Best First Job Options
There are plenty of jobs available for those just starting out in the workforce, especially if they are willing to work minimum wage jobs in order to gain valuable work experience. Employers of young job seekers are willing to train their employees. In fact, training is usually part of the orientation program that employers provide to new hires. Here’s some useful information on where to get hired, first job options, what you need to do to get hired, and how to find your first job.
5 Ways To Get Hired
There are many ways to get work experience and find job opportunities. Even when you’re just starting out, networking is often the best way to get hired. The good news is that you already have a network of folks who are willing to help you, starting with the people closest to you.
1. Start Close to Home
Many young people start out with informal jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, mowing lawns, or shoveling snow. The best way to find a job like this is to check with your friends, family, and neighbors. You may also be able to advertise your services on local social media sites and groups.
2. Ask for Help at School
Check with your school guidance office, teachers, and coaches. The more people you ask, the better chance you will have of finding someone to hire you. Teachers and school staff also make great personal references if you find a job and need someone to vouch for you.
3. Target the Right Industries
When you want to start getting formal work experience, the common industry sectors that hire workers without experience include hospitality, recreation, camps, food service, retail sales, and landscaping.
4. Look for Student Apprenticeship Programs
Another option would be to learn about and apply to student apprenticeship programs that may be available in your area. For example, Microsoft offers a number of apprenticeships to teens (older than 16) who live in Seattle or King County, Washington. You can learn more about apprenticeships for teenagers by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor’s youth programs site.
5. Use Job Search Sites
You can use job sites like SnagAJob, which focuses on hourly jobs, and general job sites like Indeed.com. When using general job sites for your job search, use job titles you’re interested in, and terms like “no experience,” “no previous experience needed,” and “no experience required” to find entry-level positions.
What You Need To Get Hired
Do keep in mind that for some jobs and some jobs in certain locations require an employment certificate (also known as working papers) if you are under 18, as the employers would want proof that you are old enough to work. In addition, if you are under 16, there are some jobs that you are not allowed to work at, such as bartending, or jobs considered hazardous under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Other jobs, however, don’t have any restrictions, especially if you are working for family, friends, or neighbors.
List of First Jobs for Teens
Here is a sample list of titles for first jobs:
Activities AssistantAmusement Ride AttendantBabysitterBaggerBaristaBaseball Umpire for Little LeagueBasketball Referee for JuniorsBellhopBusserCamp CounselorCamp Counselor in TrainingCar DetailingCar Wash AttendantCashierChild Care AssistantCleanerConcession WorkerCounselor In TrainingCounter Worker—Food ServiceCrew MemberCustomer ServiceDishwasherDog WalkerDrugstore CashierEditingFarmhandFast Food WorkerFood Prep WorkerFood ServerFood Service WorkerGolf CaddyGreeterGrocery ClerkHousehold ChoresIce Cream ShopKennel AssistantLandscaperLawn MowerLifeguardMerchandiserMother’s HelperMusic ReviewsMusic Teacher for Young ChildrenNursery WorkerOffice WorkersPacking and MovingPaper Delivery PersonPet SitterPizza ParlorProgrammerProofreaderReceptionistRestaurant Hostess/HostRetail Store SalesclerkServerSports CoachSoccer Referee for JuniorsStock ClerkSwim InstructorTeam MemberTicket TakerTutor (in-person or online)Waiter/Waitress
This work experience, as well as the positive references you can collect from employers who are satisfied by your performance, will help to ensure that future employers will be interested in you as an attractive job candidate.