A job is a great way to earn extra money, meet people, and build life skills. Getting a job in an area you’re interested in can help you decide if you want to pursue a career in it after graduation.
If you’d love to find a job but aren’t sure where to begin, we’ve got you! Here are a few tips to get you started:
Draft a resume.
Even if you don’t have any work experience, you can still create a resume. Think about your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and academic achievements. These can all be used to demonstrate your skills and talents to employers. You can also include jobs like babysitting, washing cars, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or doing yard work.
Make a list of references.
Companies often ask for personal and professional references who can vouch for your work ethic. Talk to people you know well and those you’ve worked for, and ask them if they’d be willing to be your reference.
Check labor regulations.
Depending on your age and where you live, there may be restrictions on the types of jobs you can do and the hours you can work. Do some research to make sure you’re following all the rules.
Tell everyone you’re looking.
Don’t be shy! Let your friends, family, and teachers know you’re looking for a job. They may know of some openings or be able to put you in touch with someone who does.
Know your availability.
When you go for an interview, know when you’re available to start work. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to get hired.
Cast a wide net.
Don’t apply for just one job. The more places you apply, the better your chances of getting hired. You may even want to consider volunteering to gain experience that you can add to your resume for future job hunts.
Follow up.
After you apply for a job, follow up with a thank you email. This shows that you’re interested in the job and that you’re a proactive person.
Job Shadow.
If you’re interested in a specific career or industry, you may not have the education or experience for a job in that industry…yet. Job shadowing is like on-the-job training because you follow and closely observe another employee doing their job. It’s a great way to get more information about a particular job so you can figure out if it’s the job for you!
Job hunting in high school can be challenging. It takes discipline, drive, and patience. But don’t give up! With a little hard work and perseverance, you’ll find the perfect job for you.