Advice for Getting My First Job in High School?

Looking for some advice on how to get my first job while still in school. I'm open to anything that helps me gain experience. How should I approach applications, and are there certain types of jobs that are more accessible to high schoolers?

Definitely! Firstly, it's commendable that you're taking the initiative to gain job experience while still in high school. To start off, look into jobs that are known to be open to hiring high school students, such as positions in retail, food service, or in local youth programs. These jobs often offer flexible schedules to accommodate for school commitments.

When you're ready to apply, you'll need to prepare a resume. Since you may not have work experience yet, your resume should highlight other valuable experiences and skills you have acquired from school activities, volunteer work, and extracurriculars. If, for instance, you have held leadership roles in clubs or sports, or volunteered at community events, include these on your resume. Don't underestimate the value of these experiences - they demonstrate qualities like teamwork, responsibility, and commitment, which are highly sought after by employers.

The next step is filling out applications. Always remember to read through job applications carefully to ensure you're meeting all the requirements. Also, tailor your application to each job. Employers appreciate when applicants take the time to understand their business and how their skills relate to the job.

Lastly, be sure to follow-up after submitting your application. If you don’t hear back within a week or two, it's perfectly acceptable to call or email the hiring manager to check in on the status of your application. This shows initiative and eagerness, which can be very appealing to employers.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Each job you hold provides valuable experience and contributes to building a strong work ethic. Best of luck!