3 answers
Leticia
Student
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How can I get my first job at 17, with no prior experience?
I am a high school senior looking to get her first job. I have a 3.7 GPA and experience with taking care of children ages 0-8 (my siblings).
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3 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I started in foodservice. Not the most glamorous work at times, but typically-with a few applications- you can likely find work with your community.
Your school resource officer may have an idea or two for local groups looking to hire students.
Lastly, your school likely has an alumni association. Reach out and maybe (just maybe) someone has a line on a potential role for you.
Your school resource officer may have an idea or two for local groups looking to hire students.
Lastly, your school likely has an alumni association. Reach out and maybe (just maybe) someone has a line on a potential role for you.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Leticia, I'm genuinely delighted that you've reached out for some advice, and I hope my response offers you some valuable insights and guidance. Securing your first job at 17, particularly without any previous experience, is not only achievable but praiseworthy, considering your determination and impressive 3.7 GPA. Here are some steps that could help you navigate this journey:
Firstly, take some time to thoughtfully create a professional resume that highlights your GPA, academic accomplishments, and your experience looking after your siblings. Your cover letter should radiate your enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the workplace. This step is crucial.
Secondly, emphasize the valuable skills you've acquired from caring for your siblings, such as responsibility, time management, and multitasking. These are transferable skills that employers across all industries value, regardless of whether you have a college degree or not.
While working on these two steps, begin to tap into your school network, your teachers, and local community connections. You'll find that these individuals can be instrumental in helping you secure a job. Don't hesitate to express your interest in finding a part-time job, as personal connections often lead to promising opportunities.
Consider exploring entry-level positions in local businesses such as retail stores or restaurants. While some people may undervalue these types of jobs, roles like cashier, customer service, or assistant positions are often a perfect fit for those embarking on their first job. These roles also provide a sense of purpose and will be beneficial when you decide to switch jobs later on.
My son managed to secure a part-time job by leveraging platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or local job boards to find entry-level positions suitable for high school students.
If securing paid work proves to be challenging initially, consider volunteering. Not only will this enhance your experience, but it also showcases your dedication to contributing to the community.
Lastly, I want to commend your determination and readiness to shoulder responsibilities at such a young age. These are qualities that employers greatly appreciate. Your journey is meaningful, and your efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for a bright future.
Firstly, take some time to thoughtfully create a professional resume that highlights your GPA, academic accomplishments, and your experience looking after your siblings. Your cover letter should radiate your enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the workplace. This step is crucial.
Secondly, emphasize the valuable skills you've acquired from caring for your siblings, such as responsibility, time management, and multitasking. These are transferable skills that employers across all industries value, regardless of whether you have a college degree or not.
While working on these two steps, begin to tap into your school network, your teachers, and local community connections. You'll find that these individuals can be instrumental in helping you secure a job. Don't hesitate to express your interest in finding a part-time job, as personal connections often lead to promising opportunities.
Consider exploring entry-level positions in local businesses such as retail stores or restaurants. While some people may undervalue these types of jobs, roles like cashier, customer service, or assistant positions are often a perfect fit for those embarking on their first job. These roles also provide a sense of purpose and will be beneficial when you decide to switch jobs later on.
My son managed to secure a part-time job by leveraging platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or local job boards to find entry-level positions suitable for high school students.
If securing paid work proves to be challenging initially, consider volunteering. Not only will this enhance your experience, but it also showcases your dedication to contributing to the community.
Lastly, I want to commend your determination and readiness to shoulder responsibilities at such a young age. These are qualities that employers greatly appreciate. Your journey is meaningful, and your efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for a bright future.
Amit Mittal
Officer at Citibank
96
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Amit’s Answer
Getting your first job at 17 in the US with no prior professional experience can be a challenging but achievable task. Here are some steps you can take:
Highlight your transferable experience: You can use your previous experiences to show employers your potential to succeed in a new role. In your case, your experience taking care of children can be highlighted as it shows responsibility, patience, and problem-solving skills.
Emphasize your soft skills: Soft skills are essential for nearly every job. These include communication, organizational skills, problem-solving, attention to detail, time management, interpersonal skills, creativity, adaptability or flexibility, teamwork, and leadership.
Consider volunteer work or internships: Volunteer work and internships can often help you gain valuable skills and experience to highlight on your resume.
Education or coursework: Your high GPA indicates a strong academic background, which can be appealing to employers.
Network with peers: Networking can often lead to job opportunities.
Prepare for the interview: Research common interview questions and practice your responses.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and your enthusiasm to learn and grow can be just as valuable as experience. Good luck with your job search!
Highlight your transferable experience: You can use your previous experiences to show employers your potential to succeed in a new role. In your case, your experience taking care of children can be highlighted as it shows responsibility, patience, and problem-solving skills.
Emphasize your soft skills: Soft skills are essential for nearly every job. These include communication, organizational skills, problem-solving, attention to detail, time management, interpersonal skills, creativity, adaptability or flexibility, teamwork, and leadership.
Consider volunteer work or internships: Volunteer work and internships can often help you gain valuable skills and experience to highlight on your resume.
Education or coursework: Your high GPA indicates a strong academic background, which can be appealing to employers.
Network with peers: Networking can often lead to job opportunities.
Prepare for the interview: Research common interview questions and practice your responses.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and your enthusiasm to learn and grow can be just as valuable as experience. Good luck with your job search!