| If, like most teens, you're looking for a little extra | | | | be polite with everyone you talk to when you're |
| cash for the movies or the mall - or for something | | | | applying for jobs. |
| larger like a car or college - you've probably thought | | | | If an employer is interested in you, you may be |
| about getting a job. Getting a job as a teen can be a | | | | called for an interview. Interviews can be scary, but |
| great way to build up your resume and demonstrate | | | | you can do a little preparation ahead of time to be |
| your reliability and dependability to colleges and future | | | | ready. Most employers will want to know what you |
| employers. But before you embark on the glamorous | | | | think are your strengths and weaknesses, what |
| lifestyle of hairnets and fast food, take the time to | | | | interests you in the position and what kind of |
| learn about the process of getting a job and decide | | | | schedule 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 find | | | | Remember, the goal of the interview is to find out if |
| out if you can legally work as a teen. Every state | | | | you're a good match for the job. |
| has child labor laws which may limit the jobs you can | | | | If you're offered a job, you'll probably also talk about |
| do based on your age and the number of hours you | | | | your schedule and the amount of money you'll be |
| can work during the school year or summer break. In | | | | paid. You'll get an introduction to the business and be |
| most cases, you'll be required to fill out a student | | | | briefed on what your responsibilities will be. Pay close |
| work permit in order to work as a teen. Check with | | | | attention during your training and speak up if you |
| your schools or local government offices for more | | | | have 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 can | | | | may be able to take on other tasks instead. |
| handle a job on top of your regular commitments. It's | | | | Check in with yourself regularly once you start |
| hard to work as a teen. When you get a job, you're | | | | working. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your |
| expected to show up for your shifts, whether | | | | manager and see if you can reduce your hours or |
| you've got a big exam the next day or a big date | | | | change the nights that you work. However, you've |
| scheduled for the same night. You've got to go to | | | | got to respect that your manager has his/her own |
| work when you don't feel like it, and you've got to | | | | needs in running the business and may not be able to |
| keep up with your nightly homework on top of | | | | accommodate you. If not, you may need to find |
| everything. Be realistic with yourself - if you're | | | | another job. If your grades are slipping, it's time to |
| already struggling to keep your grades up, a | | | | seriously 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 looking | | | | odd jobs like babysitting and yard work that you can |
| for a job. If you've got friends who are already | | | | do on your own time. |
| working, ask them which employers are good to | | | | And speaking of the extra money, why not put |
| work for and which ones aren't. Search your local | | | | some of it into a savings account? Sure, spend a little |
| newspaper for part-time listings or walk into your | | | | on a new pair of jeans, but by setting a little aside |
| favorite stores and ask if they're hiring. It's best to | | | | for more important things, you'll be developing |
| apply for lots of jobs, including ones you want and | | | | financial skills that will help you tremendously as an |
| ones you'd just be okay with, since you won't get | | | | adult. |
| every job you apply for. Always look your best and | | | | |