Finding a Job: Tips for Teens

The job market for teens is possibly the worst it's been since the Great Depression in the 1930's. Any employment is getting tougher to find, let alone good employment. If you are a teen, you may have to put a lot of effort in to find a job, as employers are cutting back on hiring. Here are some tips to help you find a job in what's predominately an employer's market.

Make Your Resume as Appealing as Possible

If you haven't had a job before, you will need to find a way to make your resume look impressive. Employers look for signs of a responsible personality, and the ability to be a self-starter.

Any volunteer work will look good on your resume. Some types of certifications and skills will also look good on your resume, such as Lifeguarding, CPR training, and other certifications that prove a high level of responsibility.

If you haven't done any volunteer work, and you're having trouble finding a job, then it's a good time to start. You can ask parents, teachers, neighbors, or school councilors for help in locating volunteer work you can do in your community. Volunteering for fundraisers, food banks, and other community projects is not only will help build a good resume, it will also give you important life experience, as well as let you meet members of your community, which is good for networking.

Find Excellent References

Quality references are important for resumes and job applications. It's best if you can find several people who are highly regarded in your community who are willing to be used as a reference.. Teachers, volunteer coordinators, local business people, and other people in positions of responsibly are good choices..

Only ask someone to be a reference if you have worked with them for a decent period of time, and you know that they will have good things to say about you.

Don't use relatives for references, unless that's specifically stated on a job application.

Take Your Job Hunt Seriously

If you really want a job, you will have to make an effort to prove your willingness and ability to be a responsible employee. This means being on time, even a bit early, for interviews, dressing appropriately, and being well organized and prepared.

Show up about ten minutes early for your interview. There is no excuse for being late that will ever be accepted in a job interview, even if it really isn't your fault. They won't care, they will only take into account that you are late, and that is almost always a reason not to hire you. Give yourself PLENTY of time to get to your interview, even if that means showing up well before you have to be there. Go somewhere nearby and have coffee or something if you need to.

Dress appropriately. That means conservatively, with nice and neat-looking, clean clothing. Slacks and a button up shirt and a nice pair of shoes is a good example of appropriate attire, for girls or boys. Don't go to any job interview in jeans and a t-shirt, even if it's just for a dishwashing job.

If you haven't received a call after turning in an application or resume, it's a good idea to wait a week or so, and then go back to that place of employment to check on your application status. This will show that you are serious about finding work.