Young Job seeker

[Kumashe]

....

[Christine9]

My advice- apply to fast food places in your area. My first job was in the food service business (not really fast food, but we make pretzels in the mall), and it was such a rewarding experience. I actually ended up turning that job from a part-time after school job to managing the place when I left (twelve years later).

Just a tip, too: after you either hand in an application or go for an interview, don't wait for them to call you- call them. It shows you are really interested in a job, and as a former manager, I can tell you I would rather hire someone who is enthusiastic and really wants a job and who is willing to go after it, then someone who is just applying because they have too.

Good luck and don't give up!

[tinker]

I agree with Christine All of my daughters (3) worked with some type of food place. My youngest daughter worked for a donut shop all the while she was in high school and continued after she graduated and while she went to one year of Jr college, SHe then worked for them full time as a Manager. There are great options working for this type of place since most of them will work around your schedule. Good luck

[RicosPoppy]

My first job was at the Movie Theater.

Easy work, lots of hours, good people, and the best part..... Free Movies and Popcorn.

Not sure what the age restriction might be but it beats coming home smelling like McDonalds every night. Worth taking a look.

[jknezek]

Well let's see. In h.s. I worked for a landscaper hauling around pots and digging holes, I worked in a pizza placce washing dishes, I stocked shelves in a small grocery store, I bussed tables, I served ice cream, I worked at a video store, I pumped gas at a gas station, and I worked as a sandwich maker. Now I'm a guy, so some of these things work better for me than you (pumping gas is not something you see a lot of women doing...), but the point is, there are tons of places to work. Just keep applying and asking for jobs and you'll get one.

[Mummieeva]

I will be odd man out here. When i was 19 I worked fast food and hated it..lol. I did not last 3 days. Try grocery stores, movies theater,and maybe even local pool(some have classes year round and need lifeguards and other things). Also I would still try Pet Smart as you never know you might be able to. I talked to a girl who worked there and she said sometimes she trades off with someone else when she gets the hamsters(she is scared of them).




Steph

[butterfly1061]

Instead of fast food, how about something like linen stores, bookstores, any outlet store. I work a part time job at a linen store and it's the easiest job I've ever had. My full time job is pretty easy too, but... :2cents:

[Eliza]

Don't forget about local businesses, too. You know, family-owned stores and what not.

My first job (other than baby/child and pet-sitting, which I started doing for family and neighbors at the age of 10) was working for my father :o I worked as a secretary for his engineering/ land surveying firm during most of high school. FT in the summer, PT during the school year... and not just to keep me out of trouble :lol He needed someone in the office. Some of my HS classmates had similar jobs in local law firms (file clerks), dental offices, vet's offices, etc.

In regard to being a cashier -- I am TERRIBLE with math, HORRIBLE with money and am downright FRIGHTENED of numbers. That said, when I made the jump from office work to retail, I was surprised at how easy learning the register was. Believe you me -- if I can handle it, anyone can. I became so proficient at it that I was promoted to store trainer for a major bookseller :)

Another thing to look into: check with your guidance counselor @ school. They will be able to assist you with obtaining a work permit (assuming that you need one; laws vary state to state and job to job) and may have a list of area employers looking for PT help.

And don't forget about offering baby/child-sitting and pet sitting services to neighbors. Discuss this w/ your parents, of course -- you don't want to plan to watch Mr. Smith's two dogs when your parents are taking you and the family on vacation ;)

Best wishes,

-e-

[Venoma]

I just applied online for the animal care specialist position at my local Petsmart.. and waiting to hear back from them. I would give it a try and admit any misgivings you might have at the interview only - most of the hiring is done out of town by people who will never see you or hear you - I'm really really hoping I hear back from them soon. If I dont hear from them by next friday... I'll apply for every job on the site! WOOT!

Luck to you, if you'll return the same :)

[Buy A Paper Doll]

I worked fast food and HATED IT HATED IT HATED IT. Like Rico'sPoppy, I also worked at a movie theater, in the concession stand.

My first job was at one of the theme parks here. I was in entertainment, which is a more dignified way of saying I spent my days sweating in a fur suit for minimum wage. Still, it was a ton of fun and I'd love to go back part time doing just the night parade. But at 33 and with multiple knee surgeries, I would probably have to be carried out of the audition on a stretcher!

My niece's first job was with animals. She worked in the kennel at the vet's office: Bathing pets, feeding and walking the pets who were being boarded, etc. Now she's worked her way up and not only does she supervise the kennel techs but she is a vet tech as well.

[Kumashe]

I just applied to Petsmart. Wish me luck, I will need it.

Actually, I was thinking of working in a vet's office nearby, but I've never been there and it seems to be an emergency clinic. If they would accept a teenager to work there then that would be my first pick for a job. I'm avoiding fast food only because when I'm hungry, nothing can keep me from eating. Especially if the food is right there in front of me... :rolleyes:

[Kumashe]

Luck to you, if you'll return the same :)

Good luck!

[Buy A Paper Doll]

I just applied to Petsmart. Wish me luck, I will need it.

Actually, I was thinking of working in a vet's office nearby, but I've never been there and it seems to be an emergency clinic. If they would accept a teenager to work there then that would be my first pick for a job. I'm avoiding fast food only because when I'm hungry, nothing can keep me from eating. Especially if the food is right there in front of me... :rolleyes:

Apply at the vet's office. You'll never know unless you try.

[BarbieH]

My first job was fast food (Wendy's). It was rewarding in that I learned that I didn't want to make a long-term career in restaurant work of any kind. Nothing horrible happened, but my hands smelled like mustard all the time. :x

BUT, it was money in hand at a time when I, like you, didn't want to have to depend on my parents. I've not wanted to depend on anyone other than myself for money since then, either.

Fast food places are always looking for reliable workers. It's experience, you deal with the public, and you make some money. You feel okay about living at home, and you're paying for your own luxuries.

On the other hand, retail openings should be picking up soon. If you can work part time, nights and weekends, you might improve your chances of getting hired. Most staff regulars want to limit their evenings and weekends. A flexible part timer can get nearly as many hours as a full timer (if there is such a thing as a retail full timer anymore).

Look for seasonal opportunities: For instance, check out opportunities at Halloween costume shops, drugstores, craft stores, etc.

Good luck!

[rigidneophyte]

Most vet clinics will let a 16 year old do the back work, cleaning cages, walking dogs, feeding the animals, stuff upfront with surgeries and appointments you should be 18.

I've worked for starbucks for about 2 1/2 years, except for the 5 months at the vet clinic, it's great and you get benifits even if you work 20 hrs a week!! it's great, plus free drinks and 30% discount for everyone, not just you. And a free lb of coffee each week.

You meet tons of people, not only co-workers but customers, so you networking becomes incredibly easy. makes your next job easier to get.
Plus even when you leave chances are you can still get free coffee.

[Eliza]

I've worked for starbucks for about 2 1/2 years, except for the 5 months at the vet clinic, it's great and you get benifits even if you work 20 hrs a week!! it's great, plus free drinks and 30% discount for everyone, not just you. And a free lb of coffee each week.

I've heard that Starbucks is a good place to work for... and heck: bennies for working 20 hours a week? That's great, especially for younger folks.

-e-