by Donna LaHale

Created on: August 20, 2009

Today's teens lead very busy lives; it seems each generation fits more and more activities into their free time. One constant has been the staple of many teens extra-curricular activities..the part-time job. Deciding when to seek a job, which job to puruse, and how to conduct the search probably requires at least some guidance from a parent or guardian.

To begin, discuss the responsibilities of a new job. Map out the other activities in the teen's life (school, sports, music, clubs and hobbies) and decide how much time can be devoted to the job. It is important to understand the commitment required and to ensure that their schedule can be adapted to their new hours. If a prospective employer is looking for someone to work every Friday night, the Quarterback of the Football team probably shouldn't apply. If they require Sunday hours, and your teen is an avid church-goer, they may want to consider whether they wish to give that up for a job.

Next, plan the search. This is a great opportunity to teach your teen some organizational skills. Encourage them to keep a job search notebook or journal. They can record progress, such as dates resumes were submitted, interview notes, follow-up required, thank you notes sent, etc. For me, this step was an actual spiral notebook. Today's teen will likely keep this electronically. Either way, it helps them keep track of where they've applied, and what their next steps are for each potential job.

Before they head to that first interview, help them with their resume. Suggest your teen visit the local library and check out a few books on resume writing. Or, send them to www.myfirstpaycheck.comfor helpful tips and a free resume builder. Many will think this step is unnecessary, after all, this is their first job, right? What experience and education do they have to brag about? Remind them this document is their introduction. It contains their current contact information, and should also highlight any academic information such as curriculum concentration; awards; involvement in school clubs and organizations; and any volunteer or community involvement they've experienced.

Now, prepare them for the interview. Have them research the questions they may be asked, and work on their answers. Practice interviewing to help them be confident. That skill alone can put them ahead of many other candidates that didn't prepare as well. Help them pull together the necessary information the employer will want to see at that first meeting. This includes current address; references; identification (a driver's license is a good idea) and their Social Security card. In some states, it is necessary for students to have permission to work. Find out about your state's requirements by visiting your State Labor Department website, or calling, for more information.

And, finally, if they get a few "no" responses, keep nudging them along. Not every job is the right fit. And, they may hear no before they hear yes. Motivate them to be outgoing yet professional during their interactions with potential employers. Regardless of the environment (fast food, theme parks, retail stores, libraries, etc.) they need to know their audience and remember to sell the skills they do have that fit the needs of the employer. A theme park interviewer would undoubtedly be seeking a more animated and energetic person than the local library. Help them understand the differences, and determine which is the right pursuit for them.

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