How to Create a Resume as a High School Student?

I'm a high school junior trying to put together my first resume and could really use some advice on how to approach this. I have a few extracurriculars under my belt, but I'm not sure how to present them in a way that really stands out. What sections should I definitely include, and how can I format it to look professional while still showcasing my strengths as a student? Any tips for highlighting school projects or volunteer work would be awesome. Thanks!

Creating a resume as a high school student can initially seem overwhelming, but it's a task that can be effectively tackled by focusing on your accomplishments, projects, and skills. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Contact Information: It might seem obvious, but this is essential! Include your name, email address, phone number, and a professional-looking LinkedIn profile, if you have one.

2. Objective Statement: Although this isn't mandatory, it can be a great place to explain your goals. Be specific about what you hope to achieve, whether it's an internship, a job, a scholarship, or admission to a college program.

3. Education: This section must list your high school and expected graduation date. You can also include your current GPA (only if it's strong), and any academic honors or advanced-level courses you've taken.

4. Skills: Here, outline any relevant abilities you have. They could range from technical skills, like proficiency in a foreign language or coding language, to soft skills like team leadership or public speaking.

5. Experience and Achievements: This section is excellent for listing any part-time jobs or internships you've had, as well as highlighting significant projects, awards, or milestones. When listing these, try to highlight what you did, what skills you used, and any outcomes or impacts that resulted. And remember, not all experience necessarily comes from paid jobs; significant course projects, or leadership roles in clubs and sports can really shine here.

6. Extracurricular Activities: Include any clubs, sports, or events you've been involved in. Do indicate any leadership roles held, and for any activity, describe the nature of your involvement and the length of time you were there. Schools look for long-term commitment and impact from extracurricular activities.

7. Volunteer Work and Community Service: Colleges and employers love seeing students who are involved in their communities. Include any charity work, service hours, or volunteer projects you've accomplished, and describe your responsibilities and any skills you gained.

8. References: While not always required, it is good to include if you have a strong reference, such as a teacher, coach, or supervisor.

Remember, it's key to make sure your resume is clear, concise, and free of errors. Each entry should begin with an action verb and describe the impact you made in that role or activity. For instance, instead of saying "Volunteered at the local food bank", you could say "Organized food drives for the local bank, distributing over 5000 meals to community members in need." This shows your initiative and the tangible results of your actions.

Lastly, the format is paramount! Make sure your resume is easy to read and professional-looking. This typically means using the same font throughout, having clear headings, and ensuring it is confined to one page. Begin each experience bullet with a strong action verb, and try to quantify your impact.

Happy resume building!