Grocery Jobs for Teens

Grocery jobs for teens are a great introduction to the world of employment. For many teens, working in a grocery store provides the start to a career in management. For others, grocery jobs help teens develop a responsible work ethic that will follow them throughout their lives.

Sometimes, kids overlook grocery jobs for teens simply because they think the only jobs available are bagging groceries, which to them isn't a very glamorous position. While it isn't unusual for teens to have unrealistic expectations regarding their first job, a teen might not realize the benefits of working at a grocery store.

• Multiple Training Opportunities-Sure, most teens on their first job may start out bagging groceries or rounding up shopping carts, but once they've mastered these duties, they are often giving numerous other training opportunities, including stocking, cashiering, and even assistant managerial responsibilities.
• Flexible Hours-Many grocery stores are now open 24 hours, and most are open until 11 p.m. or midnight. While employers are certainly expected to follow Child Labor Laws, grocery store hours often allow teens quite a bit of flexibility in their work schedules.
• Safety-Safety is another issue regarding teen labor. The Fair Labor Standards Act lists strict regulations in regards to the hours and type of labor teens are allowed to do. Typically, grocery jobs for teens are safe and meet these requirements.
• Resumes-While some teens start out in a grocery store and eventually work their way up to management, others simply use this job as a stepping stone for future employment. A grocery store job looks great on a resume, however, and teens can list the many duties they've performed while employed at the store.

Since grocery stores typically don't place Help Wanted signs in the windows of their buildings, teens have to pursue these jobs. In some towns, there are as much as a hundred applications for one or two openings, so the competition can be stiff. How can a teen successfully find a job?

• Visit the store-Be sure you dress appropriately. Then, ask to see the manager, and introduce yourself by smiling and shaking hands. Hand the manager a copy of your resume, which should could include the classes you're taking at school, a copy of your GPA, and a couple of letters of recommendations for teachers or other adults who know you well.
• Ask for an application-Even if there aren't any openings at the moment, there may be some in the near future. Go ahead and fill out an application, attach a resume and recommendation letters, and ask management to place it on file for future job openings.
• Don't be afraid to use contacts-Has your mother shopped in this store for years? Do you know someone who works there? Are there any contacts that you might have with management? Use these to your advantage!
• Offer free services for a day-Some employers simply don't want to take a risk on someone they don't know. Offer to work an afternoon shift with no strings attached. Work hard, and maybe you'll get the position.
• Talk to your career counselor-Your career counselor at your school can help you land a job. Many of these counselors have contacts in the town where you live, and they may be able to place a few phone calls to speed up your job search.

Finally, don't overlook the small mom and pop grocery stores in your area. They may have grocery job openings for teens, and you may find a job that you love! Be sure and visit the larger grocery store chains as well. You may want to visit their Web sites for information about their company, too.

• Food World
• Publix
• Winn Dixie
• Kroger
• Albertsons

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