Getting your first job as a teenager can feel very challenging, especially when it seems as though everyone else trying to get a job has more experience working than you do. But everyone has to start somewhere; even the people with current jobs had no experience when they were first starting out. So don’t get discouraged; just be patient and respectful.
One of the best ways to start is by thinking about all the surrounding places that might hire teens with no experience. Grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores, and movie theaters are good places to look for because they don’t typically require previous experience. You don’t need to have an awesome resume with tons of background in other jobs, you just need to show your potential. For more ideas, check out this list of 25 common jobs for teenagers by Indeed.
Next, create a resume. Resumes are an amazing way to show that you are a hard worker, even without ever having an actual job. You can add things such as sports that you’ve played, hard classes you’ve taken, clubs you have been a part of, and even small things, like when you mowed the lawn for your neighbor. Even these small additions to your resume can help you stand out from other people, showing that you are ready to work hard and that you have good leadership skills.
If making a resume feels difficult, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program offers helpful advice on creating a resume in high school.
“Having a good, well-rounded resume matters because it shows potential and displays all of your good qualities and all of your skills,” said FCHS sophomore James White.
Learning how to fill out an application in the most effective way is also important. Take your time and make sure you add correct information. Whether you apply for a job online or ini person, make sure you check your grammar and check any spelling mistakes. If you apply in person, be sure to dress well (like a button down shirt and khakis for guys, and a modest dress or pants outfit for girls). Be respectful, look the employer directly in the eyes, and have a firm handshake. First impressions with employers can matter a lot when you don’t have a lot of experience.
If you do get an interview, it is important to once again dress professionally and be prepared. Come into the interview ready to answer certain things, including why you want the job, any skills (or weaknesses) you have, and any other job-related or personal questions. Try your best to not be nervous and stay confident. It is important to remain relaxed and answer any questions assuredly and politely when at an interview. Be honest, but also don’t be afraid to talk positively about yourself.
Interviews can seem scary if you don’t know what to expect or how to be prepared, read articles like this by the Boys and Girls Club of America
“Being respectful shows your character, and how you carry yourself, which is what employers look at during an interview,” said FCHS sophomore Timothy Smeds.
Being young with no experience is hard, and looking for jobs to get started often feels unfair and almost impossible, but it’s not. Even though it can be difficult to get started working, even the most successful people in the world today started with no experience. Through drive and dedication, everything will work out.
