What should I put on my resume if I'm a high schooler looking for an internship?

We've all been there! Trying to get your first job, and seeing what the "real world" is like.

A lot of it will depend on the available internships. Often they are more set up for "college level" applicants that have specialized skills (programming/accounting/other). They often will both gauge an applicant for that job, and be a way to recruit good help. Nice to have a little money when you are in college!

But for a moment, let's assume that there is an internship or job that matches your skills. You need to tell an employer about any skills that you have that apply. Classes, projects, or things you have done are good to put on a resume.

Also realize that a lot of any job is "just showing up", and meeting your commitments. Are you a member of a sports team? Or a marching band? Or worked on a theater production? All of these require commitment that translate well to a job. You may need someone to vouch how you did, but find some people that know what you did, and are willing to talk to an employer. Put their names and contacts as references.

It is also a LOT easier to go to a job if you are REALLY interested in it! Mention why you are interested in this job in particular, and that can help convince the person making the decision that you would go "above and beyond" because you WANT to.. not because you are EXPECTED to...

Don't forget that dedication can show in your report card/transcripts. If you are an above average student, highlight that. Don't get boring... but if you have had some relevant classes that you got an "A", I would mention that as well.

Be kind to the person reading your resume. Look at it from their viewpoint: "Is this a good candidate for this job?". Provide them information to answer that question... but don't give them all the details. Those should come later in interviews. You may need different resumes for different jobs. That's fine And sometimes that answer is "no... this isn't job isn't a good match". It happens to ALL of us. But don't give up... if you stop fishing you NEVER get a fish! :)

Best of luck! And enjoy this next step....

Put in what you like to do the most, if you like biotech, then put in what you know in this area.
Make sure your goal is clearly stated in your resume as you would like to work for a research Lab in a university or company.

I would put your recent work history, even if it just working at a fast food place. But I would emphasise specific extra curriculars and classes.

For example, if you are going for a science internship, and you were a class manager in your chemistry class, saying you were in charge of class room equipment looks really good. The same goes if you've held a leadership position in a club, or for vollunteer work.

Including a cover letter saying how your experience relates to the position looks good also.

Good luck.

Resumes should be tailored for each position you apply for....so don't just have one resume you send out for each and every position. That's generally not a good idea. For students, you can include this kind of info at the beginning of your resume where most people put their "objective". I would suggest looking at different examples on resume-building websites and find one you like and that works for you. And "sell yourself " instead of just stating what you want. Example: "Diligent and detailed student seeking internship at Wakefield Research Company. Posses excellent writing and computing skills".

Also - not having any paid jobs is fine. As a student, your resume should include info such as GPA (if it's good), Relevant coursework for the position you are applying for, honors and awards, volunteer experience, positive characteristics. Your school counselor should be able to help you with a resume as well as some other resume-building & helpful websites.
Here's a few:

https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/internship-resume-example

http://www.wmich.edu/brain/Resumes%20for%20Undergraduates.pdf

http://aip.ucsd.edu/_files/resume-cover-letter-writing

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/internship-resume-sample