6 answers
Naiyana
Student
Walnut Creek, California
1
Question
Asked
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I'm a junior in high school, how do I find jobs that would respond and how do I find what career I want to do
I don't really have any job experiences so idk what I should do to higher my chances of getting accepted at a job
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6 answers
Adrienne Farr
Writer/Editor, Currently Verizon Rep
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Adrienne’s Answer
Hi! When you’re trying to gain experience, start by asking family members, neighbors, and local businesses if they need extra help. It can be difficult to get a job without experience, but offering assistance allows you to build skills you can later add to your resume.
Shadowing your parents or a friend’s parents at work is another great option. You’ll see firsthand what they do, ask questions, and possibly assist them a few times a week. If you’re comfortable volunteering at first, that’s great. Otherwise, you can discuss pay. Research typical entry level wages for that job or ask what the standard pay is for someone in your position.
If you know what field interests you, write, call, or visit companies in that industry. Let them know you’re a high school student seeking experience and ask about internships or mentorship opportunities. Many companies offer programs like this. Being proactive is key.
Also, think about the skills you already have. Do you create content on social media? That experience counts—using a camera, understanding upload speeds, editing videos, etc. We often undervalue skills simply because we aren’t paid for them. These are all great skills to include on a resume. Also, remember that when people are looking at your resume, they are not concerned with whether you have been paid for a job--they are just interested in the skills, your work ethic, reliability, and good references. So be sure to always be professional and punctual.
Finally, check with your school’s office, guidance counselor, or dean for job resources. They may have helpful information.
Best wishes!
Shadowing your parents or a friend’s parents at work is another great option. You’ll see firsthand what they do, ask questions, and possibly assist them a few times a week. If you’re comfortable volunteering at first, that’s great. Otherwise, you can discuss pay. Research typical entry level wages for that job or ask what the standard pay is for someone in your position.
If you know what field interests you, write, call, or visit companies in that industry. Let them know you’re a high school student seeking experience and ask about internships or mentorship opportunities. Many companies offer programs like this. Being proactive is key.
Also, think about the skills you already have. Do you create content on social media? That experience counts—using a camera, understanding upload speeds, editing videos, etc. We often undervalue skills simply because we aren’t paid for them. These are all great skills to include on a resume. Also, remember that when people are looking at your resume, they are not concerned with whether you have been paid for a job--they are just interested in the skills, your work ethic, reliability, and good references. So be sure to always be professional and punctual.
Finally, check with your school’s office, guidance counselor, or dean for job resources. They may have helpful information.
Best wishes!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Being a junior without any job experience is completely normal, so there's no need to feel "behind." Employers often value your attitude, reliability, and eagerness to learn more than your past experience. A great way to start is by applying to places that usually hire teens, like local restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, tutoring centers, community centers, or summer programs. Visiting in person and introducing yourself nicely can really help, even more than just applying online.
Since you haven't had jobs before, focus on the skills you've gained from school and activities. Things like group projects, volunteering, sports, or helping at home show you're responsible, can work in a team, and manage your time well. Keep your resume simple and highlight these experiences. Following up after you apply also shows you're proactive and can help you stand out.
Now is a great time to explore different career paths. Your first jobs are like experiments to find out what you enjoy. Notice if you like working with people, solving problems, being creative, organizing tasks, or working with technology. You can also chat with adults about their jobs, watch "day in the life" videos, or join clubs that interest you. Right now, the goal is to start gaining experience and discover what excites you.
Since you haven't had jobs before, focus on the skills you've gained from school and activities. Things like group projects, volunteering, sports, or helping at home show you're responsible, can work in a team, and manage your time well. Keep your resume simple and highlight these experiences. Following up after you apply also shows you're proactive and can help you stand out.
Now is a great time to explore different career paths. Your first jobs are like experiments to find out what you enjoy. Notice if you like working with people, solving problems, being creative, organizing tasks, or working with technology. You can also chat with adults about their jobs, watch "day in the life" videos, or join clubs that interest you. Right now, the goal is to start gaining experience and discover what excites you.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
854
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You could volunteer for a local non-profit. That could yield experience and a reference you could use to get a job.
