Tips for Landing a First Job While in High School

I'm looking to get my first job before I graduate high school. What are some good strategies to improve my chances of being hired? Should I focus on certain kinds of jobs, or is there other advice for balancing work with school?

As you embark on your search for your first job, here are a few tips to help guide you:

Identify your Interests: Thinking about what interests you or any skills you have is a good place to start. If you enjoy reading, consider applying to a bookstore or library. If you love food, a restaurant or fast food joint could be a good fit. Remember, your first job doesn't have to dictate your career - it's all about gaining experience and learning about responsibility, working with others, and managing money.

Equip Yourself: Create a resume highlighting any applicable skills, experiences and extracurricular activities relevant to potential job roles. While you might not have any formal job experience, don't underestimate the value of experiences like babysitting, lawn mowing, volunteer work, or significant school projects. These can demonstrate skills that employers look for, such as reliability, initiative, leadership, teamwork, and organization.

Networking: Talk to teachers, family friends, and others about your job hunt. Sometimes, opportunities can come from unexpected places. Older students with jobs could also provide useful tips and insights.

Prepare: Before going to a job interview, practice answering common interview questions to make the process less nerve-wracking. Also, research the company and the role you're interviewing for so you can reveal you're serious about the job.

Balancing Work and Studies: Make sure to have a conversation about your availability, taking into account your school schedule, study time, extracurricular activities and much-needed relaxation time. Many employers are typically flexible with high school students and will understand that school comes first.

Persistence is crucial: Don't get discouraged if you don't land a job right away. You're likely competing with other students in the same boat as you. If you don't get the first job you apply for, keep trying.

Remember, your first job is a learning experience. It's an introduction to the working world and can serve as a foundation for future employment, helping you learn important skills that will benefit you in your career down the line. Good luck!