JOB SKILLS

Job Skills

Here you can find helpful tips and hints to guide you through the process of finding, getting, and keeping a job. Whether or not you want to work part time, over the summer, or just gain experience for a job you plan to pursue full time after high school, this page will help you each step of the way. Of course you can always come and talk to us in the Career Department if you have more questions!

The rules we have at school do serve a purpose. Below you will see how our school rules will help you in your future career:

School Rules Work Rules

1. Class starts at 8am Clock in at 8am or arrive at a designated time

2. ID Required ID Required

3. Complete Homework Complete Job Applications and Job Assignments

4. Volunteer in school Volunteer for work projects

5. Homework after school Work over-time to complete tasks

6. Learn technical skills Perform technical tasks

7. Dress neatly for school Professional appearance

8. Practice self-discipline Works well with others and can meet a deadline

9. No attendance, no credit No attendance, no pay... or worse, you can get fired

10. Proper behavior for other’s safety Safety at the work site means merit

Ways to gain experience:

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship is a formal relationship between an employer and employee during which the worker, or apprentice, is paid while learning a specific occupation in a structured program. For more information, visit www.apprenticeshipcarolina.com.

Youth Apprenticeship begins in the eleventh grade for students who are age 16 and older. A youth apprentice may matriculate to a registered apprenticeship program after high school. This type of apprenticeship may or may not include financial compensation.

Job Shadowing

Career/Job Shadowing is a short-term experience where a student will follow or “shadow” an employee for a specified time as he/she performs normal work activities. By shadowing the employee, the student is able to gain a better understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of a particular career.

Internship

An internship is a one-to-one relationship that provides “hands-on” learning based on a student’s career interest. The internship generally lasts from three to six months and may or may not include financial compensation.

Field Trips and Classroom Speakers

Field Trips are planned experiences that provide opportunities for students to explore different workplaces. Students are well-prepared beforehand to ask probing questions about employment opportunities, qualifications for employment, job descriptions, benefits associated with the job, types of services provided, and general information about the place of employment and its mission.

Industry professionals are often willing and available to speak to students in a classroom setting, sharing information about required skills, career paths and opportunities within their industry. Please look for opportunities to sign up for field trips and listen to speakers who come to Westwood High School.

Career Fairs

These events bring together several employers representing many various industries providing an opportunity for students and adult learners to learn about career opportunities, required skills and current workforce needs. Make sure you attend lunchtime events and/or career events when we have them on campus!

Volunteering

Serving as a volunteer is a great way to explore career interests and gain valuable insight. Students should talk with school counselors and career specialists to determine possible volunteer opportunities.

When participating in any of the above experiences, remember to:

• Dress professionally

• Arrive on time

• Take something to write on and with

• Have a firm handshake

• Have good eye contact when talking with people

• Introduce yourself to employees

• Know about the company before you arrive

• Ask questions, perhaps even making a list before you arrive of the things you would like to know

• Get business cards from contacts you make

Skills to help you get that job:

• Sample Resume

• Sample Resumes and Cover Letters

• Sample Cover Letters, Resumes, Thank You Notes

• Interview Tips

Job Searching Tips:

Be Organized

Organization is key to your success. Put in place a system to help you stay focused and effective. Figure out a way to arrange letters and emails you have sent, applications you need to complete or submit online, phone numbers you have collected, and names of your potential employers. Keep a job search log to keep track of your actions, required follow up and outstanding tasks.

Involve Friends and Family

Network with your friends and family, understanding that everyone may have potential leads. A

support group can also provide helpful encouragement and advice.

Be Respectful and Polite

When networking and pursing job opportunities, make sure to strike a balance between being

assertive but not aggressive, enthusiastic but not pushy, professional but not stiff, and persistent

but not annoying.

Be Dedicated and Prepared

A job search is hard work. Devote a proper amount of time and effort. Expect to spend several hours a day pursuing leads, researching potential employers and opportunities, and following up with contacts.

Customize

Tailor your cover letters, resume and references to specific opportunities. This shows you have taken the time to do your homework and that you have a sincere interest in each employer, which can improve your chances of getting called for an interview or being hired.

Have a Realistic Time Frame

Allow a reasonable amount of time. Do not expect to find a job within a few days or even a few weeks.

Stay Positive

Understand that setbacks and rejections are part of the process. Do not be discouraged when one job does not work out. Look for ways to learn and improve from the experience, and remain active and open in your search.

Where to Look

Job Websites

Job search websites are great for searching job openings online. You can organize your search

according to location, career cluster/industry, specific job titles or keywords, and more. A few of the most well-known job search websites are listed below:

www.monster.com

www.jobs.com

www.careerbuilder.com

Newspaper

A newspaper’s “Classifieds” section includes ads for current job openings. Read through the

ads, circle ones that interest you and follow up using the contact information provided.

Many newspapers will also include online job postings on a special “Jobs” or “Classifieds”

section of its website, such as The State’s www.thestate.com/jobs.

