How should a high school student structure a resume if they've never had a job?

I'm a high school junior trying to put together a resume for the first time, but I have no job experience yet. Are there specific things I should include or focus on to make it appealing?

Absolutely! The good news is that your resume should highlight more than just job experience. Here's how you can structure your resume:

1. Contact Information: At the top of the page, include your full name, address, phone number, and professional email address.

2. Objective or Summary: Write a brief introduction about yourself and your goals. Highlight your academic achievements and any strengths you would bring to the table.

3. Education: List out the name of your high school, the location, your graduation year, and then your GPA (only if it's strong). You may also include any relevant courses you are taking or have taken.

4. Extracurricular Activities: This section provides a snapshot of your involvement outside academics. Include any sports teams, clubs, or school groups you are (or were) a part of and any leadership roles you've held. For example, if you are a member of the Debate Team, not only state that but also discuss how you contributed to the team.

5. Volunteer Experience/Community Service: This is another major arena where you can show your dedication and skills. Include any community service or local volunteer experiences.

6. Awards or Achievements: If you've received any honors or awards (both academic or non-academic), be sure to include them. This can consist of anything like accolades from competitions, high test scores, or school-based honors.

7. Skills: Finally, consider adding a skills section. You may include both hard skills (like programming or fluency in a foreign language) and soft skills (like leadership, problem-solving abilities, or communication skills).

Remember to tailor your resume to best fit the situation, such as applying for an internship or a college application. Also, keep it concise, preferably one page. The aim is to make it as easy as possible for the reader to comprehend your strengths and achievements.