Finding a job as a teenager can be a very difficult thing.However, don’t let this fact get you down. I’m about to tell you tried and true ways of getting a job as a teenager, even if the economy is struggling right now.

First, let’s talk about why it’s hard for teenagers to find a job, or why the empolyer doesn’t want to hire you. Do you happen to have experience in the work field (other than babysitting,mowing lawns, ect.,)? If you do that’s great! It will greatly help you as long as your work experience gives you a good reference. However, most teens don’t have the slightest clue as to what they’re getting into when they apply for a job, for the simple fact that they don’t have any experience. Also you have to deal with the company’s insurance policies.You see, most insurance companies have certain rules & regulations that hinder or even prevent them from hiring someone who is under the age of 18. Even after all that the employer must look at your source of transportation. Most teens don’t have a car, and if they do it’s not a very reliable car.This means that they will either have to walk, ride a bike, ride a bus, or rely on their parents or friends for a ride, and an employer can’t risk you not showing up because you “didn’t have a ride.”

Ok, now that we’ve discussed why it’s hard for the average teenager to find a job let’s talk about what kind of job to look for. The first thing that you need to do is ask yourself “What am I good at? What do I enjoy? Where do I shop the most? and Where do I eat out the most?” Once you’ve answered those questions you will start to get an idea of what to look for. Also, for the few teens that do happen to have some experience in the work force, your chances of finding a job will greatly improve if you continue to pursue the same type of work. Unless the reason why you left is that that type of work isn’t something that interests you.

Do I still have your attention? Good. Now let us talk about where to look when trying to find a job. The first place you should look is online. There are literally hundreds of sites that their sole purpose is to find people jobs, however, you will most likely not find a job this way. The reason why you should look online is to get an idea of what’s out there, and for the practice of filling out an application. Once you’ve done that your best bet would be to go to some job assistance place like Work Force or Find a Job. These places can be of great help in finding you a job quickly, however, they are not so great at finding you a job that you will enjoy doing. Now let’s hit the pavement, chances are that you have several businesses around you. Pick out the ones that you go to the most of the ones that you’d really like to work at and go apply.

Wait!! Before you go apply in person there are some things that you should know. The employer is going to be looking for a specific type of person for the job. First off, you need to be well groomed. This includes having your hair cut, usually above the ears and off the colar if your male and cut neatly and pulled  back neatly into a pony-tail if your female.

This also includes being clean shaven, nails clipped to 1mm of white showing, freshly showered, and a very small amount of a light perfume or aftershave. Well groomed also includes your attitude, you should be confident that you can accomplish the job and very well mannered. That is, you should be respectful to your future boss and all who are currently employed there. Besides your attitude and physical attributes you need to be well dressed. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit and tie, it just means that your shoes need to be somewhat new and clean, your shirt should be pressed and preferably have a collar, your pants should be freshly cleaned and pressed with no holes or rips, and you will need a simple black belt. They sell for $5 at Wal-Mart. One more item of business before you go out to find your job. If you are on ANY kind of illegal drug you WILL NOT get ANY job. Also if you are taking any type of prescription be sure to let the employer know before you take the drug test.

In reading this you’ve taken your first step in getting your first job! Congratulations! I pray that you might take my words of advice and get a job that you’ll enjoy doing for at least the next couple of years.