Helping Teenagers Find a Summer Job

Not too long ago I was a teenager and wondered if I would be able to find a summer job. Everyone said it was difficult to find a job because everyone wanted work during the summer, but it turned out to be a somewhat simple journey.

The first thing to do when looking for a job is to start about two to three weeks before the school year ends. This gives you plenty of time to get applications in, and if accepted have interviews in place. The easiest way to find out if a place you would enjoy working has a job opening, is to go there and ask. Also, many stores have a community bulletin board with job openings posted. Now that we are in the 21st century most stores also have a website that may be available to apply on. Once you find a handful of places to apply, retrieve an application and start filling them out. A good thing to keep in mind is to ask friends and relatives to keep you posted about available jobs they hear about.

Most teenagers don't have much job experience so many employers who are willing to hire one won't be expecting as much as they would from an adult. Surprise them. When filling out an application, use the neatest hand-writing possible or if it is an online application use a fill in version of adobe. Once the application is filled out, turn it back into the company and wait.

When turning in an application it makes a better impression if you dress your best, because occasionally whoever receives the application will make a note.

Most people think it's necessary for a teenager to also hand in a resume, but, unless it was specifically requested, there is no need if the teenager has no job experience. Employers feel they can take more risk with a teenager who has never had a job before, rather than have a mid-aged adult with a bad reputation. A good thing to do is to try and put out at least five applications to start with, and then at least one everyday after that.

Once a few applications are accepted job interviews will be scheduled. It is best to get the closest available time in hopes of being first and therefore leaving a good impression on the interviewer. When dressing for an interview, it's not ok to wear jeans or tank tops. It's best to live by the rule of dressing one step up from what the dress code is at work. For example, if it's a grocery store the interview is at and the employees wear slacks or shorts and a polo with the company's name, it's a safe bet that a nice pair of slacks and an appropriate shirt (ex: dress shirt, suit, ect.) will do.

Usually, interview questions consist of explaining what your strengths and weaknesses are, how you would handle certain situations, and other things about your character. Most employers also have you fill out a survey about certain things and how you would react or what your opinion is. Once done with the interview, you will probably wait about a week to find out if you have received a job or not.

A little tip here that most people don't think about is sending a thank you card the day following their interview. Using a business format, this will make a good impression and show that you are really committed.

If you receive the job, you will most likely need to take a drug test and have a physical done. Drug tests may sound intimidating to a teenager, but it's quite easy to pee in a cup and then you're done! Once these two things have been finished and you're up to the company's standards, you're ready to start! You have achieved getting a job, and will have some extra money coming into your pocket for the summer.

Several tips to keep in mind:

1.
Always show up early, never late. This makes a good impression on future employers.
2.
Grocery stores, department stores, and restaurants are flexible and work well for teenagers.
3.
Try to be available to work anytime; it works better for employers. But employers also realize if you're a minor the parents still make the final decision.
4.
Be clean, polite, and avoid body. Never wear a lot of perfume/cologne to either the interview or to work. Those around you may be allergic to fragrances.
5.
Last but not least. If you do get a job for the summer, think about trying to keep it through out the school year, so you don't have to deal with the hassle of finding another job the next summer.