Looking for Teen Jobs Online
Looking for jobs online can be a bit overwhelming for teens. While most teens are very familiar with the Internet and all that it has to offer, they may not feel so at ease when it comes to looking for a job. Type in the words 'job search,' and you'll be given over 36 million results! That's a lot of job-related links! Most teens will need help narrowing their search.
Step One: Choose a Focus
Before beginning to look for a job online, teens should decide which industry they would like to work in, such as retail, fast food or manual labor. As part of this process, a list of specific job requirements should also be created. For example, write down what hours you expect to work, the salary you expect to make and any other job benefits you would like, such as an employee discount. Thinking about these items before beginning to look for jobs will help teens focus their search efforts and quickly weed out the undesirable job opportunities.
Step Two: Develop Your Online Presence
When looking for jobs online, many teens will have to provide potential employers with an e-mail address. Employers that advertise online may also be more likely to access a teen's social networking profiles to learn more about them. Before beginning the online job search, teens should create a free e-mail address, using a service such as Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo! Mail, and make sure that the e-mail address sounds professional. While a teen's friends may think "boobear16" is a cute username, it will not appeal to a potential employer. Instead, teens should choose a username that contains a first initial and last name or a username that relates to the desired field, such as "futurefrycook." Teens should also use available security features to set their social networking profiles to private, so potential employers will not be able to see questionable material or comments. All profile pictures and any other public content should be tasteful and present the teen as a responsible, trustworthy young adult.
Step Three: Begin the Search
Instead of simply typing "fast food jobs" or "teen jobs" into a search engine, teens should seek out job specific websites and online classified ads to guide their search. Some of the websites that will be helpful in the search include:
SnagAJob
SnagAJob allows teens to input their zip code to search for local job postings. The search engine focuses on part-time jobs for teens and other temporary workers. Results may be refined by company name. The map view feature also allows teens to view where potential jobs are in relation to their home, which may be especially helpful for teens who will have to walk or take public transportation in order to get to work.
CoolWorks
CoolWorks appeals to teens who desire unique jobs or who are looking for summer positions. Teens have the option to search multiple job categories, including camp jobs, park jobs and even jobs designed specifically for teens. Once a category is chosen, jobs are listed alphabetically, but a keyword search function is available to help narrow down the list.
Teens4Hire
Teens ages 14 through 19 have the opportunity to create a profile on Teens4Hire and search for jobs. In addition to access to exclusive job listings, members of Teens4Hire receive job search advice and other career resources, such as information on labor laws and work permits.
Hire Teen
Instead of posting traditional job listings, Hire Teen directs teens to popular companies that typically hire teenagers. Each company profile features information on what type of position a teen would fill in the company and a description of the workplace environment, along with information on how to apply for a job. In some instances, links to online job listings or applications are also provided.
Groove Job
Groove Job focuses on part-time and seasonal jobs for teens and college students. The zip code search makes it easy for teens to find jobs close to home. Teens who find a job they like may register for an account and apply for a job directly through the Groove Job website.
Other Job Search Resources
Other job websites, while not specifically geared toward teens, may also help teens find relevant job listings. These websites include:
- Monster.com features millions of online job listings. With the advanced search feature, teens have the ability to search for jobs designed for high school students.
- Craigslist, the online classifieds website, gives teens the chance to see available jobs in their areas by browsing daily ads. Search in the "food/benv/hosp" or "retail/wholesale" job categories to find the most jobs that are open to teens.
- Specific business websites often post job listings online. For example, teens who want to work at McDonald's can search for opportunities with the restaurant in their area.
Step Four: Avoid Scams
Online job websites are full of individuals looking to find skilled workers for little pay or scam individuals out of their hard-earned money. Teens may be particularly vulnerable to some of these scams because the potential to earn money often blinds them to the facts. When searching for a job, teens should keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most jobs for teens will not pay a significant amount over minimum wage. If a job promises significant pay for very little work, it is probably a scam. Reputable jobs will also not require teens to put down any money before accepting the job. Teens should involve their parents in the job search to provide an extra set of eyes and reasoning to help weed out potential scams or dangerous job postings.
Step Five: Apply for Jobs
Since the job market is tight, teens should apply for as many jobs as possible to increase the odds of landing a position. To avoid applying for the same job twice, set up a spreadsheet or Word file that contains the job title, business name, any business contact information and the date the job was applied for. If employers do not respond to a job application within a week, call to follow up on the status of the application. Before submitting any online job applications or sending e-mails to potential employers, be sure to proofread everything for typos. Teens must also avoid using online abbreviations or text speak when conversing with potential employers online.
Keep Searching
By following these steps, teens will face a less stressful job search process and be able to narrow down job opportunities to those that interest them. Teens who cannot find a job online may want to consider using the Internet to start a business by posting classified ads seeking customers for a lawn-mowing or tutoring business, selling items on a website such as eBay or turning a unique craft idea into an Etsy shop. With the wealth of Internet resources available to them, whether they seek a traditional or non-traditional job, teens should have little trouble finding a way to earn money.
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