Tips for Teens Entering the Job Market

It starts early, that fever for money. As early as the age a child learns their parents have to "buy" a toy before they can leave the store with it, children begin to associate money with the things they most desire. As the child grows, their desires increase and become more expensive. There is the video game, then the newest game system. Designer clothes. The laptop. The iPod. The car. At some point, parents begin to say, "If you want it that badly, you're going to have to pay for it yourself." That means it's time to find a job.

Although my teenage years are a thing of the past, I was no stranger to summer jobs. Nowadays, I routinely hire teenaged employees for positions within the company. If you're about to enter the job market, here is a bit of advice for you to remember:

When applying for a job, be truthful about your skills. You won't impress anyone by lying about what you can do - especially when the time comes for you to prove your worth. Being inexperienced at something does not mean you're immediately counted out. Many times employers prefer to train their own staff from the beginning. That way, they know everyone is trained correctly.

Start slow. If this is a part-time job during the school year, keep your hours minimal. You need adequate time allotted for schoolwork and social activities. If this is a summer position, and you'd like to work more hours, work your way up to a full time position. If you take on too many hours to begin with and start having to disrupt your social life too often, you'll get discouraged and frustrated. You may want to quit so you can have your old freedom back. So start slow. Remember, the key is to build up a solid work history. Work the hours you know you can comfortably work, even if it is only a couple of nights a week.

Don't expect businesses to work around your schedule. The business can't tell its customers to come back later because you needed to be out. If they did that, they would soon be out of business (and then you would soon be out of a job). If you need time off, request it as far in advance as possible. Don't wait until the last minute to let someone know. It's harder to find a replacement for your shift at the last minute.

Be dependable. If you say you will do something, do it. People don't like to work with people that can't be counted on.

Don't think a job is beneath you. My main job is in a dog kennel. When I started out, I spent a lot of time scooping poop for a living. Now I am the facility manager. This is possibly the best and most rewarding career I have ever had.

Even if you start out flipping hamburgers, your gained experience combined with dedication and a good work ethic can lead to great things. It teaches you responsibility in the world and, if you decide to stay with the company, you could advance to management. Many people make a very comfortable living as managers. Further advancement to General Manager or even District or Regional Manager is possible.

This job is a reference for your next job. Remember that while you are working, even if your next job is a different position within the same company. Do you want your next potential employer knowing you laid out of work a lot? Do you want them to know you were consistently late or slacked off whenever possible? If this job is in a field related to you college field of study, wouldn't it be nice to have a glowing recommendation from your employer backing you up when you need it?

A job is a job. Be happy you have one. Do your best and make the most of it. You will get the cash you need now for the things you want and you'll gain experience that will benefit you for a lifetime.