Building a high school senior resume for job applications

I'm a high school senior preparing to apply for jobs, and I'm struggling with creating a resume. What are some key things I should include, and how do I highlight my skills without much work experience?

I'm glad to hear that you're taking the initiative to prepare a resume. Here's a basic outline of what you might include:

1. Contact Information: Start with your full name, phone number, and professional email address.

2. Objective Statement: This is a brief statement outlining what you're hoping to achieve. An example for a high school student might be, "High school senior with strong leadership skills and an interest in customer service, seeking a role in a team-based, customer-oriented environment."

3. Education: As a high school senior, education should be at the top of your resume. Mention your high school name, location, graduation date, and GPA (if it's strong). If you've taken any relevant courses, do mention those as well.

4. Skills: Highlight your skills that are transferable and relevant to the jobs you're applying to. This could be anything from computer literacy, language proficiency, time management, to leadership ability.

5. Experience: This section doesn't necessarily have to include paid work. Think about any academic projects, volunteer work, clubs, sports teams, or any other activities that demonstrate your abilities and responsibilities. For each one, mention the position you held (if applicable), your responsibilities, and the skills you developed.

6. Achievements and Awards: If you've received any recognition or awards, don't shy away from mentioning them, as they can serve as excellent talking points during an interview and indicate your dedication and competency.

Remember, the goal is to focus on your achievements and activities that demonstrate your skills. Make sure you customize the resume for each job application, focusing on the skills and experiences the employer is looking for based on the job advertisement. Good luck!