Job Search Tips for Finding Part Time Jobs & Jobs for Teens

The current economic situation and tight job market has meant that fewer part time jobs, summer jobs and internships are available for high school and college students. This means that you need to start the search process early and be prepared for your interview so that you make a great first impression and get the job you want. There’s no time to waste, so start searching now and use these job tips.

Identify what you like – It’s important to do what you enjoy and ideally to find a part time job that interests you.

Be prepared – Write a resume that lists your employment history (if you have one), where you are currently going to school, any clubs or activities that you’re involved in, and your GPA. Also prepare a list of references such as teachers, community members, neighbors, etc. that will give positive feedback on your character and work ethic.

Prep for the interview – Practice answering key questions: Why do you want to work here? Why should we hire you over another candidate? What are your strengths (are you a leader, hard working, friendly, etc.)? Be prepared to give examples of things that you have done that demonstrate these strengths. How long do you plan to stay at this job (summer only, seasonal, until you leave for college)? How many hours are you available to work each week? It is also important to think about any questions that you would like to ask the employer. This shows genuine interest in the position.

For sample interview questions, see our post on Good Questions for an Interview. While most of these questions are for more senior positions it will help you to prepare for questions that could be asked.

Dress appropriately – Remember that first impressions last forever. We always remember people who are nice and dressed neatly versus those who are rude and dress sloppy. When going for an interview it is important to dress neatly (no jeans, t-shirts, shorts, hats, flip-flops, etc.), speak clearly and be respectful by saying thank you and looking interested during the interview. And don’t forget to smile.

Use online job sites -There are lots of job search sites, but just a few that specialize in part time and hourly positions for teen jobs and students. SnagAJob is the top website for part time jobs and has 1000′s of job listings with major national companies that hire teens and students. Searching for jobs online saves you time by quickly identifying part time jobs in your area. Most companies accept online applications and you can easily apply for jobs for teens on SnagAJob.com. You can also set up email job alerts, post your resume, and learn a bit about the companies you are interested in.

Use local resources – It is also very important to check your local newspaper classified ads, as well as talk to friends and family members about what you are looking for, as they may know someone who is hiring. It’s also a good idea to go in person to the various businesses that interest you and see if they are hiring. Always remember to dress appropriately (see above), as they may want to interview you on the spot.

Follow up – Keep a list of the jobs you applied for and who you spoke with. After an interview, follow up with a quick Thank You note where you thank them for their time and for considering you for the job. If you don’t hear something in a week or so, it doesn’t hurt to call or stop by to see if they have filled the position. Being kind, courteous, and persistent can pay off big.