How do I write a resume for my first job as a high school student?

I'm a high school junior trying to land my first job, but I'm not sure how to write a resume without much experience. What should I include to make my resume stand out to employers?

I understand where you're coming from! Writing a resume for your first job can seem challenging, especially when you don't have much work experience. But remember, employers hiring high school students understand that you might not have an extensive job history. Instead, they’re interested in your ability to demonstrate responsibility, work ethic, and skills that are applicable to the job.

So to start, you should definitely include your contact information at the top: your name, address, email, and phone number.

Next comes the objective statement. This is a brief statement that demonstrates your career goals and why you're interested in the role. Keep it concise and tailored to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're applying to be a library assistant, you might say: "Motivated high school junior seeking a library assistant position to leverage strong organizational skills and passion for literature."

Then, list your education. Include where you currently attend high school and your expected graduation date. If you have a high GPA or are involved in honor societies or advanced curriculum, this could be a nice place to showcase that.

Now, for the Experience section, consider activities you have participated in. Clubs, sports, volunteering, projects, leadership roles, babysitting, pet-sitting, lawn mowing, or tutoring can all be considered experience. Write a few bullet points for each experience, focusing on your responsibilities and skills used or gained. For example, if you're in the debate club, you could mention how it improved your public speaking and teamwork skills.

Finally, under the Skills section, highlight the key skills you have that are relevant to the job. For the library assistant position, these might be: attention to detail, customer service, organization, or basic computer skills.

Remember to format consistently, use a professional-sounding email address, and proofread thoroughly! Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for, focusing on the skills and experience that make you a good fit for that particular role.

Best of luck with your job hunt!