Getting a job these days in this economy is nearly impossible for the average adult, let alone teenagers. So, how do we teens stay on top of the game in the midst of all the competition? Many parents, friends, and family members may give helpful suggestions, but some of it seems very irrelevant in today’s modern world, where the typical exchanging of information by handing a manager your application is quickly being replaced by automated computers. Do we even hope to have a chance at a job, when there is limited interaction? Where do we start?
One of the first steps is hearing about jobs from multiple sources. Asking friends and family about any possible job openings that they have seen or heard about is a good start. The internet and the newspaper are also exceptional places to look for jobs in your general area. If you’re still having trouble, the Idaho Department of Labor can help you look and give you suggestions. But you must first take the intuitive and go in to ask for job openings at small businesses and larger stores. Small businesses are a perfect opportunity for face to face contact, and may get you an interview faster with a manager if you are polite and they have a position open. But in places like Target, there is the drudgery of walking into the store, only to be quickly turned away with a website, or pointed to a job application terminal. It is important that you take the correct steps and bring a properly structured resume to both places.
A well built resume includes references from possible past employers (if any), and teachers that felt you worked exceptionally well in their class, including addresses and phone numbers. Volunteer work is also very helpful, depending on the position you are applying for. Be sure to add any skills you may have or have gained from your experience working, and things you do well in, depending on the job. Keep your GPA up; a higher GPA may help you get a job over another teen that maybe doesn’t have a very high one. It shows that you are responsible and generally get your work done and in on time, and employers like that. Make sure you print out a lot of copies of your resume, to hand out and make sure to put a copy of it in your purse or wallet, for information you may need at any time.
A good resume includes past work experiences (even if you weren’t paid). Possible employers don’t like to hear you describe yourself with lofty words that boost your own image. They want to hear about what you did for your past employers. You can say that you are a hard worker, but a possible employer would much rather like to hear that you boosted sales in your last job by 10%. You shouldn’t make things up obviously, but list the things that you have accomplished instead of personal image-boosting compliments. Start simple and list your past work or training experiences. Beneath each of those experiences, go ahead and list your accomplishments while you were there. If you don’t think you accomplished anything at one place, leave it blank and move on. You should also list references (as in past employers) somewhere on the resume. You should probably inform these people that they may receive a call. Something employers like to see on a resume is charity work. If you’ve never worked for a charity or done some community service, you should definitely try it. Charity or community service work shows employers that you have a willingness to work well.
Millionaire-kids.com suggests that when you get an interview, make sure to always be prepared ahead of time, and on your best polite behavior. Ask your parents if they could drop you off, or if you have a car, go alone. It shows the interviewer that you are independent, and makes an especially good impression if you show up ten minutes early, to prove to your possible future employer that you have an interest in the position you are applying for. Be sure to be dressed in something nice, and be aware of your body language. Know your schedule ahead of time, so that when your interviewer asks, you can be able to accurately tell them the correct information. Also, try your best to be friendly and start a small conversation with your interviewer, an example would be: “Are those your kids? They’re cute.” Or, “That’s a nice plaque you have there…are you into golf?” Minor conversation starters like this make it easier to start your interview and relax yourself and your interviewer. Remember to ask questions about what your interviewer does, employers love talking about their jobs, kids, and achievements.
After your interview is over take the time to write a thank you letter to your employer whether you got the job or not. It is the polite thing to do, and it may help be a deciding factor in if you will get hired or not. But how do you write a thank you note to get you possibly noticed? Step one: act fast. As soon as your interview is over (or at least in the same day) begin to write your letter. Do your best to make an impression in a polite way. Step two: Be sure to add any questions you forgot to ask or what you forgot to tell your interviewer. Make it short, simple, and to the point with polite fringes. Step three: have someone like a friend or parent proof read your letter and fix any mistakes, then mail it. Hopefully, it will arrive in no time and your interviewer will be impressed.
After you get your job, go out and get the necessary requirements to do it. For example, most jobs have a uniform that they require you to wear while working or offering your services. Take the appropriate actions, and finally, start your job with a good attitude! Remember to never stop adding to your skills so you can work your way up the ladder. More skills lead to more respect which can lead to more money!