Tips for a high school resume aimed at my first job?

I’m trying to put together a resume for my first job application. What should I emphasize, and are there any common mistakes high schoolers make that I should avoid?

For a first job resume, you might not have a lot of work experience to highlight, but keep in mind that you can replace traditional work experiences with relevant activities, internships, or volunteer work. Here are some tips for building an effective high school resume:

1. Contact Information: This should be right at the top. First and last name, email, and phone number are mandatory. Consider adding social media platforms if they are professionally appropriate.

2. Objective Statement: As this is your first job, a concise objective statement that outlines your career goal can help employers understand what you're hoping to achieve. It can be as simple as "Motivated high school student seeking a part-time retail position".

3. Education: List your high school and expected graduation date. If you're taking advanced courses, or if you have an impressive GPA, consider highlighting those here too.

4. Experience: As mentioned earlier, work experience doesn't have to be formal. If you ever babysat, mowed lawns, volunteered for a cause or event, or participated in an internship, list those here. Mention your responsibilities and any accomplishments or learned skills during that experience.

5. Skills: Highlight hard and soft skills that may be useful in the job. This could be languages spoken, proficiency in specific software, or skills like teamwork and time management.

6. Extracurricular Activities: Present the clubs, sports, organizations, or school committees you're a part of. This demonstrates your ability to juggle multiple commitments and shows you're engaged outside academic work.

7. Awards and Certifications: If you've received any awards, perhaps for academic achievements or leadership, highlight them. The same goes for certifications like first aid or coding languages.

Now, for common mistakes:

1. Typos and grammar errors: Proofread your resume multiple times to avoid this common but crucial mistake.

2. Length: A page is more than enough for a high school resume. Keep it concise.

3. Generic descriptions: Instead of saying "Participated in a school club", quantify your contributions with something like "Served as Secretary of the Drama Club, coordinating events for 45 members".

4. Non-professional email: Make sure you have a professional-sounding email ID, preferably a variation of your name. Your childhood nickname email address might not make the right impression.

Don't forget to customize your resumé for each job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Good luck with your job search!