How is your teen job search going? There may be "Help Wanted" signs everywhere you look - or not.
Even if you apply at every place that has a sign out, you may not be getting an interview or getting hired.
Plus, you want a job that is best for you - and best for the employer.
What do you need to consider to find that job? Check out these tips for a teen job search.
Figure out what type of job would be best for you.
Do you want to be in an busy environment talking to customers continually? Or would you rather be in a job where you only interact with your co-workers? What about a blend of both? For instance, you might like being around people but not talking to them about which clothes to buy or taking their order.
A good mix might be working as a bagger at a grocery store where you can interact with lots of customers but in a very limited way.
Determine how flexible your schedule really is.
If you already have multiple commitments throughout the week or on weekends, this may make it difficult for some employers.
On the other hand, some employers only need limited help and you could be the perfect match.
One key thing is to make sure you do not overcommit at the beginning.
If this is your first job, you need to get used to juggling a whole new responsibility along with your other ones.
Once you get a handle on how it all works together, you can ask for more hours.
Make sure you have reliable transportation if you need it.
It may go without saying but if you cannot drive, your job search will be more limited.
It is not a good idea to apply for jobs that you will need to drive to and hope that you can make it work out.
Get your parents to agree to drive you or figure out how to take public transportation to get there before you commit to a job.
Get creative in your search.
Everyone, adults included, can get stuck on wanting to get their perfect job right from the start.
You get it in your head that you must work at your favorite clothing store.
And then you don't get hired.
So what.
Start over and keep looking at other employers.
This job is likely not permanent.
Balance that with what you want to do and the scheduling to find a solid job that will give you experience (and earn some money too).
You may find that this extra experience is what you need to land that job you wanted originally.
Be consistent.
It can be discouraging and disheartening to want to work and not be able to find anything.
In addition to getting creative, you also need to be consistent.
Follow up on any applications you've submitted either by phone or in person.
If you go in person, try to do it when the manager is there and go dressed to interview.
One young man I know wanted a particular sales job.
He kept his clothes in his car, changed after working his other job and appeared at the manager's office regularly saying that he was ready to go to work.
It took awhile but he got the job - and went on to be one of the best in the office.
These teen job search tips along with a good attitude will go a long way towards helping you get a job that works for you.