Focus for a Successful Teen Job Search:
Land the Job You Want
Perhaps the biggest mistake anyone makes when searching for a job is in not narrowing down their job search to begin with. Looking willy-nilly, with no clear goal in mind other than to find a paying job, often gets people little for their efforts. Teens are no different when it comes to this.
You know what I mean, here. You drive over to the mall and go to fifty stores, filling out applications. Or you drive down the restaurant row in your city and stop at each one to fill out an application.
And more than likely all you have to show for your efforts is writer’s cramp and an empty gas tank. Don’t be discouraged—get focused.
This means settle on the kind of job you really want to have. Maybe you’re a book nut who would love to work at Barnes and Noble. Or maybe you’re music lover or computer geek. Then why are you filling out applications at every restaurant or daycare in town, instead of at the places you’d really want to work?
Okay, now that we have that out of the way and you’ve zeroed in on the sort of places you really would like to work, pick one or two to focus your attention on.
Now go get or fill out those applications! And when you do, make sure you get the manager’s name. This is so you can send a follow up note to express your interest in the job after you’ve filled out the application. Many teens don’t get the jobs they want or even get considered for the jobs they want because they don’t do any follow up.
Follow up is key to landing the job you want. Especially for young, potential employees. There’s a lot of competition out there and you have to make yourself stand apart. And I’m not talking about doing it with that adorable nose ring either. You want to send a card or neatly written note immediately after filling out an application or interview. Immediately, as in the same day, and no later than the next day.
Keep the note clear and neat. A simple thank you for reviewing your application and expression of sincere interest in a job is all that’s necessary. That alone will make you different from all the applicants who will either not follow up at all or who will be just a bit too clever in their follow up note. Simplicity is the name of the game here—and it’s a game you want to win!
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