Job Application Tips for Teens

• Fill out all information that is requested. If it is not applicable to you, place “N/A” in the provided space.
• Make sure your handwriting is clear and concise. Write in either blue or black ink.
• If putting your cell number on the application make sure that your ring tone and voice mail message is appropriate. Otherwise use your home phone number.
• Do not give out any inaccurate information about your credentials.
• Be sure to be as detailed as possible. If they ask for qualifications or skills do not give minimal descriptors like “good people skills” or “computer skills”. Better examples include: “Demonstrated ability to work well with others including supervisors and peers. My experience at (X company) helped me apply these skills by teaching me (give example); or “Took classes at (Youth High School) which gave me skills in Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook”.  
• How to handle the following questions on your application:
  • Position desired: If you do not know what the position would be called you can place “customer service” as a general position for any restaurant/retail store. The best thing to do is ask what positions are available and place what interests you on that application. Do not place “Any”, “Whatever is Open” or “Don’t Care”. Those answers do not look good to prospective employers.
  • Salary Required: The best answer to put is “Negotiable” or “Minimum Wage”. If they ask what wage you are requesting at an interview you can answer this by asking the employer what do you usually pay a person in this position?
  • Education: Be sure to fill out all required spaces. For subjects studied you can place “General”. Do not place your GPA unless you receive a 3.0 or better.
  • Reason for Leaving: Don’t be negative but do BE HONEST! If you were terminated you can place “terminated”, “job ended” or “let go”. If they ask why you were let go or why the job ended be honest, but back it up with a positive comment. Example: “I was let go from my last job because of attendance issues. I learned a lot from that error and since that job ended I am now ready to take on the responsibility of this position. Since having time to think about what I did I know that I made a mistake and the best thing to do is learn from it and move on. I know I am a great candidate for this position because…”
  • References: You should come up with a list of three people that you can place on your application or give to prospective employers. Examples of people that can be used as a reference include: Teachers, Volunteer staff, or anyone that you have done work for including neighbors. Be sure to have their contact information.
• After applying check back in one week and ask to speak with a manager. An example of what to say is: “Hi. Mr. Smith. (Shake their hand). My name is Youth Worker and I dropped off an application last week. I am very interested in your (X position) and was wondering if you have looked at my application yet…” Trust me, the more you put into your job search, the more you will get out of it.