Finding a job in this economy can be really tough especially for teenagers. This guide will help you find a job, and stand out against competitors.
Locating the job
This is the hardest part because of the bad economy. There are still plenty of people hiring you just need to know where to look. Friends and family are often a good place to start. Just ask if they need workers or know a place that does. Having connections with someone who already has a job at the place you apply to is a shoo in with their good recommendation.
The newspaper is another great place to look. Jobs are always being advertised in the ads section. Some of these jobs require skills, some don’t and are perfect for the average teenager. Cut out the ad, and call, go online, or show up in person, whatever the ad specifies. Putting your own ad in the newspaper works too and is often free. Advertise your services such as lawn mowing, cleanup, or anything else you can do, be sure to put your phone number or email so people can contact you with work. If you become really busy with this, hire friends to help. Junk removal is good if you or your friends have a truck. The junk removed can be sold as scrap metal to junkyards. Get paid to move junk then get payed to sell it, that’s a win win.
The next method to find a job is to apply in person. The establishment doesn’t have to have a help wanted sign out front, most often they don’t! Places that do well in the bad economy are great places to start. Fast food and discount stores are great because they are almost always hiring, and chances are, you already know someone that works at the local McDonalds. Grocery stores also are a common place to get a find a job. People need to eat therefore they still need workers. Farms are a bit tricky to get a job at. You need to apply months before hand in order to get job. It is only summer work and they often get the same people each year with few openings. Your best bet is to apply and call the farm inquiring about open positions a few times a week or more. Eventually they will either tell you to stop calling or most likely give you a job just to stop bothering them.
One thing to remember when looking for a job is that you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. If your nervous, don’t be!
The application
Most jobs will have you fill out some sort of application.(Most farms don’t have applications) These will help you secure an interview. Fill out the form completely and accurately to the best of your ability. Answer questions pertaining to the job in ways that make you stand out, you do have a while to think of an answer so don’t rush. Read over form when done and don’t have any spelling errors because these will hurt, real bad.
The interview
Many jobs don’t have interviews at all such as most farm jobs. Fast food interviews are often short and don’t mean much as long as you have a friend on the inside that gave you a good recommendation. There are jobs though that take interviews very seriously and by following these steps, you will have an edge over the competitors.
The first step is to dress nice. Don’t overdress with a suit and tie.(though it does depend on the job) On average a nice collard shirt and cargo shorts will suffice. When picking out clothes give yourself plenty of time. Being late to an interview is a write-off no-matter how good your excuse. Being late to an interview shows that you will be late to your job.
The next step is to arrive a few minutes early to show that you care about the job. It is okay if your nervous just try to overcome it and talk smoothly. The interviewer often asks questions such as why do you want to work here, what can you say about your work ethic, and how do you think you can benefit the company. These questions are very common and will often times win or lose the job based on your response so be prepared!
Don’t make jokes during the interview but it’s okay to be a bit funny.(Not over the top) There are two types of interviewers, those who act strict and make you nervous and those who act like your friend. Both are very dangerous. Being nervous will make it harder to think and speak will an interviewer acting like your friend will try to get you to act normal or say things you wouldn’t say otherwise.
Just remember keep cool, think ahead, anticipate the questions. Say something unexpected that will make you stand out in front of the other teens applying for a job. Don’t go off topic and speak clearly and to the point.
Good luck finding a job I hope this helps.
