Teen Job Search

How's that teen job search going? There may be "Help Wanted" signs everywhere (or, in this economy, there might not), but the young job seeker is still well advised not to just take any job they can get. It's important that the job be a good match for them - and that they be a good match for their future employer.

So, what are the questions and factors a teen should consider in order to make the best decision?

Important Questions for a Teen Job Search

It's important to begin the teen job search by asking the right questions. If you're the parent, pass these along to your teen. And if you're the teenager in question, take some time to really consider the following questions:

Which employer is best for you? Assuming that you meet the minimum age employment requirements, (i.e. you're old enough to be hired), the first step in any job search is to figure out what you like to do.

This is one step beyond knowing that you want to work for someone else. This is determining whether, for example, you want to work with people in a fast-food setting or in a retail store. Or if you are looking for a seasonal job, you also need to consider whether you want to be inside or working outdoors.

Here are some more basic questions to ask yourself:

Do you like working with people? Most jobs that you will have working for an employer will be service jobs of some type - whether in retail clothing or in fast food. You need to be able to work with all kinds of people - or at least willing to learn how.

How flexible is your schedule? If you already have multiple commitments throughout the week or on weekends, this may make it difficult for some employers. On the other hand, some employers only need limited help and you could be the perfect match. This may be less of an issue if you are looking for seasonal jobs in summer or winter since you will likely be interested in the jobs for teens that are in demand during school breaks.

In addition to figuring out what you like to do there are also other key work factors and questions to consider as part of your teen job search:

What types of hours will be required or expected? Do you want to only work 10 hours per week? Do you have to work at least 15 hours to get the employee discount on clothes you were counting on?

If you are looking at seasonal jobs (summer or Christmas), is there any potential for the job to continue on after the season? Do you want it to - or are you really just looking for a job during the break? Either answer is fine - just be sure you and your future employer are on the same page.

What are the transportation requirements - and can you meet them? Don't take a job thinking that you will make it work out. Be sure you have a plan.

If you have answers to all these questions and are sure working for an employer is right for you, it's time to move on to the next step - actually getting or landing that teen job.

If not, rethink your list or whether you should try something on your own. Thinking through all this now can save you time and energy as well as frustration - even though it seems to make your teen job search longer right now.

More Teen Job Search Resources

Job-Applications.com - "#1 Online Job Application Form Resource Site. Find Printable Applications, Apply Online for Full-time Employment, Part-time Vacancies, Seasonal or Holiday Work"

Snagajob - Teen Jobs - Specializing in local hourly full and part time job search.

CoolWorks - "Use Cool Works to actively seek job opportunities in great places like national parks, various resorts, ranches, camps, ski resorts, and jobs on the water."