Teens can avoid common pitfalls and frustrations while landing their first job by following these job-hunting strategies and tips.
Landing your first job as a teenager can seem like an impossible task. Employers are looking for candidates with experience, and you seem short on that. However, if you attend school, volunteer or participate in a hobby, then you do have work experience employers will consider. Before you rush out to begin applying for jobs, follow these tips to not only land a job, but also find one that you will be happy with.
Develop a Plan
Begin by thinking about the types of work you enjoy. Do you like to work outside, with children, or around food? Next, brainstorm a list of places you would like to work. For example, if you enjoy working outside, you could work at a nursery, a gas dock, or swimming pool. Remember that almost every industry has entry-level job positions, so do not limit yourself to only applying at a fast food restaurant.
Next, plan a transportation strategy for getting to and from work. If you are planning on borrowing your parents' car, figure out which times you can use it. Public transportation is also an option to consider. Look at the routes and times of service in your community. After you have determined your mode of transportation, decide how far you can travel to work and focus your job search in that area.
Also, determine the days and number of hours you are willing to work. Be realistic about your schedule, making sure you have time to sleep, study, and have fun. Remember you can always add more hours to your work schedule later on, but managers may give you a difficult time about reducing hours. Now that you have an idea about your interests and schedule, you can begin looking for jobs that meet your needs.
Start Looking
The easiest place to start looking for a job is to ask your working friends if they know of any job openings at their place of employment. Management is more likely to hire someone referred to them by an employee than someone who walks in off the street. Do not forget to ask your parents to spread the word that you are looking for a job. Their friends may give you the inside scoop on some better paying jobs.
Your school counselor may also have a list of job openings. Employers sometimes call schools looking for student workers. Also, check out your career counseling offices to see if they have a job board where they post jobs. Be sure to check out company websites. Many companies are listing job openings on their own web site, and some even require online applications. Another popular place to look for jobs is classifieds in the local newspaper. When you do see a job lead, follow up the same day, since the competition can be fierce.
Make a Good Impression
Once you have a job lead, get ready to make a good first impression. Start by creating a one-page resume that tells potential employers about your skills, experience and attention to detail. Since this is your first job, your educational and volunteer experience will be vital. If you have a G.P.A of 3.0 or higher, include it in your resume. Also, list any classes that would be relevant to the job.
You will also need at least three references on a separate sheet of paper. Ask teachers, coaches, or neighbors if they would be a character reference for you. You will need to get their full name, address, and daytime phone number. Finally, have a parent or teacher proofread your resume to catch any typos, and then print off several copies on good quality paper.
Before you introduce yourself to the manager, pick out an outfit that will make a good impression. Even if you are applying for a job that involves manual labor and grubby clothes, create a good impression by wearing professional clothes. Guys should wear an ironed dress shirt, tie, and slacks. Gals should wear a conservative skirt and blouse, or dress slacks and top. Also, try to find out the company's policy on body piercing, footwear and hair color, and follow the policy's guidelines when dressing for your interview.
Personal Delivery
In order to stand out from the crowd of job applicants, personally deliver your resume or application to the manager. If you do not see the manager in the store, ask an employee if you could speak to the manager. When you meet the manager, introduce yourself with a smile and explain why you are there. Tell the manager where you heard about the job opening and express your wish to apply. The manager may interview you right there, or they may arrange to meet with you at a later time. Either way, thank the manager for their time before you leave.
Do not get discouraged if you do not hear back from the first place you applied. It may take you dozens of tries before you find the job you are looking for. But, if you are persistent and professional with employers, you will eventually land a job.
