Of course you love weekends with your friends. But a lot of things you really like to do – such as going to the movies or buying new CDs – cost money. Whether your goal is small, like buying the latest issue of Rolling Stone, or big, like saving money for a car, you need some cash. And to get cash, you need a job. Now don’t freak out – getting a job isn’t as hard as you think. But before you start your hunt, there are some things you should know. Here are the essential lessons of Job Hunting 101:
If you’re under 14, you are actually restricted by the U.S. Department of Labor from getting most types of jobs (paper routes and grocery bagging are a couple of exceptions). You can, however, rely on the occasional babysitting job or help your neighbors with yard work for a little extra cash. Between the ages of 14 and 15 you can look for more regular employment, but your hours will still be limited by the law to three hours a day up to a maximum of 18 hours a week. There are also limits to how late you can work: No later than 7 p.m. during the school year and not a minute past 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day.
Once you turn 16, there are no legal limits to the number of hours you can work. But don’t forget – too much outside work can affect your studies! Research shows that working more than 18 to 20 hours a week can cause serious academic problems in high school students. So while you’re getting ready to start up your big career move, don’t neglect your other commitments – like studying, sports, clubs and just plain free time when you’re figuring out a work schedule.
Before you say “yes” to that dream job, make sure you have a social security number (SSN). If you don’t know your SSN or don’t know where to look, ask your parents. If they aren’t sure either, you may need to visit your local social security office to apply for one. Visit the Social Security Web site at www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 for more information. It’s free, but it will take around two weeks to get a social security card and number, so get this step out of the way before you begin your job hunt. Employers cannot hire you until you have one: No SSN = No job!
Once you have all of these steps in order, here are a few tips to help you find the perfect job:
• Visit different businesses so you can become familiar with the different work environments, jobs and responsibilities.
• Keep looking until you find a job you like. There’s no point applying for a job you’ll dread going to!
• Let friends and neighbors know you are looking for a job. They might be able to help you.
• Talk to your school guidance counselor for ideas or referrals.
When you visit potential employers, remember to dress and act nicely. If you want to get a job, you have to look like you belong there! Come ready to complete a job application and be prepared for an interview. It helps to know what to say in case a potential employer asks, “Why should we hire you?”
Once you land that great job and start earning your own money, try saving a little bit from each paycheck. Having money stashed away for both your big and small wants is a great benefit for you in the long run. And with your own hard-earned money in your pocket, you can afford movies with your friends or shopping at the mall – as long as you’re not scheduled to work, that is.
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