5 answers
John
Student
Arlington, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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Why is it hard to find a job that hires 15 year olds?
Im super curious on why jobs say that they have a minimum requirement of people aged 16 when 14 & 15 year olds are legally allowed to get hired with paperwork.
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5 answers
Allison Clower
Accounting
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Great question! It can be a frustrating process looking for a job when you are 14, 15, and even 16. Really, it can be a frustrating process looking for a job at any age. However, it is important to advocate for yourself and be creative when looking for a job in an environment where there are set restrictions, such as age. Management and human resources often take their own specific precautions that may be more relevant to the specific line-of-work or industry they are in. Although a job may initially say they have a minimum age requirement of 16, if you feel confident that you would be a great fit at that job and a reliable employee, than advocate for yourself and bring resources, such as a reference (letter of recommendation) that help to prove that you would be a great fit. Another way to work at a young age in an environment with strict age requirements is to be your own little entrepreneur. Personally, I started my own "babysitting business" within my neighborhood when I was 14. Once I proved that I was a reliable babysitter to one neighbor, I was able to leverage her as a reference to create more babysitting opportunities for myself. Similarly, starting your own snow plowing, lawn mowing, or other small business around your neighboring area is a great way to work for yourself.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear John,
Why is job hunting a challenge for 15-year-olds?
In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum working age at 14. However, finding a job at 15 can still be tough due to several factors:
Work Laws and Limitations: The FLSA permits 14 and 15-year-olds to work, but it imposes restrictions on their job types and working hours. For example, they can't work during school hours or in hazardous roles. Employers often prefer hiring older individuals who aren't bound by these rules.
Insurance and Liability Worries: Employers might be reluctant to hire younger people due to potential insurance and liability issues. They may view younger workers as more accident-prone, leading to higher insurance costs.
Maturity and Experience: Employers often favor older workers who bring more maturity, experience, and skills. They might see older employees as more dependable, responsible, and capable of meeting job demands.
Training Expenses: Training new employees can be expensive. Employers might hesitate to hire younger workers with limited work experience, as they may require more training and supervision.
Competition: The job market is competitive. Employers often prefer older candidates who they think will add more value to their organization or whose qualifications better match the job requirements.
Workplace Rules: Besides federal labor laws, state-specific regulations or company policies might further limit minors' employment. These extra rules can make it harder for 15-year-olds to find jobs.
In summary, while 15-year-olds are legally allowed to work in certain roles, practical considerations and perceptions about younger workers can make job hunting difficult for them.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The DOL enforces federal labor laws, including those related to youth employment under the FLSA. Their guidelines offer detailed information on minors' employment and the applicable restrictions.
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): The NCSL provides insights into state-specific labor laws and regulations on youth employment. Understanding these state-level variations is key to understanding why job hunting can be tough for 15-year-olds.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): SHRM offers resources and best practices for employers on hiring practices, labor law compliance, and workforce management. Their insights on hiring practices can help explain why some employers might prefer not to hire younger workers.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Why is job hunting a challenge for 15-year-olds?
In the U.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum working age at 14. However, finding a job at 15 can still be tough due to several factors:
Work Laws and Limitations: The FLSA permits 14 and 15-year-olds to work, but it imposes restrictions on their job types and working hours. For example, they can't work during school hours or in hazardous roles. Employers often prefer hiring older individuals who aren't bound by these rules.
Insurance and Liability Worries: Employers might be reluctant to hire younger people due to potential insurance and liability issues. They may view younger workers as more accident-prone, leading to higher insurance costs.
Maturity and Experience: Employers often favor older workers who bring more maturity, experience, and skills. They might see older employees as more dependable, responsible, and capable of meeting job demands.
Training Expenses: Training new employees can be expensive. Employers might hesitate to hire younger workers with limited work experience, as they may require more training and supervision.
Competition: The job market is competitive. Employers often prefer older candidates who they think will add more value to their organization or whose qualifications better match the job requirements.
Workplace Rules: Besides federal labor laws, state-specific regulations or company policies might further limit minors' employment. These extra rules can make it harder for 15-year-olds to find jobs.
In summary, while 15-year-olds are legally allowed to work in certain roles, practical considerations and perceptions about younger workers can make job hunting difficult for them.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The DOL enforces federal labor laws, including those related to youth employment under the FLSA. Their guidelines offer detailed information on minors' employment and the applicable restrictions.
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): The NCSL provides insights into state-specific labor laws and regulations on youth employment. Understanding these state-level variations is key to understanding why job hunting can be tough for 15-year-olds.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): SHRM offers resources and best practices for employers on hiring practices, labor law compliance, and workforce management. Their insights on hiring practices can help explain why some employers might prefer not to hire younger workers.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
140
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
I think it is mainly because at the age 16 you can drive and you will be more reliable to get to work because you are not having to ask a parent to drive you.
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
The difficulty in finding jobs for 14 and 15-year-olds often stems from a combination of legal restrictions, safety concerns, and practical considerations that employers must navigate. Here are some reasons why many jobs set a minimum age requirement of 16:
1. **Legal Regulations:**
While some jurisdictions allow 14 and 15-year-olds to work with proper permits, there are often limitations on the types of jobs, hours of work, and conditions. Employers may choose to set a higher age requirement to simplify compliance with labor laws and regulations.
