Legalities for Teen Workers
There are limits on where and when a teen can work depending on their age. Check here for more information about that. If you are 16 years old and older, there are fewer restrictions. If you need a permit, ask your high school guidance counselor for help with that.
Parent Approval
You think you are ready to get a job. You will need your parent’s approval and support. When you tell your parents, they might have some objections. They will say that you have to concentrate on school. They will also be concerned with how you will get to and from a part time job. You have to consider transportation issues. If you are truly ready to get a job, you have to ask yourself how committed you are to making both school and a job a priority. Once you are certain you can do both, tell your parents how dedicated you will be. Be confident in how hard you will work and how competent you are. Another way to win over your parents is to tell them that you will be putting money aside for savings, a car or for college.
Preparing to Hunt for Jobs
The first thing to do is to think about the hours that you can be available. A flexible schedule is of paramount importance to a manager. If you have too many after school activities, then a job might not be possible.
A teenager who is going out to find a job should have a Resume. See advice on resumes for teens here. Having this paper ready will be impressive to the hiring manager. Another benefit to preparing your resume is that, in the process, you will see all of your skills and experience and as a result, will be more confident.
Next, make a list of potential employers. You can look online at Teen Career Center, you can note the businesses in your town, and you can add the names of places where friends and family work.
It is also advisable to research places where you want to work. Look up the company online. See what their mission is. Read about the things that they are proud of. Read their job opening descriptions. What are they looking for? Take note of the terminology that they use. Put those words into your resume. Do you meet the qualifications?
A teenager who is going out to find a job should have a Resume. See advice on resumes for teens here. Having this paper ready will be impressive to the hiring manager. Another benefit to preparing your resume is that, in the process, you will see all of your skills and experience and as a result, will be more confident.
Next, make a list of potential employers. You can look online at Teen Career Center, you can note the businesses in your town, and you can add the names of places where friends and family work.
It is also advisable to research places where you want to work. Look up the company online. See what their mission is. Read about the things that they are proud of. Read their job opening descriptions. What are they looking for? Take note of the terminology that they use. Put those words into your resume. Do you meet the qualifications?
The Search for Part Time Jobs
The best and quickest way to get a job is through people you know. 40% of jobs are filled because of referrals! Let everyone you know that you are searching. Post it on Facebook. Ask teachers and friends if they know anyone who needs help or if they can get you an application with their employer. Other ways to find a job are by walking around to stores and restaurants and asking for an application, attending local job fairs, and by going to your county or city job placement office.
Places to consider working include theme or amusement parks, ice cream shops, gas stations, baseball parks, fairs, pizza places, small groceries, movie theaters, deli’s, bagel stores, bowling alleys, fast food restaurants, video game stores, animal shelters, camps, babysitting, lifeguard, and house painting. Note that any establishment that serves alcohol or sells cigarettes may not be able to hire you.
Places to consider working include theme or amusement parks, ice cream shops, gas stations, baseball parks, fairs, pizza places, small groceries, movie theaters, deli’s, bagel stores, bowling alleys, fast food restaurants, video game stores, animal shelters, camps, babysitting, lifeguard, and house painting. Note that any establishment that serves alcohol or sells cigarettes may not be able to hire you.
After You Get the Job
Now is the time to learn how to behave with maturity and respect in order to be successful at work. You should want to develop a good reputation as a good worker and a great employee. Arrive on time to your shift. Dress properly and stay off your cell phone. Make customer service a priority. Leave your personal problems at home. If you need to quit the job, give your boss as much time as you can to find a replacement. Work your last days with as much effort and professionalism as you would give any other time.
Last Tips
Do not give up. You will probably receive many rejections while you are job searching. If you don’t get discouraged, you will eventually receive a “yes”. If you cannot get a job within a business, you may have to be entrepreneurial. Work from home mowing lawns, clearing snow, babysitting, or dog walking. There are also many online opportunities. There is always a way to make money if you persist.