6 answers
6 answers
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Laurie’s Answer
Great advice from all the contributors! I completely agree that jobs with a customer service focus will help you build important skills such as conflict/resolution, how to talk to people you don't know, and how to handle a variety of situations. Also, you need to consider how you will get to and from your job. Are your parents/guardians available to drop you off and pick you up? Do you need your own car? You don't want to commit to a job to find out you are not able to fulfill the schedule. That is why jobs that you can do close to your home are desirable for teens, like babysitting and tutoring.
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Laur’s Answer
Working in retail or the restaurant industry are the two best first jobs someone can have. My first job was working in retail dealing with customer service and it taught me a lot of skills that I still have to this day. Working in a retail will help improve your problem solving and communication skills, while working in a restaurant typically gives you skills in multitasking and working in a fast paced environment. Both of these jobs would be a great starting point and will help you towards your future career.
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Tamara’s Answer
A great first job for a young adult in my opinion would be a job where you are dealing with the public/customer service. It is important to expose yourself to environments where you are exercising verbal and physical communication skills. Learning how to communicate with others outside of your age group is a huge advantage at a young age for everything you do after high school requires you to communicate with others, of all ages. For example, when you go to college, you will be walking the halls or sitting in class with your peers and students who are adults. You will be asked questions by your professor and you have to respond strategically to the question. If you have practice communicating with the public, you won’t necessarily be reluctant on answering a question asked by your professor in front of the entire class. Another example would be while on a job interview there are a series of questions that the hiring manager may ask you. You will know or be familiar with how to respond in a professional and respectful manner. Furthermore, some examples are but are not limited too, giving eye contact, being sure your disposition is a respectful one, no slouching, no twiddling your thumbs, no staring off into space, etc. You want to make sure that the sender knows that you are listening to them. Most importantly, knowing how to have dialogue. When one person is talking, you are not talking. The sender is sending the receiver a message, the receiver listens fully and receives the message. Next, they then process what they have heard or seen and then proceed to respond once the sender is finished sending the message. This all will become second nature one day for you have had practice with communicating with the public by working with the public. Furthermore, when you are exposed to people of different ethnicities and the way that they communicate, you ultimately cultivate as a person. You will begin to think outside of the box, and realize that there is life outside of where you come from. Knowing and or being aware that everyone in the world does not communicate how you would communicate when you are in the privacy of your own home or amongst your peers is very important. Have you ever heard of the saying “Your first impression is everything?”. Well, if you have, that saying still holds its value. How one speaks and models themselves holds more value than anything you may do for a person. Lastly, working with the public or in customer service is a great skill set to have at an early age. It will allow you to excel not only in the working world, but through life in general.
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Dear Kayla,
Congratulations on approaching your 16th birthday and considering your first job! At your age, there are several entry-level options that can provide valuable work experience. Consider positions like a cashier, customer service representative, or a retail associate. These roles help develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. Another option is to explore opportunities in the food service industry, like working as a server or host/hostess in a restaurant.
Additionally, you might want to look into local part-time positions that align with your interests. For example, if you enjoy being outdoors, you could explore opportunities at a local park or community center. Ultimately, the best first job is one that aligns with your interests, allows you to learn new skills, and provides a positive work environment.
Best of luck in your job search, and I hope you have a fulfilling first work experience!
Best regards,
Houcine
Congratulations on approaching your 16th birthday and considering your first job! At your age, there are several entry-level options that can provide valuable work experience. Consider positions like a cashier, customer service representative, or a retail associate. These roles help develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. Another option is to explore opportunities in the food service industry, like working as a server or host/hostess in a restaurant.
Additionally, you might want to look into local part-time positions that align with your interests. For example, if you enjoy being outdoors, you could explore opportunities at a local park or community center. Ultimately, the best first job is one that aligns with your interests, allows you to learn new skills, and provides a positive work environment.
Best of luck in your job search, and I hope you have a fulfilling first work experience!
Best regards,
Houcine
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Shahab’s Answer
You start a job which is you can easily handle because you are young my advise is to start a job in a store which is specefic for childern .
You start a job which is you can easily handle because you are young my advise is to start a job in a store which is specefic for childern .
Shahab recommends the following next steps:
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Vamshee’s Answer
Theee are some jobs to consider for your first job
Tutor
Retail store rep
Volunteer
Cashier
Paper Delivery
Landscaping
Baby Sitting
Dog walker
Delivery Driver
Grocery store associate
Lifeguard (Summer job)
Swim Instructor (Summer job)
Camp Counselor (Summer job)
Find your interests and preferences first, then you shortlist the target job/employers to apply for jobs.
My son interested in serving community, volunteering ...he chose to work at Goodwill for his first job, then he took up a tutor job next.
Hope this helps
Tutor
Retail store rep
Volunteer
Cashier
Paper Delivery
Landscaping
Baby Sitting
Dog walker
Delivery Driver
Grocery store associate
Lifeguard (Summer job)
Swim Instructor (Summer job)
Camp Counselor (Summer job)
Find your interests and preferences first, then you shortlist the target job/employers to apply for jobs.
My son interested in serving community, volunteering ...he chose to work at Goodwill for his first job, then he took up a tutor job next.
Hope this helps