Job Search Tips

Don't be shy. Tell everyone you know you are looking for a job. Many jobs are not advertised and you may be able to get a good lead from a family friend or relative, or Counseling & Career Center staff. Sometimes a job shadow or volunteer position can lead to a job.

Get started by working for family friends and neighbors. Tutoring, babysitting, mowing lawns and raking leaves, shoveling snow, and pet-sitting can be included on your resume. If you do a good job the people you work for may be willing to give you a reference when you later search for other jobs.

Check on-line job sites. There are a number of on-line sites suitable for teens. One of the largest sites for finding part-time work is snagajob. Search by type of job, location and zip code to generate a list of jobs.

Keep an open mind. Everyone has to start somewhere, usually at the bottom, to gain experience. Don't limit yourself to certain types of jobs. Even if a job isn't your first choice, it may turn out better than you expected.

Check labor laws. These laws determine when and where a teen can work. Youth labor laws for Connecticut can be found at this web-site: CT Dept. of Labor, Youth Employment Laws

Apply for lots of jobs. Apply for as many jobs as possible. Keep a list of where you have applied and follow-up by calling or emailing to check on the status of your application.

Consider volunteering. Even though you won't get a paycheck, volunteering is a great way to add experience to your resume and it may help you find a paid position in the future. See the "Summer Volunteer Opportunities" link on this website for ideas.

Check your online reputation. Many employers and volunteer coordinators peruse social network sites such as Facebook, Instagram and others to learn more about your character. Inappropriate comments, messages, pictures or videos will reflect negatively on you and could impact your ability to get or keep a job.

Avoid an unprofessional sounding email address. If you set up a separate e-mail account for job purposes, stay away from unprofessional e-mail addresses (for example: partyanimal@ yahoo.com).

Have a resume ready. A resume, even though it may not be required by employers, can help you stand out from the competition. It will show that you are serious about your job search. List any jobs or volunteer positions you have had, any job shadows or internships you have completed, and any leadership positions you have held along with your responsibilities for each. At the Counseling & Career Center will can help you with your resume.

Good manners count! Students who make a positive impression are the ones most likely to get a job. Arrive on time for your interview. Be polite and display good manners. You must dress appropriately and be well groomed. Send a thank you letter to the person who interviewed you by e-mail or through the postal service.

Think through how you will respond to the interviewer's questions. Answer questions thoughtfully and succinctly. For help, refer to the "Sample Job Interview Questions" link on this website.

Obtain your working papers. In Connecticut, youth under the age of 18 must obtain working papers in order to legally work. Once you obtain a job, the business will give you a form stating your work hours. You should then come to the Counseling & Career Center for your Certificate of Age/Working Papers.

What to wear and not wear on a job interview. Unfortunately, the clothes you wear every day to school or out with friends generally aren't suitable for an interview. See the "What to Wear" link on this webpage for more information.

The job application. Competition for jobs is keen so you need to make sure your employment applications, both paper and online, are as polished as possible. Double-check your applications to make sure the information is accurate, your dates and job descriptions are correct, and there are no spelling or grammatical errors.