Secrets to Landing a Teen Job

APPLY TO JOBS!

Jobs for teens are an American tradition. However, America has changed. While teenagers can still cut lawns, babysit or shovel snow, jobs at companies are harder to obtain. Young people now compete with seniors, college students and unemployed adults for entry-level positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average job seekers take 24.9 weeks to become hired. It is even harder for teens.
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Still, a part time or summer job, if it can be had, is important to a person’s development. Work leads to self-esteem, a strong work ethic, the value of money, and life skills. Employment teaches how to work in teams, how to get along with people who are different than you and how to resolve problems.
Here are some tips to help a teen make a good impression and land a job.

The Interview

1. Your personality must reflect enthusiasm, friendliness, and energy. Even if that is not you normally, step it up for the interview.
2. If you have never worked before, it is fine. Do you have subjects that you excelled at in school? Did you participate in clubs or sports? This matters because it shows initiative.
3. Be respectful. You show respect by dressing up for the job interview, being there on time, and learning all about the company before you arrive.
4. Be ready to answer the following interview questions:
   1. May we call your last supervisor? Always say yes.
   2. What did you like about your last job? What did you dislike? Keep this positive.
   3. How do you get along with people? Show that you can handle customer service.
   4. What are your strongest and weakest skills?
   5. Do you have references? You should have a list, even if it is teachers or clergy.

Where to Find a Job
Don’t listen to your friends. They will tell you that it is too hard to get a job in your town. Your perseverance will set you apart from other teens. After you have applied to the main employers in your area,  and have gone door to door, there are other places to search. This is all about spreading the word! You should tell every adult that you come into contact with that you are looking for a job.

1. The Chamber of Commerce Do you know that most notable businesses belong to the Chamber? Go there and leave your resume. Pin your contact information to the bulletin board. Ask the management to spread the word that you are available and looking for a job. Ask if they know of any company that might need someone. See if they will give you a list of business owners and their phone numbers.
2. Your church If you attend church, or if you know someone who does, spread the word there. Provide your contact information to be posted in the office or in the Sunday school.
3. Utilize the career services at your local colleges. Likewise, utilize your high school counselor for their contacts.
4. Local government Go to your city or county offices and ask about youth work programs.
5. Social Networking If you have graduated high school, put up a profile on LinkedIn. Your profile will include all of your experience, internships, volunteer jobs, and sports or clubs. Look for alumni on LinkedIn that went to your neighborhood college. Also look at the profiles from people who work at local businesses. Network with them! Participate in discussions. Establish a strong presence that people will remember when they are ready to hire. Also consider using Facebook and Twitter to state your job search intentions.

If you go the extra mile, your efforts will land you a job. You just have to decide how bad you want it and apply yourself even if it means going beyond your comfort zone.