How to get a job as a teenager?

So you're 15 and you want a job. Or you are 19 and never had a job. There are certain things that interviewers are looking for when it comes to teens and jobs and I am hopefully about to give you some tips on where to look and how to ace those job interviews.

Where to get a job?

First things first, where can you find a job. Assuming that you are not professionally qualified, there aren't a large variety of jobs you can obtain. Looking online is your best bet. This is because managers usually overlook the resumes given in store especially if they are not hiring at the time. Places like McDonalds, KFC and Subway are always looking to hire young teens so trying there could be beneficial. You could also tried retail, however this is a lot harder to get if you have no work experience, but worth the shot. Looking on job websites like seek.com and indeed.com or directly on the companies website, will inform you of current job opportunities.

Resume...

Now for the resume, you want a simple description of who you are and the skills you posses. If you don't have any work experience the best thing to do is to write about certain volunteer work you've done or extra curricular activities you have participated in and the skills you learnt from them. You can search online for templates of resumes and use them as a guideline for your one. Another important part of the resume is making sure you have at least two referees, some jobs may require more however this seems to be a good number. Again, if you don't have any work experience you could put teachers, coaches and family members. Most importantly make sure your resume is free from grammatical errors and careless mistakes. It is also important to continuously update it as time goes on. Places like McDonalds (in Australia) won't always require you to bring a resume as they are aware that it is most likely your first job. So don't get too worried if you don't have much work experience.

Interview tips

So you made it to the interview...what next?

1. Dress appropriately 

The amount of times I have seen people at and interview wearing tracksuit pants or a mini dress, this will definitely set the wrong impression. If you are stuck on what to wear, a simple white top with some dark wash jeans (nicely fitted of course), will do the trick. Another tip is that as a teen you should not go to and interview and a Ralph Lauren pants suit as it may be overkill (unless it if for a highly professional position). REMEMBER don't show too much skin or go over the top with makeup and accessories. 

2. Act like you want to be there and you are eager for the job

When the interviewers call you, they already know that you are nervous so they are going to be loooking for the people who can be confident in an uncomfortable situation. So when you say 'hello' have a smile. Also as them how they are by simply saying 'how are you?'. This could really make you stand out from the rest of the applicants. Having a fun, positive attitude will get you places, so try and act like that in the interview (and in real life). However, make sure that you can also show that you'll be serious, hard worker. 

3. Prepare answers to common interview questions

Although many people would argue that you shouldn't rehearse and memorise answers to common interview questions, I think otherwise. You don't have to go as far as memorising every word off by heart, but it wouldn't hurt to at least get familiar with the questions that the interviewer may ask (I mean it wouldn't hurt to be prepared). Common interview questions are: Why do you want to work here? What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? How would you deal with a difficult customer?
To answer these questions you may want to research about the core values of the company.
You can also search for other questions and sample answers online, which can help you get an edge in the interview.
Preparing for the questions will ensure that you don't pause and you aren't stunned by any of them. 

Things to avoid

1. don't chew gum

2. don't talk about the bad things in your life

3. don't ask about pay

4. don't talk about another company unless specifically asked

5. don't talk poorly about previous employer

What to do if you get the job

This may vary depending on the job you get but make sure you have 

-Identification

-Bank account information 

-Superannuation information

With all that in mind, I would like to wish you good luck on your job hunt!