Friends and Family

Friends, family members and acquaintances can often be one of the best ways to find employment. They may know of an opening, can refer you to the right contact for a company, or point you in the right direction according to your needs, skills and interests.

Job Service Centers

Visit your local job service center or workforce development board online or in person to explore

job listings as well as participate in many workforce training and support programs.

Company and Agency Websites

Many companies, especially larger ones, as well as local and state government agencies, will post job openings along with application instructions on their websites, often in a special “Careers” section. You may also be able to speak with someone about current job openings and the application process by calling a company or agency directly. Call the main number and then ask to be connected to the Human Resources Department.

Staffing Agencies

A staffing or “temp” agency can help connect you to employment opportunities. Companies hire staffing agencies to fill open jobs either temporarily or permanently. You, as the job seeker, may be placed as a contract, trial or direct placement hire.

Social Media

Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can play a valuable role in your job search. You can use these tools to let people know you are looking for a job, specifically what

kind of career you are interested in, share your resume, make connections and research leads. It is important that your use of social media is always safe, professional and appropriate!

Here are some popular part-time jobs and small business opportunities for high school students, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each:

1. Animal Shelter Worker

If you love animals, working at an animal shelter could be a great part-time job while you are in school. Shelters hire minimum-wage employees to spend time with the animals and clean out their cages. If you want to become a veterinarian, this part-time job provides you with hands-on experience, working closely with animals.

As a part-time employee, you will do some unpleasant things, like assisting in the care of sick animals. It can be a sad, messy, and heart-wrenching job, but for many people, the rewards far outweigh any uncomfortable moments. If animal welfare is something you are truly interested in, this could be the ideal part-time job for you. For more information, check out The Humane Society’s Top Reasons to Volunteer at Your Local Animal Shelter.

2. Arts and Crafts Production and Sales

If you have artistic skills, there may be a market for items that you create, especially during the winter holidays. Towards the end of the year, schools and churches hold arts and crafts fairs, and eager shoppers line up to buy Christmas ornaments, wreaths, and last-minute gifts.

Summer art festivals can also be an opportunity to sell art and handmade jewelry. Booth and table rental costs vary, but if you partner with a friend or a neighbor who also has items to sell, it won’t cost as much and you can help each other out. Sales can be sporadic, and although the money can be considerable, it likely won’t replace a steady income. In addition, you will have to pay for supplies, and pay rental fees for booth or table space at fairs and festivals.

3. Babysitting

Babysitting a sibling or a younger neighbor is a rite of passage amongst many teens. Babysitters usually work Friday and Saturday evenings, leaving the week open for completing homework and participating in school-related activities.

Babysitters are paid well for their time, but payment varies depending on the sitter’s age

CPR-certified babysitters are always in high demand. The Red Cross offers an intensive course of training for babysitters. The one-day class includes first aid training, diapering and feeding techniques, and interview tips.

Word of mouth referrals, references, and recommendations are critical to obtaining new babysitting jobs. Babysitters have to be on their best behavior if they ever want to be hired again. Managing small children can be a challenge, but babysitters make their own hours and set their own pay, making this a great part-time job for students who like kids.

4. Car Wash Attendant

If you live in a warm climate, or only work during the warmer months of the year, you are almost guaranteed to stay busy. There’s nothing worse than being bored at work, so that’s a key perk of working for a car wash.

However, some possible downsides to working for a car wash include getting soaking wet, ruining your clothing, and working for minimum wage. On the plus side, you will make tips and you get to be outside when you are working. You can also keep your car shiny and clean, free of charge!

5. Document and Photograph Archival Services

Many people need documents and photos scanned, stored, and archived, but few people have the time to take on this considerable chore. Many people who did not grow up in the technology age would love to have all of the photos scanned and safely stored online or saved to a computer file, but no one has the time to tackle this time-consuming task.

Start this part-time business by networking with your parents’ friends to offer scanning, storage, and archival services for their documents and photos. Documents can be archived to Google Docs and photos can be scanned and stored on DVDs, websites, and computers.

Agree on the number of photos or documents that need to be scanned or archived, and then set a price per item based on the length of time it will take to complete the tasks. Pricing for scanning and archival services will vary, but a range might include $0.25 per photo and $0.35 per document page. The work can be tedious, and you’ll have to handle documents and photos carefully, to ensure they aren’t damaged or lost.

6. Grocery Store Employee

Grocery stores hire students throughout the year. There are many different jobs at a grocery store; workers can bag groceries, stock shelves, mop floors, or even operate a cash register. Part-time employees can expect to make minimum wage working at a grocery store. Many grocery stores have unionized cash register operators, so these jobs can pay a bit more than the other options listed here.

Some perks of working for a grocery store include short shifts, merchandise discounts, and schedule flexibility.

7. Landscaper/Lawn Care

Working as a landscaper or doing lawn care part-time lets you get outside and enjoy the sunshine, while also getting paid to work. Now, people pay a small fortune to have their lawns mowed and their hedges trimmed each week.

