Job Application Tips for Teenagers

Job Application Tips for TeenagersJob Application Tips for TeenagersAre you a teen getting ready to start applying for jobs? Do you need some guidance on the best way to apply for jobs, secure interviews, and get hired? Teenagers applying forsummer work, orpart-time jobsduring the school year, should be aware that how you apply can make the difference in getting hired. Your application needs to be completed accurately and legibly, or you can expect it to get tossed into the reject pile. Leaving off important information can have the same effect. Whether youreapplying in-personor online, its important to provide all the information the employer requests. Before you start filling outjob applications, be sure that you take the time to find out what information you will need to provide to prospective employers. Its a good idea to put together aresume, even though many employers wont ask for one. It will give you the opportunity to organize and categorize your experience, and can be usefu l when filling out applications to maintain consistency and accuracy in filling in your work dates and experiences. Plus, its good to have a starting point that you can add to and edit as you gain experience over the next few years. Practice filling out an application before you start actually applying for jobs. Heres anexample of a job applicationyou can print and use to get started. If youre leid sure about something on the application, ask for help from a family member, guidance counselor or friend. If you take the time to practice filling out an application, youll do better when the real thing comes along and increase your chances of getting hired. Top 10 Tips for Teens Completing Job Applications Whenever possible, take the application homeor fill it out online, so you dont have to rush while sitting in an employment office oratthe front of a store. Make a list of all the informationyou need to include in your applicationprior to filling it out. Not sure what to say when yo u need to pick up anapplication for employment? Hereshow to ask for a job application.Neatness counts.Have a friend or parent with nice handwritinghelpyoufill out your paper applications if yourhandwritingissubpar. If you have access to a copy machine, make a copy to use when filling out other applications, since they all ask for pretty much the same information, and often even in the same order. Or take a picture with your phone, so its easier to apply next time. Show the employer that you can follow directionsby filling in allsections of the application form. If you dont have information to put in a box, you can say N/A (not applicable). Review allofthe questions carefully to make sure you understand what they are asking for. If you dont have formal work experience, its fine to list jobs like babysitting or yard work, or even participation as an officer in a school club or student government. Request help from a parent or guidance counselor if you need assistance responding to any itemsthatseemconfusing. Check your application for spelling and grammar mistakesand have someone else review it. Put your finger on every word to make sure it is correct, even if you are typing and using spellcheck.Make sure you emphasize the job responsibilities of your past jobs which are most relevantto your target position when completing your descriptions. For example, suppose that you only spent a fraction of your time generating documents in your campus job, but it will be the primary function inthejob youre applying for. List that activity first on the application when describing your campus job, so your key qualification is easily noticed. Useaction wordsto lead your phrases when describing past jobs. Employers of teens value reliability, especially in terms of attendance and punctuality.Try to incorporate references to perfect attendance and punctuality, if possible.Dont forget to include honors or awards.Employers will likelyperceiveachievementslikeacompetitiveGPA ormemb ershipintotheHonor Societyasevidence of a strong work ethic.Geta list of references.Most employers will request three or fourreferences. People who can vouch for your work ethic and responsibility are fine touse as a character referenceif you dont have employment references. You should ask several peoplewho might be willing to give you apositiverecommendation, should they be contacted by a befhigung employer. Be prepared to furnish the names, job titles and contact information for your references.If you havent held a formal job, consider asking families for whom you babysit or have done odd jobs, as well as teachers or coaches.Informpeopleaheadoftimeif you plan to list them as a reference so they wont be surprised if they get a call or email message from an employer.Check your voicemail.You will need to list your phone number on the application, so be sure that the voicemail message on your cell is suitable for an employer to hear. Check messages regularly, so you dont miss any call s from employers. Also review this list of what not to do when youre applying for jobs, so you dont make a mistake that could cost you an interview or a job offer. If you take the time to prepare in advance of putting your applications in, the process will be much smootherand youll speed up the process of getting hired for a new job.