Job Search Tips for Youth: Tips for Reading Job Postings

Are you a high school student, also known as a teenager or youth, who is actively looking for a part-time job? If so, read on for some helpful tips that can improve your search success.

Job Search Tip for Youth Tip #1: Check the Age Requirements

You’ll find a wide range of variations when it comes to companies that hire young people. For example, most companies start hiring teenagers when they are 16 years old. Some companies prefer to wait until job applicants are 18 years old before being hired. On the same note, there are a limited number of jobs for 15-year-olds (supermarkets are known as recruiters).

For that reason, you’ll want to make sure you meet the company’s age restriction before you get excited about the prospect of getting the job. Most job postings will contain this important information.

Job Search Tip for Youth Tip #2: Required High School or GED Doesn’t Kill You If You’re Still in School

So find an online job listing for a retail store cashier at your favorite clothing store in the mall. That job listing says you must be 16 years old (which you are), but it also says a high school degree or GED is required. But wait! You are only 16 years old and have not yet graduated from high school. Are you out of the race? No. If the job listing indicates that you can apply for the job as a teen or youth, go ahead and apply. Even though you haven’t officially graduated from high school yet, you’re in the process of earning that important and often required degree.

Youth Job Search Tip #3: A flexible job is better

If you’re a high school student, you want to make sure that most of your attention is focused on graduating high school with good grades. For that reason, it is important and recommended that you find a part-time job that has flexible hours. Basically, you’re not going to spend every hour of the day you’re not at school working. There is a wide range of jobs that are perfect for you. Many are in the retail or food industry, as these industries are well known for providing students with flexible work hours.

Regardless, it’s important that you list your hours of availability accurately on your resume. Indicate directly the days you want to work and the times you can do it (after school).

Youth Job Search Tip #4: Include School Activities, Volunteer Work, and More on Your Resume

It’s always a good idea to submit a resume when applying for jobs, even part-time jobs. That said, even if you decide to fill out just the company’s standard application, take advantage of your school activities, volunteer work, sports programs, and more. If you are between the ages of 16 and 18, you are probably applying for your first or second job. This means that you have little or no work experience. To make up for this lack of experience, include advanced courses you are taking at school or a community college, volunteer work you have done, extracurricular activities at school, etc.