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Eshan
Student
1
Question
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How does a high school junior with no work experience get a job?
I'm a high school junior trying to find a summer job to enrich my experience . #jobsearch #high-school-jobs
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9 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Eshan the most important thing you can do is advertise the fact that you’re looking for a job. You never know who might be looking for their next employee. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Many jobs aren't advertised, and you may be able to get a good job lead from a friend or family member. One good way to get experience when you are a high school student is to start by working for friends and neighbors. In addition, the people you work for will be able to give you a reference when you apply for other jobs. Volunteering is another great way to add valuable work experience to your resume, which will help you find a paid position in the future. Even though it may not be required by employers, a resume can help you stand out from the competition. A resume shows that you're serious about your job search, make sure to include extracurricular activities, tutoring, lawn mowing and volunteer work on your resume.
Job searching is a numbers game. Apply for as many jobs as possible. The more applications you have in, the better your chances are of securing an interview. Keep applying for jobs, rather than waiting to hear back from one before you try for another position. Be prepared to complete a job application. Spend as much time as you can applying, and follow up by calling or emailing to check on your application. It will show that you’re actively job searching and interested in the position. Be as flexible as possible when it comes to your availability. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to land a job. Also, know when you're available for work, bring your school schedule with you when you apply in person or go to an interview.
Happy job hunting Eshan
Check with your high school guidance office staff, they should be able to help you with job listings and job search advice. There may be a bulletin board with job postings, a notebook with listings, and/or an online job board. They might also have internship opportunities, which may (or may not) be paid, but will give you valuable experience.
Also, try stopping in at local businesses, and check to see if they are hiring. In some cases, the business may put a sign in the window. If there isn’t one, check with the manager anyway. Your motivation and self-assurance will impress the manager and could land you an interview.
Indeed.com is clearly one of the leading job sites out there. The job search website has thousands (if not millions) of job listings from countless websites, including job boards, company career sites, associations, newspaper classifieds, as well as other online sources of job postings.
Job searching is a numbers game. Apply for as many jobs as possible. The more applications you have in, the better your chances are of securing an interview. Keep applying for jobs, rather than waiting to hear back from one before you try for another position. Be prepared to complete a job application. Spend as much time as you can applying, and follow up by calling or emailing to check on your application. It will show that you’re actively job searching and interested in the position. Be as flexible as possible when it comes to your availability. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to land a job. Also, know when you're available for work, bring your school schedule with you when you apply in person or go to an interview.
Happy job hunting Eshan
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Scott. The best way to find ourselves is to lose ourself in the service of others
Doc Frick
Thank You Hiren. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Doc Frick
Thank You Darren. “Help one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.” – James Durst
Doc Frick
Scott Wintrip
Career and Hiring Strategist and Keynote Speaker
6
Answers
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hello Eshan. I was around your age when I sought my first job. Since I didn't have regular access to a car, I walked to all of the businesses within about ten to fifteen minutes from my home. And I mean ALL of the businesses. I went to the florist, the dry cleaner, and even the funeral home (I'm not sure what I was hoping to do there for work).
After stopping in about two dozen businesses, I came across a small cafe. When I asked if they had any jobs, the owner said, "You know, we were thinking about hiring a busboy." And they hired me on the spot. There were no questions about my work history or experience (I had none). They admired that I had showed up and asked.
As the others who've answered your question here have said, searching for a job is a numbers game that requires tenacity. Even when people told me that they weren't hiring, it was still valuable. Each interaction was practice in having conversations with decision-makers. That practice pays off. By the time I got to that cafe, I'd had lots of practice. That, along with my willingness to put myself out there, got me the job.
Good luck Eshan. May you find a job that you enjoy going to each time you're scheduled for work.
Scott
After stopping in about two dozen businesses, I came across a small cafe. When I asked if they had any jobs, the owner said, "You know, we were thinking about hiring a busboy." And they hired me on the spot. There were no questions about my work history or experience (I had none). They admired that I had showed up and asked.
As the others who've answered your question here have said, searching for a job is a numbers game that requires tenacity. Even when people told me that they weren't hiring, it was still valuable. Each interaction was practice in having conversations with decision-makers. That practice pays off. By the time I got to that cafe, I'd had lots of practice. That, along with my willingness to put myself out there, got me the job.
Good luck Eshan. May you find a job that you enjoy going to each time you're scheduled for work.
Scott
Sandra Tichy
Operations Manager
32
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
There are ways to showcase your experience and skillsets through your resume and make you the ideal candidate without ever having a job. For example, you can include any student organizations or teams that you are involved in and include you responsibilities in your resume. Showing companies that you commit and contribute makes you an ideal candidate. Hope you find this advice helpful!
Patrícia Landim
Marketing and Communications Manager
16
Answers
Lisbon, Portugal
Updated
Patrícia’s Answer
Hi Eshan,
I was in high school, with no job experience when I got my first job.
I suggest you search on your community what opportunities they may have, for instance, my first job was in the summer and in gardening in my community (they had a variety of activities, like gardening, administrative work, taking children groups to the beach, etc.) available for teens and that were not full time, so it was ideal, didn't pay a lot, but enough for a teen who lives with their parents).
Another option is for you to go on local malls and hand out your resume in every store, who also often have contracts specifically for the summer only.
Of course, all of this should start with your CV, which of course, if you have no job experience there'd be no section about that, but it's still needed and there's a still a lot you can say about you, your studies, areas of interest, who you, what you are looking for and why you would be great for the job (bring humble and wanting to learn is an important aspect).
I hope this helps :)
I was in high school, with no job experience when I got my first job.
I suggest you search on your community what opportunities they may have, for instance, my first job was in the summer and in gardening in my community (they had a variety of activities, like gardening, administrative work, taking children groups to the beach, etc.) available for teens and that were not full time, so it was ideal, didn't pay a lot, but enough for a teen who lives with their parents).
