Putting Teens to Work How to Help Your Teen Get a First Job

First jobs can be exciting, exhilarating, stressful, confusing, and anything in between. For many youth, first jobs are a glimpse at a new kind of freedom and responsibility. A first job brings more than just a paycheck, it brings valuable life skills as well. Life skills like integrity, accountability, reliability, problem solving, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and more can be learned on a first job.

For many teens finding a first job might feel like an insurmountable task. Job hunting in itself is a skill that a lot of teens might have little to no experience in, so it is understandable that finding a first job might come with some anxiety and uncertainty. Here are a few tips to help teens navigate their first job search, or even a job switch.

We All Start Somewhere

One thing that is important to remember is that no one starts at the top. Sometimes teens might have their heart set on a specific role or place of employment. Sometimes that goal or aspiration is achievable, but many times, it may be more of a long term goal rather than a stepping stone or short term solution. Sometimes teens (and adults too) have stigmas or pre existing thoughts or mindsets about specific entry level jobs, positions, or establishments. Entry level jobs, retail jobs, fast food jobs, part time jobs, internships, etc. are all valid and valuable.

As parents and caregivers it is important that we check our mindset and language when speaking about employment opportunities to ensure that we do not unintentionally sway a youth’s decision. Things like “I would never work at XYZ” can seem harmless but may close doors to valuable opportunities. If you or your teen feel this way about a certain job or workplace it is important to assess where this thought and reasoning is coming from. There may very well be a valid reason for the lack of interest, but it is always worth diving into.

Assess Your Availability

While a job can be an exciting step toward achieving more freedom and independence, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. It is important for teens and parents to have honest discussions about what type of work and what type of schedule the teen can handle. Take into account things like school, sports, extra curricular, and family to map out a plan for what seems reasonable in terms of adding a work schedule into the mix. It is also important to think about accessibility. How will the teen be getting to their job? Will they be walking, driving, or do they need a ride? The answers to these questions can help clarify the type of job and location that the job seeker should focus on.

Weigh Your interests

Work can be made a lot more fun if it is something you find enjoyable or genuinely connect with. First jobs might not always be our choice position, but it can be helpful to look for options that appeal to an individual’s interests. Is your teen into reading, art, sports, or music? Do they enjoy working with children or animals? Would they prefer to work indoors or outdoors? Applying to jobs that they connect with increases the chances for feeling excited to go to work and for gaining valued experience.

Leverage Your Connections

Encourage teens to identify people in their lives who might be able to help in their search for employment. Does anyone in their life work for a company or organization that hires interns? Has your teen attended a summer camp or extracurricular activity that hires youth counselors? Does the school guidance counselor have any recommendations for employment opportunities?

Set Yourself Apart

Standing out from the crowd can help set an applicant apart. Teenagers should be encouraged to get letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, and other adults they have rapport with. While these may not be requirements for many entry level jobs, they can help show how dedicated and determined an applicant is.

Resume writing is a unique type of writing that many teens might not be familiar with. Encourage teens to research options for resume writing workshops, or at the very least browse templates, and sample resumes. Encourage them to have an adult, or several adults read over what they have written. Don’t forget to include things like awards, achievements, volunteer experience, clubs, and leadership opportunities (in and outside of school). This is the time to really brag about what makes them great!

A cover letter is also probably not a requirement for very many entry level jobs, but it is a great addition to a resume, and can be a great tool to introduce yourself in a professional and personal way to the hiring team.

Many places now offer online applications, but a great way to set yourself apart is by going into an establishment in person, making face to face contact with a manager, expressing your interest in employment, and asking for an application.

You can also set yourself apart by becoming certified in courses such as CPR, First Aid, and Red Cross babysitting training.

Other Tips

• Find out whether or not a work permit is needed. More about that here: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/ labor/wages/empm.shtml

• Know employment rights. Teens should know their rights and understand how to stand up for themselves if something doesn’t feel right.

• Know how to call out sick. There will be times when you will have to call out sick for work. Practicing this ahead of time, and using it wisely can help build trust while honoring self care needs.

• Dress professionally. Know the vibe of the place you are working. Dress for success whatever that might mean! This will look different at different places of employment.

• Send a thank you note. After an interview follow up with a personalized thank you note (handwritten or email) to show appreciation for the opportunity.

• Make sure your teen can work the required hours and understand the importance of showing up and being on time.

By Abby Grifno