Jobs For Teenagers

Whether searching for a summer job or after-school employment, finding jobs for teenagers is often overwhelming. However, many local establishments hire teenagers to staff their businesses. A few simple steps can help you find the perfect teenage job.

Network

Your friends, your parent's friends, your friend's parents, aunts, uncles, teachers and anyone else you know may know people who run businesses. The easiest way to find a job as a teenager is to have someone you know put you in contact with someone they know is hiring. Let everyone around you know that you are looking and do not turn away offers to help.

Stay close to home

If your contacts cannot or do not help you find a job, it is time to apply for open positions. As a teen looking for a job, it is important to stay close to home; this allows you to reliably report to work on time. Arriving late or calling in sick can leave a bad impression, and you want your employer to trust you and value you as an employee. If you plan to walk or ride your bike, make sure you can easily bike or walk the distance to your potential job. If you have a car and can drive, you should still try to limit the distance you need to travel in order to keep gas costs low. Decide how far you can travel based on your mode of travel and determine what businesses are located in that area.

Apply for jobs

Once you have a list of businesses that are close to home, put on a nice set of clothes and get to work. Walk into local stores and businesses and ask if they are hiring. When you do not have work experience, making a great first impression is key; for this reason, make sure you are always dressed nicely and present yourself in the best possible manner every time you walk into a business. You can also browse the want ads online or in the newspaper, but if you do not have a resume or work experience, walking into a store and impressing the manager may prove your best bet. If the store is hiring, fill out an application in the store or at the company's website. Double check your application for spelling and grammar before submitting it.

Prepare for your interview

If you are called in for an interview, look up common interview questions online and practice the answers you plan on giving. Ensure you are dressed appropriately; boys should wear slacks and a collared shirt, and girls can wear the same or a blouse and skirt.

Although searching for a job as a teenager may seem difficult, with persistance and patience you can find a job. Use your contacts, make great first impressions and follow up wherever you apply. You can then have a successful search.

With persistance and patience you can find a job