6 answers
Vicky
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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What are some jobs for 16 years old?
I’m 16 right now, in NYC high school. And I know for most jobs, their minimum age to work in their place was 16. So I decided that I wanted to get my first job, but I couldn’t find any job. They either never reply back to me or that their schedule aren’t fit for me or that they don’t hire 16 years old. I try bakery stores and some movie theaters, nothing works. If possible, can you tell me some company or store name that would hire 16 years old and are flexible with the schedule in NYC? Thank you.
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6 answers
Patrick George
Risk Consultant
6
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi Vicky!
When I was 16 I was a lifeguard. I would recommend finding a job doing something you know you like. For example, if you know you like to swim and being around pools, getting certified to be a lifeguard would be a good start. Another example is food service. Whether you love to bake, cook, or just talk to people food service can have it all. From fancy to super low key I'm sure you could find an organization that you wouldn't mind spending some time at. Getting your food handlers card would be a good start. Also, if you are really struggling finding a business that wants to hire you, work for yourself. Start a plant watering business, jewelry making business, tutoring business, or whatever you want! There are so many side hustles you can pursue, you just have to find one you don't mind putting some time and energy into. My advise for you: find a job doing something you know you like and obtain all the required certifications/training/background for it... or just start your own lemon-aid stand (or something equivalent)!
When I was 16 I was a lifeguard. I would recommend finding a job doing something you know you like. For example, if you know you like to swim and being around pools, getting certified to be a lifeguard would be a good start. Another example is food service. Whether you love to bake, cook, or just talk to people food service can have it all. From fancy to super low key I'm sure you could find an organization that you wouldn't mind spending some time at. Getting your food handlers card would be a good start. Also, if you are really struggling finding a business that wants to hire you, work for yourself. Start a plant watering business, jewelry making business, tutoring business, or whatever you want! There are so many side hustles you can pursue, you just have to find one you don't mind putting some time and energy into. My advise for you: find a job doing something you know you like and obtain all the required certifications/training/background for it... or just start your own lemon-aid stand (or something equivalent)!
Kaman Ng
Solutions Engineer
11
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kaman’s Answer
Hello,
Have you try public library? I know for a fact that they do actively hire high schoolers such as yourself who is looking for part time jobs (with flexible hours). You might even be able to find one near your home location, but if not, there are always the main library locations in each borough. In addition, there are always volunteering opportunities that you can do to build up your resume. Local churches, schools and senior citizen centers are always looking for help. In addition, if you are savvy with technology, you might be able to do a some technology related consulting work, and that can definitely be done at your own time and hours. For example, help a local business build an e-commerce site or a web store front, or do some desktop publishing work.
Best of luck!
Have you try public library? I know for a fact that they do actively hire high schoolers such as yourself who is looking for part time jobs (with flexible hours). You might even be able to find one near your home location, but if not, there are always the main library locations in each borough. In addition, there are always volunteering opportunities that you can do to build up your resume. Local churches, schools and senior citizen centers are always looking for help. In addition, if you are savvy with technology, you might be able to do a some technology related consulting work, and that can definitely be done at your own time and hours. For example, help a local business build an e-commerce site or a web store front, or do some desktop publishing work.
Best of luck!
Maria Saladin Rivera
Project Management, Instructional Designer, Professional Learning
18
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Vicky,
My kiddos started at Little Ceasar' Pizza store, Rue 21 clothing store, and McDonald's. Both Rue and MCDONALD'S are great because they offer great schedules, and McDonald's offers college tuition scholarships for members that work at least 25 hours weekly. They started working Friday-Saturday 10-12 hours to see how they could manage the school workload and job... school came 1st . Then they asked for more hours once they got the hang of it.
One is in college and still works at McDonald's because of the flexible hours and scholarship 😉. He actually went in person and spoke to a manager before applying. It showed he was proactive and interested.
Wishing you best!
My kiddos started at Little Ceasar' Pizza store, Rue 21 clothing store, and McDonald's. Both Rue and MCDONALD'S are great because they offer great schedules, and McDonald's offers college tuition scholarships for members that work at least 25 hours weekly. They started working Friday-Saturday 10-12 hours to see how they could manage the school workload and job... school came 1st . Then they asked for more hours once they got the hang of it.
