How can I build a resume to get a job while I'm in high school?

I'm a high school junior trying to get my first job, but I'm clueless about how to create a resume. Any tips on showcasing school activities or volunteer work to appeal to employers? Is there a specific format I should follow?

Building a strong resume is a vital step in landing a job, whether you're a high school student or a seasoned professional.

1. Firstly, it's important to maintain a consistent and easy-to-read format for your resume. As a high school student, your resume should be one page long, divided into sections like contact information, education, work experience, and activities and volunteer work. It's best to use professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 10-12-point sizes.

2. Begin with your contact information: your full name, phone number, and professional email address go here. You might also include the URL to an online portfolio if you have one.

3. Under education, you can list your high school name, graduation year, and any relevant coursework. If your GPA is strong, you may want to include it. Be sure to mention any advanced or relevant elective classes you’ve taken.

4. If you have any work experience, include it in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Even if it's unpaid work like a family business, it can still be included in this section.

5. Activities and volunteer work can make a significant difference as they show employers that you're proactive and can balance multiple responsibilities. List these, along with the role you performed and the period during which you were involved. This could include school clubs, sports teams, or local community volunteer work. Showcasing your achievements in these extracurriculars can help you stand out too!

6. While a typical professional resume might contain a skills section, as a high school student, you might not have many specific skills to list right now. However, you might want to include any technical skills, such as proficiency in a foreign language, or experience with software like Microsoft Word or Google Sheets.

7. Lastly, consider asking one or two professors, volunteer coordinators, or adults who know you well to be references and ask if it's okay to include their contact information on your resume.

Remember that your goal is to show potential employers that even as a high schooler, you have the drive and capability to excel in a job. The most important thing is to highlight your achievements and stay honest throughout your resume. Good luck with your job search!