2 answers
drrew
Student
Houlton, Maine
2
Questions
Asked
558 views
How do you get your first job while being young?
Ive applied at a bunch of places but I’m 15 so no where will except me.
2 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
462
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
You can always hire yourself. Decide on some service you will provide. I used to mow lawns to earn money when I was young. You could weed someone's garden. Walk their dogs. There are many opportunities like this...you just have to find a need and fill it.
If you are looking for a more traditional job, then there are always a few basic rules. Dress appropriately when you interview (even when you request/turn in an application, if they accept physical ones and not online only). Use good grammar when speaking. Spell everything correctly. Be polite and courteous.
You may have to check the laws in your state to find out what is required for a 15yr old to work, as it can vary. Many companies will be hesitant to hire someone who is 15 because they can be a little flaky. It costs a lot of money to hire, process, and train someone. They may be afraid that after a week or a month, you'll quit. Try and provide them some reassurance that you won't. Convince them you are a good investment in their money and time.
And ALWAYS thank them for their time, regardless of how well or poorly the interview goes.
If you are looking for a more traditional job, then there are always a few basic rules. Dress appropriately when you interview (even when you request/turn in an application, if they accept physical ones and not online only). Use good grammar when speaking. Spell everything correctly. Be polite and courteous.
You may have to check the laws in your state to find out what is required for a 15yr old to work, as it can vary. Many companies will be hesitant to hire someone who is 15 because they can be a little flaky. It costs a lot of money to hire, process, and train someone. They may be afraid that after a week or a month, you'll quit. Try and provide them some reassurance that you won't. Convince them you are a good investment in their money and time.
And ALWAYS thank them for their time, regardless of how well or poorly the interview goes.
Katelyn Jones
Customer Support Specialist
11
Answers
Concord, North Carolina
Updated
Katelyn’s Answer
Hey, Drrew! 👋
Securing that first job can seem daunting when you don't have any other work experience to pad your application, but here are some tips that should help:
1. Do a Google search for companies that will hire 15-year-olds. Many companies will not hire employees who are under 16, or even older depending on the job requirements, so this will help you to avoid wasting time applying to companies that won't even be able to consider you due to their policies.
2. Check in person with local businesses. My first three jobs were all with small, local businesses that weren't advertising their positions online. If nothing else, this will give you some networking experience!
3. Remember that non-traditional work experience still counts. You may not have had a paying job before, but if you have volunteered or held a position at your school or a club, you can still include that on your applications as it shows responsibility and motivation. If you had a specific title and duties, you could even include this in the work history section as long as you are clear that it was a volunteer position - just avoid being misleading!
4. If you have the opportunity to submit a cover letter, do it! A resume or application summarizes your experience and education, but the cover letter is your chance to tell your story in your own words. Fred already mentioned that many employers may hesitate to invest the time into hiring and training a young employee because they fear they won't stick around. A cover letter is your chance to convince them you're worth taking a chance on by showing that you're serious and excited about the opportunity and how you can benefit their team.
5. It pays to know people. If you have friends your age who are employed or adults in your life who work for companies that would hire someone your age, ask them to put in a good word or put you in contact with a hiring manager. If the employee who refers you is held in high regard, their recommendation will have a much larger impact than anything you could write on an application.
Best of luck on your search! 💜
Securing that first job can seem daunting when you don't have any other work experience to pad your application, but here are some tips that should help:
1. Do a Google search for companies that will hire 15-year-olds. Many companies will not hire employees who are under 16, or even older depending on the job requirements, so this will help you to avoid wasting time applying to companies that won't even be able to consider you due to their policies.
2. Check in person with local businesses. My first three jobs were all with small, local businesses that weren't advertising their positions online. If nothing else, this will give you some networking experience!
3. Remember that non-traditional work experience still counts. You may not have had a paying job before, but if you have volunteered or held a position at your school or a club, you can still include that on your applications as it shows responsibility and motivation. If you had a specific title and duties, you could even include this in the work history section as long as you are clear that it was a volunteer position - just avoid being misleading!
4. If you have the opportunity to submit a cover letter, do it! A resume or application summarizes your experience and education, but the cover letter is your chance to tell your story in your own words. Fred already mentioned that many employers may hesitate to invest the time into hiring and training a young employee because they fear they won't stick around. A cover letter is your chance to convince them you're worth taking a chance on by showing that you're serious and excited about the opportunity and how you can benefit their team.
5. It pays to know people. If you have friends your age who are employed or adults in your life who work for companies that would hire someone your age, ask them to put in a good word or put you in contact with a hiring manager. If the employee who refers you is held in high regard, their recommendation will have a much larger impact than anything you could write on an application.
Best of luck on your search! 💜
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