Writing My First High School Job Resume

I'm applying to my first job while I'm still in high school and need to create a resume. What should I include on it? I don't have a lot of work experience. Any tips on how to make it stand out?

Creating your first resume can feel a bit daunting, but don't worry! Even if you don't have much work experience, there are several other aspects you can include to highlight your potential value to an employer.

1. Contact Information: Start with your full name, phone number, and professional email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile, consider including that as well.

2. Objective Statement: This is a short, concise statement that details what you’re hoping to achieve in applying for this job. For example, “High school honor student seeking part-time retail position to gain customer service and teamwork experience.”

3. Education: List your high school, expected graduation date, and current GPA (if it's strong). If you've taken any relevant coursework (like a business class for a retail job), list that as well.

4. Skills: List any competencies that could be useful at your prospective job. Skills may include proficiency in a foreign language, computer literacy, leadership qualities, or strong time management.

5. Extracurricular activities: Showcase team participation, leadership role in a club, or involvement in volunteer work. This gives employers a glimpse into your ability to manage your time effectively and work with others.

6. Awards and achievements: Include academic honors, sports awards, or any other recognition you've received over the years.

7. Work Experience: Even if you’ve never held a formal job, you can still detail informal work experiences such as babysitting, dog walking, or lawn mowing. Talk about the responsibilities you had and the skills you developed through these roles.

8. References: Employers often want to speak to people who can vouch for your past performance. High school teachers, club advisors, or family friends can be good options here. Make sure to get their permission before listing them.

Formatting your resume is also critical. Use a clear, easy-to-read font and keep everything consistent. Bullet points are a great way to make information easily digestible. Remember to keep it to a single page.

One last tip: tailor your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the job you're applying for. This shows you've put thought into how you'd fit into that specific role. Good luck with your job hunt!