How do I create a resume for my first job out of high school?

I'm a recent high school graduate and looking to apply for my first job. What should I include in my resume when I have limited work experience? Any tips on making it stand out to potential employers?

Creating a resume with limited work experience might seem challenging, but never fret! There are several strategies that you can employ to make your resume stand out.

1. Contact Information: Make sure to include your full name, current mailing address, phone number, and a professional email address.

2. Objective Statement: Since you're a recent high school graduate, starting with an objective statement is a good move. The objective should briefly state your career goal, what you want to accomplish, and the skills you can bring.

3. Education: List your education next. Include your high school, the years you attended, and any significant achievements. If your GPA was strong, you could include it as well.

4. Skills: Include a list of your skills. These could include both hard and soft skills such as proficiency in a second language, problem-solving, team work, time management, and any technical skills like proficiency in specific computer programs.

5. Extracurricular Activities: If you've been involved in clubs, sports, or other activities during high school, definitely put those down. These activities can highlight skills like leadership, teamwork, or initiative.

6. Volunteer/Community Service: If you've completed any volunteer work, be sure to include this as it's a chance to demonstrate your commitment to community service, as well as showcasing more of your skills.

7. Work Experience: Even if you've never held a formal job, you can include informal work experiences like babysitting, lawn care, helping in a family business, or working on your school paper.

8. Certifications and Training: If you completed any special training or earned certifications—such as first aid or CPR, babysitting, lifeguard, or any computer courses—include them.

When creating your resume, remember to keep it consistent, concise, and free from typos or grammatical errors. Use bullet points and action verbs to describe each experience or skill. Tailor your resume to each job you apply to, aligning your skills and experiences with the job requirements. Consider using a free professional template on an online platform to make it visually appealing. Remember, your resume is a chance to market yourself to potential employers, so make sure it best reflects who you are and the value you bring.