How do teenagers find jobs?

I haven't looked for a job in so long, I have no idea how to advise my teenager how to find a job besides seeing a sign in a shop window! Problem is he's not interested in food service which is where I usually see those signs. Any advice would be appreciated. Also--anyone looking for a recent high school graduate who is looking for a part time job during his gap year (available past the summer!). Thanks!

Parent Replies

New responses are no longer being accepted.
RE:

Hello,

My son used Indeed.com last year to find a job at 17.  He did a search using teen as a keyword.  He was also not interested in working in the fast food industry.  He found a part -time job as a stocking clerk in retail.  He was able to maintain the job through his senior year and is still working there part-time a year later while taking summer classes.  Best of luck in your job search.

RE:

I helped my teen write a resume and then told him to walk up and down commercial streets, go into every store, talk to someone in charge, tell them you're looking for a job, and hand them your resume. It worked once or twice. It's good experience even if it doesn't produce a job. 

RE:

It's going to have to be in the service industry probably. They're the only places that really hire without much experience (or none). Food service may not be great, but that's one of the main options in my experience. Either that, or standing at a cash register ringing people out all day. I don't think it's a bad idea to put together a resume or sorts and just walk into places and ask if they're hiring. Cast a wide net and something will be available. 

RE:

If money allows, I would also suggest that your teen consider getting an unpaid internship that has really good skill building in an area that interests them. Yes it doesn't bring in money but it brings in experience that perhaps turn into money fairly quickly. As an adult who spent years in service industry jobs as a late teen and early in college, I really wish that people had encouraged me to think about getting an internship. My parents were supporting me most of that time anyway, and the money I actually made from service industry work was fairly negligible, unfortunately. Good luck!