By Renée Ward, Founder, Teens4Hire.org
© All rights reserved.
1. Get the best grades possible in school.
Employers are more inclined to hire teens that are doing well
in school. In addition, employers look at the type of classes
you have been taking. Teens with a rigorous academic program
are preferred.
2. Participate in school-sponsored activities like
clubs and sports.
Employers believe that this demonstrates an ability to get
along with others and that’s what they want.
3. Participate in community activities.
Employers see this as a sign of your ability to serve others.
This experience provides them with insight about how you will
serve customers.
4. Be aggressive. Ask around, surf the web
and go out and look for a job.
A job will not fall in your lap. Most employers don’t
feel the need to advertise to teens. Employers are expecting
that you will seek them out.
Ask everybody you know—teachers, counselors, your parents,
friends, (including the people that your parents and friends
know) about places that are hiring teens. Call or go to the
location and apply.
Look for “now hiring” signs at places where you’d
like to work and ask to speak with the hiring manager for
the establishment. Ask if they will hire teens and if so,
offer to complete an application.
Employers are impressed when teens take the initiative to
ask for a job. It shows employers that you are self-motivated
and really want a job.
Places that traditionally hire teens include;
- Fast food and restaurant establishments
- Amusement/theme/entertainment parks
- Grocery stores
- Hardware and building supply stores
- Hotels and resorts
- Golf courses
- Gas and service stations
- Clothing and accessory stores
- Movie theaters
- Park and recreational facilities
- Day and summer camps
- Childcare providers
- Museums
- Construction companies
- Health care facilities
- Business services
5. Learn how to complete an application
(your Teens4Hire.org profile is a good start.)
Employers want to know about you but they are also looking
for neatness and accuracy in the completion of the application.
Misspelled words and sloppy handwriting are a turn-off.
6. Be prepared to be interviewed on the spot.
Employers may not tell you this but they are sizing you up
the first time they see you so it’s best to be prepared.
Dress appropriately for business. While nose and tongue rings
might be cool among your friends, most employers still frown
upon their use in the workplace.
7. Practice talking about yourself beforehand.
It helps to be prepared for the interview. The more comfortable
you are the better. Employers are impressed by teens who make
eye contact, shake hands firmly and are confident about themselves.
If you’re an above average student, say so. If you have
other talents, skills and abilities that would be helpful
on the job, make sure the interviewer knows it. Be positive
and take your time answering questions. Answer in full sentences
and talk about what you bring to the job.
8. Learn something about the company where you want
to work.
Employers are charmed when teens know something about the
company and share it. It shows you are really taking an interest
in them.
9. Follow up.
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for the
opportunity. Ask when you will be notified if you have the
job. Write a thank you note to the interviewer. Follow up
with the interviewer if you don't hear back within a week.
Employers need to know you are serious.
10. If you land the job, be a good employee.
Earn a positive reference.
Employers expect that you will a) be on time, b) be positive,
c) work well with others and 4) do the best job you can. This
is important! Getting good references will be a viable part
of your ongoing career. New employers will always ask past
employers about how well you have performed on the job.
Be Determined
If at first you don't succeed, brush it off. Remain positive
and move on to the next possibility. The more you search and
the more applications you submit, the more likely you will
land a job.
Consider Alternatives.
If you can afford to, consider other alternatives to working
for pay this spring and summer. Attend summer school or volunteer.
This experience will look great on your application next year.