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Are you a teen currently looking for your first job? Here is some job advice every teenager should know, which will help you in this exciting and also wee bit intimidating journey.
CV’s – what to include particularly when you have no work experience. In this instance, it is important to highlight your transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Include sport, and other extracurricular activities as these show responsibility, commitment, and the ability to work with others. Include your interests too as this gives another dimension to who you are as a prospective employee.
Cover Letters – yes include them! Let employers get to know more about you, so they can get a gauge on whether they can see you in their organisation. Example, if you are applying for a retail job, let them know about your bright, energetic self who really enjoys helping people. A Cover Letter is also a great way to let them know your availability to work ie: late nights, weekends, over Christmas if you are applying for Christmas casual roles. If you have your own transportation also let them know. These details alone will get your application standing out against ones that don’t include this detail.
Online Application Forms – you may need to fill out a company-specific online application form, take your time. Bad grammar, punctuation or errors through-out because you are rushing are not a good look.
Interviews – for a first job employers are looking for potential and whether you have a can do attitude. Have a think about the following types of questions: ‘tell me about yourself’, ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses’, ‘what motivates you’. To answer this, think about when you are happiest? Is it when working on a problem, helping other people, being given a task to do? Having examples of when you had to think on your feet and take action are great. If you find it hard to identify your strengths, ask people you know to ‘strength spot’ and tell you where they see your strengths.
Interview etiquette – no matter how informal the interview may seem, such as ‘pop in and meet with me’ for a hospo role, be prepared. Wear smart, clean, tidy clothing and footwear. Be mindful of your communication style, be polite, have a strong handshake and keep eye contact, and always thank them at the end of the interview.
Social media – even if your settings are private, employers can still search for you and see your profile pic (and more if your settings are not private), make sure it’s an appropriate photo for your future employer to see.
Go door knocking - having little or no experience does make it harder to compete if it is just CV against CV. Being presentable, fronting up and having a conversation, even if it is just to let an employer know you are looking for work and dropping off your CV shows commitment and initiative – soft skills that can get you that foot in the door.
Above all, remember that every employer knows you're at the start of your career. What they're looking for is your potential, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. By showcasing your transferable skills, taking care with your applications, and presenting yourself with confidence, you'll be well on your way to landing that first job. It may be challenging, and rejection may happen, but keep showing up as your best self and soon enough you’ll be employed and on your journey to gaining new experiences, independence, meeting new people and earning your own money!
Good luck, and don't forget to believe in yourself— every great career starts somewhere!
