Jobs for Teenagers

Your First Teenage Job

For a teenager, finding that first job can sometimes be a scary and difficult process. As a teenager with no or little real world work experience, you may be concerned that you won't qualify for many jobs, or that there just aren't that many employers hiring teenagers. You'll find, though, that many employers have jobs for teens with little or no work experience.  A part time summer job for teens, or an after school part time job for teens can be a good first step into the working world.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner, and represent a great time for teens to get part time jobs to make extra money, or pay for holiday gifts.  Retail and service companies need more people to work over the holiday seasons.  Holiday jobs for teens can also lead to full time employment and even future careers.  Some jobs for teens even include on-the-job training that will help you get started in your new position, or even start to develop a career. Teen jobs help build and demonstrate self responsibility, reliability, a good work ethic, and work experience that will pay off later in life. It's easy to find teen jobs in your local area! Type in your zip code with our partner SnagAJob to start your job search, and find local employers that have jobs for teens.

Getting a Teenage Job

If this is not your first job, you should start to develop a resume that shows your job history and work experience. You can also highlight your achievements that demonstrate characteristics beneficial to this job. You'll definitely be one step ahead of most of your friends when you walk into a job interview and hand them a resume including your past work history. A current resume is also a good way to maintain a record of the jobs you've held. If you've held summer jobs or holidays jobs in the past, make sure to list them on your resume, along with your responsibilities and accomplishments in these positions.

Most jobs will require you to go through at least a brief interview before you are hired. For this interview you should dress neatly, be well groomed, and be prepared to tell someone:

  • Why you want the job.
  • Most employers will understand that you're just trying to make some extra money, but if you can explain how getting this job will help you develop yourself, or even benefit others, then you'll be ahead of the game.
  • What skills you have that will allow you to perform this job successfully.
  • Are you the one that your friends are always asking for computer help, do you organize and run a club or committee at school, or are you just really good with people? Now's the chance to explain what you're good at, and why you will be successful at this job.
  • Why they should pick you over other candidates.
  • This is a chance to talk about your strengths and explain why you are their best choice for this position. In addition to your qualifications and technical skills, your friendly attitude, outgoing nature, or skills with people will make you a more attractive candidate for most any job.
  • How much time are you available to work on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • Many jobs will have requirements for a certain number of hours, or number of days to work per week.
  • How long you intend to stay with this job.
  • Employers understand that teenagers can only work for certain periods of time, such as during the summer, until they leave for college, or other factors.

For information on resumes, interviewing and more see our tips on how to get a job.

Some popular companies that offer part time jobs for teens are Home Depot, AMF Bowling, AMC Theaters, Chick-fil-A, and Kohl's. There are 1,000's of jobs for teens such as office jobs, automotive jobs, theater jobs, food service, retail, hardware jobs, administrative jobs, and many more! Find part-time and hourly jobs for teens in your local area from great employers with our partner SnagAJob. Apply Online and receive email job alerts from your favorite employers. Before you know it, Thanksgiving and the Christmas season will be here, so don't delay! Thanksgiving and Christmas jobs are a great way to earn some extra money while you're out of school.

You should also check local job resources, such as your newspaper, schools and libraries in your job search. Don't forget to "ask around" too, as your friends and relatives may know of companies that are hiring teens.

Benefits of a Teenage Job

Aside from the extra income, getting a job as a teenager can also help you decide what type of career you would like to pursue. Part time teenage jobs can help you gain experience and also "get a feel" for the type of job you'd like to have in the future. You will also be better prepared to choose what kind of training classes to take, or which college degree that you will need to help you pursue a particular career. EdSoup.com is a site that lets you know which colleges are interested in you just by indicating your preferences and background in a simple profile. Create your free EdSoup.com profile now and let colleges contact you!

Jobs for teenagers are primarily part time, and may allow you to work as many hours as you are legally allowed.  Federal and state laws restrict the number of hours teens under 16 can spending working during a week.  Be sure you understand the requirements of the job, and that the employer knows how much time you are willing and available to work.  Even if you will only be working for this employer for a short time, such as a part time summer job, establishing a good work record will make coming back for future jobs, such as Thanksgiving jobs or Christmas holiday jobs, a lot easier.

Employers like to re-hire teenagers with a good work history. A part time summer job or holiday job may be temporary work, but it could lead to bigger and better things! Always try to leave on good terms with your employers, so that they can provide a good reference for you to use in  your next summer, holiday or even full time job search.

Some good part time jobs for teens are:

Retail Jobs Food Service Jobs Warehouse Jobs
Computer Jobs Companion Jobs Delivery Jobs
Theater Jobs Clerk Jobs Restaurant Jobs

Enter your City and State to find these and many other hourly
and part time jobs for teenagers in your local area:
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Did you know? ....... Teenagers can also make money online! SurveyPayoff.com, American Consumer Opinion, SurveySpot.com, and Survey Adventure all offer opportunities to get paid for your opinion. Get paid for participating in market research panels, previewing movie trailers, reviewing products, taking surveys, and more!

Thinking about going to college? Check out this timeline for getting ready for college.   Visit ToPayForCollege.com to learn more about getting free money from scholarships and grants to pay for college. You may also consider an Internship with an employer that offers a job related to the education you plan on attaining. Search for internships in your area or job field at Monster.com