Attention all Jobless Teens:
As the holiday season approaches you may find yourself wondering how in the world you’re going to check off all of the items on your ever-growing Christmas gift list. Add to that car payments, insurance, cell phone bills, and dates with your adorable girlfriend (oh boy!) You don’t wanna be falling back on the ‘rents for cash all the time, so listen up. Now that you’ve settled into the groove of physics assignments and early drivers ed classes, it may be the perfect time to scout out possible job opportunities. And really, the timing couldn’t be better. Right before the frenzied holiday season tons of employers will be offering jobs that are ideal for teens. Hurry and scoop up the applications to land a cool seasonal job where you can make some cash for the holidays and make friends with other teens in the process.
Seasonal Teen Job # 1: The Mall
If you’ve gone shopping in the past few weeks, you may have noticed a substantial number of “help wanted” signs amidst early holiday window displays. It’s no mystery that retailers receive a significant spike in sales from late October through December. This is their prime time, which means it’s also your prime time to snag a job.
As a teen, there are several benefits that a job at the mall could entail. Employee discounts top the list, especially if you’re a staunch clearance shopper like myself. Don’t forget the food court, which makes for a nice pit stop following a hectic shift or during your lunch break. Plus, shopping malls are generally closed by 9 or 10 pm, so your hours are usually going to be fairly reasonable.
In addition to the mall, keep in mind other popular department stores that will need extra help during the holidays such as Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, Khols, and T.J. Max.
Seasonal Teen Job # 2: Santa’s Little Helper
While we’re on the subject, there is one more mall-related job all you drama club teens may want to consider. If the thought of donning bright green tights to work everyday doesn’t make you break into a panicky sweat, perhaps a seasonal gig as a mall elf is the job for you. Imagine: earning paychecks by dressing up, acting, and charming little kids with your bubbly personality. Malls will frequently post Santa/Elf opportunities on sites like Craigslist.com, so check it out regularly.
Seasonal Teen Job # 3: Movie Theaters
Once the weather turns and filmmakers start churning out the major holiday flicks, movie theaters will be desperate for helping hands. No doubt most megaplexes are bulking up their staff numbers in preparation for the upcoming Harry Potter release (Nov. 19) so get in there pronto! Typically, business remains pretty steady through the winter, so at least you can count on decent hours. Also, if you’re a movie nut, free tickets may be part of the deal (depending on which theater you’re applying to).
From my own personal experience, working at a movie theater is a pretty cool job for a teen. Most of the employees will be around your age, and honestly – it’s practically the easiest job on the planet. Just be willing to work late nights and weekends.
Seasonal Teen Job # 4: Restaurants
The restaurant business will see a similar increase in patrons during the holidays – all those hungry shoppers have to eat somewhere! A helpful hint for job-seeking teens: since it’s likely that you’re lacking in experience, apply to family chain restaurants, which are more inclined to hire a newbie. They have built-in training programs that will help you get into the swing of things nicely.
Do NOT stop in during the lunch or dinner rush. Restaurants go through a lull in business between 2 & 4 pm. That’s your opportunity to hand your application directly to a manager. If you have good availability, a confident attitude, and a neat appearance, you may be offered a job on-the-spot! Which is why it’s a smart idea to bring along the following –
Job Hunting Essentials for Teens:
– photo ID (Drivers permit/license or a passport)
– social security card
– working papers (if you’re under 18)
– contact info for references
– phone numbers and addresses of former employers
When seeking a seasonal job as a teen, one thing to keep in mind is that you are not the only one doing so. It’s important to get your applications in early if you want to secure a job before it’s filled by somebody else.
One more thing: please, please smile! This should go without saying, but sometimes when we’re nervous we forget to relax and be our lovable, friendly selves. Most of the jobs teens will seek are going to be customer service-oriented, so potential employers want to see that you’re pleasant enough to work with the public.
So, to all my hopeful, hardworking teens – I wish you the best of luck in all of your moneymaking endeavors. Enjoy the holidays, and enjoy your new job!
