While being a student is a full-time job, someone has to support the modern teenage lifestyle, and it’s not your parents. Getting your first job can be stressful, but it’s a necessary evil.
The most important thing to remember when you’re applying for a job is that you probably won’t get a response from the first company you apply to. It sounds harsh, but there are so many people applying for jobs. It’s more about when you submit your application than what’s in it.
That being said, you still want an application that will catch companies’ eyes. The first thing you need is a resume. Writing a resume is not rocket science: you need a name, contact information, address if requested, prior work experience, references, and skills or certifications. You can either create your own resume from scratch, or you can use any free online resume builder to help you.
In your resume, the references don’t have to be anything amazing. They just need to be someone who isn’t related to you and is willing to say good things. Even though most employers will not reach out to your references, it’s good to have them. Previous work experience can include an actual job, an under-the-table job like babysitting, or volunteer work.
A list of skills helps the employer get to know you a little better, so it’s important to be honest while also highlighting any strengths you have. Skills can include: team player, organized, bilingual, or any adjective that you believe would be helpful for the company you’re applying for. For example, if you want to work with customer service, put a skill that indicates that you would be outgoing and friendly.
Once you have your resume, you need to start applying. I recommend downloading an app like Indeed or ZipRecruiter to help you with this. You can also go on specific websites to apply to companies directly or go in-store to apply. When it comes to applying, don’t be too picky and apply to as many jobs as you can.
Once you get an interview, you’ll need to learn what kind of buzz words that jobs will be looking for: If you’re working with kids, say you love kids. If you’re working in customer service, say you love making connections. Any job will love it if you say you are good at working together and contributing to the company.
It’s also important to come off as professional, no matter what age you are. You want to seem like a responsible adult. Dress appropriately according to the line of work, and minimize the amount of skin showing. Another part of professionalism is how you speak to people: be polite, friendly, and use appropriate and professional language. When you arrive, hold a door open. If possible, make friendly conversation with any person of the company you meet, shake hands, and keep frequent eye contact. When the interview is over, make sure to thank the interviewer.
You may have to repeat this process more than once, but you should always follow the same formula. It may be discouraging to get rejected from a job, but you can’t let it get you down. Keep applying until you get a job, which you will, no matter how many tries it takes.
When you get your first job, it’s important to ask questions. Yes, there will be people that will get annoyed with you, but it’s better to annoy your coworker than repeatedly making mistakes. Push aside any negative feelings you have. At work, you are at work, so don’t bring your outside feelings. Despite how you may feel about anyone you work with, never let them know. Whether it’s customers, coworkers, or your boss, keep your pessimistic thoughts to yourself. If you get overwhelmed, talk to your boss. If they don’t seem to care or help, it might be time to consider trying for a new job.
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s just a job. You don’t have to love it, but it’s in your best interest to try. Never burn any bridges, the job you have in high school may very well be a reference when you apply for college or your future career. Work hard, stay strong, smile, and have fun making money!
