How can I create my first high school job resume?

I'm looking for tips or a template to write my first resume for a job as a high school student. What sections should I include and how can I make my limited experience stand out to potential employers?

Your first resume is a rewarding opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments thus far. Here is a general guideline:

1. Contact Information:

Begin with your full name, email address, and phone number. Be sure to use a professional email address.

2. Objective:

Here's where you articulate your career goal in a brief statement. It could look something like this, "Motivated high school student seeking a customer service position to leverage skills in organizing, communication, and problem-solving."

3. Education:

Include the name of your high school and your expected graduation date. You may also want to include your GPA if it's strong, and any relevant coursework.

4. Skills:

Highlight the skills you possess that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This could include things like computer proficiency, foreign language skills, communication skills, or problem-solving capabilities.

5. Experience:

This is where you list any job experience, even if it's limited. Remember that volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and informal jobs like babysitting or lawn mowing also count as experience.

6. Achievements:

If you've received any awards or honors, list them in this section. Ensure to include the name of the award, the organization that presented it, and the date you received it.

7. Activities:

List any clubs or organizations you're a part of, and describe your role or contribution.

8. References:

It's also common to include a list of references. This could be former employers, teachers, or coaches who can vouch for your work ethic and personality traits. Always ask the individual if they're comfortable with you using them as a reference before you list them.

Remember, the key to a successful resume isn't just about listing facts; you want to showcase your accomplishments and transferable skills. Whenever possible, use action verbs like "led," "managed," "completed," or "achieved." Spell check, keep it to one page, and make sure it looks clean and professional. Good luck!