4 Ways To Help Your Teen Get a Summer Job
When school gets out for the summer, your teen will probably need to start looking for a job. Unfortunately, this can be difficult and scary for kids. Therefore, you may want to help out where you can. If this is something you're experiencing, here are four ways to help your teen get a summer job.
- Create a Resume
The first and, arguably, most important step in finding a job is creating a resume. Unfortunately, making a normal resume as a teenager can be near impossible, especially if this will be your teen's first job. Because of this, your teen's resume will look a lot different than yours.
Have your teen start the process by listing any attended schools. Be sure to look up your child's GPA at each one, including at the current school. Next, have your teen make a list of hobbies and activities. Sports, dance, school clubs and reading groups are great options! After that, your teen should list any volunteering or charity work done. Lastly, make a list of special skills. This can be anything from leadership to Google Docs. Once the lists are completed, you can format the results into a legible resume! Afterward, consider introducing your child to the 7 habits of highly effective teens. This may help the teen bulk up the resume.
- Discuss Job Options
The next step in this process is to discuss job options. As a teenager, your child won't have a lot of options when choosing a job. However, it's wise to help your kid understand what each possible position entails.
One of the positions your teen will likely take is a retail worker. When discussing this job, you'll want to emphasize the need for good customer service. Retail workers should be courteous, ready to help and knowledgeable about the merchandise. You'll also want to stress how regular the payment is. Unlike many other starting jobs, retail work allows for dependable income.
Another job your teen is likely to get is a host or server. If your child is under eighteen, they'll likely have to start out hosting. However, this will provide good restaurant experience for a future serving job. Similar to retail work, customer service will be paramount. Knowledge of things like restaurant equipment is also handy. However, it's important to stress that restaurants are less regular. This is particularly true when it comes to money. Since even hosts can receive tips, the income will be different every week. While this may sound discouraging, working at a restaurant can be very lucrative.
- Research Local Places
When looking for a summer job, it's wise to stick with local venues. This is particularly important if your teen is working night shifts. Not only does working locally make transportation easier, but it also helps to ensure the safety of your child.
When researching spots, tell your teen to look into employee reviews. This can usually be found on sites like Indeed and Glassdoor. While your child should expect to see some negative comments, the overall rating shouldn't be lower than three. Ratings around one and two stars generally connote a hostile work environment. You and your child may also want to visit the spot. Sometimes, the best way to research a spot is by visiting it. Check out the vibe and, if you get a chance, ask employees about the work environment.
- Prepare for Interviews
Lastly, it's essential to help your teen prepare for interviews. After all, an interview is often the deciding factor for employers. Many companies, particularly ones that often hire teens, pay little attention to resumes. Start by stressing the importance of attitude. Your teen should be attentive and friendly the entire time. Next, discuss potential questions.
One of the most important questions to prepare for is, "Why are you qualified to take this position?". While your child may not have relevant work experience, school activities and other examples of responsibility are helpful to bring up.
Finding a first or second job can be overwhelming, especially for more introverted children. Therefore, while you shouldn't do all the work, helping your teen get a position can make all the difference,
