How to fill out a job application as a high school graduate?

I'm graduating high school soon and starting job applications, but I'm not sure how to properly fill them out to make a good impression. Any advice on showcasing skills and activities when applying without much experience?

When applying for jobs as a recent high school graduate, it's essential to focus on the skills you can transfer from your high school experience to the workspace. Here's a general outline of how you can fill out your applications:

1. Contact Information: This is the top portion of your resume including your full name, phone number, and professional email address. You want to ensure potential employers can reach you. A professional email typically includes your name or initials, avoid emails with nicknames or extra characters.

2. Objective Statement: As a recent graduate, it's good to start with an objective or summary. This should be a one or two-sentence statement on your long-term career objectives and what you hope to bring to the potential job.

3. Education: Your educational background is one of the assets you bring as a recent graduate. Include your high school, graduation date, and GPA (if it's strong).

4. Skills: Here, list the hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This can include technical skills like proficiency in specific software, along with soft skills like team leadership, communication, organizational skills, etc. If you have any language skills, be sure to mention them as well.

5. Experience: This can include formal and informal activities: part-time jobs, temporary work, volunteer work, internships, school projects, or extracurricular activities. When listing these experiences, include the role you had, your responsibilities, and any achievements or significant contributions.

For example:

- If you were a member of the student council, you can mention your role and responsibilities and how you coordinated events or took part in decision-making.

- If you've been part of a school project, especially one that has recognizable outcomes, mention the role you played in the team and the project’s impact.

6. References: While some applications may not specifically ask for references, it's always good to have 2-3 references prepared who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, and character. These can be teachers, counselors, coaches, or individuals you've worked with in the capacity of a part-time job or volunteer role.

Remember, when filling out job applications or writing your resume, honesty is crucial. Ensure every detail you provide is accurate. Tailor your applications to each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experiences that make you a good fit for that particular role. Good luck!