Teen Tips: Getting A Job

Don't get me wrong, school and college/university is very important. However to get through it you do need money and that will only come from work (and parents if you're lucky). Here is my guide on how to get a job!

Rule 1: Don't Be Picky!
When I was looking for a job I went through all the retail stores on my local high street searching for jobs. No where else. This led to a year and a half of unemployment and begging my parents for £5 bus money which was meant to last me the week. So my first rule is do not be picky with where you apply.

Rule 2: Get Volunteering Experience.
It sounds so dull, doing paid work but not getting paid. What a waste of time, right? WRONG! Doing volunteering gives you experience in a working environment which is what employers are looking for. Depending where you volunteer depends on what other experience you get. The most common is charity shops and youth groups which give you people skills. Being able to communicate and listen and work in a group AND as an individual are major skills that employers are looking for! Any basic part time job requires these skills - waitressing, retail, bar work - think about it.

You can also get special awards for volunteering. The Duke of Edinburgh Award has a whole section just on volunteering. In Scotland, we have a programme called 'Saltire Award' which give you awards for volunteering 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours. Having one of these shows commitment and motivation to succeed.

Rule 3: Write a CV
What an obvious rule but it can actually be forgotten! There are plenty of CV Builders online and by using one will make your life a lot easier! If you are in Scotland I recommend using My World of Work as it has an amazing and easy CV Builder with a lot of tips as well.

If you are writing one from scratch then I recommend putting in your strengths, achievements, interests as well as all your grades and employment history (which includes volunteering).

Rule 4: Don't be afraid!
When I decided I wanted to get a job I was actually kind of scared to tell my parents what I was doing! It sounds so crazy but I was afraid that they didn't want me to work as well as go to school. If you are in a similar situation then I beg you please talk about it at the dinner table, maybe about 'a friend who just got a job' and see your parents reactions. This usually can go two ways - 1) they start suggesting about looking for a job or 2) they have an hour lecture at you on how it's not worth it. If you end up in scenario 2 I'm very sorry but please don't give up!

Rule 5: Ask friends to put in a good word.
It sounds like cheating but that is exactly how I got my first job! In places like TESCO (a UK supermarket chain) it's common knowledge that you're most likely to get the job if you know someone that already works in TESCO. It's also comforting knowing someone at a workplace if you do get the job.

Rule 6: Talk to people.
If you get an interview remember to be polite and ask questions! If you're in a group interview then chat to the group before you go in and get to know them. If the employer comes out and sees people talking it will show them that you are comfortable in a new environment and puts you at an advantage. If you have a trail shift then make sure you ask questions if you are unsure about anything and you are always polite when talking to other staff.

That is my guide for getting a job. I hope you learnt something from my experience and the only other thing I can say to you is good luck and I'll see you next time!