The time will come, for every young person, to look for a first job.
Whether your child wants a job to increase their independence or to make their own purchases, or you want your child to get a job, navigating the first job search process can be tricky.
A child may think about finding a job in their tweens or teens, and age is an important factor when considering how much help and guidance your child needs. An eleven-year-old considering babysitting needs significantly more oversight than a 15-year-old. The age and maturity of the child should affect the type of job the child works at and the number of hours you allow the child to work. A job should not replace other activities essential for child development and growth like school, family time, time with friends, church and volunteer activities, and athletics. A job should be one of the many aspects of your child’s life, just as it is one of the many pieces of your life.
If you are the person spearheading the job search, your child might need more convincing and help. Some children are reluctant to search for a job and add more to their to do lists. Talk with your child about their feelings; if they feel overwhelmed by life already, discuss which activities to keep and which may be ended to provide an effective balance. Some children may appear lazy, just not wanting to do anything. With these children, your role is to help find a spark or motivation. What interests do they have? Could an interest in baseball lead to a job at the local park or the local sports store? Encourage children to try to relate their first job to their own interests.
In the job search, you will play an important role for your child. Consider the following tips as you help guide your child toward that very important first job.
1. Accept technology—the world of the job hunt is vastly different than it was when parents were teenagers. Online applications, texting, Zoom interviews are common. Don’t discount the technology. Listen to your child and trust their assessment of the usefulness of technology.
2. Emphasize old school ways—While your child may have knowledge of the latest scheduling app, you still have more experience with skills like talking to someone in person. Teach your child the importance of talking to someone face to face and making eye contact. Encourage them to visit the store at which they want to apply and talk to the manager. Most positions are filled by networking, not just filling out online applications. Finding a first job will be a combination of using your child’s tech skills and your knowledge of interpersonal skills.
3. Remember manners—Remind your child manners are still important. Shaking hands, saying hello and goodbye, listening and not interrupting are all important skills that will help your child appear to be a good potential employee.
4. Practice—Suggest your practice answering some interview questions. Look up “interview questions” on the internet for examples. Consider a role-play scenario in which you pose questions like, “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work here?” A youngster will do better at an interview if they have prepared and practiced.
5. Explain follow-up—If your child does have a successful interview, encourage them to follow up. Send an email or call a few days later to ask about the job. This shows interest and initiative that many young people don’t display.
6. Build resilience—applying for a job and interviewing can be a scary process. Remind your child that interviewing skills take time to develop, not every job is right for every person, and not getting one job is not the end of the world. Encourage your child to keep trying and keep learning.
A first job is an important step for children as they move toward independence and your role as a parent can help ease the child’s way into the new world of work.