Help Your Teenager Get a Job

My daughter just turned 16, and the first thing she wants this summer is get a job! I didn’t have the heart to tell her according to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the teenage unemployment rate is 21.7 percent, up from last year's 15.8 percent -- the highest rate in nearly 20 years.

She loves to earn money and has been working odd jobs since she was 12. Now wants a real job, as she states, 'to meet new people and experience what it’s like.' So I sat with her, and we went over several ways she can set herself apart from the rest of the applicants vying for the same position.

First, I was extremely honest and explained that the job market will be tough, but not impossible, and she will have to show the employer beyond a reasonable doubt that she is right for the job. I asked her simple questions like, "Why should they hire you?" and "What do you offer that others don’t?" We talked a lot about defining her strong points. If your child can answer these questions positively and confidently, then they will have a greater chance of landing the job. Explain to your child they must create value for the employer -- they must be an asset and not a liability.

Many employers' biggest complaint with young workers today is their lack of work ethic. It is important that we explain to our children that slacking off while on the job will get them fired. 

Next I asked, “What are you good at, what do you enjoy and where do you see yourself working?” My daughter is health conscious and explained to me that fast food probably would not be her favorite environment, but gyms and healthy restaurants would. It’s important that we help our children look for a job in an environment they enjoy.

I also asked her what she sees herself doing in the future. She loves being healthy and is interested in sports nutrition, sports medicine, and psychology, which open a different area of internship positions. These can give her insight to the job or profession she might want to pursue.

Encourage your children to look in an area that is interesting and something they enjoy. Their first job can be a stepping-stone into their future career. Testing out what you think you might want to do can save your kids many years of wasted time. My daughter thought she wanted to be a soccer trainer, a coach or a director of a club, but after two years of training youth soccer when she was 13-15 year old, she realized it was not for her. There is nothing better than on the job training in an environment you might be interested in, and it can open doors down the road.

Children do not have to decide what they want to do just yet, but doing what you love and earning an income is a wonderful way to start. 

Comments

[Melissa]

LOVE this post Lori! I have a 13 year old step-daughter and she will be getting a job when she turns 15 for sure! It's so important to teach this generation about earning! Thank you!

http://www.emotionbehindmoney.com/blog

[Lori]

Great, the sooner the better! they love earning their own money...it's empowering!