How to find jobs for a 16 year old

Finding jobs for a 16 year old, isn't always easy, so in this article we tell you about the best way to find a job.

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Employment law relating to jobs for 16 year old

Locating suitable jobs for a 16 year old

There are many ways to find a job when you are 16 years old. The best idea is to put together a plan based on the following.

The place to start is in your school's careers office, before you actually leave. The school's careers officer may also be able to guide you in preparing a CV and make recommendations for work that might suit you. This does not mean that you should take their advice if it does not feel right to you.
You can also start looking for summer jobs before you leave school. Scan local newspapers and notice boards, and contact companies which you know frequently offer seasonal work. You can even offer to work after school hours, in order to get used to the workplace. This will show that you are keen and eager to learn more.
As soon as possible, put together a CV. This can highlight your strengths and abilities, showing your educational record, employment in part-time and Saturday jobs, voluntary work, achievements in sporting events or clubs, etc. Ask other people, including your teachers and careers advisor, as to your strengths and abilities. See our articles list (below) for recommendations on writing your CV.
Look at adverts on careers and jobs websites, as well as in the local press. You can often find notices in local stores.
Direct approaches to particular stores and food establishments may also yield positive results. Always remember that you are making an impression on them the moment you walk in or phone them, so be sure to present yourself well.
If you are not sure what you would like to do, make a list of your hobbies and skills. These lists can provide pointers for the areas you might be interested in and are also useful when you come to write your CV or fill in application forms.
Pay attention not only to full-time permanent jobs, but also to temporary or short-term jobs. All can lead to future opportunities and give you experience to put on your CV.
If there is a careers agency that is free of charge for young people in your area, do use it. They will be able to help you with all aspects of your applications, as well as introducing you to openings you might not otherwise have found.
For work to fill in while you look for a permanent position, look on noticeboards in local stores and community centres. Sometimes people will advertise for odd-jobbers, and this is another way you can gain some basic experience that will show a future employer that you are willing to work. You may also get a reference from someone who was happy with the work they paid you to do.
If you are interested in self-employed work such as that listed earlier in this article, produce a small flyer to hand around to people who may be interested.
Take on some volunteer work in the short-term, in an area of employment that interests you. Again, this is a good way of gaining hands-on experience to add to your CV.
Talk to older friends, neighbours and acquaintances about openings for young people that they might know of.
Find yourself some appropriate clothing to wear when approaching potential employers. This need not be a business suit, but a smart outfit will do a great deal in persuading employers that you have a positive attitude to the workplace and are ready for an adult approach to employment.

What to Remember During Your Search

When looking for a job at this stage, do not feel that you have to take the first thing that is offered. If you feel uneasy about a job or employer, listen to your feelings - it may be that the employer is not offering reasonable terms. The clearer you are about what you want, then the more likely you are to find it, providing your goals are realistic. You can easily take on part-time or temporary work in the meantime. However, always make sure that you have a route back into the kind of work you are aiming for.

When applying for a job, always work out how much you will actually benefit before going to an interview. What are your costs, such as travel? A job has to be viable. If it is not paying well, it should be offering strong experience, and vice versa.

Jobs for 16 year olds (part 1)

Part time jobs for 16 year olds

Employment law relating to jobs for 16 year old