As a fourteen year old looking to join the workforce, it’s tough. Employers often prefer people with prior experience, and some even have policies against hiring people at 14. Here’s a step by step guide to finding a job:
1. Make a Resume
You may not have much to put on it, but it is very important you have one. Make sure it looks professional and has a section for:
- Profile – make sure to stress how eager you are to work, and discuss your strong work ethic
- Work Experience – you can also put in any volunteer experience or internships here
- Skills and Attributes – this is where you discuss what makes you unique, you can discuss things such as any certifications you have, your strong subjects, if you speak any other language, if you know any special skills (i.e. sewing, baking, photography) and if you have any character traits that might be unique or useful (i.e. personable, independent, hard-working)
- Education – Put down what schools you have attended, and for what grades
- Activities and Interests – Include any sports you play (including what club, for how long, and what it taught you) along with any classes you take, or things you like to do in your free time – really this sections just shows your future employer what makes you unique
2. Find References
It is very important to have 3 or 4 rock solid references on hand, because if you get the interview, the employer will often ask you for references. You can and should use a variety of different people as references who will all say positive things and can highlight different parts of your personality. Keep in mind that employers don’t want to talk to your friends, so keep all your references above the age of 20. Some good people to use as references are:
- Teachers
- Mentors
- Coaches
- Neighbours
- Family Friends
- Religious Leaders
- Any Past Employers
- People you volunteered with
- Librarians – if you frequent the library
After you have gather references, have a neat way to present them with the same formatting as your resume.
3. Hand Out your Resume
Hand your resume out to everyone that hires young – even if they say they only hire at 15, apply anyway. Some places that hire young are McDonald’s, Cupcakes, Staples, Claire’s, Grocery Stores, London Drugs (apply online), Orange Julius, Dairy Queen, and dishwashing position at some restaurants. Ask to speak to manager if they are around, tell them you are really eager to work, are a quick learner, and would love to work as a (insert position applied for here,) then thank them for their time, hand them your resume (and job application if the store has one) and walk away. Also check Craigslist (use with caution,) companies often post that they are looking to fill certain position, so you know the best times to drop off your resumes at those places.
4. The Interview
The interview is the most important part of the whole process, it can make or break you, their are a few key things you need to do for an interview:
- Research – take a little time before the interview to research the company, and make sure you have a strong understanding of what the position is, be prepared for question they might ask you, and have questions to ask them (good question are ‘Is this potentially a job I could hold through high school’ – shows commitment, and ‘Is their room for advancement’ – shows you want to work hard and excel with the company, also, ask them any question specific to the job)
- Bring Your Resume and References – even if they already have a copy
- Dress Appropriately – What you wear must be neat and conservative. It should fit the job (i.e. if your applying for a dishwashing job, don’t wear a ball gown)
- Act Appropriately – Shake their hand when you walk in. Stay calm, and make it seem like you are happy and comfortable being their. Try to keep the conversation going, and don’t give one work answers to question, but rather be as in depth as possible. Don’t be afraid to talk about your interests – it makes you seem comfortable and assertive.
5. The Thank You Letter/ Email
12 – 24 hours after the interview, send them a quick email thanking them for their time, and stressing how interested and excited you are about the job opportunity. Answer any question you felt you didn’t answer properly, and ask anymore questions you have. Thank them for the opportunity, and end by saying you hope to hear from them soon.
With these tips, you’ll get a job in no time, Good Luck.
