Tips for Teenagers Looking for Their First Job

If you are 15 or 16 years old or know someone who is looking for their first job, it can be an exciting yet intimidating time. Teeangers sometimes don't always understand what they need to do in order to land a job or where to go to start building their resume.

The advice in this article will help teenagers understand what employers look for, where to go to apply for their early jobs, and what kinds of things they legally can and can't do.

Your first stops should be independently owned and operated businessses such as small diners or independent bookstores. While it's undeniably cool to work at big name places, you probably have to be a little older to work there. Bath and Body Works, for example, won't hire until age 18. Every place is different, but the non chain businesses in your area would be the best place to start. Maybe the local restaurants and bookstores are considered "cool" by others your age; making it seem not so bad to start there. Start small and then move on to the more well known places.

Look presentable when applying. You don't have to wear full on business attire, but at the very least: your pants and shirt must be clean. You should also try to wear a solid colored shirt rather than someething with a logo. Make sure your hair is neatly combed. Girls should wear minimal makeup and one or two nice pieces of jewelry. Both genders should avoid heavily scented perfumes and colognes.

Use all available mediums to find your job. Ask friends or family members if they know of anywhere that's hiring, including the companies they work at or where their friends are working. Check out part time job sites targeted towards teens such as SnagAJob (http:///www.snagajob.com). Scan bulletin boards around town and classified ads in your local newspaper. You never know who can offer you a great opportunity to start working.

Write neatly on your job application. You should always write legible enough for the employer to read it. If you can't write neatly, practice or try to fill out online applications if that is an option. However, don't let anyone else fill it out for you.

Keep it in a safe, dry place. The last thing you want is for someone to spill coffee on an application you were going to turn in later in the day or week. A great solution is to buy a folder to keep all of your materials in.

Before even getting hired, try to find out the employer's standards for their employees. All of them will expect something different in terms of uniform and dress requirements, hours required, duties performed, and personality characteristics employees should possess. If you don't know someone working at the place you're applying, ask the boss as many questions as you can. If you decide it's no longer for you, decline politely and move on. However, understand that if you do get hired, you agree to do what your manager is expecting of you. Don't try to change that.

Know when you are allowed to work and what you can do and not do. All states have labor laws regarding the age you can apply for a job, how late you can work during the week, and duties you can or cannot perform. Employers usually know how to handle this, but you should do your own research as well. Google your state's Department of Labor for the answers or ask friends of yours who are already working.

Finding your first job can be overwhelming, but all it takes is being knowledgable about some gray areas. If you go in with an understanding of what you need to do, you will already be one step ahead of the teenagers who don't know what to do. Keep your head up and you will have a job before you know it.