Doing lawn care can be hot, boring, and buggy work, but making your schedule, choosing your clients, being outdoors, and setting your own rates makes running a lawn care service the ideal part-time business. Who knows where it could take you?

8. Pizza Delivery

If you have a car and a good driving record, you can get a job delivering pizzas. Delivery drivers don’t get paid very much, but they do receive tips. Work typically entails driving back and forth to the pizza place, picking up pizzas and delivering them to customers.

Students with pizza delivery jobs have a sense of autonomy, and they can listen to their own music while they are working. Delivering pizzas on time and collecting money teaches responsibility, and teenagers love the freedom of driving their own vehicle. It may not be glamorous, but with the right attitude, and a good pizza, delivery drivers can have a good time at work, while making decent money.

There is an element of danger in this job, however. Pizza delivery drivers are occasionally robbed.

9. Packing and Moving Services

A la carte packing and moving services provide assistance to people who cannot afford to hire a full-service moving company for their personal possessions. Professional movers can quickly pack boxes and load furniture and boxes into a truck. Movers are bonded and insured, which is likely not an expense you’ll want to take on yourself. Instead, see if any of these locally based packing and moving services can use some extra help, especially on the weekends.

The work can be grueling, especially on a hot day. Movers have to stay hydrated, and take breaks occasionally to avoid overexertion. The pay will be minimum wage, or slightly more than minimum wage, and tips will be split amongst the staff.

10. Personal Assistant Services

Running errands, walking dogs, and wrapping gifts are just a few of the tasks performed by a personal assistant. Let the adults in your life know that you’re providing personal assistant services at a reasonable price. A simple flyer, with a list of services you can provide, can be passed out to the neighbors. The services might be sporadic at first, but as you gain the trust of your customers, they will give you more and more responsibilities, which will lead to more money, too.

The amounts to charge will vary according to the services offered. Calculate the time it takes complete the tasks, and make your rates competitive; $10 an hour would be an acceptable pay rate for a personal assistant. Disadvantages include uptight clients, and being responsible for things that are sometimes out of your control, like an unruly dog that runs away.

11. Restaurant Wait Staff or Fast Food Worker

The pay for professional wait staff at a restaurant will likely be well below minimum wage. The customers can be a difficult and shifts can run late into the evening, but restaurant employees also have a lot of fun at work. There is a lot of camaraderie with fellow employees, the tips can be good, and employees typically receive discounted or free meals during their shifts.

Being a member of a wait staff teaches patience, customer service, money management, food handling, food preparation, and multi-tasking skills that can pay off after high school. Being a waiter is a very popular job for teenagers both during the school year, and in the summer. It’s a good job that offers scheduling flexibility and a solid number of shifts each week.

12. Retail Job

Stores often hire students looking for after-school employment. Retail jobs offer all sorts of perks, including merchandise discounts, relatively light schedules, working alongside other students, and a fun, fast-paced work environment. The downsides include earning minimum wage, working on weekends, and dealing with unhappy customers. In general, the retail or mall job is a good first job for students in high school. Students will learn responsibility, money management, and how to effectively deal with customers.

13. Tutor

Parents pay good money to have their kids tutored, so take advantage of your know-how to help their kids succeed. Whether it’s tutoring an elementary school student with his or her reading, or helping a fellow classmate get those calculus questions right, tutoring is big business right now. There are a number of corporate tutoring entities, like Sylvan Learning Center, but you can offer your services as a tutor for less money, and with a more personal experience.

Private tutors can expect to earn at least as much as babysitters, and can set their own schedule with their clients. You have to really enjoy helping others learn, in order to be a tutor, however. Any job where you earn good money, and set your own hours, is a win-win for a high school student.

14. Warehouse and Distribution Job

If you don’t mind using some muscle, there are part-time jobs available loading and unloading inventory in warehouses and distribution centers. The evening hours for these part-time jobs fit neatly into a student’s schedule.

Expect to earn minimum wage, with some possibility of pay raises after some time has elapsed. The work can be monotonous, but it goes quickly if you stay focused and keep moving.

15. Web Designer

Do you have technical skills in web design or web development? If so, you might find work designing or creating websites for customers. After all, almost every entrepreneur needs a website.

By working part-time out of your home you might be able to assemble a list of clients to keep you busy while you’re attending school. Sure, you will be spending long hours stuck in front of a computer, but you will be setting your own schedule, earning great money for part-time work, and possibly setting up a business that continues beyond high school.

Final Words of Wisdom

Teenagers have different motivations for finding a part-time job while in high school. Some of these jobs may not bring in much money, but the work experiences are valuable in other ways, too. In just a few hours a day, teenagers learn about responsibility, money management, people skills, working as a team, and professionalism, while also building self-esteem, and learning how to succeed in the real world after high school graduation. If working students can make time for homework, extracurricular school activities, and for socializing with friends, having a part-time job can be a solid learning experience.

School obviously comes first, so here are some helpful tips on how to balance high school and a job!