2. **Safety Concerns:**
Certain jobs involve tasks or environments that may pose safety risks for younger workers. Employers may establish age requirements to ensure that employees can perform their duties safely and effectively.
3. **Work Hour Restrictions:**
Labor laws often impose restrictions on the number of hours and the times during which minors can work. These restrictions may make it challenging for employers to schedule younger workers, especially during school hours or late evenings.
4. **Training and Supervision:**
Younger workers may require additional training and supervision, which can be resource-intensive for employers. Some businesses may prefer to hire individuals who are older and may have more work experience.
5. **Legal Liability:**
Employers may be concerned about the legal liability associated with hiring minors. There may be increased legal responsibilities, such as obtaining work permits and adhering to specific labor regulations, which could be perceived as additional administrative burdens.
6. **Maturity and Communication Skills:**
Some employers may prefer to hire individuals who are older due to concerns about the maturity and communication skills of younger workers. This perception may vary among employers and industries.
7. **Job Complexity:**
Certain jobs may require a level of complexity, responsibility, or physical capability that employers believe is better suited for older individuals. This consideration may be based on the nature of the work and potential challenges associated with younger workers handling specific tasks.
8. **Availability of Workers:**
Employers may find that older individuals are more readily available for part-time or seasonal positions, as they may have more flexibility in their schedules compared to students who are still in school.
It's important to note that regulations and attitudes towards hiring younger workers can vary by region and industry. While some businesses may have strict age requirements, others may be more open to hiring younger individuals with the necessary permits. If you are a 14 or 15-year-old seeking employment, it's advisable to inquire directly with local businesses, such as grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, or recreational facilities, to learn about any available opportunities and their specific hiring policies.
1. **Legal Regulations:**
While some jurisdictions allow 14 and 15-year-olds to work with proper permits, there are often limitations on the types of jobs, hours of work, and conditions. Employers may choose to set a higher age requirement to simplify compliance with labor laws and regulations.
2. **Safety Concerns:**
Certain jobs involve tasks or environments that may pose safety risks for younger workers. Employers may establish age requirements to ensure that employees can perform their duties safely and effectively.
3. **Work Hour Restrictions:**
Labor laws often impose restrictions on the number of hours and the times during which minors can work. These restrictions may make it challenging for employers to schedule younger workers, especially during school hours or late evenings.
4. **Training and Supervision:**
Younger workers may require additional training and supervision, which can be resource-intensive for employers. Some businesses may prefer to hire individuals who are older and may have more work experience.
5. **Legal Liability:**
Employers may be concerned about the legal liability associated with hiring minors. There may be increased legal responsibilities, such as obtaining work permits and adhering to specific labor regulations, which could be perceived as additional administrative burdens.
6. **Maturity and Communication Skills:**
Some employers may prefer to hire individuals who are older due to concerns about the maturity and communication skills of younger workers. This perception may vary among employers and industries.
7. **Job Complexity:**
Certain jobs may require a level of complexity, responsibility, or physical capability that employers believe is better suited for older individuals. This consideration may be based on the nature of the work and potential challenges associated with younger workers handling specific tasks.
8. **Availability of Workers:**
Employers may find that older individuals are more readily available for part-time or seasonal positions, as they may have more flexibility in their schedules compared to students who are still in school.
It's important to note that regulations and attitudes towards hiring younger workers can vary by region and industry. While some businesses may have strict age requirements, others may be more open to hiring younger individuals with the necessary permits. If you are a 14 or 15-year-old seeking employment, it's advisable to inquire directly with local businesses, such as grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, or recreational facilities, to learn about any available opportunities and their specific hiring policies.
Shannon Jameson
Associate Director - Network System Performance
9
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
An employee who is younger than 18 years is considered a minor, which means different work rules are in place for them. This is similar to how Hollywood has specific rules for using minors in their films. Employers are required to follow certain standards when hiring minors. On top of these, each state has its own set of rules that supplement those from the U.S. Department of Labor. These factors lead some companies and businesses to only hire individuals who are 18 years or older. You can find more information about working under 18 on the Department of Labor's website at this link:
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/hiring/workersunder18
However, not all employers are reluctant to hire individuals under 18. There should be opportunities available in your local area. You can check your city or town's employment pages for more information. For example, my daughter started working as a part-time lifeguard for the city when she was just 16 years old. Another one of my daughters worked for the city's summer programs. During my previous career in retail management, I found it rewarding to hire many high school students for part-time evening and weekend shifts. I applaud your initiative in wanting to start your work journey early.
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/hiring/workersunder18
However, not all employers are reluctant to hire individuals under 18. There should be opportunities available in your local area. You can check your city or town's employment pages for more information. For example, my daughter started working as a part-time lifeguard for the city when she was just 16 years old. Another one of my daughters worked for the city's summer programs. During my previous career in retail management, I found it rewarding to hire many high school students for part-time evening and weekend shifts. I applaud your initiative in wanting to start your work journey early.