lines!)
Pet Sitting	Animal Care, Walking, Feeding, Trustworthy

Pro Tip: If you have a Work Permit, mention it! "Valid Work Permit Available" is a great phrase to put at the top of your resume.

Keywords for 16-19 Year Olds

At 16, the world opens up: Retail, Food Service, Lifeguarding, Hosting, etc.

Role	Keywords
Food Service	Food Safety, Cash Handling, Customer Service, Fast-Paced, Order Accuracy, Hygiene
Retail	Stocking, Organization, Greeting Customers, Sales, Loss Prevention (Theft awareness)
Lifeguard	CPR Certified, First Aid, Vigilance, Public Safety, Rule Enforcement, Emergency Response
Camp Counselor	Leadership, Mentoring, Activity Coordination, Group Management, Creativity

"Driver's License": If you have a license and a car, listing Reliable Transportation is a huge plus. It tells the manager you won't miss a shift because your parents couldn't drive you.

School & Sports Keywords

Your "job" right now is school. Use that to your advantage.

School Achievement	Keywords
Good Grades (3.0+)	Academic Excellence, Discipline, Focus, High Achiever, Honor Roll
Clubs (Debate, DECA, etc.)	Public Speaking, Competition, Marketing, Fundraising, Event Planning
Sports Captain	Leadership, Motivation, Strategy, Team Building, Accountability
Varsity Athlete	Dedication, Time Management, Resilience, Coachability, Performance

Summer Job Keywords

Applying for a seasonal job? Employers fear you will quit in August. Address this head-on or lean into the temporary nature.

Seasonal Availability (be honest about dates)
Flexible Schedule (summer usually means open availability)
Weekend Availability
Holiday Availability (Concept: 4th of July, Memorial Day)
Fast Learner (since you only have a few months to work)

Resume Examples for Teens

❌ Weak Bullet (Sports)

Played football.

We won state.

✅ Strong Bullet (Sports)

Dedicated 15+ hours weekly to varsity football practice and games while maintaining a 3.5 GPA.

Collaborated with 50+ teammates to execute complex strategies under high-pressure conditions.

Demonstrated leadership and sportsmanlike conduct as team co-captain.

❌ Weak Bullet (Babysitting)

Watched Mrs. Smith's kids.

✅ Strong Bullet (Childcare)

Provided trusted childcare for three children ages 4-9 on weekends and evenings.

Ensured safety and adherence to household rules while engaging children in creative/educational activities.

Managed evening routines including dinner preparation and bedtime, demonstrating high responsibility.

❌ Weak Bullet (Student Council)

In student council. We planned prom.

✅ Strong Bullet (Student Council)

Served as Student Council Treasurer, managing a budget of $2,000 for school events.

Organized and promoted the Junior Prom, coordinating with vendors and volunteers.

Represented student body interests in monthly meetings with school administration.

FAQ

Should I put my photo on my resume?

No. In the US and Canada, resumes should not have photos. It can lead to discrimination issues. Keep it text-based and professional.

Should I put my GPA?

If it is 3.0 or higher, yes. It proves you are responsible and smart. If it's lower, leave it off and focus on skills.

What if I don't have any activities?

Focus on your character. "Hardworking," "Reliable," "Honest," "Available." Help neighbors, mow lawns, or volunteer for one weekend just to get something on there.

Examples of "Volunteering"

Helping at a church nursery
Cleaning up a local park
Helping at a food bank
Tutoring a younger sibling or neighbor
Helping a teacher set up a classroom

All of these count as Community Service.

First Job Resume Keywords - The ultimate guide for writing a resume with zero history.
Entry-Level Resume Hub - Find guides for Walmart, McDonald's, and more.
Cashier Resume Keywords - A perfect first job for many teens.
Resume Keywords List - Browse keywords for every career path.

Final Advice: Be the "Mature" Candidate

Managers deal with immature teenagers all day. Be the exception.

Proofread: Typos look lazy.
Use these keywords: They sound professional.
Dress up: When you go to apply or interview, look nice.

You are ready for this. Your first job is the first step to your career. Make it count.

👉 Scan Your Teen Resume — Free

Upload your draft. Our AI will tell you if you sound like a pro or just another kid.