Buzz
For many teens, securing their first job is an important rite of passage. It's a fantastic way to earn money while gaining valuable experience and work skills. Once you find a job that fits your school schedule, it's time to create a resume and cover letter for your potential employer. If your application catches their attention, they'll invite you to an interview to assess if you're the right fit for the position. With dedication and preparation, your first job is just one application away.
Steps
Job Openings
Choose a job in a location that is easy for you to get to. You’ll want a job that’s convenient to reach on workdays. If you don’t have a driver’s license, working at a bookstore 30 miles away might not be the best choice. Look for a job you can easily walk or bike to, or ask an older family member if they can help with transportation.
Find jobs that fit your schedule. Some jobs are more suitable than others if you're still in school. For instance, if a job requires you to work afternoons and you're in high school, it might not be the best fit. When applying, check with your potential employer if they hire students and if they’re flexible with hours. Your education should always come first, and no job is worth compromising your grades.
- Pick a job that doesn’t require more than 15 hours a week to maintain a healthy balance with your studies.
- Many states and countries have regulations on the number of hours teens can work each week.
Leverage your skills. This may be your first job search, but don’t overlook the talents you already have. If you're part of your school band, consider offering oboe lessons, or check out jobs at local music stores. If you're a top student, you could become a tutor or apply for positions at your local library.
- Take some time with your parents or mentor to make a list of your strengths, and brainstorm potential job opportunities that match.
- If you love working on gadgets, consider jobs related to repairing things. Tech enthusiasts, for example, may seek computer repair gigs.
Look for local odd jobs. Neighborhood jobs are perfect for fitting into your schedule. You could ask around if anyone needs help with tasks like mowing the lawn or raking leaves. If you're good with kids, babysitting for young families could be another option.
- To start babysitting, begin by asking friends of your parents or older relatives. You can build your experience and reputation from there.
Consider retail or food service work. Retail and food service jobs are fantastic first-time opportunities as these employers often hire teens. Working in food service helps develop customer service and cooking skills, while retail jobs provide great experience in social interaction, organization, and managing cash registers.
- Many teens enjoy waitressing or waitering as it allows them to earn more money through tips.
Check local job boards. Browse the classified section of your local newspaper or sites like Craigslist for job postings. Most job boards let you narrow your search by location, job type, and experience level. Reach out to employers for more information on application requirements, then send your resume and cover letter once you find a job that’s a good fit.
Resume
Consider what qualities your potential employer might value. Make a list of relevant skills and experiences that match the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a job at a pet store, your Astronomy grades might not be important, but your volunteering experience at an animal shelter would be highly relevant. You have limited space on your resume, so make sure to focus on what matters most.
- If appropriate, include academic achievements like your GPA, awards, or projects you've completed.
- Don't forget to include your contact details (especially your phone number and email address) so potential employers can reach out to you.
Showcase your leadership experience. Once you’ve gained some work experience, you can list it on your resume. But for your first job, highlight any leadership roles you’ve taken on to demonstrate your motivation and commitment. For example, maybe you were your school's class president or volunteered as a summer camp counselor. Be sure to mention the position, the duration, and the skills you gained.
- Even if you haven't been formally employed, include any part-time jobs (like babysitting or yard work) or community service roles.
- Always be truthful on your resume. If you exaggerate your experiences, your employer will likely find out, and this could cost you the job. Focus on presenting your real accomplishments as accurately as possible.
Emphasize your skills. Add any skills that might be of value to your potential employer. Perhaps you're a good listener, fluent in French, or have experience with Java programming. Skills can also include certifications, your creative talents, languages, or software knowledge.
- Tailor your skillset to match the traits companies desire. Instead of writing "loves to read," for instance, you could say "strong reading comprehension." Employers are more likely to notice practical skills rather than personal hobbies.
Have a trusted adult or parent proofread your resume. After completing your resume, ask a mentor or parent to review it for you. It's important to ensure that your resume is free of grammatical and spelling mistakes, as errors could hurt your chances of landing an interview. Take their feedback into account and refine your resume accordingly.
- Save your resume and cover letter as a PDF file. PDFs are compatible with both Macs and PCs and typically display the same on both, making them the most professional format for sharing your documents.
Job Application
Review the experience required for the position. Many employers prefer candidates with prior work experience or relevant certifications. While some positions may offer on-the-job training, others may not. For instance, if you’re interested in becoming a lifeguard, verify if CPR certification is required. If you’re applying for a job at a bakery, ask whether a culinary degree is preferred.
- Don’t forget to check the age requirements. Certain companies may only hire individuals who are at least 16 or 18 years old. Applying for jobs that align with your qualifications will make the process more efficient.
Prepare a cover letter. A cover letter is an excellent way to introduce yourself and expand on the qualifications highlighted in your resume. It allows you to personalize your application and explain your motivation for wanting to work with the employer. Be sure to mention the value you can bring to the company, and feel free to include any references that support your application.
- Avoid using family members as references. Instead, consider teachers, mentors, coaches, or other trusted adults who are familiar with your character and work ethic.
- Ask a friend or mentor to review your cover letter to ensure it’s error-free.
Customize your resume for each job application. Before submitting your resume, carefully review the job description again and tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills. For example, if you're applying for a front desk position, you might emphasize "excellent customer service skills." For a tutoring job, you could mention your academic honors and achievements.
