How to Start Your First Job Search

How to Start Your First Job Search How to Start Your First Job Search Whether youre a teen or older and looking for your first job, youll need to prepare for a job search. Before you start looking for your first job, you will need to gather some information together including details and dates of your educational background, as well as your skills, and any volunteer or informal work experience you have. Tips for Finding Your First Job Even if you havent had a real job that pays you a paycheck, volunteering, babysitting, delivering papers, and similar types of experience count as work when youre writing a resume or completing a job application. Check the Rules: Depending on your age, there may be requirements about what jobs you can, and cannot do. For example, if youre 14 or 15 you can only work 3 hours per  day and a maximum of 18 hours per week. Depending on where you live, you may need Working Papers (Employment/Age Certificate) before you can start a job.Check First Job Options: Your first job should be a fun job! Consider what you would like to do and where you would like to do it. Does the beach sound better than the mall? Or would you be thrilled to get the employee discount that comes with some retail jobs? Heres a list of first job options to review. Also, review this list of companies that hire high school students. Make a List: Make a list of where you went to school, dates of attendance, and if you have participated in sports or other after-school activities, list them too. List any work you have done, organizations you belong to (like the Girl Scouts or 4H) and any volunteer organizations you have helped. You need the information to complete job applications and to write a resume.Job Applications: This guide to job applications explains how to complete a job application, reviews paper employment applications, online and employer direct applications and includes a job application sample to download, so you will know what you need to know when applying. Writing Your First Resume: Here are resume writing tips and suggestions on how to write a resume for the first time. These suggestions on what to include and how to write your resume are relevant for someone who wants to polish up their existing resume too!How to Apply for a First Job: If you are applying in-person for your first job, heres what to wear, what to bring, and the details that you need to know before you start applying.Getting Your First Part-Time Job: Finding your first part-time job can seem like a difficult task. The most important steps in going to get that first job take place before you even head out the front door. Heres how to prepare for a first job search, along with tips and strategies for job seekers looking for a part-time job. Starting a Job Search: Start your job search by visiting the sites that focus on hourly and entry-level jobs. Here is a selection of job sites for first-time job seekers plus tips for searching them and for information on where else to look for jobs. If youre a student, check with your Guidance Office or Career Services Office to see how they can help you with a job search.Tips for Getting Hired: Keep in mind that you may not get the first job you apply for, or the second... A job search can take time, especially if you dont have much experience. Heres how to ensure youre a top-notch candidate for the jobs you are applying for. Be Persistent: Wait a few days, then follow-up your application with a phone call to the hiring manager reiterating your interest. If you have applied in person, stop in again and mention that you are really interested in the opportunity.Dont Stop: Dont apply at one place and wait for the phone to ring. Complete as many job applications as you can, and consider a variety of positions. The more you apply, the better chance you have of finding a job.Be Flexible: Applicants who are only available for limited hours are less likely to get hired than those who are flexible as to when they can work. For example, one candidate for a summer job told the employer that they were only available on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Compare that to another applicant who selected any on the Hours Available section of the job applicant and you can see why the second applicant got the job. Use Your Connections: If you have a connection, use it. Does your mom shop regularly at the store where youd like to work? If so, have her mention that youre looking for a job. Thats how I got my first job and how my brother got his first job at the drug store across the street.Dress Appropriately: When applying for jobs, dress as though you had the job. If youre applying for a retail position, for example, visit the store before you apply to see what the staff is wearing. It will give you an idea as to how you should dress. When in doubt, dress up, not down. Dont Give Up: Job searching isnt easy, especially when you dont have much experience or many skills. Keep trying and keep applying and you will find a job. Your first job will be a stepping stone to your next job - and to your future career. Before you get started, also review this list of things that you shouldnt do when youre applying for a job to up your chances of getting a job offer.