Mental and Physical Preparation
Part time jobs for teenagers are different from the small jobs performed as household chores. There are significant differences like work setting, working hours, commensurate rewards, and extent of responsibility, to name a few. The household chores, however, should provide the foundation for good work ethics desired by prospective employers.
It is necessary to prepare yourself in the physical and mental aspects. On the physical side, adopt good grooming habits in terms of taking a bath before the interview, combing the hair for a tidy appearance, brushing the teeth, and clipping the nails. Body piercing, tattoos and other body modifications are usually shunned by prospective employers particularly in jobs involving customer interactions, families and children.
Also, the clothes must be business casual - khaki pants, polo shirt and clean rubber shoes are acceptable. Girls must veer away from short skirts, tank tops and tubes as well as flip flops and heels. Basically, the appearance must be one of a clean and presentable individual.
On the mental side, learning how to take rejection is a very important part of looking for part time jobs for teenager. This is because competition is also fierce in the teen job market and employers will expectedly choose the best of the bunch. So, before applying for part time jobs for teens, psyche up yourself to just keep going even when many rejections come your way.
Make the resume
The next important step is to make the resume. There is no need to worry about possessing no previous formal work experience as prospective employers will not expect it from teen applicants. Just don't make the grave mistake of showing up in an employer's office without a resume because it can be taken as a sign that you are not serious about taking on any job.
Even the simplest resume can be spruced up with the skills and abilities learned while performing household chores, parental errands and even school extracurricular activities. For example, babysitting a sibling for a few hours each day while your parents are in another part of the house fixing up things is sufficient work experience.
More importantly, the resume must contain basic information like schools and dates attended, home address, name of parents or guardians, names and addresses of employment and the dates related thereto, and character references. These are important information that the prospective employer will use to determine your suitability for the job as well as to check the facts contained in your application.
Compile the Possible Jobs
The first place to look for part time jobs for teenager is the area where you live. Search the phonebooks, ask the local business bureau, scout the areas and ask family and friends for tips on these business establishments. Then make a list to serve as a guide to the places that you may want to work in.
Now, show up at these business establishments and inquire about part time jobs for teens. Being prepared for an on-the-spot interview is an advantage so always show up in business casual clothes with the practiced answers to possible interview questions already in your head. Other interview tips include maintaining eye contact, smiling during appropriate times, giving a firm handshake before and after the interview, answering the questions honestly, directly and briefly, and, above all, having confidence in yourself.
Even when the manager says that there is no job opening, just smile and leave your resume while saying "Yes, I understand. But if you do have need for my services, I shall be happy to come back." You will definitely impress the employer with your confident demeanor and possibly remember you when the time comes.
And do follow up your application. Most employers will think that you are eager to get the job when you call back a week later to inquire about the status of your application. You may just have an edge over the other applicants also looking for part time jobs for teenager.