Submit your cover letter and resume either by email or in person. If possible, deliver your resume and cover letter in person. This allows employers to put a face to the name and demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment. If you must submit online, paste your cover letter into the body of the email and attach your resume as a file.
- Always ask before submitting your resume in person, as some employers may prefer digital submissions over printed copies.
Interview
Prepare a list of your strengths and experiences in advance. Take some time to jot down any notable strengths that come to mind. Reflect on your greatest accomplishments and the skills you've gained from them. Perhaps cross-country running taught you dedication, or taking care of your neighbor's dog for a month taught you responsibility. Narrow down your list to three or four key experiences and the lessons you learned from them that you can discuss in the interview.
- Tailor your strengths to match the employer's needs. For instance, if you're applying for a catering role, talk about your baking classes and how you earned a food handler’s permit.
- You’ll likely be asked about your weaknesses, too. Reframe your weaknesses as opportunities for growth. If you're shy, for example, explain that you tend to listen more than speak but make a conscious effort to speak up when needed.
- Reflect on your core values and consider how they align with the company's mission.
Practice answering interview questions with a friend or family member. Find a set of common interview questions online and ask a friend or family member to practice with you. Once you've completed the mock interview, ask for feedback and constructive criticism. Questions you might encounter include:
- How did you hear about this position?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with a decision? How did you handle it?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Dress appropriately for the interview. Making a strong first impression is crucial, so dress to impress. Aim to dress slightly more formal than the usual company attire. For example, if the company has a casual dress code, consider wearing a button-up shirt and slacks. If business casual is the norm, a blouse, blazer, and pencil skirt would be ideal.
- Choose clothes that you feel confident and comfortable in to avoid feeling self-conscious during the interview.
- If you're unsure about the dress code, reach out to your interviewer and ask about the expected attire.
Stay calm, and maintain a positive attitude. It’s normal to feel nervous before an interview, but don’t let that anxiety overwhelm you. Focus on your strengths and achievements, and show the potential value you can bring to the employer. If you feel nervous, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and gather your thoughts before continuing.
- If you’re feeling jittery before your interview, try calming techniques like going for a walk, doing some breathing exercises, or listening to a favorite song.
- Many candidates stress about meeting all the job requirements. Instead of fixating on perceived weaknesses, highlight your strengths and emphasize your ability to learn quickly. There’s no reason to stress if you show a willingness to grow.
Prepare questions to ask the employer at the end of the interview. After the interviewer finishes asking their questions, they’ll often ask, "Do you have any questions for me?" Many candidates miss out on this opportunity, but it's a valuable way to gather more information about the company. Use this chance to ask about the company's culture or what the interviewer enjoys most about working there.
- It’s best to avoid asking about salary, benefits, or lunch breaks at this stage.
Send a follow-up email after a few days. Within 24 hours of your interview, send a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the interviewer's time and reinforce your enthusiasm for the position. Politely inquire about the timeline for their decision-making process and ask when you might expect to hear back from them.
Join the Conversation...
Hi, I’m 16 and looking for a job that pays well, but I’m not sure where I can work as a minor. Any recommendations?
Kolby Goodman
Career & Job Search Coach
Career & Job Search Coach
If you're looking for a high school job that not only pays well but also sets you up for a future career, I highly suggest connecting with local small businesses.
See if they have any administrative or marketing challenges you could help with. By offering your assistance, you’ll gain valuable business experience beyond the typical food-service roles that many teens start with.
Additionally, you'll be able to engage in more interesting and complex work, adding real value to the business.
See if they have any administrative or marketing challenges you could help with. By offering your assistance, you’ll gain valuable business experience beyond the typical food-service roles that many teens start with.
Additionally, you'll be able to engage in more interesting and complex work, adding real value to the business.
Many coffee shops and restaurants are open to hiring teens. Consider applying at car washes, movie theaters, golf courses, hardware stores, or even your local library.
If you're unable to find a job with a big company, look into side gigs. Depending on your interests and skills, you could babysit, pet-sit, walk dogs, mow lawns, rake leaves, etc. Use flyers, local Facebook groups, or ask your parents to help post ads. Word of mouth is also a great way to spread the word.
If you're unable to find a job with a big company, look into side gigs. Depending on your interests and skills, you could babysit, pet-sit, walk dogs, mow lawns, rake leaves, etc. Use flyers, local Facebook groups, or ask your parents to help post ads. Word of mouth is also a great way to spread the word.
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Read Discussion-
If you're lacking leadership experience, volunteering is a great way to build skills. Community service can provide valuable work experience while offering a fulfilling opportunity.
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When balancing work and education, always prioritize your studies. Education should be your number one focus.
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Be mindful of your finances. Create a budget to avoid overspending and save money for your future after high school.
The advice in this section comes from the personal experiences of Mytour readers, just like you. If you have a helpful tip to share on Mytour, please submit it in the form below.
- If possible, try to find a job that aligns with your long-term career goals or interests. For example, Clair aspires to become a doctor, so a job as a doctor's secretary could be a valuable experience for her. However, this may not always be practical for all teens, so don't hesitate to take a more accessible job like bagging groceries—it can still provide important experience for future opportunities.
- Utilize platforms like Glassdoor to explore reviews from other job seekers. This can help you anticipate the types of questions you might face during an interview. Glassdoor also provides insights into the pros and cons of various job positions, giving you a better idea of what to expect.