Another option is for you to go on local malls and hand out your resume in every store, who also often have contracts specifically for the summer only.
Of course, all of this should start with your CV, which of course, if you have no job experience there'd be no section about that, but it's still needed and there's a still a lot you can say about you, your studies, areas of interest, who you, what you are looking for and why you would be great for the job (bring humble and wanting to learn is an important aspect).
I hope this helps :)
Nikki C
10
Answers
Updated
Nikki’s Answer
You should be able to find a summer job starting out with no experience! I would recommend that you focus on describing your school activities/involvement on your resume, since you don't have job experience yet. Have you done any volunteering? That is also something great to talk about on your resume!! Also, for some job applications, you may need references. You should look for people in your life that can give you a positive reference, such as teachers, coaches, advisors, etc., if needed.
The best way to look for a summer job to start out in would be to look online (Google, look at various job sites, etc.) or talk to friends and family and see if they know of entry level summer positions you could work in.
It is your initiative and positive attitude that will likely matter the most in your first job, so I wouldn't worry about not having a lot of job experience yet! Good luck! You still have plenty of time to get job experience, and I hope you find a job opportunity for this summer!!
The best way to look for a summer job to start out in would be to look online (Google, look at various job sites, etc.) or talk to friends and family and see if they know of entry level summer positions you could work in.
It is your initiative and positive attitude that will likely matter the most in your first job, so I wouldn't worry about not having a lot of job experience yet! Good luck! You still have plenty of time to get job experience, and I hope you find a job opportunity for this summer!!
Darren Ong
Financial Analysis
6
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Darren’s Answer
Hi Eshan,
Others have already provided great answers. Other things that helps when looking for a job is your attitude and appearance. Definitely be yourself, however, make sure you are in the right frame of mind so that you appear friendly, courteous, mature and respectful. Put your best foot forward by being well groomed (comb hair, brush teeth, trim nails) and dress neatly. You don't need a suit or expensive clothing, just wear what you think is appropriate and iron if there are too many wrinkles. Good luck in your job search!
Others have already provided great answers. Other things that helps when looking for a job is your attitude and appearance. Definitely be yourself, however, make sure you are in the right frame of mind so that you appear friendly, courteous, mature and respectful. Put your best foot forward by being well groomed (comb hair, brush teeth, trim nails) and dress neatly. You don't need a suit or expensive clothing, just wear what you think is appropriate and iron if there are too many wrinkles. Good luck in your job search!
Alyssa L.
Independent Musician
20
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hey, Eshan!
It's awesome that you're hungry to start working. That's great! Do not overwhelm yourself. Remember, EVERYBODY has to start with no experience, right? Working in service or retail (working at a restaurant or working in a store) could be a great place to start! Figure out which stores and restaurants you personally would have interest in working at. Don't be shy! People truly are happy to assist others 99% of the time. Simply ask an employee at a certain restaurant or store if they are hiring, and then continue to ask how you can apply for a job! You can also look up part-time jobs in your area on the internet and apply that way. I personally find introducing oneself in person to be the best way to go. Also, babysitting is a great way to start making money! If you like working with kids, ask parents, teachers, or family/ friends if they know anybody who needs a sitter. You can also try a babysitting website like Care.com!
Hope this helps! Best of luck with everything:)
-Alyssa
It's awesome that you're hungry to start working. That's great! Do not overwhelm yourself. Remember, EVERYBODY has to start with no experience, right? Working in service or retail (working at a restaurant or working in a store) could be a great place to start! Figure out which stores and restaurants you personally would have interest in working at. Don't be shy! People truly are happy to assist others 99% of the time. Simply ask an employee at a certain restaurant or store if they are hiring, and then continue to ask how you can apply for a job! You can also look up part-time jobs in your area on the internet and apply that way. I personally find introducing oneself in person to be the best way to go. Also, babysitting is a great way to start making money! If you like working with kids, ask parents, teachers, or family/ friends if they know anybody who needs a sitter. You can also try a babysitting website like Care.com!
Hope this helps! Best of luck with everything:)
-Alyssa
Janet Meyer
Business
12
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Janet’s Answer
Hi Eshan, thanks for asking. Where I live this time of year 'hiring' signs are popping up all over. There are some great suggestions in the other answers so I’ll tell you from an employers view what I’d be looking for in a first time worker.
The employer will be looking for consistent, on time help. They will also want you to be focused on the tasks that they give to you, no mater where you end up working. Most employers will be flexible with you on scheduling time off, if you give them advance notice. Have a family vacation coming up for a week? Don’t be afraid to tell them early…they will likely be grateful to know up front, and schedule accordingly. Also, it’s your summer off school…think about some fun areas to work. Such as, do you like to be outside? What about a summer camp counselor, or mowing lawns, or working at a garden center? Want to work inside, grocery stores and restaurants hire all the time and give great experience.
Remember, business hire you to help them, and pay you for it. So being consistent, focused, and on time may get you the same job back on school breaks, and next summer too! Good luck to you.
The employer will be looking for consistent, on time help. They will also want you to be focused on the tasks that they give to you, no mater where you end up working. Most employers will be flexible with you on scheduling time off, if you give them advance notice. Have a family vacation coming up for a week? Don’t be afraid to tell them early…they will likely be grateful to know up front, and schedule accordingly. Also, it’s your summer off school…think about some fun areas to work. Such as, do you like to be outside? What about a summer camp counselor, or mowing lawns, or working at a garden center? Want to work inside, grocery stores and restaurants hire all the time and give great experience.
Remember, business hire you to help them, and pay you for it. So being consistent, focused, and on time may get you the same job back on school breaks, and next summer too! Good luck to you.
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.