Job Search Tips for High School Students

Job Search Tips for High School StudentsJob Search Tips for High School StudentsWhen youre in high school and havent worked much or at all, it can be hard to find a job. In fact, teenagers have a reallyhigh unemployment rate. However, if youre a high school student looking for a job, there are things you can do to help yourself get hired and get your application noticed. Consider a Variety of Job Options Dont limit yourself to certain types of jobs. This is a tough market for young job seekers,and you may not be able to find a job doing what youreallywant to do. If you need a paycheck, keep an open mind when it comes to what youll do to earn that paycheck. The mora flexibility you have, the more opportunities youll be able to apply for. Plus, even if the job wasnt your first choice, it may turn out to be better than you expected. Review these lists ofgood first job optionsandsummer jobsthat students are often hired for to get ideas for what you might like to do. Check the Rule s for Teen Job Seekers Depending on how old you are, there are only certain jobs you can do and hours you can work. Check theChild Labor Law(you count as a child if youre under 18 when it comes to working) regulations to see how they apply to you. The tiefpunkt age you can work at paid non-agricultural employment is 14. If youre 14 or 15, check thislist of employerswho hire applicants your age. Get Working Papers if You Need Them Inordertoworklegallyin some states, workers under eighteen may need to obtain working papers,whichareofficially calledEmployment/Age Certificates.Heres more onworking papers and where to get them. If your location requires them, youll need to show them to an employer when youre hired. Write a Resume Even though it may not be required by employers,aresumecan help you stand out from the competition. Even though you may not have much information to include, a resume shows that youre serious about your job search. Here are tips forwriting your first re sumewith a free template you can download to get started on your own resume. Also review thebest skills for high school studentsto list on your resume. Start Your Job Hunt Close to Home One good way to get experience when you are a high school student is to start by working for friends and neighbors. Babysitting, mowing lawns, landscaping, yard work, shoveling snow, and pet sitting all can be included on your resume. In addition, the people you work for will be able togive you a referencewhen you apply for other jobs. Advertise Your Job Search The most important thing you can do is advertise the fact that youre looking for a job. You never know who might be looking for their next employee. Tell everyone you knowthatyou are looking for a job. Many jobs arent advertised, and you may be able to get a good job lead from a friend or family member. The more people you tell, the better your chancesareof finding a job. Check With the Guidance Office Your High School Guidance Off ice staff should be able to help you with job listings and job search advice. There may be a bulletin board with job postings, a notebook with listings, and/or an online job board. They might also have internship opportunities, which may (or may not) be paid, but will give you valuable experience. Job Search Online and In-Person Check websites that listlocal job openings. You can use thejob search engineslike Indeed.com to search by keyword part-time and your location to find job listings in your city or town. Check your local Chamber of Commerce website (Google your city/town name and Chamber of Commerce to find it) to see if they list jobs. There are lots of sources of employment opportunities, both for part-time during the school year and forgreat summer jobs. Also, try stopping in at local businesses, and check to see if they are hiring. In some cases, the business may put a sign in the window. If there isnt one, check with the manageranyway. Your motivation and self-assuran ce will impress the manager, andcouldland you an interview. Apply for Lots of Jobs Job searching is a numbers game. Apply for as many jobs as possible. The more applications you have in, the better your chancesareof securing an interview. Keep applying for jobs, rather than waiting to hear back from one before you try for another position. Beprepared to complete a job application. Bring all the information you need when youre applying for jobs online, and have the details handy when youre filling out online job applications. For most jobs,youll need Contact information (address and phone number)Educational backgroundExtracurricular activitiesSkills related to the jobAvailability (days and hours)Previous jobs and employer contact information (if you have work experience)Salary history (if you have work experience)References (typically three) Spend as much time as you can applying, and follow up bycalling or emailing to check on your application. It will show that youre actively j ob searching and interested in the position. Dress Appropriately When you are applying in-person for jobs and interviewing, dress appropriately. Use the Grandma Rule(if your grandmother would like your interview outfit,thenyou are dressed properly). Heres more onwhat to wear to a high school job interviewor to apply for jobs. Be Flexible Be as flexible as possible when it comes to your availability. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to get a job offer. Also, know when youre available for work. Bring a list of the hours you can work with you when you apply in person or go an interview. Consider Volunteering Even though you wont get a paycheck,volunteering is a great way to add valuable work experienceto your resume,which will help you find a paid position in the future. Check with your high school guidance office and with local non-profit organizations for volunteer opportunities.