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Tips for Teens on the Summer Job Hunt

The sun is high in the sky. Your kids are marking down the days to the final day of school. And pretty soon they’ll be diving into the pools, tugging on your shirt asking when we’re going to the beach, and your teen might be asking for some extra allowance so she can go hang out at the mall. But what about getting a job at the mall? If you have a teenager who is old enough to work, you should encourage them to get a job. But it can be tough. Teens often encounter challenges while searching for summer jobs due to their lack of experience in the job world. So, here are some tips to get them well on the way to earning their first paycheck and paying their first taxes:

1. Be Brave. Even in this economy, there are plenty of employers out there looking for the affordable, enthusiastic, and energetic help that teenagers provide, but you have to go out and ask for it. Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs.

2.  Be Polite. You are applying for a job; dress up, make eye contact, shake hands, and avoid using slang. First impressions matter - make sure you are remembered for your application and not your attitude.

3. Be Prepared. Bring a resume and a cover letter whenever you apply for a job. Having a good resume is essential. It shows that you are serious about the position, and that you are mature and responsible. If you need help writing a resume, www.myfirstpaycheck.com  provides a dynamic free resume for teens that is very helpful.

4. Be Persistent. It would be nice if you were immediately offered every job that you ever applied for, unfortunately this is not the case for anybody. Persistence pays off; send a thank you note to interviewers, follow-up if you do not hear about the job after a week, and keep applying.

5. Be Creative. Look for work in places other than the mall. The weakening economy means that people are going to be looking to cut costs in areas such as lawn and child care. Get a few friends together and start a landscaping or a babysitting business. Working for yourself is a great way to earn money and develop skills that will help you find your next job.

Learning how to apply for jobs isn’t something we always learn in school, but it’s an important skill. It’s especially important as a teen applying for your first job to make a good first impression.

Courtesy of www.Myfirstpaycheck.com.