You can also network with teachers and adults in your life. Someone you know may know of a job. Having their reclamation may offset the need for experience.
You can also network with teachers and adults in your life. Someone you know may know of a job. Having their reclamation may offset the need for experience.
Neh S
Project Manager
39
Answers
Lexington, South Carolina
Updated
Neh’s Answer
Hello Naiyana, I have a few suggestions for you -
- Start with Entry-Level Jobs: Look for positions that hire high school students, like retail, food service, babysitting, dog walking, or internships. These often don't require prior experience.
- Use Job Search Websites and Local Resources: Websites like Indeed, Snagajob, or local community job boards can help you find openings. Also, check with your school’s career center or local businesses.
- Build Your Skills and Resume: Even without job experience, you can include volunteer work, school projects, clubs, or any responsibilities that show your skills and work ethic.
- Explore Different Careers: Try job shadowing, internships, or talking to people in various fields to learn what you like and dislike. This helps you discover what careers might fit you.
- Be Positive and Persistent: Apply to multiple jobs, follow up respectfully, and prepare for interviews by practicing common questions. Showing enthusiasm can make a big difference!
- Start with Entry-Level Jobs: Look for positions that hire high school students, like retail, food service, babysitting, dog walking, or internships. These often don't require prior experience.
- Use Job Search Websites and Local Resources: Websites like Indeed, Snagajob, or local community job boards can help you find openings. Also, check with your school’s career center or local businesses.
- Build Your Skills and Resume: Even without job experience, you can include volunteer work, school projects, clubs, or any responsibilities that show your skills and work ethic.
- Explore Different Careers: Try job shadowing, internships, or talking to people in various fields to learn what you like and dislike. This helps you discover what careers might fit you.
- Be Positive and Persistent: Apply to multiple jobs, follow up respectfully, and prepare for interviews by practicing common questions. Showing enthusiasm can make a big difference!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
518
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Looking for your first job and figuring out your career path can be exciting! Here’s a simple guide to help you begin:
Start by thinking about what you like and what you're good at. Consider what subjects you enjoy, activities that make you happy, and things that come easily to you. You can use free career tests online or chat with your school counselor for some advice. Once you have some ideas, look for entry-level jobs that match your interests. Common first jobs for high school juniors include working in retail, food service, tutoring, babysitting, or internships.
Even if you don't have experience, focus on what you can offer: being hardworking, reliable, eager to learn, and good at communicating. Make sure to highlight these qualities in your resume and during interviews. Don’t worry if you don’t get the first job you apply for. It’s normal! Apply to several places, tailor your applications when you can, and practice interviewing with a friend or counselor.
Remember, your first job is about gaining experience and discovering what you like, not finding the perfect career. As you work, you’ll learn more about yourself and what kind of work suits you best. Stay open-minded, keep a positive attitude, and take things one step at a time!
Start by thinking about what you like and what you're good at. Consider what subjects you enjoy, activities that make you happy, and things that come easily to you. You can use free career tests online or chat with your school counselor for some advice. Once you have some ideas, look for entry-level jobs that match your interests. Common first jobs for high school juniors include working in retail, food service, tutoring, babysitting, or internships.
Even if you don't have experience, focus on what you can offer: being hardworking, reliable, eager to learn, and good at communicating. Make sure to highlight these qualities in your resume and during interviews. Don’t worry if you don’t get the first job you apply for. It’s normal! Apply to several places, tailor your applications when you can, and practice interviewing with a friend or counselor.
Remember, your first job is about gaining experience and discovering what you like, not finding the perfect career. As you work, you’ll learn more about yourself and what kind of work suits you best. Stay open-minded, keep a positive attitude, and take things one step at a time!
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
292
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Any job that is allows for your schedule such as fast food or working at a movie theatre should be fine. Any job you get will serve to advance your career choice later on because it will establish a work history and may generate good references. Having a resume of any sort with work experience will show that you have the essential employability skills to move forward in any career that you pursue.