7 answers
Jennifer
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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where do I start looking for my first time job?
I am in 11th grade and want to work at a game store #jobs
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7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jennifer before you even think about submitting your resume to a prospective employer, you have got a lot of work to do. If you really want this job at the Game Store you’ll need to be persistent. Always ask if the manager is available when you go to complete a job application and/or drop off your resume. If the manager is not available ask when he or she might be later in the day or week. Keep following up until you are told there are no positions or that they are not interested in hiring you. Finding and obtaining your first real job is a rite of passage for most teens. It’s an exciting and scary experience but one that will serve you well — both for the money you earn and for the lessons you learn.
STEP 1: BE PREPARED
You’ll need your social security card (not just your number) and a driver’s license passport or photo identification. Depending on your age, there may be requirements about what jobs you can, and cannot do. For example, if you're 14 or 15 you can only work 3 hours per day and a maximum of 18 hours per week. Depending on where you live, you may need Working Papers (Employment/Age Certificate) before you can start a job. Check with your school’s guidance counselor about the information you’ll need.
STEP 2: PUT TOGETHER A RESUME
Is a resume necessary for a first job? The short answer is yes. Put the “Education” section of your resume towards the top of the page. Include not only the school you went to and the degree you received but also any other achievements. Mention the skills you have that are most closely related to those listed in the job description for the Game Store. You can feature your relevant skills in a resume skills section and include them in the descriptions of your experience.
STEP 3: PRACTICE YOUR PITCH
One of the keys to success for any job-seeker is being able to clearly articulate why you are the best candidate for a job. And for teens you need to be able to say why you are not only the best teen for the job but also why you are better than others who may be applying for the position (such as college students and retirees). You may also want to practice completing a sample job application so that you know exactly what to expect. You can also consider reading my article A Job-Seeker’s Guide to Successfully Completing Job Applications.
STEP 4: APPLY YOURSELF
Now that you have your resume pitch and job-search plan it’s time to hit all the places where you would like to work. Start early each day bringing along all your materials and apply to as many places as you like. Always wear appropriate (meaning conservative) clothing when applying for jobs because you never know when the manager might be there and want to interview you on the spot — and always be polite (including using “please” and “thank you.” You may also want to consider removing excess piercings and jewelry as well as focus on good grooming and hygiene. During your interview remember to smile, maintain good eye contact, be confident and tell how you will be a good employee. Once you’ve applied for a job keep following up on the status of your application. Be professional and ask each employer if they have all the information they need to make a decision about your application. Always send a thank-you note after each job interview; the thank-you itself won’t get you the job but it may be just enough to push your application to the top of the pile.
STEP 5: PLAN TO SHINE
After the applications and the interviews ideally you’ll be offered at least one job. Assuming the job is something you want to do — and can do — then accept the offer. Starting with your first day on the job be committed to being one of the best employees at work — striving to always do your best including showing up on time and leaving only when your shift is over.
Don’t Give Up Jennifer: Job searching isn't easy, especially when you don't have much experience or many skills. Keep trying and keep applying and you will find a job. Don’t apply at one place and wait for the phone to ring. Complete as many job applications as you can, and consider a variety of positions. The more you apply, the better chance you have of finding a job. Your first job will be a stepping stone to your next job - and to your future career.
Hope this was Helpful Jennifer
STEP 1: BE PREPARED
You’ll need your social security card (not just your number) and a driver’s license passport or photo identification. Depending on your age, there may be requirements about what jobs you can, and cannot do. For example, if you're 14 or 15 you can only work 3 hours per day and a maximum of 18 hours per week. Depending on where you live, you may need Working Papers (Employment/Age Certificate) before you can start a job. Check with your school’s guidance counselor about the information you’ll need.
STEP 2: PUT TOGETHER A RESUME
Is a resume necessary for a first job? The short answer is yes. Put the “Education” section of your resume towards the top of the page. Include not only the school you went to and the degree you received but also any other achievements. Mention the skills you have that are most closely related to those listed in the job description for the Game Store. You can feature your relevant skills in a resume skills section and include them in the descriptions of your experience.
