Summer is coming faster than we think and seasonal jobs are starting to get filled! For a teen, looking for your first job can be a very scary and nerve wracking task, but if you take it step by step, it starts to feel much more manageable.
Step 1: Write your resume
The resume is a crucial part of the job search process. It is a way for potential employers to learn about you and your skills on a sheet of paper.
You might be thinking, "I haven’t had a job before, why do I need a resume?"
You still can have a resume even without ever having a job before! Activities like National Honors Society, babysitting, being a part of a sports team, and volunteering all carry skills that employers are looking for.
- Check out the Job Search for Teens tab to see resume templates designed for teens with or without professional experience.
Step 2: Finding a job
This step can be really hard especially if you don’t know where to start. Here are some places that like to hire teens:
- Park districts
- Grocery stores
- Local restaurants
- Movie theaters
- Retail stores like Target or Wal-Mart
Your school also may have a job fair filled with employers who want to hire teens.
🗓️ Upcoming event: State Senator Lewis and State Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro are hosting a job fair for teens on Weds., Mar. 18 from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Bloomingdale Park District. (172 S Circle Avenue Bloomingdale, IL 60108)
Lastly, ask your friends where they work! Work is a lot more fun when you can do it with a friend.
Step 3: The Interview
Now you have a solid resume, you found a job, and spoke with the employer. Next comes the interview. Interviewing is one of the hardest parts of the job search process, but this is where you get to talk about the person you know the best…yourself!
Here are some common questions that you may be asked in an interview. It is really important to have an answer to these questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Tell me about a time when you worked well on a team.
- Tell me about a time when you worked well individually.
- Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a co-worker or classmate, how did you overcome that disagreement?
- What is one thing that your teachers say that you can work on? (With this question, it is important to mention what steps you are taking to overcoming that weakness.)
Dress code: It is important to dress in a “business casual” or “business professional” attire for your interview. Sweatpants, torn jeans, and crop tops should not be worn to the interview.
When to arrive: If your interview is scheduled for another day and not on the spot, arrive to the interview 15 minutes early.
Step 4: Your first day
Congrats! You got the job offer and your first day is scheduled! Don't forget:
- Arrive on time or even 10-15 minutes early.
- Have all the necessary documentation with you (you employer will let you know what you need to bring a head of time) For a list of documents they may ask you to bring, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.
- Dress to impress: Keep that “business casual” style!
If you have any questions throughout the process, please feel free to reach out to Matt Williams, the library's Business Services Specialist, he is happy to help. Email him at mattwilliams@addisonlibrary.org or call 630.458.3304 (that number will not accept texts).
Looking for some reads? Check out some great books on the teen job search.