How do I craft a resume for a summer job as a high school student?

I'm hoping to get a summer job, but I'm unsure how to create a resume that stands out. What should I include to make it appealing, even without a lot of work experience?

I'm happy to help guide you through creating your resume. It's quite normal for high school students not to have much work experience, so don't stress about that. What you'll want to highlight are your skills, extracurricular activities, and any relevant experiences you've had that can transfer to a job setting. Here's a quick guide:

1. Contact Information: This includes your name, phone number, and professional email address. Remember, first impressions do matter, so make sure your email address is appropriate.

2. Objective Statement: This is a short, 1-2 sentence about who you are and what type of job you're seeking. It could be something like, "Dedicated high school student seeking a summer job where I can utilize my organizational and customer service skills."

3. Skills: List skills that would be useful in a job setting. This could include communication skills, organizational skills, leadership abilities, or competency in areas like Microsoft Office.

4. Education: You will state your high school and expected graduation date. You can also include your GPA here if it's strong, but it's not mandatory.

5. Extracurricular Activities: This is where you can shine! Things like club involvement, sports teams, volunteer work, or any leadership roles you've held can be highlighted. For each one, try to include any tangible achievements or responsibilities you had.

6. Work Experience: If you have any work experience, including part-time jobs, internships, or even significant chores around the house, you can include it here. You will highlight the tasks you were in charge of and the skills you learned or demonstrated.

7. References: Normally, you can write "available upon request." However, if you're applying for your first job, you might include 1-2 references at the bottom of your resume. These could be from teachers, coaches, or anyone else who can speak to your character and responsibility.

Remember, your resume doesn't have to be long. One page is perfectly fine and expected for high school students. Also, make sure to proofread! Employers will be impressed by attention to detail and proper grammar. Good luck!