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Looking for a part time job as a teenager is probably going to be a daunting task. Truth is finding a job is hard no matter what your age. Finding a job may seem more impossible as you haven’t had any working experience, you have certainly never had an interview, and you are unsure of how to write a resume.

So what tips can we give you in getting your first job? Read on and hopefully these tips will help to ease the nerves!
Firstly have a look in your local papers or on the internet for part time positions available for teens. You may wish to look at places such as McDonalds, KFC, or Hungry Jacks as these types of workplaces are always looking for young people willing to work, have a high staff turnover and give you the options of working hours across 7 days per week. Keep in mind that some of these places will only accept applications over the internet, on their sites, so check them out.

Next you need to write a simple resume. Careernav have a blog on how to write a resume. Go to www.careernav.com.au/real-life/tips-and-tricks/career-advice-tips-on-writing-a-resume, and give it a go yourself. If you happen to need help ask your parents to assist you. Having a resume shows prospective employers you are putting an effort into getting a job and it will tell the employer all the things they need to know about you. 

When you are asked to attend an interview there are some very important things to remember and do to give the correct impression. Wearing those torn jeans, t-shirt, skate shoes and having the mohawk hairdo may not give the impression that you are serious in your search for work. Dress to impress. Wear something that is casual, neat, tidy and keep the hairstyling to a minimum.

When attending the interview make sure that you sit up straight and answer any questions asked clearly. Look at the person interviewing you, not the floor, maintain eye contact and try not to begin your answer with the word ‘um’. Think before you get there about what you may be asked and what you will answer to that. You may want to ask a parent to ask you some questions before you get there to practice your answers.

For example the interviewer may ask “Why are you looking for a job?” to which you could answer “I would like to have some independence of my own. I would also like to be able to save enough money to buy my first car”. You may even be asked “What are your future goals once you leave school?” If you already have an idea of what you wish to do career wise once you leave school, great, tell them. This shows that you are willing to put in the hard work to get you there. Never answer with “I don’t have a clue”.

Probably the most important thing to remember will be to prepare for a “no” answer. It would be great if you land your first job on the first interview, but in the real world this rarely happens. Don’t let this get to you and keep searching. Before you know it, you will land a job.

Remember to keep in mind that you will, at times be required to work weekends or nights. Make sure you know exactly how many hours you can work around your studies and extra curricular activities. Let the employer know well in advance if you are unable to attend work and have a valid reason such as you are unwell. If you work on a roster system let the employer know of future dates you are unable to work for such reasons as you are going on holiday. Do not call work and say you cannot work because you have a party to go to. This is NOT a reason not to work. The social life can wait a couple of hours and be planned for when you do not have a shift.

We wish you all the luck in your search for your first job and remember ‘have confidence in yourself’ to get what you want.

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