Advice on creating a resume for high school students?

I'm a high school junior trying to put together a resume for upcoming college applications and some summer job opportunities. I’ve never really needed a resume before, so I'm unsure about what to include and how it should look, especially since I don't have a ton of job experience yet. What should a high school student's resume generally look like? Any suggestions for formatting or content, like how to highlight extracurriculars or volunteer work? Would love to see examples or hear about what has worked for others!

Creating a high school resume for the first time can feel daunting, but with the right structure and content, you can craft something that showcases your skills, achievements, and experiences effectively. Remember that your resume should be an honest reflection of your contributions and achievements. It's not always about having job experience; colleges and employers love to see initiative, leadership, and involvement in your community.

As for format, stick to a simple and clean design. Use consistent formatting throughout the document and ensure everything is aligned and easy to read. Choose a neutral font like Calibri or Times New Roman.

The structure can be broken down into the following sections:

1. Header: Include your name and contact information like your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one).

2. Education: Mention your high school name and expected graduation date. You can also list your GPA, if it's strong.

3. Extracurricular activities: This section should outline your involvement with clubs, sports teams, or other groups at your school. Don't just list the activity - describe your role, responsibilities, and any notable achievements. For example, instead of "Member of the debate club", you could write "Lead Debate Club member - Top 5 in regional competitions".

4. Volunteer work and community service: If you’ve contributed time to assist in your community, make sure to highlight this. Just like the extracurricular section, include details about what you did and if there were any outcomes or accomplishments from your service.

5. Work Experience or Internship: If you've had a part-time job, work-study, or internship, list it here. Include the company name, your position, and a brief description of your tasks and responsibilities.

6. Skills: Highlight any technical skills (like proficiency with certain software), soft skills such as leadership or team-work skills, or language proficiency. However, try to back up these skills with evidence in your experience or activities sections.

7. Awards and Achievements: If you've received any notable awards or honors, whether from school, extracurricular activities, or community service, include them in this section.

8. References: This section is not always necessary in a college application but could be beneficial for job applications. In general, it's best to ask teachers, coaches, or employers who can speak to your abilities and work ethic.

Remember, your resume will naturally evolve over time. As you gain more experiences and achievements, make sure to update your document. Good luck with your applications!