Are you a teenager looking for your first job? If so, you may be wondering where to start. How can you get a job when you have no work experience? When you haven’t worked a real job before, the best type of job to look for is one that does not require formal skills.
Best First Job Options
There are plenty of jobs available for those starting in the job market, especially if they are willing to work for minimum wage to gain valuable work experience. Employers for job-seeking youth are often willing to train their employees. In fact, training is often part of the orientation program that employers provide for new employees. Here are some helpful insights on where you can find a job, first job options, what you need to do to get a job, and how to find your first job.
5 Ways to Get a Job
There are many ways to gain work experience and find job opportunities. Even when you are just starting out, networking is often the best way to get a job. The good news is that you already have a network of people willing to help you, starting with those closest to you.
1. Start Close to Home
Many young people begin with informal jobs such as babysitting, pet sitting, lawn mowing, and snow shoveling. The best way to find a job of this kind is to check with your friends, family, and neighbors. You may also be able to advertise your services on local social media sites and groups.
2. Ask for Help at School
Check with your school’s guidance office, teachers, and coaches. The more you ask people, the greater your chances of finding someone who will hire you. Teachers and school staff can also be great personal references if you land a job and need someone to vouch for you.
3. Target the Right Industries
When you want to gain formal work experience, common industries that hire inexperienced workers include hospitality, entertainment, camps, food service, retail, and landscaping.
Note
The peak season for jobs hiring less experienced workers is the summer. However, summer jobs start hiring earlier than you think, sometimes beginning as early as spring break. So, start looking for your job earlier instead.
4. Look for Student Apprenticeship Programs
Another option would be to find out about student apprenticeship programs that may be available in your area. For example, Microsoft offers a number of internship programs for teens (over 16 years old) living in Seattle or King County, Washington. You can learn more about teen apprenticeship programs by visiting the youth programs page of the U.S. Department of Labor.
5. Use Job Search Websites
You can use job search websites like SnagAJob, which focuses on hourly jobs, and general job search sites like Indeed.com. When using general job search sites to look for your job, use job titles that interest you, and terms like “no experience,” “no prior experience required,” and “no experience necessary” to find entry-level jobs.
What You Need to Get a Job
Keep in mind that some jobs and some jobs in certain locations require a work permit (also known as work papers) if you are under 18 years old, as employers want proof that you are eligible to work. Additionally, if you are under 16 years old, there are some jobs that you are not allowed to work in, such as working in bars or jobs deemed hazardous under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, there are no restrictions on some jobs, especially if you are working for family, friends, or neighbors.
List
First Jobs for Teens
Below is a sample list of first job titles: Activity Assistant, Amusement Park Ride Operator, Babysitter, Grocery Bagger, Barista, Little League Baseball Umpire, Youth Basketball Referee, Hotel Bellhop, Server Assistant, Camp Counselor, Camp Counselor in Training, Car Wash Attendant, Car Wash Employee, Cashier, Childcare Assistant, Cleaner, Bazaar Worker, Counselor in Training, Food Service Worker, Team Member, Customer Service, Dishwasher, Dog Walker, Pharmacy Clerk, Editorial, Farm Worker, Fast Food Worker, Food Prep Worker, Catering Staff, Food Service Worker, Golf Bag Caddy, Receptionist, Grocery Clerk, Housekeeper, Ice Cream Shop Assistant, Dog Park Attendant, Gardener, Lawn Mower, Lifeguard, Vendor, Mom Assistant, Music Reviewer, Music Teacher for Little Kids, Plant Nursery Worker, Office Worker, Packing and Moving, Newspaper Delivery Person, Pet Sitter, Pizza Restaurant Employee, Programmer, Auditor, Receptionist, Restaurant Host/Hostess, Retail Sales Associate, Catering Staff, Athletic Trainer, Youth Soccer Referee, Stockroom Worker, Swim Instructor, Team Member, Box Office Clerk, Tutor (in-person or online), Waiter/Waitress.
Summary
With some initiative and a willingness to work hard at jobs that initially pay minimum wage, you can start to build a reputation as a competent and committed employee while also earning some extra money. This work experience, along with the positive references you can collect from employers who are satisfied with your performance, will help ensure that future employers will be interested in you as a candidate for attractive job opportunities.
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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we verify facts and maintain the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our content.
Goucher College. “Summer Job Resources.” Accessed June 15, 2021.
Microsoft. “High School Program.” Accessed June 15, 2021.
U.S. Department of Labor. “Work Permits/Age Certificates.” Accessed June 15, 2021.
U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. “The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as Amended.” Accessed June 15, 2021.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/list-of-good-first-job-ideas-for-teens-2062235
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