At one point or another, someone has told you that you should go get a job. This can be for many reasons, but regardless, this is easier said than done. In fact, this journey is going to be a hard struggle, especially if you have no connections to go off with.

Struggles from Unemployment
      Many teenagers will scroll through social media, see something they like, and look at their wallet and sigh. Whether it be clothes, food, or generic things in life that you just wish you didn’t have to ask your parents for, this is a universal situation that all people go through. Even sometimes when you do get the money, your freedom with that money might be restricted by whoever gave you it. Unfortunately, in life, many of the things you want cost money, and that is hard to earn when you are unemployed.

Journey to get a job
    As a teenager, you start to build up your resume the moment you enter high school. Many teenagers, including myself, use apps like Indeed to help them apply to jobs. From my own experience, I found that fast food places typically respond the fastest, but it differs from person to person.  You’ll eventually get interviews, but don’t get too excited, because many times you will be ignored by the recruiter after the interview. This journey is long, harsh, and incredibly challenging for teenagers to get a job.
     From my own experience, managers told me that I was hired on the spot and that they would report back to me with onboarding. Of course, the next day after, they did not respond to my messages or calls. I applied to Burger King, and the manager seemed thrilled to see me in the interview.  The manager even told me that I would be going through the onboarding process. Well, that didn’t happen.

Advice to land a job.
     Now before I continue, you might look at your resume and say, “Hmm, this seems good enough for any job!” I want to remind you to not clutter your resume with stuff that a recruiter won’t look at. I had to modify my resume a dozen times to remove accomplishments that didn’t fit that job area. It is tedious, yes, but if you really want a job, you’ll have to prioritize your accomplishments that will portray you as a disciplined and respectable person.

How hard is it to get a job?
    I can’t emphasize this enough, that getting a job is incredibly difficult. Sometimes, your application won’t be enough, or other times the job is strictly for eighteen-years-old adults. Your options dwindle down to a handful in terms of where to work, and you also must figure out how you are going to commute from there and back. It is a grueling process, and I have shed a couple tears from how hard it is. But it is incredibly rewarding to get a job, especially if it’s your first ever one.

What are good jobs to go for as a first time job? 

     For first timers, it is even harder for you to get a job since you have no experience. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I would recommend applying to fast food places like Burger King, McDonalds, whatever fast food place that is hiring and urgently.   

       Additionally, you can apply for supermarket jobs like a courtesy clerk. That’s what I am currently working as. Working as a courtesy clerk at Milam’s Market, I am constantly doing multiple things that what my job details me to do because my job’s main goal is very simple, to bag the groceries or items that the customer buys safely. I typically do a ton of errands for the company and go around doing things like stocking and cleaning.

Advice on Interviewing for Jobs and Applications
     Whenever you go into an interview, it might seem scary, especially if it is your first ever interview. Remember, you NEED to dress appropriately, so dress fancier than normal. You aren’t the only candidate for the job, and there are going to be others that interviewed before you. Dressing nice sets a good example fror them and gives you better chances.  

       When you are in the interview, and they finish asking their questions, ask about the company. This might seem small, but it goes a long way. Some of the things you can ask are, “How is it like to work in this company/environment? How can one advance towards higher positions in this company?”  

    The end goal of this is to get the job. Even if you don’t want to advance in any positions, acting interested makes them feel better about hiring you. Additionally, have manners.  It is rare in this generation to have manners. Ask if you can sit down, or hold the door for them, and even start off with asking about their day and their history.

From Unemployment to Employment
      Woo! You got the job! Now, you can finally start working. Be aware, however, that you are under a time frame of 90 days where the company closely examines your performance while on the clock. You might make some mistakes in this time frame; however, once it is over, the company will stop being so lenient with you as you learn how to do your job.  

       Additionally, it is good that while on the job, you start earlier than your set time. It tells the manager that you are eager to work, and ready to associate yourself with the company at a high degree. If you are going to miss a day, tell them two weeks ahead of time on a specific date that you cannot work; that way, if you are scheduled on that day, they cannot reprimand you for telling them you cannot come.

How to wisely spend your money
        You might get your paycheck and think, “Ah, finally! I can spend my hard-earned money however much I want!” And while that is true, it is important that you start building a habit of saving your money and being responsible with it. For first timers, this will be hard for you, but it is as important as it is difficult.  

    First, start saving at least half of your paycheck into your savings. This is to fund your emergency fund, which is a fund specifically made for emergencies that you can supply yourself with in dire need. Under no circumstance, unless dire, should you draw money from your savings. If you know that your spending habits are quickly draining your money, it is time for you to evaluate your habits and try to adjust.  

    The rest of the money you can spend for whatever you might want, whether it’s to go outside and play some games at an arcade or buy a game you’ve been wanting.  Remember, as much as it is important to save for the important things in life, it is also important to let yourself enjoy your hard-earned money!

5 Facts about Teenage Employment 

 1.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a declining employment rate for high-school students. This rate was 22.5% in October 2023, and in comparison, to the 1990s, is a 30% significant drop of

 2. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is recommended to young teenagers starting their job to work 15 or fewer hours as this can lead to better grades, better focus, and time to rest. 20 hours is not recommended as it is associated withhigh dropout rates.

3. According to CNBC, in June 2024, the average wage for a teenage hire was $15.68 an hour. In comparison to 2019, this is a 36% growth rate. Additionally, the growth rate has outpaced the average wage growth for all workers across the country.

4. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the majority of  teenagers are employed in retail with a 51% rate, and service industries with a 26% rate of employment. These industries have a high turnover, which create a consistent need for young workers.

5. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the injury rate while on the job for 15-to-17 year olds is approximately five injuries per 100 full-time workers, compared to just under three for workers over 16 years of age.