As my senior year of high school has begun, many of my peers around me are stressed out over the idea of finding a job. Life, in general is expensive and getting a first job, in my opinion, is one of the best things a high school student can do to prepare themselves for 'the real world'. I have noticed, among my friends, they have a very difficult time speaking to hiring managers, so much that they psych themselves out.
Being apart of so many school and community related activities I am constantly talking to people, so interviews have never been to difficult for me because to me, I feel like I'm doing them all the time. So, without further fluff or ado, here are my tips for getting a job as a teenager.
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1. Be annoying, but not too annoying.
Over the past few years, paper applications have become a thing of the past, so most of the applications you do will be filled out and submitted online. Because of this, you don't get the initial contact with your potential employer as you would when handing in your application, so you have to take the initiative and go in and talk to them yourself. Just because you applied, does not mean they are going to look through, see who looks good, and hire you. There is absolutely no way to avoid talking to the managers. My advice would be to go in as often as you can. Keep in mind the businesses' busier hours where they might not have much time. For instance, if you're applying to McDonalds, do not call or go to the store between 11 and 1pm, or 5 and 7pm, and expect to speak to someone, keep in mind what will benefit the company more, they will appreciate it.
The best thing to do, is to go in when they are the least busy. Ask for their hiring manager, or the store manager, and introduce yourself to them. Make sure you use your full name, and tell them that you applied within the past few days and give them some sort of reason as to why you are a good worker.
Example:
"Hi, thank you so much for talking with me today, I am Ezabelle Stoehr and a few days ago I applied here online. I think I would be a good fit for the job because I am a reliable worker, with a high quality work ethic in mind. "
Obviously you can say whatever you would like, maybe you work well with others, or you are very punctual, whatever it is, just say it because it'll show your potential employer that you are putting forth effort.
My parents specifically told me to go in and speak to the manager as often as possible, to annoy them because it will show my dedication to the job, but, not to be too annoying by visiting during rush hours, or in general wasting their time.
2. Take a break, and calm down.
The job interview is probably the scariest part to many, and most buisnesses probably require you to be interviewed several times, which can cause a lot of nerves, especially for those that have never been interviewed before. Nerves are only natural, but more often than not, teenagers psych themselves out too much. If you are feeling too nervous find something you can do before your interview to put your mind at ease. Do something you actually enjoy so that when you walk in to speak with your hiring manager, you'll be happy. When you're nervous, everyone can tell whether its your competition for the job, or the person hiring you, they know. They should try to help you feel better, but not all of them will, so just try to put yourself at ease, you'll talk better, and look better to your potential employer.
3.) Pamper Yourself.
This one is pretty simple, when I walked into the doors freshman year of high school I had very low self esteem and thought negatively about everything I did, but I held myself as if I thought differently, I faked confidence for a long time, but because of that, as I got older it turned into real confidence. Now, I love myself and everything I do and I know that I can get through anything. As the saying goes, you want to fake it until you make it. Now this sounds bad but if you feel good about yourself, then it rubs off on other people, and it makes them feel good about you too. Before your interview, get your nails done, spend a few extra minutes on your makeup or hair, and dress to impress. Make yourself feel good about how you look and in turn you'll have an all around positive attitude that will benefit you in so many ways. You'll talk easier, and you'll be more focused, in my experience, the person who is interviewing you will adore this. Last but not least, smile. A smile is the best thing you can wear. Truth is, teenagers are probably looking for jobs in customer service because it usually the only places willing to hire under the age of 18, a friendly worker is what your employer is going to be looking for.
4. Don't lie.
A lot of people are down to playing deviously to get their job, but if they ended up getting caught the consequences would have been disastrous, and embarrassing. Let your employer know about you, open up to them, and they will in turn open up to you. They scheduled an interview because they saw potential in you, don't ruin it by making up lies that you think will help you get the job. Lies are hard to remember, so if you have to go back for several interviews, or you get the job and are asked about it, it will be extremely difficult for you to play it off, it might seem easier to lie, but in the long run it can only end badly. My biggest tip is to just let them learn about you. Talk about your passions, hobbies, if you were on the Volleyball team, or student council. If you volunteer at your church a lot. When you talk about things you enjoy, you create a more joyful energy, and the interviewer will love it. (Just don't get too off topic!)
5. Bring in your availability.
A few days before your interview, sit down and think about everything you know you are going to take part in and write it all down, if you are making payments or trying to save up for something, think about how much money you would like to make monthly, and how often you need to work to reach this goal, after that you can find an availability that fits you. Make sure your employer knows if you need certain days off, or what hours you want to work. Please, do not go in with an open availability only to change it and request days off left and right the second you walk in, they will definitely not appreciate it.
6. Be professional.
I think this one should be a given, but even though your employer wants to get to know you, they don't need or want to know about your personal drama. I don't exactly know why or how this could get brought up ever, but you definitely want to try your hardest to keep a professional attitude at all times. Also, I would suggest cleaning up your social media pages, and if you have facial piercings, take them out until you know what their policy is on them. Also, speak properly and sit up straight, be mindful of the setting and people around you. Remember, they see plenty of teenagers so impress them with your maturity. Simply put, be courteous to your potential employer.
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While getting a job as a teenager can be scary, it necessary for learning basic life skills. A part time job while in high school offers so many benefits, not to mention will give the student a little extra money to spend on themselves. It can be hard and stressful at times to many, and you probably wont get the first job you apply to, but as long as you put forth your best effort there isn't a reason that anyone couldn't do it.
Simply put, as long as you're you then there is nothing you cant do.