STEP 3: PRACTICE YOUR PITCH
One of the keys to success for any job-seeker is being able to clearly articulate why you are the best candidate for a job. And for teens you need to be able to say why you are not only the best teen for the job but also why you are better than others who may be applying for the position (such as college students and retirees). You may also want to practice completing a sample job application so that you know exactly what to expect. You can also consider reading my article A Job-Seeker’s Guide to Successfully Completing Job Applications.
STEP 4: APPLY YOURSELF
Now that you have your resume pitch and job-search plan it’s time to hit all the places where you would like to work. Start early each day bringing along all your materials and apply to as many places as you like. Always wear appropriate (meaning conservative) clothing when applying for jobs because you never know when the manager might be there and want to interview you on the spot — and always be polite (including using “please” and “thank you.” You may also want to consider removing excess piercings and jewelry as well as focus on good grooming and hygiene. During your interview remember to smile, maintain good eye contact, be confident and tell how you will be a good employee. Once you’ve applied for a job keep following up on the status of your application. Be professional and ask each employer if they have all the information they need to make a decision about your application. Always send a thank-you note after each job interview; the thank-you itself won’t get you the job but it may be just enough to push your application to the top of the pile.
STEP 5: PLAN TO SHINE
After the applications and the interviews ideally you’ll be offered at least one job. Assuming the job is something you want to do — and can do — then accept the offer. Starting with your first day on the job be committed to being one of the best employees at work — striving to always do your best including showing up on time and leaving only when your shift is over.
Don’t Give Up Jennifer: Job searching isn't easy, especially when you don't have much experience or many skills. Keep trying and keep applying and you will find a job. Don’t apply at one place and wait for the phone to ring. Complete as many job applications as you can, and consider a variety of positions. The more you apply, the better chance you have of finding a job. Your first job will be a stepping stone to your next job - and to your future career.
Hope this was Helpful Jennifer
This is super thorough and strong advice!
Sandra Tichy
Thank You Sandra. Our daily objectives should include an honest effort to improve on yesterday.
Doc Frick
Yaniv Dinter
Business Enablement and Support
4
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Yaniv’s Answer
Hi Jennifer, the best approach here since you are limited to location (say a 20 mile radius) is to look in the job forums (Monster, etc.), Classifieds (Newspaper), or best bet is to walk in and ask the person in the counter if they are hiring. This will help build your confidence. Typically a store will have a help wanted sign in the front, but not always. You may want to come prepared with resume or skillset depending on the game store.
Search local stores for help wanted sign
Ask store associate if hiring or for a job application
be prepared with skills you can offer
Yaniv recommends the following next steps:
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
850
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
I would begin at the store where you most often go. Even if they are not hiring, they should be able to give you advice on where you should look for a job. It could be as easy as going to the corporate site for that business and look at Careers. You may also want to reach out to your peers to see what they know about jobs in that field. Interacting with others will help you build a network that will think of you when a job becomes available.
Blake H.
Business
478
Answers
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Jennifer,
I would look in ads in your local newspaper as well.
Thanks,
Blake
I would look in ads in your local newspaper as well.
Thanks,
Blake
Munhil Asghar
City lead at MillionSmiles and Teach student s
1
Answer
Mian Channu, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Munhil’s Answer
It's full of technology Time.. You should learn graphic designing and then you can earn from Website like fiver
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I'd recommend summer camp working for a couple of reasons. First, it gives you a fun adventures to go on during the summer. Second, you will likely receive certifications for lifeguarding and/or ropes course work that you can use outside of the summer for part time work as your schedule shifts around. Third, you have a great opportunity to get to know the other workers well as you'll be spending most of your time with one another. If you're looking to be successful, any kind of networking will be helpful for you
Sandra Tichy
Operations Manager
32
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
John's answer is super thorough and strong! A step before taking John's advice is to build your experience! Get involved with your school and your community so you can grow your skillset and include these in your resume. Examples include volunteering or joining a club. It also doesn't hurt to share examples of projects that you have worked on (whether it's personal projects or class projects). These experiences will make you become a strong candidate and help you stick out!