One of the best ways to prepare yourself to work in the current industry is by gaining work experience right from your school days. Most high school students work part-time or during vacations to gain industrial exposure and knowledge of their field.
Though working while studying sounds fascinating, it can turn scary sometimes. You may find it challenging to get a job without experience. Or you may not be able to present yourself properly in front of your hiring manager.
But don’t you worry!
This article shares essential job search tips for high school students to save time and help them land their dream careers.
Job Search Tips for High School Students
Getting a high school student job can help you develop skills, gain knowledge of your field, network with professionals, and earn extra money. You can use job search engines to find opportunities that interest you and apply for as many jobs as possible.
However, it requires time and effort to land your ideal opportunity as a fresher. So here are some job search tips for high school students.
1. Consider a Variety of Job Options
Before searching for opportunities, identify the roles you are interested in. Make a list of your skills and passion. Also, define the types of jobs you may want to do. Understand whether you are ready for a full-time, part-time, internship, volunteer work, or seasonal job.
List the places where you would love to work. Is it a mall, public areas, corporate offices, construction sites, etc.?
Once you know your preferences, visit companies’ social media pages and websites for more information on the job types and work culture. This will help you understand whether you’ll enjoy working in such a work environment or not.
Make a list of companies hiring high schoolers and send your job application.
2. Check Out Companies That Hire Young People
Some companies prefer hiring only experienced candidates. So, when you decide to get a part-time job, search for companies that hire young candidates. You can also find the minimum age for the opportunity under the job description.
Additionally, list the types of first jobs students can do and look for companies hiring such candidates.
3. Consider Volunteering
You can volunteer for organizations if you don’t want a full-time or part-time job. Many nonprofit organizations seek talented leaders for volunteering. You can ask your school or directly contact nonprofits and see if they have open positions.
Volunteering is an excellent way of getting work experience. The only catch is that you won’t get a paycheck like other part-time jobs.
4. Check the Rules for Teen Job Seekers
Different countries have different laws about the kind of jobs you can do as a high schooler. So, before applying for opportunities, check the child labor laws and the industries you are allowed to work with as a high school student.
For example, you can get non-agricultural employment from the age of 14.
Also, some states need 18-year-old teens to obtain working papers called employment certifications to work legally. So, check the laws of your region and get all the necessary documents ready.
5. Write a Resume
Most employers won’t ask you to submit your resume for your first job. That’s because you won’t have much to include in your high school resume.
However, preparing a resume to stand out from the crowd is a good practice. Your resume should highlight your skills, qualifications, and achievements.
The resume should also include your contact details like phone number and professional email address. Also, mention the extracurricular activities and internship details.
You can send your resume and cover letter with your job application or hand in your resume to employers personally.
6. Start Your Job Hunt Close to Home
High school students may not have much time to travel long distances for jobs. So, one of the best things to do is to get a job closer to your home. You can approach local businesses or neighbors and ask them if they have open positions.
Some part-time jobs you can get in your locality are house sitting, pet sitting, yard work, mowing lawns, babysitting, etc. You may also get references from your hiring managers while doing such part-time jobs.
7. Advertise Your Job Search
You cannot land a job while sitting at home. You need to advertise your job search. Tell your friends, family members, relatives, neighbors, etc., that you are looking for jobs.
Ask them to refer you to their hiring managers. You can also use social media sites for advertising your job search.
Remember, the more people you inform, your chances of getting better job opportunities are higher. So, don’t shy away. Tell everyone that you are looking for your first job.
8. Check With the Guidance Office
High schools have a guidance office to help students. You can reach out to your high school’s guidance office and ask them to help you find job postings and job search advice. You can refer to the bulletin or online job board to find your ideal entry-level position.
You may also find various unpaid internships or volunteer opportunities that can help you gain work experience.
9. Job Search Online and In Person
Many employers post opportunities on online job portals. You can browse such positions online and apply for them using such sites. You can even check company websites to apply online for open positions.
Alternatively, you can visit companies personally and ask them if they have any open positions. You can also leave your resume at local companies and ask them to contact you if they have relevant vacancies.
10. Apply for Lots of Jobs
Applying for as many jobs as possible is the secret to landing a job faster. Send job applications to multiple positions every day. You can fix a time slot of an hour or so and apply to as many opportunities as you can during this time.
Also, as you wait for a response from one job, keep applying to other jobs. And keep your documents and details handy before you start applying for opportunities. You’ll need to provide the following details for most jobs:
- contact number
- address
- professional email address
- educational background
- salary history (if you have previous job experience)
- extracurricular activities
- skills
- references (if any)
11. Dress Appropriately
Another essential point to remember while applying for jobs in person or appearing for a job interview is to dress appropriately. Dress in a formal outfit and avoid wearing casual clothes.
12. Make Sure Your Social Media Is Presentable
Some recruiters may search your name on social media pages and other platforms. So, you should clean up your social media pages to ensure your recruiter doesn’t find any questionable information about you.
You can also modify the privacy settings so only your friends can view the content.
13. Be Flexible
Most companies prefer hiring employees that have flexible schedules. So, make sure to be as flexible as possible with the timings.
If you are unsure about the work timings you commit to your employer, make a list and try to adjust your work accordingly. You can discuss this during the interview.
FAQ’s
What is the best job for a high school student?
High schoolers can get retail or corporate careers without experience. These include servers, lifeguards, baristas, babysitters, pet walkers, yard workers, tutors, etc.
How do high school students get their first job?
High schoolers can get a full-time or part-time job through online employment portals or by visiting companies in person. But before applying for positions, you must identify which career you want to choose. You can find more tips on how to get your first job in the article above.
Conclusion
Getting a job as a teen can be exciting, but the search process is daunting. Besides, the chances of getting hired increase when you have the proper knowledge and skills. So, follow the above tips while browsing for positions to land your ideal full-time or part-time job faster.