4 answers
mar
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
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why would a company reject a 16-year-old looking for a job to earn experience?
why would a company reject a 16-year-old looking for a job to earn experience ?
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4 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Seng totally nailed it!
I did not understand this on my first retail sales jobs. I thought I was there to wait on customers, rather than that I was supposed to actually be convincing those customers to buy our products. It's all about money. What can you do to help the company make or save money? When you can answer that, your interviews will go better.
Even as a youngster with limited experience, you can definitely hit on safety. You've had to practice it in sports and in science labs, for example, and perhaps in other places. If anyone gets hurt at a business, there are not only medical bills but sometimes costly lawsuits. Yikes!
You can (hopefully) address the fact that you are dependable, have a good attendance record at school, etc. Because, if you don't show up for work and they "work short-handed" it could mean that customers get tired of waiting and walk away, and the store loses sales revenues. Or, they might have to pay someone overtime (rather than regular pay) to cover your shift, thereby costing the store money.
And I hope you have had to work in groups on various projects, or, been part of a team of some sort. That shows that you know how to work with others.
You are trying to sell yourself. Convince them that you are the right person for the job. Don't plead "just give me a chance," instead, be confident in yourself!
I did not understand this on my first retail sales jobs. I thought I was there to wait on customers, rather than that I was supposed to actually be convincing those customers to buy our products. It's all about money. What can you do to help the company make or save money? When you can answer that, your interviews will go better.
Even as a youngster with limited experience, you can definitely hit on safety. You've had to practice it in sports and in science labs, for example, and perhaps in other places. If anyone gets hurt at a business, there are not only medical bills but sometimes costly lawsuits. Yikes!
You can (hopefully) address the fact that you are dependable, have a good attendance record at school, etc. Because, if you don't show up for work and they "work short-handed" it could mean that customers get tired of waiting and walk away, and the store loses sales revenues. Or, they might have to pay someone overtime (rather than regular pay) to cover your shift, thereby costing the store money.
And I hope you have had to work in groups on various projects, or, been part of a team of some sort. That shows that you know how to work with others.
You are trying to sell yourself. Convince them that you are the right person for the job. Don't plead "just give me a chance," instead, be confident in yourself!
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
462
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
What kind of job?
A 16yr old probably can't work 40 hours, 9-5(ish). If that is what the expectations of the employer are, that's one reason.
Sometimes, a job requires some minimum amount of experience.
A company may feel a 16 yr old isn't mature enough for the job.
Maybe they don't want to take the risk that a 16 yr old is serious enough to commit to the job, and will stick around for years.
If it's a part time job, maybe the hours the teen can work don't align with the hours the company needs.
If they hire lots of teens, they may want to diversify. If they hire teens all from the same high school, they may all want the same time off for football games, spring break, or whatever. So it benefits the employer to have employees from all around.
A 16yr old probably can't work 40 hours, 9-5(ish). If that is what the expectations of the employer are, that's one reason.
Sometimes, a job requires some minimum amount of experience.
A company may feel a 16 yr old isn't mature enough for the job.
Maybe they don't want to take the risk that a 16 yr old is serious enough to commit to the job, and will stick around for years.
If it's a part time job, maybe the hours the teen can work don't align with the hours the company needs.
If they hire lots of teens, they may want to diversify. If they hire teens all from the same high school, they may all want the same time off for football games, spring break, or whatever. So it benefits the employer to have employees from all around.
Seng Gan
Engineer
22
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Seng’s Answer
1) Why should an employer choose you? Your objective is to gain experience, but why should an employer invest in training you? Try to see things from their perspective. If you can address this question convincingly, you might just secure that job.
2) Remember, unless you've been completely inactive in life, you likely possess some experience that could pique an employer's interest. Let's say you're 16 years old. If the employer's product or service is aimed at your age group, your understanding of this demographic's needs could be valuable to them.
3) Here's a piece of advice: shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on what the employer can do for you, consider what you can bring to the table.
4) Don't dwell on the notion that you lack experience or have nothing to offer. Instead, reflect on the unique skills and experiences you possess.
5) Employers are interested in what you "can do" for them. They aren't concerned about what you can't do. They want to know what you can bring to their team.
2) Remember, unless you've been completely inactive in life, you likely possess some experience that could pique an employer's interest. Let's say you're 16 years old. If the employer's product or service is aimed at your age group, your understanding of this demographic's needs could be valuable to them.
3) Here's a piece of advice: shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on what the employer can do for you, consider what you can bring to the table.
4) Don't dwell on the notion that you lack experience or have nothing to offer. Instead, reflect on the unique skills and experiences you possess.
5) Employers are interested in what you "can do" for them. They aren't concerned about what you can't do. They want to know what you can bring to their team.
Aritra Sarkar
2
Answers
Updated
Aritra’s Answer
There are a few reasons a company might hesitate to hire a 16-year-old:
* **Legal restrictions:** Depending on location, there might be limitations on work hours, types of jobs allowed, or required permits for 16-year-olds.
* **Training:** Training a new employee takes time and resources. Companies might choose someone with more experience to need less supervision.
* **Scheduling:** Balancing school and work can be tricky. Companies might prefer someone with more flexible availability.
**Don't get discouraged!** These are common hurdles. Focus on highlighting your eagerness to learn and your transferable skills in your application and interview.
* **Legal restrictions:** Depending on location, there might be limitations on work hours, types of jobs allowed, or required permits for 16-year-olds.
* **Training:** Training a new employee takes time and resources. Companies might choose someone with more experience to need less supervision.
* **Scheduling:** Balancing school and work can be tricky. Companies might prefer someone with more flexible availability.
**Don't get discouraged!** These are common hurdles. Focus on highlighting your eagerness to learn and your transferable skills in your application and interview.