Ah Summer. The time of year when teens everywhere approach parents with outstretched hands looking for that all important green stuff: money.
If you’re of the financial security to gladly give your teens money whenever they need it, then I tip my hat to you. However, for the vast majority of parents the sight of an outstretched wanting hand from their teen usually elicits three words: “Get a job”.
The idea of searching for job can be daunting to anyone. Teens who have little to no work experience will find the job search process even more frightening and overwhelming than an adult. As their parent, you can help your teen overcome any uneasiness and confusion during the job search process with a few simple tips.
Help them find their strengths
As with anyone who is looking for a job, knowing what you enjoy doing will help you discover jobs and careers where you know you’ll shine. The same holds true for teens. Help your teenager find what their strengths and hobbies are by creating a list of things that they like to do. A teen who enjoys music might like working in a music store while one that enjoys working outside might enjoy a summer job at a nursery or landscaping company.
Think outside the {box} store
Once your teen knows what they like and what tasks they’d enjoy doing, encourage them to find all the potential employment opportunities that have those tasks in common. Your teen will likely be surprised with all the opportunities available to them that go beyond fast food joints and discount stores. This will be your teen’s core list of businesses to apply to. It also serves as a good bouncing off point for future careers if your teen is approaching college and is still undecided about what they’d like to go to school for.
Make the application process a cinch
The application process doesn’t just begin at filling out the form. It actually starts when your teen enters an establishment and asks to see a manager about a job or asks for the application. From this point on, your teen is being sized up by not only their potential employer but their potential co-workers as well. Teens should dress nicely and be respectful; obtaining the job application is the first impression.
When it comes to filling out the job application itself, make sure your teen uses their neatest handwriting. If their handwriting is very sloppy, consider filling out the application yourself. Their answers and information needs to be legible. Additionally, make a copy of the application so your teen can practice filling one out. This will get them familiar with the application process and work on penmanship.
Your teen should fill in all parts of the application. If something doesn’t apply, fill in that section with “NA”, “Not Applicable” or “None”. Work history and previous employment should be filled out to the best of their ability. If your teen as experience as an unpaid volunteer or working for a friend then it should be listed. There are a number of ways to properly answer the “Reason for leaving” in the work history section:
Your teen quit or left through no fault of their own
- Voluntary separation
- Resigned
- Moved to another area
- Left for a better job (make sure the work history reflects that)
- Temporary
- Seasonal
- No career advancement
Avoid using the words “terminated” or “fired” if your teen was let go from their previous job. “Involuntary separation” is recommended over the other options.Try to paint an honest but positive picture over any reasons for leaving a previous employer.
Gather a list of reliable references for your teen.
They should be able to speak to their character, reliability, and if at all possible, previous work history. Your teen may want to consider a letter of recommendation from a previous employer, trusted friend or teacher to attach to the application. You’ll find that many places won’t ask for a resume but should your teen have one available or the business asks for it, be sure to attach it to the application.
And now what?
When your teen turns in the application make sure they have the name and number of a contact person to follow up with. Give the application a week before following up and checking on the job. The waiting process is hard but once your teen gets used the process of searching for a job, everything becomes a bit easier and you’ll both feel at ease the next time your teen searches for a job.
Photos © Nichole Smith
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