Tips to help teens search for jobs
Teens often encounter challenges while searching for summer or after-school jobs due to their lack of experience in the job world. To help their peers, the teenage job experts at myfirstpaycheck.com put together five tips to make the job search a little easier.
Be brave. Even in this economy, there are plenty of employers out there looking for the affordable, enthusiastic and energetic help that teenagers provide, but you have to go out and ask for it. Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs.
Be polite. You are applying for a job; dress up, make eye contact, shake hands and avoid using slang. First impressions matter—make sure you are remembered for your application and not your attitude.
Be prepared. Bring a resume and a cover letter whenever you apply for a job. Having a good resume is essential. It shows that you are serious about the position, and that you are mature and responsible. If you need help writing a resume, myfirstpaycheck.com provides a dynamic free resume for teens that is very helpful.
Be persistent. It would be nice if you were immediately offered every job that you ever applied for, unfortunately this is not the case for anybody. Persistence pays off; send a thank you note to interviewers, follow-up if you do not hear about the job after a week and keep applying.
Be creative. Look for work in places other than the mall. The weakening economy means that people are going to be looking to cut costs in areas such as lawn care and childcare. Get a few friends together and start a landscaping or a babysitting business. Working for yourself is a great way to earn money and develop skills that will help you find your next job.
Learning how to apply for jobs isn’t something always learned in school, but it’s an important skill. It’s especially important as a teen applying for your first job to make a good first impression, and myfirstpaycheck.com can help. The site was created by 17-year-old Celeste Lavin and her 23-year-old brother, Austin, as a job-posting site for young adults. Along with job and volunteer opportunities, the site provides advice and resources to help young people have a more successful job application process.
