Helping Teens Find Their First Job: CVs, Interviews and More

Getting your first job as a teen is a major step towards independence and adulthood. As a parent or foster carer, you can provide invaluable guidance and support to your teen during this transitional time. Whether you’re caring for a teen long-term or just helping them take their first steps towards independence, the tips below will help set them up for success.   

The Job Search

Your teen may not know where to start their job search. Here are some tips:

• Help teens identify their skills and interests to find roles that are a good fit. Are they strong communicators who might thrive in retail or hospitality? Do they prefer numbers and data entry jobs? Talk through options that align with their personality and abilities.
• Search job sites like Indeed together and encourage them to apply for suitable entry-level roles. Local businesses are often a good starting point too.
• For teens you are fostering, emphasise that you’ll be there to assist every step of the way. This support can provide comfort during an unsettling time.

Building a CV

If they haven’t put together a CV yet, the next step will be to help them build one. Use the following advice:

• Most teens won’t have extensive experience, so focus their CV on education, skills, achievements like sports awards, and any volunteering work.
• Use a simple, professional format that is easy to read. Include name and contact info, education, experience, interests/skills, and references.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors! This shows attention to detail.
• Print some copies for handouts and upload a digital version so they can email it easily.

Preparing for Interviews

Here are some tips for when your teen lands an interview:

• Hold practice interviews at home. Take turns playing interviewer and interviewee. Provide feedback to help them improve.
• Research common interview questions online and discuss how to answer them. Prepare stories that showcase skills and motivation.
• Encourage teens to dress neatly, arrive 10 minutes early, make eye contact, have copies of their CV, and ask questions at the end.
• Remind them that interviews often feel awkward for everyone involved! The key is trying their best.

Common Teen Job Types

Here are a few areas where your teen can focus their job search:

• Retail: Stores, supermarkets, shops. Often weekend/evening hours with customer service duties.
• Fast food: Family restaurants, cafes, takeaways. Can learn food prep, service, cash handling.
• Manual labour: Lawn mowing, cleaning, maintenance, farm work. Physically demanding but doesn’t require experience.
• Babysitting/tutoring: Caring for kids or helping them with homework/exam prep. Play to their nurturing side.
• Admin: Office roles involving filing, data entry, receptionist work. This is a good introduction to professional settings.

Be Supportive

• The job hunt can be discouraging when applications go unanswered. Remind teens their effort will pay off eventually.
• If interviews are unsuccessful, reflect on feedback together. Identify areas to improve for next time.
• When they land that first job, celebrate their achievement! Recognise their hard work and increased independence.
• Check in about how things are going and provide advice if any issues arise. Be a sounding board as they navigate new responsibilities.

Getting their first job can instil a sense of responsibility, achievement, and self-reliance that sets teens up for future success. With supportive guidance each step of the way, you can empower teens to gain valuable skills that will serve them well into adulthood.