How to Get a Job at 17 (2024)

While it can be challenging to land a job when you're under 18, it's not impossible. The process for getting a job when you have little work experience is only somewhat different than for a full-grown adult. Increase your chances of getting hired as a teen by putting your best foot forward and showing employers that you're responsible.

Spread the Word Your'e Looking

The people you know who might be able to help you find a job are called a "network," explains Live Career. Write a list of people you think are in your network. Talk to friends, family and school connections to get the word out that you're looking for a job.

Networking is basically contacting "who you know" to help you get a job and advance in life. Ask people you know who own businesses–or whose family or friends own businesses–to put in a good word for you relating to possible opportunities. In the best-case scenario, that good word will be all you need to start working right away.

Check Out Youth Labor Laws

Get familiar with the local, state and federal laws regarding workers under 18. In general, you'll be limited to working four hours a day on school days, with a maximum of 20 hours a week when school is in session. Your state may also have other restrictions on the type of work you can do and the permissions you have to get from your guardians.

Start Searching Job Ads

Search online ads for jobs that require unskilled labor. In general, teens can work in retail stores, restaurants, hotels or at summer camps. Identify jobs that are described as "entry-level," "summer hire," "part-time" or "unskilled." Compile a list of online bookmarks of jobs for which you may be qualified. Special skills, such as babysitting experience or first-aid training, may open doors to jobs that require such skills.

Get Help With Applications

Have your parents or a trusted adviser help you fill out job applications for the jobs you you want to apply for. Many common jobs for teens don't require a resume, but it's a good idea to have one ready, in case an employer requires one, advises Very Well Family. Create one with the help of your parents or an adviser.

In addition to any actual job history, include information about odd jobs you've done, special classes you've taken, or extracurricular activities that show you're an involved, responsible person.

Be sure to follow the instructions in the job listing to the letter. Employers will be looking at your application carefully to see whether you are able to follow directions.

Follow Up After Applying

Call to inquire about your application if you haven't heard back from the employer within a week or so -- unless the job listing states specifically that there should be "no calls." Be polite and tell the manager that you're calling to check on the status of your application. If the manager does not give you any information or acts rudely, resist the urge to respond rudely–it's your job to stay professional throughout the process.

If the employer calls to ask you in for an interview, thank him, and remain professional and courteous as you set up the interview. Remain flexible with your time; don't turn down an interview slot because you'd planned to hang out with your boyfriend that day. On the other hand, school, choir practice or other standing obligations are acceptable reasons to ask for another time to interview.

Practice Job Interviewing

Rehearse your job interview with a parent or trusted adviser. Provide any information you have about the job duties to give the adviser some idea of what types of questions to "practice" with.

Show up at the interview on time and well-dressed. Be respectful and act interested in the details of the job throughout the interview. During the interview, ask about any training you will receive at the start of work and what your schedule will look like. Observe how other employees are acting on the job to get clues about how you will be expected to behave.

Send a thank you note to any manager with whom you interviewed. This act of courtesy can put your application on the top of the heap and convey your interest in getting the job.

Start the Work Process Correctly

Respond quickly if you're offered a job, and thank the manager for the opportunity. Make yourself as available as possible for your start date and working hours, while at the same time continuing to make school a priority. Do not allow managers to schedule you during school hours, or for more hours than are allowed by law; a manager who takes advantage of you in this way is likely to try to take advantage of you in other ways as well.

Start Your Own Business

In a tight job market, teens can be at the bottom of the barrel in terms of ideal candidates. If you're not having much luck landing a job, consider starting your own "business" to bring in some cash. Start a lawn service, get a Red Cross babysitting or life guard credential, tutor kids in math, or teach older adults how to use their computers. Create flyers or online postings, and spread the word among your family and friends to advertise your services.

How to Get a Job at 17 (2024)

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