5 answers
Kyrstin
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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How would I convince employers that hire at 16 to hire me at 15?
WHat should I put on my resume, what things should I say, etc?
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5 answers
SHAMEKA H
Lead Marketing Manager
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
SHAMEKA’s Answer
Hi Kyrstin!
You are already headed in the right direction! Drive and ambition are excellent qualities to have! Go you! In the event you're too young for many of the jobs you're applying for no worries you'll soon be 16! In the meantime, perhaps think of young entrepreneurial endeavors! What are some things you can work on today that will prepare you for tomorrow? Create your list of places you'd love to work as a first job, you might even go in and meet the manager and ask about the work requirements. Use this time to develop yourself and be prepared for when that time comes. Sweet 16 will be here soon and you'll be ready to jump right in!
You are already headed in the right direction! Drive and ambition are excellent qualities to have! Go you! In the event you're too young for many of the jobs you're applying for no worries you'll soon be 16! In the meantime, perhaps think of young entrepreneurial endeavors! What are some things you can work on today that will prepare you for tomorrow? Create your list of places you'd love to work as a first job, you might even go in and meet the manager and ask about the work requirements. Use this time to develop yourself and be prepared for when that time comes. Sweet 16 will be here soon and you'll be ready to jump right in!
Thanks for the advice.
Kyrstin
Mark Howard
Billing-related Contract Management
24
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Mark’s Answer
As others have already noted, check that there isn't a legal reason preventing your prospective employer from hiring you at 15. Easiest way to do this is call your local employment office ("LEO"); they will know this info (or at least be able to get it quickly). Additionally, getting to know the folks at the LEO is a good move because, as was once famously quoted, sometimes "it isn't what you know, it's who you know".
If it turns out it is merely a policy the business has, then it is up to you to show them why hiring you now is a benefit to them. Some of the things I would recommend are:
* getting a few written recommendations from: teachers, leaders at your local place of worship, or people with a good public reputation that knows you (it's ok to ask them to discuss their take on your maturity, how you approach tasks, your ability to learn, your willingness to show up/volunteer, how you overcame a challenge or anything that requires trust). Yes, you may have to talk about the same things in an interview but the different adult perspective is a good thing, NOTE: Scan them ASAP after getting each one so you have them on file.
* If you know someone who either has worked there or is presently there (preferably someone that does this for their living), ask them if they will vouch for you and, if yes, list them as a reference (at the top of your list).
* having a list of any service projects you have have helped with in the community (including contacts who can speak to your work ethic).
* be prepared to discuss why working at THAT business is important to you. Explain what it is about the business that has impact within the community or was influential in your earlier years. There is nothing wrong with having grown up patronizing a place and thinking how great it might be to work there (when you turned 15).
It is ok to ask for the hiring manager's business card or email (if they do not have cards) to let them know to expect an email (from your specific email address) with a couple of your recommendation letters to they can review them at their convenience. Even better, ask when the hiring person has time in their afternoon or evening and make an appointment to deliver them in-person and have a sit-down with them (kind of like a mini-interview; it could turn into a full one, so come ready - appearance and application/resume). The latter is the more preferred method, honestly, as it requires more planning, organization and effort.
It's really about clearing hurdles. Legal to hire under 16? One hurdle down, Got character or achievement reference letters? Another hurdle down. Get enough of them down and the reason NOT to hire you became the last hurdle you cleared.
If it turns out it is merely a policy the business has, then it is up to you to show them why hiring you now is a benefit to them. Some of the things I would recommend are:
* getting a few written recommendations from: teachers, leaders at your local place of worship, or people with a good public reputation that knows you (it's ok to ask them to discuss their take on your maturity, how you approach tasks, your ability to learn, your willingness to show up/volunteer, how you overcame a challenge or anything that requires trust). Yes, you may have to talk about the same things in an interview but the different adult perspective is a good thing, NOTE: Scan them ASAP after getting each one so you have them on file.
* If you know someone who either has worked there or is presently there (preferably someone that does this for their living), ask them if they will vouch for you and, if yes, list them as a reference (at the top of your list).
* having a list of any service projects you have have helped with in the community (including contacts who can speak to your work ethic).
* be prepared to discuss why working at THAT business is important to you. Explain what it is about the business that has impact within the community or was influential in your earlier years. There is nothing wrong with having grown up patronizing a place and thinking how great it might be to work there (when you turned 15).
It is ok to ask for the hiring manager's business card or email (if they do not have cards) to let them know to expect an email (from your specific email address) with a couple of your recommendation letters to they can review them at their convenience. Even better, ask when the hiring person has time in their afternoon or evening and make an appointment to deliver them in-person and have a sit-down with them (kind of like a mini-interview; it could turn into a full one, so come ready - appearance and application/resume). The latter is the more preferred method, honestly, as it requires more planning, organization and effort.
It's really about clearing hurdles. Legal to hire under 16? One hurdle down, Got character or achievement reference letters? Another hurdle down. Get enough of them down and the reason NOT to hire you became the last hurdle you cleared.
Blanche Khalif
Project Specialist
7
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Blanche’s Answer
I would ask for a few minutes to meet with the hiring person or someone who is on that team to find out why they don't hire at 15. If there is not a legal reason (child labor laws etc.) During the meeting be prepared to discuss your maturity, your work ethic and any experience you might have. Ask for a trial basis say 1 month to prove that you can be a good hire at 15.
Karissa Stanley, PHR
Sr Manager
8
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
It is generally State Labor legislation that dictates this - but there are some employers who are able to hire at 15. Try places like Chick-fil-a or Dairy Queen. Best of luck!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Kyrstin
Alex Cooke
Sr Program Manager
11
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Alex’s Answer
There may be legal reasons for them hiring at 16. As an example, some food service places won't allow people under 16 to work with ovens, freezers or stoves.
However, it's fair game for you to reach out to ask, respectfully, what the reason is behind the 16 year age. It also doesn't hurt to state that you're 15, let them know when you'll be 16, and sharing how eager you are for the opportunity. With this, you may be able to have a spot ready to go after your birthday! Good luck.
However, it's fair game for you to reach out to ask, respectfully, what the reason is behind the 16 year age. It also doesn't hurt to state that you're 15, let them know when you'll be 16, and sharing how eager you are for the opportunity. With this, you may be able to have a spot ready to go after your birthday! Good luck.
Thank you!
Kyrstin