10 Best Jobs for Teens: First Professional Experiences

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If you are a teenager reading this, you probably have a lot on your mind, from school to sports, to hanging out. You’re also probably at a point where you would like to have a bit more independence from your parents. 

If that’s the case, there is no better way to do that than to get your own job. If you’re at least 14 years old, you can find a part-time job in the United States. 

There are so many positives to finding work when you’re at a young age, there are so many benefits from putting in a shift after school or during your summer vacation. 

Firstly, you get the cash that you so desperately want, to buy the latest clothes or video game consoles, or save up for your future. 

Apart from money, there are other great reasons to find a part-time job in your free time, such as:

• Gaining experience 
• Improving your college application 
• Improving your time management and organization skills

Now that you know you want a job, you’ll need to be able to find the job that is right for you. Whatever the job may be, you’ll need to interview for that job, and that means you’ll need a well-prepared resume. 

Even if you don’t have much experience or any at all, there are plenty of online tools, such as a resume builder, that can help you create a well-written and impressive resume. 

This will be key if you want to get a job and start making money. 

There are other essential things to keep in mind when you begin your job search, such as where to work, what to do, why now is a great time to start working and finding the best options for you. 
Keep reading to find out which places are the best places to work as a teenager.

Why Working as a Teenager Is Important

Before mentioning the positives, working as a teenager attending middle or high school, unfortunately, comes with some drawbacks. 

The main problem you will probably have will be balancing your work and school responsibilities.

For example, doing your homework and studying after work. 

There’s also a good chance that you will be paid less than coworkers, since you will be completely new to the job and probably have no experience yet. 

However, the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to working an after-school or summer job. 

If you work as a teenager, you’ll be able to: 

• Add skills to your resume
• Add experience to your resume 
• Become more organized
• Earn money 
• Make connections for the future
• Give yourself a better chance of being accepted by a college 

If you can get a job, you will learn how to manage your time much better, to ensure that you complete your school tasks as well as work the hours you need to work. 

In the future, when you are ready to work a full-time position, your resume will stand out even more. 

You will come off as a diligent employee when hiring managers see you have studied and worked at the same time from a young age. 

Working when you’re still a teen will also help you become a more well-rounded person. You can meet new people and add to your skills.

Luckily, there are many common jobs for teens, and even if you aren’t skilled or experienced just yet, you can most likely find a job pretty easily. 

If you need to apply for one of these jobs in a store or office, it will be important to have a resume that looks as professional as possible. 

A resume template can help you out if you’re trying to impress a store or office manager. 

There are also jobs that you can get just through word of mouth, without an interview.

Ten Best Job Ideas for Teens

When you are a teenager, you can find a job that is perfect for you. They may be challenging but not too difficult, and they are all great ways to make money. 

Some jobs may be more professional than others, such as working in an office or store, and some may only require you to visit someone’s home. 

Have a look at ten of the best job ideas for teens, to figure out which would be best for you. 

Babysitter

One of the most typical jobs for a teen is babysitting (also known as a nanny). The job description is simple, watch after someone’s children while they are not around. 

This means you will need to most likely feed the child or children, help with homework, pick them up from school, and maybe even take them to after-school activities. 

It is a harder job than it sounds at times, as you will need to be attentive and know how to deal with a child who may not always have the best behavior. 

A babysitting opportunity may present itself if a family member or neighbor needs help and asks you to watch after their child or children. 

However, you may also need to work with a stranger, and it wouldn’t be odd if you had to turn in a nanny resume.

Dog walker

Dog walking is another job that you can get easily as a teen. It’s pretty easy money and if you are a dog lover then this would be the perfect after-school job for you. 

You will need to walk dogs, clean up after them and make sure they return safe and sound to their owners.

A job like this can be found by posting flyers and getting your name and contact information on the internet.

Fast food worker

Another typical job for teens. Most, if not all, fast food chains across the United States employ teenagers. You will need to prepare food and serve customers. You must also accept their payment. 

Submitting a well-written fast food worker resume can help you land a job if you are interested in working in a local fast food restaurant.

Barista

A really cool place to hang out is a coffee shop. It can also be a really cool place to have your first job. 

Working as a barista is a great after-school or part-time job since you can work in a place that caters to young people. That can be great while working for the first time. 

If you try to get this job, you can make a barista resume to help you land an interview.

Website designer

Let’s say you are good with computers and graphic design. There are a lot of small business owners who probably aren’t especially savvy with computers. 

Practically all businesses nowadays need a website to thrive and connect with customers. 

There may be a small business owner that needs help with their website. If you have computer skills, you can work for them. 

Cashier

Supermarkets and stores always need someone to work their cash registers. This makes for the perfect after-school or summer job.

It is also a job in high demand during the holiday season. Once Black Friday comes around, cashiers will be needed at all hours.

This is a great time to get a job as a cashier, especially in a large department store.

Waiter

A waiter is responsible for attending to guests in a restaurant and bringing them orders. They ensure that customers have a good experience in the dining establishment.

It can be a pretty demanding job, however, you can learn how to do it quickly, and once you get the hang of it, you can make plenty of money with tips.

Lifeguard

As far as summer job ideas for teens go, this is one of the best.

If you are a great swimmer, you can apply to work at a public pool, beach, or summer camp and ensure the safety of everyone in the beach or pool area. 

You must be alert, but it is not always a demanding job, and you can earn pay for sitting around the pool or beach in summer.

Concession stand employee

Movie theaters, stadiums, and amusement parks employ concession stand workers to sell their food, drink, and merchandise to the public. 

As a teenager, these are great places to find employment working in a concession stand.

Camp counselor

Another typical summer job is a camp counselor. This job is perfect for teenagers. 

Essentially, you will work with young children, ensuring they follow the camp rules and have a great time. 

There are both sleep away camps and day camps where you could work. 

For many of these jobs, you will need a well-made resume to have a chance of being hired. 
Having a look at a resume example of the position you are applying to, can help you land the job.

Tips for Landing a Job as a Teenager

Applying for a job as a teenager or adult can be tricky. It is always good to read some expert advice on how to land the job you want. 

Some things you can do to better your chances of getting a job include: 

• Creating a well-written resume
• Search for positions online
• Making posters 
• Putting ads online
• Ask around 

You may find jobs thanks to friends or family or by leaving posters around town. 

There are job ads online, even for teens, and it’s a great way for you to find job openings. 

Resumes are also essential. It will be key to use the correct resume format if the job you are applying for requires you to submit one. 

Remember to dress professionally for your interview, and don’t be discouraged if your first application gets rejected. 

By following this advice, you can find an after-school or summer job in no time.

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