How Can a Teenager Find a Job?

To find a job, you need to put some thought and effort into it.  Few people, teens or otherwise, are lucky enough to land the job they want without putting some time and legwork into it.

One of the first things you’ll have to do is to decide what type of job you want.  If you’re looking for a part-time job in retail, then you will need to go to stores you’d like to work at and fill out applications or fill them out online.  To do this, you’ll need to have some references (names of people who will vouch for you).  You’ll also need to have their addresses and phone numbers handy to write on the application.

You will also need to have your Social Security number and any working permits necessary with you when you fill out applications.  Practically any application you fill out will require this information, so having it with you will save you extra trips, or from losing out on the job opportunity altogether.

If you decided you want an office position of some type, then you’re going to need to write a resume and cover letter to send to employers.  You can find great sample resumes and cover letters online that you can easily adapt to fit you and your experience.

Don’t have any experience?  Don’t sweat it.  Few employers will be looking for experience from their younger employees.  That’s one of the reasons they hire entry-level people, so they can train them themselves.  Just don’t ever lie on an application or in an resume, thinking it will help you get the job.  Recruiters can spot a lie a mile away, and even if it slips through, you’ll likely get busted on the lie somewhere down the road.

Now where are some actual places a teenager can find a job?  Here is a quick list of places and businesses for teens to look for a job.

• Classified ads in your local newspaper
• Online job sites like Monster, HotJobs, etc.
• Restaurants
• Kennels
• Veterinarians
• Doctor’s offices
• Bookstores
• Music stores
• Neighbors

Finally, don’t forget to ask your parents or your friends’ parents for job leads.  Many times all it takes is a word from the right person inside a business to land you the job you want.  Just be aware that when someone helps you get a job, you owe it to them to give the job nothing less than 100% of your effort.  To do less will not only let your employer down, but the friend who helped you get the job as well.

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