Getting a Job as a Teen

If, like most teens, you're looking for a little extrabe polite with everyone you talk to when you're
cash for the movies or the mall - or for somethingapplying for jobs.
larger like a car or college - you've probably thoughtIf an employer is interested in you, you may be
about getting a job. Getting a job as a teen can be acalled for an interview. Interviews can be scary, but
great way to build up your resume and demonstrateyou can do a little preparation ahead of time to be
your reliability and dependability to colleges and futureready. Most employers will want to know what you
employers. But before you embark on the glamorousthink are your strengths and weaknesses, what
lifestyle of hairnets and fast food, take the time tointerests you in the position and what kind of
learn about the process of getting a job and decideschedule you'll be able to keep. Never, ever lie to the
whether or not it's right for you.interviewer, but be realistic with your answers.
Before you start looking for a job, you've got to findRemember, the goal of the interview is to find out if
out if you can legally work as a teen. Every stateyou're a good match for the job.
has child labor laws which may limit the jobs you canIf you're offered a job, you'll probably also talk about
do based on your age and the number of hours youyour schedule and the amount of money you'll be
can work during the school year or summer break. Inpaid. You'll get an introduction to the business and be
most cases, you'll be required to fill out a studentbriefed on what your responsibilities will be. Pay close
work permit in order to work as a teen. Check withattention during your training and speak up if you
your schools or local government offices for morehave any questions. If there's anything you feel
information.uncomfortable with, let your manager know - you
You've also got to consider whether or not you canmay be able to take on other tasks instead.
handle a job on top of your regular commitments. It'sCheck in with yourself regularly once you start
hard to work as a teen. When you get a job, you'reworking. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your
expected to show up for your shifts, whethermanager and see if you can reduce your hours or
you've got a big exam the next day or a big datechange the nights that you work. However, you've
scheduled for the same night. You've got to go togot to respect that your manager has his/her own
work when you don't feel like it, and you've got toneeds in running the business and may not be able to
keep up with your nightly homework on top ofaccommodate you. If not, you may need to find
everything. Be realistic with yourself - if you'reanother job. If your grades are slipping, it's time to
already struggling to keep your grades up, aseriously consider whether you should be working or
part-time job probably isn't best for you.not. You can always make a little extra money with
If you're legally able to work, it's time to start lookingodd jobs like babysitting and yard work that you can
for a job. If you've got friends who are alreadydo on your own time.
working, ask them which employers are good toAnd speaking of the extra money, why not put
work for and which ones aren't. Search your localsome of it into a savings account? Sure, spend a little
newspaper for part-time listings or walk into youron a new pair of jeans, but by setting a little aside
favorite stores and ask if they're hiring. It's best tofor more important things, you'll be developing
apply for lots of jobs, including ones you want andfinancial skills that will help you tremendously as an
ones you'd just be okay with, since you won't getadult.
every job you apply for. Always look your best and