One is in college and still works at McDonald's because of the flexible hours and scholarship 😉. He actually went in person and spoke to a manager before applying. It showed he was proactive and interested.
Wishing you best!
Andrew Cheung
Project Management
30
Answers
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Vicky, good question.
Before applying, I recommend updating your resume with your skills and education. Since you are younger than most applicants, you probably don't have previous work experience to talk about in an interview. The unfortunate thing is HR probably screened you out of interviews because of your age or lack of experience. If you have some family or friends that can refer you, that will boost your chances of getting an interview.
Some other things you may need to think about.
- Do you have a reliable form of transportation?
- Are you able to balance work and school?
- Are you flexible and can come in if someone calls in sick?
- Can you work night shifts?
- Are you willing to start the job with basic tasks such as greeting or cleaning?
- Ask someone at your high school such as a teacher or counselor to review your resume and get tips to make it stand out.
- Practice interviewing with school staff, family, or friends and find examples in your life that show your leadership, communication, and other skills.
- Create a LinkedIn page. This is like an electronic resume and is great way to build your network and showcase your skills.
Some jobs to apply for are bagger at grocery store, camp counselor, retail stores, Pools/resorts, and other similar jobs during the summer.
Continue to be persistent with your job search and use your network of family and friends to get that first interview.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/best-first-jobs-16-year-olds
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/industries-hiring-16-year-olds
Before applying, I recommend updating your resume with your skills and education. Since you are younger than most applicants, you probably don't have previous work experience to talk about in an interview. The unfortunate thing is HR probably screened you out of interviews because of your age or lack of experience. If you have some family or friends that can refer you, that will boost your chances of getting an interview.
Some other things you may need to think about.
- Do you have a reliable form of transportation?
- Are you able to balance work and school?
- Are you flexible and can come in if someone calls in sick?
- Can you work night shifts?
- Are you willing to start the job with basic tasks such as greeting or cleaning?
- Ask someone at your high school such as a teacher or counselor to review your resume and get tips to make it stand out.
- Practice interviewing with school staff, family, or friends and find examples in your life that show your leadership, communication, and other skills.
- Create a LinkedIn page. This is like an electronic resume and is great way to build your network and showcase your skills.
Some jobs to apply for are bagger at grocery store, camp counselor, retail stores, Pools/resorts, and other similar jobs during the summer.
Continue to be persistent with your job search and use your network of family and friends to get that first interview.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/best-first-jobs-16-year-olds
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/industries-hiring-16-year-olds
Veronica Antoinette Morris
Technical Support
9
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Veronica Antoinette’s Answer
You're definitely on the right track by asking questions. I began my journey at 15, working at McDonald's. Their flexible scheduling is perfect for balancing school and work. At 16, I moved on to Spencer Gifts located in a mall. A mall offers a wide range of job opportunities for someone your age. A bonus is that if you land a job in a clothing store, you can take advantage of the mall discount to buy your favorite items. Consider also places like major grocery stores and TJ Maxx - they're great for honing your customer service skills.
Another great option to explore is to see if your school has any affiliations with different stores like Pharmacy apprentice techs. Some schools have partnerships with businesses that can provide valuable work experience.
Remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your goals. I hope this information is helpful to you!
Another great option to explore is to see if your school has any affiliations with different stores like Pharmacy apprentice techs. Some schools have partnerships with businesses that can provide valuable work experience.
Remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your goals. I hope this information is helpful to you!
Maribel Diaz
Human Resources
8
Answers
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Updated
Maribel’s Answer
Hi Vicky,
NYC is so busy. Look into restaurants there busy and great tips. Also talk to your guidance counselor maybe your school offers a work study program where there connected with several companies who offer opportunities. Also look into the hospitals, laundry, cafeteria, housekeeping busy time and tons of jobs. Good Luck
NYC is so busy. Look into restaurants there busy and great tips. Also talk to your guidance counselor maybe your school offers a work study program where there connected with several companies who offer opportunities. Also look into the hospitals, laundry, cafeteria, housekeeping busy time and tons of jobs. Good Luck