Is Your Teenager Excited to Start Their Job Search?
Here's How to Help Them Get Started!
Starting a job as a teenager is an exciting opportunity to gain independence, earn money, and develop valuable skills. Here’s everything needed to begin the journey from preparing a resume to landing a job offer.
Understanding Age Guidelines for Teen Jobs
Before starting a job search, knowing the legal requirements surrounding working hours and job types based on age is important. Check your state or territory’s specific employment laws for teens, especially for under-15s. Fairwork.gov.au
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Job as a Teenager
1. Preparing for the Job Search
Even without formal job experience, teens can still showcase valuable skills that employers look for. Here’s how to prepare:
Write a Standout Resume: Highlight school activities, volunteer work, or even household tasks that demonstrate reliability and responsibility. Include relevant skills like communication, teamwork, and any computer knowledge.
Search Online Job Boards: Use terms like “teen jobs” or “jobs for 16-year-olds” to filter suitable roles.
Visit Local Businesses: Retail stores, fast food outlets, and supermarkets often hire teens. Don’t hesitate to visit stores and ask about available positions.
Ask Around: Many teens find their first jobs through referrals. Let family, friends, and neighbours know you’re looking for work, as personal connections can be invaluable.
2. Applying for Jobs
Once you've found positions that interest you, it’s time to apply:
Tailor Your Resume: Adjust your resume to fit the job description, focusing on relevant skills and experiences.
Include a Cover Letter: A short, personalised cover letter can help you stand out. Introduce yourself, explain why you want the job, and mention any applicable skills or experiences.
Use Keywords: When applying online, include relevant keywords from the job ad to improve your chances with automated systems some employers use to scan resumes.
3. Nailing the Interview
If your application is successful, you’ll be called in for an interview. Here’s how to prepare:
Practice Common Questions: Expect questions like “Why do you want this job?” and “What are your strengths?” Prepare answers that highlight your responsibility and eagerness to learn.
Dress Neatly: Even for casual jobs, dressing tidily and professionally shows respect and enthusiasm.
Show Interest: Be engaged during the interview. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, the company, and what’s expected of you.
4. Job Offer & Salary
Understand the Pay Scale: You may start at minimum wage. Keep informed of the pay scale for your state and the position you’ve been offered.
Set Clear Work Hours: Make sure your work hours fit around school and extracurricular activities. Be upfront about your availability and negotiate a schedule that works for both you and your employer.
Popular Jobs for Teens with No Experience
Here are some common roles suitable for teens starting out:
Retail Assistant: Gain customer service skills working in clothing or grocery stores.
Fast Food Crew Member: Many fast-food chains hire teens for roles like cashiers or kitchen assistants.
Cashier: Many theme parks and water parks need staff to handle payments upon entry.
Babysitter: Flexible hours and good pay, especially with First Aid or babysitting certifications.
Pet Sitter/Dog Walker: If you enjoy animals, this could be a rewarding side business in your local community.
Be informed
Start your new job confidently and find important information from your employer as soon as possible. This includes:
your pay rate
whether you’re a full-time, part-time or casual employee
your hours of work
training
what your job duties will be
whether there’s an award or registered agreement that covers your job
your classification level under your award or agreement
if there's a probation period for your job.
Check out what else you need to know on our Before starting employment page.
Finding a first job as a teenager might seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s entirely achievable. From creating a strong resume to preparing for interviews, these steps will help you confidently navigate the job market and start your career journey.

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