Olivea
How do I narrow my search focus for jobs?
I'm not sure what kind of job that I'm qualified to do since I have no work experience? Should I apply to any job that interests me? It seems like all the intern jobs are for college students and I am a high school student looking for a summer job. #student #job-search #first-job #summer-jobs #high-school-students #job-search-strategies #high-school-jobs
4 answers
Chris Ricci
Chris’s Answer
Hi Olivea
As a High School student with no previous job experience I would suggest that you start applying to paid part-time jobs...in other words jobs where you are working for a few hours a week or during the weekends, such as cashier at a local grocery chain...
In this way you can begin to understand different job roles and how a business operates and your role in contributing by working with others and under the direction of a manager. This will help you begin to build a skills resume that you will need to be able to move to other jobs that may interest you. You will also be able to pick up referrals from your manager(s) that are invaluable for future career movement. You won't know if you like the water until you get in the pool !
Ken offered some great tips for locating opportunities but I have found that if you "talk it up" at school someone invariably knows who may be hiring and can give you a lead. But don't hesitate to go and fill out applications to give yourself as many opportunities as possible!
Good Luck
Chris
Dear Chris, thank you so much for the wonderful advice! I will start looking for small jobs locally in order to expand my networking. Again, thank you so much!
Olivea
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Darlene Dube
Darlene’s Answer
Your first job should be something nearby that you know you will be able to get to. This job will be what gives you experience for future jobs. Showing up is your first skill! So look for something nearby, something that has a schedule you can do. Late nights will not work if you have to get up for school in the morning. Again, you want to be able to keep your commitment. Then, whether it be a cashier job or perhaps a bagger in a grocery store or stocker in any type of retail, you will get many valuable skills for the future and make new friends while doing so. My first job in high school was in a deli, slicing meet and cheese and making sandwiches. I learned about the importance of happy customers, counting money and reconciling a register, team work, and taking on responsibilities. I look back at those days with much fondness. I hope you have a similar experience.
Thank you!
Darlene
Shirel Aktoun
Shirel’s Answer
I think you may start by thinking about which type of a job you would like to do and if you think you the basic skills required to do it.
In general, most employers would be willing to provide some training to you if they think you have the basic skills and you will be able to do the job with some training.
This is true for summer jobs.
Passion and enthusiasm are the two ingredients you will need.
Find out as much as you can about the job vacancy.
After your job interview, both you and the employer should have a good idea if you can do the job or not.
Before accepting the job, make sure you are comfortable with the job, with the environment and the people you will be working with, including the boss.
Good luck!