What should a high school student's resume look like for a first job?

I'm crafting my first resume to apply for jobs, but I'm not sure what to include as a high school student with minimal experience. What are some key elements or formats that would make my resume stand out?

Absolutely, crafting your first resume may seem daunting, especially when you're unsure about what to include. However, even as a high school student, there are likely many experiences you can add to your resume. Here is a general format you might follow:

1. Contact information: Start by putting your full name, phone number, and email address at the top of your resume. If you have a LinkedIn profile or professional website, consider including those links as well.

2. Objective statement: A well-written objective statement can set the tone and express your career goals. It usually comprises a sentence or two detailing what you hope to accomplish professionally. For example, "Highly-motivated high school student seeking a part-time retail position to gain work experience and develop customer service skills."

3. Education: List your high school, anticipated graduation year, and GPA (if it's strong). If you're taking any Advanced Placement or honors courses that relate to the job you're applying for, mention them here. For instance, if you're applying for a sales job and you're taking AP Statistics, that can demonstrate your quantitative skills.

4. Skills: Highlight the skills you possess that may be relevant to the job. These could range from computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, coding languages if applicable), language fluency, or soft skills like communication and teamwork.

5. Experience: This doesn't just mean work experience. Anything from volunteering, leading a club at school, participating in sports or other extracurricular activities can fit in this section. Even part-time or less formal jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns can illustrate experiences like responsibility, time management, and so on.

6. Awards and Achievements: If you have any noteworthy accolades, whether academic or otherwise, be sure to include them. This could include honor roll, participant in state orchestra, or captain of a sports team, etc.

Remember, the goal of your resume is to show potential employers why you're a good fit for the role, and your willingness to learn and contribute. Keep the format clean, organized, and professional. Each bullet point or statement should be concise and action-oriented. Begin each with a strong action verb, such as "led," "managed," "created," etc.

Last but not least, make sure to proofread your resume for grammar and spelling mistakes. A polished resume shows that you pay attention to detail and take the application process seriously. Good luck!