First job tips please
I am looking for a job after school and need help in deciding #human-resources
5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
First Job Tips for High School Students
Finding your first job after school can be an exciting and challenging experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and make a successful start in the workforce:
1. Identify Your Interests and Skills Before you start looking for a job, take some time to identify your interests and skills. Consider what activities you enjoy, what subjects you excel in at school, and what skills you have developed through extracurricular activities or volunteer work. Understanding your strengths and interests can help you narrow down the types of jobs that would be a good fit for you.
2. Explore Different Job Options There are various job options available for high school students, ranging from retail and food service to internships and entry-level office positions. Research different industries and job roles to get an idea of what appeals to you. Consider factors such as location, work hours, and the potential for career growth.
3. Prepare a Resume Even if you don’t have much work experience, creating a resume can help you showcase your skills, achievements, and extracurricular activities. Include any volunteer work, leadership roles in school clubs or sports teams, academic achievements, and relevant skills such as computer proficiency or foreign language abilities.
4. Network with Family and Friends Let your family members, friends, and neighbors know that you are looking for a job. They may be aware of job openings in their workplaces or know someone who is hiring. Networking can often lead to opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.
5. Practice Interviewing Interviewing for a job can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. Practice common interview questions with a family member or friend to build confidence and improve your communication skills. Research the company you are applying to so that you can ask informed questions during the interview.
6. Dress Appropriately When going for interviews or submitting applications in person, dress appropriately in business casual attire. First impressions matter, and dressing professionally shows that you take the opportunity seriously.
7. Be Persistent Finding a job may take time and effort, so it’s important to stay persistent and not get discouraged by rejections or lack of responses. Keep applying to different positions and follow up on submitted applications after a reasonable amount of time has passed.
8. Understand Labor Laws Before accepting a job offer, familiarize yourself with labor laws that apply to minors in the workforce. There may be restrictions on the number of hours you can work per week or specific regulations regarding breaks and working conditions for young employees.
9. Seek Guidance from School Counselors Your school counselors can provide valuable assistance in your job search process. They may have resources, connections with local businesses, or advice on how to balance work with school responsibilities.
10. Consider Internships or Volunteer Opportunities If finding a paid job proves challenging, consider seeking internships or volunteer opportunities in fields that interest you. These experiences can provide valuable skills and networking opportunities while enhancing your resume.
Remember that landing your first job is a learning experience, so stay open-minded and proactive in seeking out opportunities that align with your interests and goals.
The top 3 authoritative sources used in answering this question are:
The U.S. Department of Labor: The U.S. Department of Labor provides information on labor laws, including regulations related to minors in the workforce.
CareerOneStop: CareerOneStop offers resources for young job seekers, including tips on resumes, interviews, and exploring different career options.
YouthRules!: YouthRules! is an initiative by the U.S. Department of Labor that provides information on federal youth employment rules and regulations.
These sources were selected for their authority in providing guidance on employment laws, career exploration, and resources specifically tailored for young job seekers.
GOD BLESS!
Hannah’s Answer
Hey Melena,
What do you need help with deciding? Have you got any job offer yet?
Let me know.
Hannah
Jason’s Answer
Hi Melena,
My tips for first time jobs are to:
- Find a job you think you would enjoy, at least a majority of the time. No one is going to control your career more than you, so make sure you like what you are doing.
- Think less about the future career path of that particular job and more about the transferrable skills you can learn (Organizational, communication, technological skills, etc). This will be the experience that will help you start your career as you narrow down future choices.
- When in doubt...TRY! This is the time of life when you should be exploring as many options as possible. All experience, even bad experience, will better prepare you for your next career decision.
Let me know what job you pick. My first was a bus boy in a French restaurant and it taught me a lot about customer relations, reliability and team work.
Best, Jason
Dawn’s Answer
It really depens on what you like to do? Do you like people where you would be good at a retail environment like a store or even food establishment? Are you a good multi-tasker? If you are and like people too then maybe a server in a restaurant is good for you. Are you good with kids? animals? That might give you some options too. Do you need flexibility (i.e. if you spend most of your Sunday at church, Chick-Fil-A might be a good option since they're not open on Sunday). Regardless of where you go, be positive, smile and dress appropriately. Going into an establishment asking for an application while wearing torn jeans and a t-shirt might not be the best first impression. Good luck!
Ben’s Answer
Hi Melana!
Are you in high school still? Have you just graduated high school? Are you 16? If I am in the ballpark about your age. Here are some of my suggestions.
- Babysitting- depending on who you know you can make wages higher than minimum wage if you know the right families who need their kids watched. Sometimes its super easy to baby sit other times its a challenge depending on the kid. But at your age it shouldnt be too hard to get a babysitting job
2 Work at the mall- Is there a certain clothing company you like (Ex. American Eagle.) walk in ask to talk with their manager and ask if they are hiring and also ask for a job app. Be super friendly, polite, and dress in a nice outfit try to copy outfits that the workers normally would wear if possible-you want to leave an awesome impression on the manager!
Food/drink industry- Mcdonalds, starbucks, etc. Don't have any experience in those industries but I have friends in those industries and its super easy to get into them if you want!
If know any family or family friends who own a business perhaps they can provide you a job. Sometimes you get paid under the table other times they bring you in as an employee.
These are a few suggestions on how to get yourself a your first job. I will be real with you wont always get the most awesome first job ever but it definitely is really helpful when you apply to better jobs if you have prior job experience!
I hope this is helpful free to reach out to me in the comments if you have any further comments!
Best,
Ben
Ben's given some great general advice! I agree with Hannah that we'll be able to give better advice if you provide a little more information. :)
Leslie Bethencourt