How to write a resume for my first job?

I'm a high school student working on my first job application. What should I include in my resume since I don't have much work experience? Any tips on how to make it stand out would be much appreciated!

Creating a standout resume as a high school student without much formal work experience can be challenging, but it's definitely feasible. Keep in mind that even without a traditional job, experiences gained through volunteering, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and unique life experiences, can bring value to a potential employer.

Here's a basic structure for your first resume:

1. Contact Information: Include your full name, telephone number, and professional email address at the top of your resume.

2. Objective Statement: Start off with a brief, one to two sentence objective statement that outlines your career goal and why you're applying for the job. Be specific about the role and the value you can bring.

3. Education: List your high school's full name along with the anticipated graduation date. If you've taken rigorous coursework, such as AP or honors classes, it might be worth noting a couple of relevant courses that align with the job you're applying for.

4. Skills: Understand what skills the job posting is seeking. These could be things like teamwork, problem-solving skills, or specific technical abilities like proficiency in Microsoft Office or another software. Make sure to list only the skills that you can genuinely demonstrate.

5. Experience: Here's where you'll have to think creatively. Start by branching out beyond traditional work experiences. Think clubs, sports, volunteering, or even informal jobs like babysitting or lawn mowing. For each role, include a title, the dates you were involved, and a few bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements.

6. Awards and Certifications: If you have any academic awards or have completed any certifications relevant to the job (like CPR certification for a lifeguarding job), this is a great place to highlight them.

7. References: Traditionally, you can note "References available on request." However, if you have people who are willing to vouch for you - for instance, a club advisor or teacher - you can ask them beforehand and add their contact information.

Tailoring the resume for each specific job by highlighting the relevant experiences and skills will make your application more attractive to potential employers. Don't forget to review and proofread your resume multiple times to ensure there are no errors!