How to land a teenage job?

WyrmDL · #1 05-17-2010, 02:09 PM

Hey TB,

I am very new to this stuff. I'm 19, just finished my first year of college.

The question is, how do I land a first job? Never really had experience before. Did alright in school, but nothing outstanding. I can't think of anything I could put on my resume.

I don't know where to start looking, or how to approach even asking for a job in the first place. I'll study and practice interviewing.

I'm a little lost. Thanks in advance TB,

-Don

Radical Edward · #2 05-17-2010, 02:15 PM

First, you want to make a resume regardless. Just put your school, references, anywhere you volunteered at. Anything. Just to show them what kind of person you are.
Then you go to various places you'd like a job at and feel you can do and you A.) Give them your resume
B.) Fill out an application there
or C.) They tell you to go online, and then you do so and fill out that app.

After that, it's a waiting game.
If you get an interview: Dress nice, be polite, smile, use eye-contact, and have a firm handshake. ^_^
-ME

Asa Samuel · #3 05-17-2010, 02:29 PM

That's good advice, get your CV sorted and just drop a copy off at any place you would like to work.

Make sure you put down EVERYTHING that could sway an employer to sign you on - that means any volunteer work, your education details, hobbies etc.

If you aren't sure there are loads of CV templates online.

FL Knifemaker · #4 05-17-2010, 02:35 PM

Wear a belt with your pants pulled UP.

+1 on the resume, even if it just has your schooling.

Make sure you bring your own pen when you apply. Nothing looks more dumb that someone coming in to fill out an ap with nothing to write with.

Use Mam and Sir.

Speak clearly and don't appear to be nervous. EXUDE confidence!

iamlowsound · #5 05-17-2010, 02:45 PM

Apply before you are done collage for the year.

lowsound

username n/a · #6 05-17-2010, 03:17 PM

Anybody want to give me a job?

HEIST · #7 05-17-2010, 03:41 PM

Yeah make that resume. Some skills that can benefit a resume could be a second language, knowing how to work a till etc.

Add what kind of worker you are. Punctual, reliable, flexible, good team worker etc.

Apply at places where experience is not needed. Fast food joints, a bus boy at a family restaurant, retail (sellings clothes in a mall) or a food court in a mall. They're always looking for students.

groooooove · #8 05-17-2010, 05:55 PM

just apply everywhere. everywhere. everywhere.

Joe Gress · #9 05-17-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groooooove

just apply everywhere. everywhere. everywhere.

Yup. And get back at them if they show the slightest interest. Interviews can be another step of rejection, but they also make or break your appearance to potential employers. But after you do get an interview, follow up with it, don't wait for that call.

stevetx19 · #10 05-17-2010, 06:31 PM

are you looking for summer employment, or do you want a job to
continue once school picks up again?
I've worked the past few summers, and this coming summer, at a summer camp and it's one of the better life choices i've made. They usually pay all expenses, including food, and pay pretty well considering you are playing all day. There are camps all over the country in some of the most beautiful spots. The job is only during the summer, but it beats flipping burgers all day by a long shot.

groooooove · #11 05-17-2010, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Gress

Yup. And get back at them if they show the slightest interest. Interviews can be another step of rejection, but they also make or break your appearance to potential employers. But after you do get an interview, follow up with it, don't wait for that call.

yup..

my first job, in a supermarket, i'm almost positive i only got hired because i was so calm at the interview. why? i diddnt really want the job

just go on tons of interviews so eventually it wont be anything to be nervous about.

mndean · #12 05-17-2010, 10:29 PM

All the job advice is good, but also remember to cultivate contacts. I've gotten as many jobs from who I know as what I know. I've lost out on jobs because all I had to offer was high skill and reliability. It's obviously not something I like, but when I found that there is no meritocracy I just learned to ride with it.

stinger12345 · #13 05-17-2010, 10:33 PM

What happened to the good old days when kids sold weed to make money? I'm not sure how jobs go in your location (since you like your privacy too much to tell people), but in my neck of the woods, alllll the summer jobs would be taken up by now. Grocery stores, ice cream stores, grocery stores, Targets, etc....in my hometown, it's tough to get a gig there once summer hits. Maybe your dad will let you mow the lawn for $10.

Joe Gress · #14 05-17-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinger12345

What happened to the good old days when kids sold weed to make money?

Stupid medicinal dispensaries takin all our business man.

WyrmDL · #15 05-17-2010, 10:48 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.

I live in Tucson, Arizona. It's a little tough to find work here, but I'll keep at it.

KeithBMI · #16 05-17-2010, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by username n/a

Anybody want to give me a job?

I have a job for you.

A-Step-Towards · #17 05-17-2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinger12345

What happened to the good old days when kids sold weed to make money? I'm not sure how jobs go in your location (since you like your privacy too much to tell people), but in my neck of the woods, alllll the summer jobs would be taken up by now. Grocery stores, ice cream stores, grocery stores, Targets, etc....in my hometown, it's tough to get a gig there once summer hits. Maybe your dad will let you mow the lawn for $10.

Oh kids still do