Whether it’s a summer job or a part-time
after-school position, you're ready to find a job and start earning your own money?
Maybe you're tired of begging your parents for money, or perhaps you're saving
up for a car or college. Maybe your family is experiencing hard financial times
and you’d like to contribute to the family income stream.
Parents, advantages to you’re teen having a job and many youth themselves
think that employment helps develop a wide range of valuable qualities, such as
responsibility, time-management, curb shyness with adults, and handling money.
Here are my 10 steps to finding and getting your first real job as a teenager.
Step1: Gather the Essential Information
You will need to physically have in your hand your social
security card and a driver's license or a state issued ID card. You will also
need a work permit (which needs to be signed by a parent or guardian). Attached
to this post is a Power Point presentation, outlining how to obtain a work
permit and other important information regarding child labor laws. If you should
have any additional questions on obtaining a work permit, come see your school counselors!
Step 2: Write Your Resume
Most teen job employers do not require a resume, so why write
one? Because most other teen job-seekers won't have one, which makes you stand out. So stand out and shine
and write a resume. Attached to this post, you will find a sample resume and a
short video on getting started with your first resume.
For additional help with creating a resume, see your school
counselor.
Step 3: What to Wear
Ditch the plaid flannel button down and skinny jeans and
purchase (if you don't already have) a nice conservative outfit that you can
wear when applying and interviewing for jobs. In order to dress for success as
a teenage searching for a job, you do not need to wear a formal adult interview
outfit, but looking the part and making a good first impression is essential.
Step 4: What’s Your Approach?
Conduct a little research to help determine the best types of
jobs for you. Ask around but don’t always take your friends advice on where you
should or should avoid working, go see for yourself. Typically, teens find
employment at fast food joints, grocery stores and other retailers, childcare
facilities, community programs and camps, resorts and hotels, and business
offices, but your options are not limited to these choices. Perhaps you try to
find a job related to a career interest, such as working in a veterinary clinic
if you have a passion for helping animals. Other places to look for employment
in our area:
Go Erie.com, Craigslist, Care.com, directly on the businesses
website where you’re interested in working.
Step 5: Practice Your Sell
You need to be able to clearly articulate why you are not only
the best teen for the job, but also why you are better than others who may be
applying for the position. Practice your interviewing skills with an adult or
school counselor.
Step 6: Network
Let everyone know that you’re trying to find a job. Especially
if you are seeking a job that does not typically go to a teenager. Letting
people know you’re in the market for a job, puts more eyes (and ears) out there
looking for you. You still have to apply and interview for the job, but having
an adult put in a good word for you can go a long way!
Step 7: Application and Interview
So much important information here, I will outline it for you…
ü Gather
all necessary materials (see step 1) and take them with you, including A
PEN. Do not, I repeat, do not, go to a place of employment to fill out an
application and ask to borrow a pen.
ü Wear
appropriate, conservative clothing (see step 3) even if you’re just going to pick
up an application. You never know when the manager might be there and want to
interview you on the spot.
ü Be
polite, use please and thank you. Use a firm handshake and do not chew gum
during your interview.
ü Think
about the business you’re applying for and select a down time for that business
to stop by and ask for an application or manager. i.e. don't ’t call or stop by a
restaurant during lunch or dinner hours!
ü
During the interview, remember to smile,
maintain good eye contact, be confident, and talk about how you will make a
great employee.
Step 8: Be Prepared for Rejection
Job openings may not be as plentiful as in the past and you
will face a lot of competition (i.e. Waldameer). So start your job-search with
an open mind and apply to a variety of places, keeping in mind that you may get
a high percentage of rejections.
Step 9: Follow-Up and Through
Many managers or business owners will not like what I’m about
to suggest to you, but this is a case where following the instructions is not always
best. If you filled out an application online, and that was the only way to
submit it, I recommend printing a copy and physically handing it to the person
in charge of hiring. Politely ask for this person, and if another employee
say’s “oh, I’ll get your application to them,” respectfully decline their offer
and mention that you’d really like to introduce yourself to the hiring manager.
Be persistent. If this opportunity is afforded to you, meaningfully introduce
yourself, mention that you applied online and that you’re very interested in
the position and let them know that you’ll be making a follow up call after
they’ve had a change to look over your application. This would also be a good
time to hand them your resume (see step 2).
Then, allow a few days to pass and follow up on the status of
your application. Be professional and ask each employer if they have all the
information they need to make a decision about your application. Consider sending
a handwritten thank-you note, especially after a job interview.
Step 10: Accept the Job Offer and Plan to Shine
Fingers crossed… if you’ve followed all my steps thoroughly…
you’ve been offered at least one job and hopefully it’s the one you wanted. Starting
with your first day on the job, be committed to being one of the best employees
which includes showing up on time and leaving only when your shift is over. Having
a respectable recommendation from your first employer and leaving on good terms
is crucial to getting your second job.
For information on Child Labor Laws, follow this link...PA Child Labor Laws
As always, if you need any assistance with your job search or
application process, please see one of your professional school counselors.
By: Carla O'Connor
FHS School Counselor Intern
