A learning page for teens. It cannot promise you a job — nobody can. These steps give you a fair shot.

Finding Your First Job — A Teen Guide

Steps to try

  1. Make a list. Write down places near your home or school that you could reach on time, every time. A job you cannot get to is not a match.
  2. Ask people you know. Tell family, neighbors, coaches, and teachers that you are looking. Many first jobs start because someone who knows you mentions your name.
  3. Look in the right places. Watch for “now hiring” signs. Check the websites of places where you would like to work. Free help exists — see the Department of Labor routes in the next section.
  4. Get your papers ready BEFORE you apply. The facts are in the next section.
  5. Fill out applications neatly and completely. Use your best handwriting or type. Answer every question. If a line does not fit you, write “none” rather than leaving it blank.
  6. Asking in person. Dress neat and clean. Be polite to everyone you meet, not just the boss. Ask for the manager. Be ready to say which hours you can work. School comes first, and a good boss knows that.
  7. The interview. Be on time. A little early is better. Bring a pen and your key facts. Bring your school’s name and address. Bring your phone number. Bring the names of your references. Ask your references first, before you use their names. Never say bad things about a teacher, a coach, or a past boss. At the end, say thank you.
  8. Keep a job-hunt notebook. Use one page per place. Write where you applied. Write the date. Write who you talked to. Write what they said. It keeps you from asking the same place twice by accident.
  9. Follow up ONCE. If about a week passes with no word, one short, polite visit or call is fine. You can say: “I applied last week and I wanted to check in.” Then leave it with them.
  10. Stay safe. Never pay money to get a job. Never hand over bank information before you are really hired. Tell a parent or guardian where you are applying and when you go.
  11. If it takes a while. Lots of teens apply for the same first jobs. A “no” is about timing and numbers, not about your worth. Keep the notebook going and keep applying.

Free help and rules from the Department of Labor

The Department of Labor runs free routes for young job hunters.

GetMyFuture.org can help you find a career that makes you happy.

CareerOneStop offers career exploration, training, and jobs.

American Job Centers are places near you. You can search for jobs there. You can get answers to your questions there. The help is free.

Other Labor Department programs are named for young people.

Federal law sets rules about which jobs teens may do.

Federal law also sets rules about how many hours teens may work.

The rules change with your age.

States can have stricter rules.

The stricter rule is the one that counts.

The Labor Department’s Youth Rules! pages explain the rules in plain words.

Questions: the Labor Department answers at 1-866-487-2365.

Papers matter too.

In many states, teens need a work permit before starting a job.

A work permit is also called an employment certificate.

It often comes through your school.

The rules are different in every state.

When you are hired, you will fill out government forms.

You will need your Social Security number for them.

Words to know

Sources

U.S. Department of Labor, dol.gov — “Youth & Young Worker Employment” page, and Youth Rules!

A learning page for teens. It cannot promise you a job — nobody can. These steps give you a fair shot.