Your high school name, expected graduation year, and GPA belong at the top. List your extracurricular activities — sports, clubs, student government, theater — and any leadership positions you hold. These demonstrate commitment and social skills that employers value. A student who captains a sports team has leadership experience even without formal work history.

Babysitting, lawn mowing, pet sitting, tutoring classmates, helping at a family business, or neighborhood odd jobs all count as work experience. Treat each one as an experience entry with bullet points. Even a few months of weekend babysitting shows initiative and responsibility to a first employer.

For a first job, references matter significantly because work history is limited. Ask a teacher, coach, counselor, or religious leader who can speak to your character and work ethic. Mention in your cover letter or application that references are available — and make sure your references know they may be contacted.