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How do I start looking for my first job/ part time ?

I am currently a junior in highschool, about to be a senior in the coming fall semester and I wanted to start looking for a part time job to earn a little money.

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Subject: Career question for you

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Renee!

It's a thrilling time to be you, taking those first strides towards landing your initial part-time job as a high school junior. This is a golden opportunity to earn some pocket money and gain priceless work experience. Here's a friendly guide to help you kick-start your job hunt:

1. Know Yourself: Before you dive into the job market, take a moment to understand your skills, passions, and time availability. Think about the kind of work you love, the skills you have, and how many hours a week you can dedicate to a job while keeping up with your schoolwork.

2. Discover Job Options: There's a whole world of job opportunities out there for high school students. Start by looking at local businesses around you, like shops, eateries, cinemas, and sports centers. They're often on the lookout for high school students for part-time roles. Also, don't forget to check out online job portals and websites focusing on part-time jobs for students.

3. Craft Your Resume: Even if you don't have any work experience, a well-made resume can make you stand out to prospective employers. Don't forget to list any volunteer work, extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and relevant skills. If you've held any leadership roles in school clubs or organizations, that's a big plus too!

4. Connect: Spread the word among friends, family, teachers, and neighbors that you're on the hunt for a part-time job. Networking can often open doors to job opportunities through personal contacts.

5. Apply: Once you've spotted some potential job opportunities, it's time to apply! Follow the application process to the letter and make sure your resume is tailored to each job you're applying for.

6. Get Ready for Interviews: If you're invited for an interview, do your homework about the company and rehearse common interview questions. Dress smartly and be ready to talk about why you're interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit.

7. Know Your Rights: It's crucial to get acquainted with the labor laws in your area concerning the employment of minors. Being aware of your rights as a young worker is vital when stepping into the workforce.

8. Consider Internships or Volunteering: If landing a paid part-time job is proving tough, think about internships or volunteer work in fields you're interested in. These experiences can equip you with valuable skills and insights that will boost your future career prospects.

Remember, persistence is your best friend in your job hunt. Don't let rejections get you down, and keep tweaking your approach based on feedback and experiences.

Here are the Top 3 Trusted Reference Publications for you:
1. The U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
2. CareerOneStop - Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (careeronestop.org)
3. The Balance Careers (thebalancecareers.com)

Take care and God Bless,
James.
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Tammy’s Answer

The most common first jobs are baby sitting, paper routes and doing odd jobs for neighbors. Babysitting and odd jobs are generally ad hoc so you cannot depend on the money because the job depends on when you are needed. You can increase your chances of getting a job, such as one of these, by letting everyone know that you are available. This includes putting up flyers or just talking to as many people as you can to let them know that you are looking.

When I was 16 years old I made myself a business card and went around to businesses in the downtown one day in the summer hoping to get a summer job. A local lawyer was so impressed with my initiative that he hired me to help his assistant and during that summer. I actually closed a real estate deal. This sounds more exciting than it actually was. Closing the deal meant exchanging paperwork which had already been prepared. Nevertheless, it was exciting to me at the time and boosted my confidence and resume for future jobs. The lesson here is to "just ask". Sometimes small businesses are thinking they would like some extra help and are receptive to people who take the intiative to walk in and ask if they are hiring.

Fast food places are always looking for good employees. Mostly they hire online these days.

Best of luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Renee
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Judy’s Answer

Sometimes a high school will have a Work Experience office or program that can provide resources to high school students. For example, in California, USA, Work Experience Education (WEE) is a work-based learning course of study that offers internships and employment combined with instruction in critical workplace skills. The WEE program is an integrated educational process that: (1) helps students to choose a career path based on their interests and aptitudes; (2) prepares them for college and career success; and (3) affords students the opportunity to learn to work with others in ways that are successful and rewarding. https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/we/

Sometimes a high school work experience or career center also receives job postings from companies for part-time opportunities.

A career counselor, if available in your school, may also be able to help guide you based on your interests or skills.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Judy for the advice. Renee
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