Best approach for high school students writing their resume?

I've started applying for part-time jobs and summer internships, and it turns out I need a resume. But I'm a high school junior, so I'm not really sure what to put on there. Should I include stuff like school clubs or volunteer work? How much detail is necessary for each section, and how do you make it look professional without a lot of experience? Any templates or tips would be amazing!

Absolutely, as a high school student, building your resume can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're just starting out. However, the key is to highlight your accomplishments, skills, and experiences to date, even if they are not in a conventional job setting.

Remember that your part-time work, school clubs, volunteer work, and even relevant hobbies can all be applicable to your resume. Here's a broader view of what you can include:

1. Career Objective/Summary: Start your resume with a brief career objective or summary that provides an overview of your skills and intentions. This can help set the tone for the rest of your resume.

2. Education: As a high school student, place your education section at the beginning of your resume. Include your school name, expected graduation date, GPA (if it's strong), and any relevant coursework.

3. Experience: This can include any jobs, internships, or volunteer work. Don't worry if the job wasn't in your desired field; what's important is to demonstrate transferable skills, like team-work, leadership, or time-management.

4. Extracurricular Activities/Clubs: This is where you should mention relevant extracurriculars, detailing your role and any achievements. Being on the school debate team or part of the school newspaper, for example, might demonstrate valuable skills like public speaking or editing.

5. Projects/Academic Achievements: If you've completed any projects or received any awards, add an 'Awards and Achievements' subsection. A winning science fair project or an honor roll mention can speak volumes about your dedication and ability.

6. Skills: Be sure to mention any technical or soft skills you possess. This could be proficiency in a foreign language, coding expertise, or conflict resolution.

7. References: If you have a teacher, guidance counselor, or previous employer who can vouch for your skills and work ethic, consider adding them as a reference.

As for formatting, it's crucial for your resume to look professional. Plenty of free online resources provide templates that you can simply fill out with your information. Keep the design simple and stick to a traditional font. Make sure it's easy to read, free of spelling and grammar errors, and to the point. As a student, your resume shouldn't exceed one page.

Don't forget that resumes are tailored to the position you're applying to, so it's okay to edit it accordingly each time you apply for a new role. Tailoring your resume can demonstrate your attention to detail and your interest in the specific role. Good luck!