How should I structure my first job resume as a high school student?

I'm a high school junior looking for my first job, and I'm a bit lost on how to create my resume. What should I include to make it appealing to employers? Any tips or templates that are particularly good for someone in my situation?

Absolutely, creating a resume for your first job may feel overwhelming, but remember, we all have to start somewhere! Here are some resume sections and what to include in them that should help you get off to a good start.

1. Contact Information: This includes your full name, phone number, and email address. Ensure your email address is professional - ideally, it should be a combination of your first and last name.

2. Objective Statement: Briefly state your objective for wanting to work, what you hope to bring to the job and how the job will benefit you in your career or personal goals.

3. Education: Include your high school name, location, your GPA (if it's strong), and anticipated graduation date.

4. Coursework: List relevant courses you've taken that apply to the job. For example, if you're applying for a retail job, list any business or economics courses.

5. Skills: Mention any relevant skills that could apply to the job. These might include technical skills like proficiency in a certain software, or soft skills like good communication or leadership.

6. Extracurricular Activities: Playing on a sports team, participating in a club, or volunteering showcases your skills and interests while illustrating that you can successfully balance commitments.

7. Awards and Certifications: Include any honors you've received, academic or otherwise, and any certifications you may have, like First Aid or CPR.

8. Work Experience: While this might be your first official job, include experience like babysitting, mowing lawns, or other service you've provided in your community. Specify the duration (i.e., summer 2022) and briefly list what your responsibilities were.

Keep in mind, your resume should typically be one page long, and you should prioritize quality over quantity. You want to present a focused view of your skills and experiences that align best with the job description.

As for templates, high schools often have resources, like career centers, that can provide student-friendly resume templates. Online resources like Appily and other career-oriented websites will often have free resume templates, and word processing software like Google Docs or Microsoft Word also generally have basic templates you can start with.