Why Kids Should Start Resume Writing in High School, Even Grade 9

As a parent, you want your kid to focus on school, get good grades, and set themselves up for a bright future. That makes total sense. But here’s the thing: in today’s world, high grades alone aren’t enough to stand out. Universities, internships, and job placements are getting insanely competitive, and students need more than a stellar report card to shine.

That’s why introducing resume writing to kids as early as grade 9 is a game changer. It’s not about pushing them into the workforce too soon—it’s about giving them a head start on building a portfolio that screams potential.

Let’s be real: most 14-year-olds don’t have a ton of work experience. Maybe they’ve babysat or mowed a neighbor’s lawn, but that’s about it. And that’s okay! Starting resume writing early isn’t about listing a bunch of jobs. It’s about sparking a mindset that drives them to seek out opportunities and accomplishments.

In Ontario, careers courses touch on resume basics, but a quick unit isn’t enough to prepare kids for the real world. They need to dive deeper, learning how to showcase their skills, interests, and ambitions in a way that grabs attention.

Teaching resume writing early also opens the door to platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. Kids don’t need to apply for jobs yet, but getting familiar with how these tools work—how recruiters spot the perfect applicant, how job postings are structured—demystifies the process. It’s like giving them a map to a treasure hunt before they even start looking. They’ll learn how to leverage these platforms to highlight their strengths and stand out in a crowd.
So, what can a high school freshman put on a resume? Plenty, actually. Volunteering is a goldmine. Whether it’s helping at a local sports league, working at a summer camp, or joining a community cleanup to pick up trash, these activities signal motivation and teamwork. These aren’t just feel-good moments—they’re resume builders that show a kid’s drive.

Over time, these small efforts add up, creating a portfolio that proves they’re serious about their future. And that portfolio isn’t just for jobs; it’s a lifeline for university applications, especially for competitive programs like social justice or engineering, where a visual presentation or video can make all the difference.
Resume writing also teaches kids how to organize their story. They learn to break it down into clear sections: education, experience, skills, interests, and goals.

They figure out how to “humble brag”—showing they’re competent without coming off as arrogant. They also get a crash course in attention to detail, making sure there’s no sloppy grammar or weird phrasing. These are skills that carry over into every part of life, from writing a killer university application to nailing an internship interview.

This doesn’t mean kids need to land a full-time summer job or ditch their childhood. It’s about easing them into a worker’s mindset—thinking about what they want, talking to career coaches or guidance counselors, and asking big questions like, “What am I passionate about, and how do I get there?” At Inspiration Learning Center, we’re not just chasing high grades (though our honor roll is packed with those).

We want our students to become doctors, lawyers, engineers—professionals who were given every tool to succeed. Starting resume writing in grade 9 is one of those tools.

If you’re wondering how to get your kid on this path, reach out. We offer a free consultation after our academic assessment to pinpoint where your child stands and how we can help them soar. The future is limitless—let’s make sure they’re ready to grab it.