For instance, if you love animals, you could apply to be a dog walker, pet sitter, or receptionist at a groomer or vet office. If you’ve played a particular sport for years, you could be a youth referee or umpire. You could babysit if you enjoy kids, or tutor in a subject you excel at in school. If you’re interested in a specific career path, you could look for a related job or paid or unpaid internship in that field.
You could also ask your friends about their jobs to get an idea of what type of work is available. You shouldn’t dread going to work, but you might need to take a job that doesn’t align with your interests if you want to earn a paycheck.
When in doubt, run a job listing by a parent or another trusted adult. Ask them whether or not they think the opportunity is legitimate. Bear in mind a job search is a job in itself. You may feel like you’ll only need to apply for a handful of jobs, but you should apply for as many as possible. [2] X Research source
Dress well, shake the manager’s hand, and make natural eye contact. It’s okay if you feel nervous, but do your best to relax, have confidence, and just be yourself. If you fill out an application on-site, use your best handwriting, answer questions with complete sentences, and double check your grammar and spelling. You should also have your resume on hand and ask if you can leave a copy with your application.
A job hunt is a valuable learning opportunity. If a friend or relative is able to find you a job, you should still go through the application process as any other employee would. [5] X Research source
Additionally, make sure you’re legally able to meet a job’s responsibilities. For instance, in many locations, teens under 16 aren’t allowed to climb ladders. If you’re 15, a job that would require you to routinely climb a ladder wouldn’t be a good choice. Steer clear of employers that don’t take labor laws seriously. They don’t have their workers’ best interests in mind if they’re willing to let a teen work longer hours than permitted or perform duties that aren’t allowed.
Your email address should sound professional, such as a combination of your name or initials and numbers. Additionally, it should be a personal account, not a school address. There’s no need to include a street address on a resume.
For instance, your objective statement could be, “Motivated high school senior seeking an entry level retail position that would further develop my teamwork and customer relations skills. ” Use strong action words in the objective statement and throughout the resume. For instance, describe yourself in the summary as “motivated,” “resourceful,” or “enthusiastic. ” Relate how you “created,” “planned,” “assisted,” or “organized” in the experience section.
Volunteer work, babysitting and other odd jobs, and school activities can all demonstrate your ability to be a dedicated employee. Label the section “Experience,” skip a line, and begin with you first, most recent entry. Type the organization’s name or, for odd jobs, a general title, such as “Babysitter” or “Volunteer Tutor. ” Then include the dates that you held the position. Beneath the title, type a brief description, such as, “Collected and organized food donations and served meals at the local food pantry. ”
It’s often helpful to take a break for at least a few hours before proofreading. That way, you can double check your work with fresh eyes.
Take the type of business into account. For instance, you should definitely wear a tie if you’re applying at a fancy restaurant or high-end retailer.
Find out who owns the company, when it was founded, and how it operates. For instance, if you’re applying at a restaurant, learn about its menu, what dishes it’s known for, and whether it offers services like takeout or delivery. Researching companies before attending interviews will be especially helpful when you hunt for a full-time job. Getting into the habit now will help prepare you for your future career endeavors.
Example interview questions include, “How would you describe yourself? What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want this job, and what would you bring to the table?” Remember to come off as enthusiastic, responsible, and able to follow directions. These are the top qualities employers look for in part-time teen workers.
Asking about wages and time off during an interview can turn off a potential employer. That said, you shouldn’t take a job without finding out how much it pays. If the employer didn’t already post the hourly rate or mention it in the interview, you should ask about it. Keep in mind it’s a good idea to ask questions about the company first instead of immediately asking about wages.
Remember that a job hunt is a process, and it’s okay if you don’t get a job right away. Do your best to be patient, stay positive, and keep applying to openings.
