*In the state of Massachusetts, all teens under 18 years of age must complete a work permit application and obtain a work permit before starting a new job. You can obtain this application through the Superintendent of your school. For more information, check out the Mass.gov webpage Youth Employment Permit Information.
*CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information. Many jobs might require applicants to have a police background check done before they can be hired.
Resume guide – From the Boston Youth Zone. Excellent tips for putting your resume together; includes a VERY helpful list of action words.
Job Search Tips for High School Students – A short list of tips for teens about how to dress appropriately, where to search for jobs, how to prepare and act in an interview, & advice for volunteering and building your resume.
Job Interview Strategies – Strategies on how to succeed a job interview.
Tips for Finding a Job for Teens – Are you a teen looking for a job? Here’s all the information you need to get started on a job search, including restrictions on where and when you can work, how to get working papers if you need them, the best sites for job listings, tips for getting hired for your first (or second) job, and how to get help finding a job.
Peterson's Career Prep - Research potential career options and explore the requirements and outlooks for the careers that interest you. This resource also has a helpful resume building tool.
Are You A Teen Worker? – Created by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the guide gives you the facts you need to stay safe and healthy at work. It also shows you what jobs you can (and can’t) do, and it teaches you about your rights and responsibilities as a young worker.
Massachusetts Guide for Working Teens – Created by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, this guide contains information on legal work hours, rights & responsibilities, work permits, and more!
Safety at Work – Once you are hired, here are a few tips on how to be safe at your work.
US Department of Labor – Know your rights as a youth worker.
YouthRules! – Promotes positive and safe work experiences for teens by distributing information about young workers to youth, parents, employers and educators.
MassHire Career Information System (CIS) - Start figuring out your career options now. Offered free to all Massachusetts residents, this service has a variety of assessments like interest quizzes and budget planning worksheets - all designed to help you plan for your future.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Labor, this comprehensive resource has lots of information about the careers that interest you, including how much they pay and what type of education you'll need.
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Youth Leadership Corps – BARCC’s Youth Leadership Corps, is a great way to learn job experience as well as helping to change your community.
Teens in Print – TiP is looking for teens who want to express themselves through writing. Most of the jobs are volunteer opportunities, but some do lead to paid jobs.
Teen Life – Volunteer work for high school students can be a life-changing experience and is a great way for students to build their resumes and skill sets Search for Volunteer Programs in Boston today.
Volunteer Match – Want to make a difference in your community? Check out Volunteer Match and find a cause that means something to you!
Adapted from the Boston Public Library's Job Help for Teens page.