Many teens are looking for their first job. Often they want to buy a car, pay for clothes, go to the movies and eat out with friends. Teen jobs are not always at McDonalds. We have listed many of the traditional types of jobs for 16 year olds on our site but there are many niche type opportunities available too. These job openings are discovered usually through other people. Finding a job through someone you know is a proven way to find employment. The employer is more likely to hire someone who comes to them via someone with whom they are familiar. There are other tips to keep in mind that can be essential to finding jobs for teens. Please read on.
Job Searching Tips
Interview Tips
On the Job
These tips are recommended by people who have hired many employees. They have also done some of the jobs listed. Everyone starts at the bottom. Celebrities, presidents of companies and rich business owners have all began with their first job and have never forgotten the lessons they learned.
Job Searching Tips
- Ask your guidance counselor at school for referrals. Employers will let your counselor know when they need some teenage help.
- Be present. Participate in groups in sports, academia, or on social websites. Spread the word that you are looking for a job with your relatives and with people who know your parents. Ask people if they know of anyone who is hiring. You might find an opportunity just by being somewhere and being ready.
- Try to find a job that will give you some valuable skills. Don’t take a job that is below your skill level. Even though there is honor in all work, you don’t want to put stickers on bottles all night. This will not teach you anything in preparation for your final career.
- Dress for success. No matter what the job, come to an interview with slacks, not jeans, not a tee shirt, nor sneakers. Dress professionally. Take off excess makeup and body jewelry. Someone suggested “wear church clothes”.
- Groom yourself neatly. Comb your hair, clean your finger nails, and discard gum.
- Veterinarian Helper –Feed and walk animals. Clean the hospital. Administer medications.
- Farm helper – Sorting crops, feed livestock, and clean stalls.
- Laundry or Dry Cleaner Helper – Clean, hang and fold laundry.
- Small business store assistant – Many small businesses such as antique stores, shoe stores, bakeries, gift shops, and jewelry stores might need help. Duties could range from moving furniture to decorating cakes.
- Boutique Clothing Store Associate – Stock shelves, fold and hang clothing, prepare displays, and sell items.
- Grocery Store Clerk – stock shelves, clean up, bag groceries, and collect carts.
- Newspaper Delivery – Add inserts, fold and deliver papers. Collect payment and tips from customers.
- Busser/Dish Washer – Set restaurant tables, fill water glasses, clear tables, clean floors, wash dishes, and assist servers.
- Food Stand Worker – Over the summer, your town or nearby towns will have County fairs. See if any of the food vendors need help. Also ask at seasonal restaurants that open in warm weather such as ice cream shops and juice places.
- Library Assistant – Put books on shelves. Help people find books. Check books in and out.
Interview Tips
- Make eye contact with your hiring manager. Shake hands with a firm grip.
- Articulate clearly. Don’t speak too loudly or too softly. Practice what you will say to interview questions before you get there. Drive to the interview location the day before. Learn the route and about any traffic problems.
- Write clearly on your application! The application may be your first impression. If you are filling it out at the place of business, bring your resume with you. Copy words that you are unsure of spelling from your resume onto the application.
- Be confident. Know what your strengths are. Tell the interviewer how you will be an asset to the company.
- Bring a positive friendly attitude to the interview. If you will be working with customers, your attitude is one of the most important attributes to good customer service.
- Convey that you are willing to learn. Your employer knows that you are inexperienced but will not mind training someone who is eager to learn.
- Be available for as many shifts as possible. You are starting at the bottom. Your employer will appreciate someone who will take shifts that no one else wants. If you have after school activities that will interfere with work, then you might not be able to take on a job at that time.
On the Job
- Own up to your mistakes. Be honest, and the boss will be more forgiving. Remember every mistake or failure is just an opportunity to learn and practice problem solving.
- Carry your weight on the team. One thing that you will be sure to learn in most jobs is how to work on a team. Your team mates will let you know if they have to pick up your slack.
- Give 100% work effort. Your employer is paying you and expects work for pay.
- Be reliable. Do what your boss asks in a timely manner. Be on time.
- Figure out ways to improve the way you do your tasks. Don’t just come to work. Add value by improving efficiency and by finding cost saving techniques.
- Be respectful. You may become frustrated by your work. Always remember that you are the employee. You will have to swallow a little pride sometimes.
- Strive for excellence. If you are good at what you do, you will be recognized. This could lead to a promotion or to a great referral to your next job or college application. If you are working with customers, be great at service. Good customer service is the foundation to many successful businesses. If you are working in sales, sell a lot. If you are working at production, move fast and accurately.
These tips are recommended by people who have hired many employees. They have also done some of the jobs listed. Everyone starts at the bottom. Celebrities, presidents of companies and rich business owners have all began with their first job and have never forgotten the lessons they learned.
Also See Career Selection for Teens
