Getting a job is a huge responsibility that teenagers can handle if they have reached a certain level of maturity.
The key to a successful job is learning how to balance school and work.
Although it is hard to handle, work experience is a healthy way for teenagers to exercise responsibility, as well as learn important life skills. Having a job leads to many positive benefits.
You should start exploring your career interests and developing your job skills now. It is essential in today’s society to possess relevant skills and experiences.
According to www.washington.edu, CAREER is:
C is for Careers — Think about what interests you. Be imaginative, and then narrow it down.
A is for Academics — Determine which academic programs best suit your career goals.
R is for Research — Research careers that spark your interests, maximize your strengths, and minimize your weaknesses.
EE is for Experiential Education — Practice job search skills. Apply for internships. Ask for informational interviews, and try other work-based learning opportunities.
RS is for Relevant Skills — Use on-the-job experience to learn practical “real world” skills. Apply what you’ve learned in school to the workplace. Test out which accommodations work best for you.
Know the Federal Laws
Workers under 18 are not allowed: to drive a motor vehicle as part of a job duty, operate many types of powered equipments such as a circular saw, work in wrecking, demolition, or excavation, work in logging, work where there is exposure to radiation, or work in a place where explosives are stored.
Workers that are 14 and 15 years old are not allowed: to bake or cook on the job, operate power driven machinery with a few exceptions, work on a ladder, and work in warehouses, load or unload a truck.
Hours Limitations
Workers 18 and older may work for unlimited hours, in accordance to minimum wage and overtime requirements.
Teenagers who are 16 and 17-year-old may work for unlimited hours at a non-hazardous job.
Youths 14 and 15-year-olds may work outside of school jobs up to three hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, eight hours on a non-school day, and 40 hours on a non-school week.
Preparation
As a teenager, looking for a first part-time job is an overwhelming task. Finding a job is difficult and by not having any job experience, a job interview, or an outstanding resume, it may seem impossible to get the job.
It is not as difficult as you think. Based on www.about.com, here are a few steps to for a successful preparation:
Resume
Put together a simple resume. Having a resume shows the employer, or interviewer, that you have put some effort for the job. It also allows you to point out qualities you would like the employer to know about you. Emphasize skills you learned, what obstacles you overcame, and so forth.
Appearance
Appearance matters! Make sure that for the interview, you are well dressed. There is no need for fancy clothing such as a suit. Just make sure your outfit is presentable and appropriate.
Prepare for a ‘No’
Before you apply anywhere, prepare yourself for rejection.
