Key takeaways:
- Teens as young as 14 may work in the U.S., though hours and job types are restricted until age 16.
- Part-time jobs, summer jobs, internships, and self-employment are all solid options for teenage workers.
- Job finder resources for teens include online job boards, local businesses, and school guidance offices.
- A simple, well-organized resume that highlights your skills, activities, and references may help you stand out.
- Balancing work and school is key. Most employers who hire teen workers understand that school comes first.
Flickr user Matthew Kenwrick
Getting your first job is a big deal. It’s one of the best ways to earn extra cash, build real-world experience, and start setting yourself up for the future. And the good news? There are more opportunities for teens than you might think.
Teens can find job opportunities through online job boards, local businesses, school guidance offices, and by networking with family and friends. The most important steps are knowing where to look, putting together a simple resume, and showing up prepared and professional.
Here’s everything you need to know to find, apply for, and land a job as a teenager.
The basics before you start
Before diving into your job market search, there are a few things worth knowing.
In the U.S., the minimum working age for most non-agricultural jobs is 14. If you’re 14 or 15, there are restrictions on how many hours and what times of day you can work, especially during the school year. Once you turn 16, many of those restrictions are lifted.
Some states also require teens to get a work permit before starting a job. Check with your school guidance office or your state’s Department of Labor website to find out if you need one.
Types of jobs teens can get
There are plenty of options out there depending on your schedule, skills, and interests. Here are some common categories to consider:
- Part-time jobs: These are great for balancing work with school. Popular options include retail, food service, grocery stores, movie theaters, and community centers.
- Seasonal and summer jobs: Summer camps, lifeguarding, theme parks, and hospitality jobs are popular picks. They let you work more hours when school is out.
- Camp counselor positions: If you enjoy working with kids, these can be a rewarding and well-paying summer option.
- Entrepreneurial work: Babysitting, dog walking, lawn mowing, car washing, tutoring, and data entry are all ways to earn money on your own schedule.
- Internships: Some companies offer internship opportunities for high school students. While some of these may be unpaid, the work experience and real-world exposure can still be valuable for your future.
- Volunteer work: While it doesn’t pay, volunteering builds skills, fills your resume, and can lead to paid opportunities down the road.
Where to find job opportunities
A good job finder has several options with teens in mind. Here are some of the best places to look once you know what kind of job you’re looking for:
- Online job sites: Look for job listings on platforms designed for teen job seekers like Snag. Use keywords like “part-time,” “entry-level,” or “teen jobs” along with your location to narrow results.
- Local businesses: Walk into grocery stores, restaurants, and shops in your area and ask if they’re hiring. Many local businesses prefer in-person applicants over online ones.
- Company websites: If there’s a specific place you’d love to work, go directly to their website and look for a “careers” or “jobs” section.
- Your school guidance office: Many guidance offices keep a list of local job openings and internship opportunities for students—don’t overlook this resource.
- Family and friends: Let people in your network know you’re looking. Word of mouth is still one of the most effective ways to find a job, especially as a first-time job seeker.
- LinkedIn: Even as a high school student, creating a basic LinkedIn profile may help you connect with employers and show that you’re serious about your teen job search.
How to apply: Building your resume
Your resume doesn’t need to be long. As a teen worker, you just need to show what you’ve done and what you’re capable of. Include:
- Your name and contact information
- Any work experience, even informal jobs like babysitting or lawn mowing
- Extracurricular activities, school clubs, or sports
- Volunteer work or community involvement
- Any relevant skills, like communication skills, teamwork, and basic computer skills
- References from teachers, coaches, or family friends who can speak to your character
Keep it clean and easy to read. Proofread your new resume carefully before sending it anywhere.
How to stand out as a teen applicant
The jobs for teens can feel competitive, even for entry-level positions and teenage workers. Here are a few ways to stand out:
- Be professional: Show up on time, dress appropriately, and make a good first impression. Employers notice these things right away, especially from younger workers.
- Be honest about your experience: You don’t need a long work history to get hired. Highlight what you can offer, whether that’s being reliable, a fast learner, or a team player.
- Tailor your application: If you can, tweak your resume or cover letter slightly for each job you apply to. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested.
- Follow up: After submitting a job application or going to an interview, a brief thank-you email can help leave a positive impression.
Acing the job interview
Getting a job interview is exciting—congratulations! However, it can also be a little nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Research the company before you go in. Know what they do and why you want to work there.
- Practice answering common interview questions out loud. Think about your strengths, your availability, and why you’re a good fit.
- Bring a copy of your resume.
- Arrive a few minutes early.
- Make eye contact, speak clearly, and be yourself.
If you don’t get the job, don’t get discouraged. Every job interview is practice for the next one.
Balancing work and school
Landing a job is great, just remember that keeping up with school should still come first. Before accepting any teen job, be honest about how many hours you can realistically handle. A good rule of thumb for high school students is no more than 10-15 hours per week during the school year.
Talk to your employer upfront about your schedule. Most teen-friendly employers understand that school is the priority and may offer flexible hours around your classes and extracurricular activities.
Why getting a job as a teen matters
A part-time job opportunity or internship does more than put money in your pocket. It teaches you time management, communication skills, and teamwork. It also gives you something concrete to put on your resume. These early experiences may carry more weight than you’d expect when applying for college, scholarships, or future jobs!
Now let’s get to work
If earning money is part of how you plan to pay for college, don’t forget to also explore scholarships. Use College Raptor’s Scholarship Search to find awards that match your qualifications. And when you’re ready to think about which college to attend, College Raptor’s Career Finder can help you connect the work you love now to a future career path.
