After School Jobs for Teens
Maybe your teenager is raring to go on an after-school job, or maybe you’re more than ready to encourage them to get some real-life job experience and learn the value of a dollar, we can hope!
“After school jobs are about way more than earning some cash and practicing some responsibility,” says Krissie Lenahan, Career Specialist and National Board Certified Family and Consumer Science teacher. “Through any type of hands-on experience in the community, teens gain extremely valuable information, skills, and contacts. They meet people who might lead them to future opportunities and they gain communication and workplace skills that they can’t gain within the walls of a classroom. In addition, they gain more experience that they can put on future resumes as they work their way through their own career path.”
Before the Search
When your kiddo starts talking about a job, pump the brakes. First, it’s time to set expectations for how it might work, and how much you’ll be involved in the process.
Is it a Good Idea?
A job means money and freedom — two things teens dream about. But will it work for your life? Think about your teen’s current activities and what they’d need to drop. When will they do their homework? Will they expect a ride back and forth every day, or will you subsidize a bus pass until that first paycheck arrives?
Set up a Checking and Savings Account
Congratulations. You just became a financial advisor! Before the money starts rolling in, discuss any limits your family might have on spending, i.e., they can buy new video games, but they get the same amount of screen time; any new cell phones will still have parental controls, etc. This is a great opportunity to talk about short-term and long-term saving.
In the Hunt
Okay, your kiddo is ready to hit the pavement. It’s time to prepare them for the hard work of finding that job.
Where to Find Leads
Network! Kids have networks — friends and family often know about opportunities that aren’t advertised. It might be easier and more comfortable (not to mention fun) to get a first job at the fast food place where a responsible friend works.
Communication
Brush up on email etiquette, including writing with full sentences and using an appropriate greeting and sign-off. Yes, this might this seems obvious to you, but it needs to be taught — just ask any college professor. “It’s highly beneficial for anyone to have their resume critiqued, for example, but especially important for teenagers who are not used to more professional writing and grammar,” says Lenahan. “Students might need help with how to organize leads and document the process, how to follow up and how to tactfully ask their own questions.” Voicemails and email need to be checked at least daily, and responded to ASAP. Ask your teen to give themselves a good Google and check social media. What do they find within five minutes?
Learn Interview Skills
It’s not just about showing up with clean pants and giving a firm handshake, though those skills are important, too. It helps to run over things like the importance of showing up a few minutes early (but not TOO early), and talk over some of the most common interview questions.
Forging a Career Path
A good experience at their first job will help your teenager gain more desirable positions down the line. Not every job will be a step up the ladder, but it helps when you start off on a good foot.
Emphasize Good References
Employees need to keep their next job in mind when they’re making decisions. In general, it’s best to keep job-hopping to a minimum, and give two weeks’ notice when quitting. Your kid can expect to receive respect at the workplace as well as give it.
“Parents can be instrumental in their student’s job search process,” says Lenahan, “especially if they are involved in the role of a guide and coach.”
With guidance, your teenager can have a leg up in these critical parts of the job search process.