4 Ways to Help Your Teen Get a Summer Job

By Jonquil Jardine

 

Summer is almost here, and school is almost out. Many teens will be looking for a summer job to gain experience and make some extra cash. Working can be a great opportunity for teens to gain independence and work experience. Most importantly, it also teaches them about managing money, networking, confidence-building and work ethic. But, with little to no experience, how can they land a paying gig? We have four tips to help.

 

1.  Assist Your Teen with Their Resume

Resumes can be used as a marketing tool. It outlines an individual’s background, skills and education. But how can a teen create a resume with limited experience? “Simply add volunteer work or accomplishments,” says Toronto-based Human Resources professional Kulebika Natkunam. Some things to keep in mind while helping your teen with their resume include, avoiding formatting issues, which can be easily solved by using resume templates. Additionally, avoid spelling errors by using online programs to help with grammar. Lastly, a good resume is organized, informative and, most importantly, a representation of your teen’s goals and accomplishments.

 

2.  Network with People You Know

Networking is important for anyone seeking employment. For teens, networking means talking to everyone they know in hopes of creating an open dialogue that can help with future professional contacts. You can also help your teen network by using the connections you already have. For example, “Ask your friends if their companies are hiring for summer,” says Kulebika. Many companies search for candidates during the summer due to current employees taking leave.

 

3.  Practice Interview Techniques with Your Teen

Interviews can be one of the most important and nerve-wracking steps of the job hunt. One way you can help your teen reduce anxiety is by conducting “mock interviews” while providing feedback. It’s important that you provide them with constructive criticism along with examples of how to answer questions. Providing real-life examples that accompanies a behavioural trait will prove to be beneficial when your teen is in an interview, says Kulebika. For example, when responding to questions in the mock interview, make sure your child provides a real-life example such as, helping the neighbours clean their lawn, even though they didn’t have to. This is a real-life example. The behavourial trait can be helpful, kind and productive. Practicing and conducting mock interviews will not only help your teen better prepare for their interview but this process can also help increase their confidence and reduce their anxiety.

 

4.  Remember to Apply Early!

Finding a job can be stressful. That’s why it’s important to guide and assist your teen throughout the process. Companies tend to post summer positions a couple of weeks ahead or even the beginning of summer. That being said, it’s important that your teen has her/his updated resume on hand in order to apply for jobs whenever a posting becomes available. Sit down with your teen and start visiting job-search sites such as Jooble.