by Drew Price

Created on: May 31, 2007   Last Updated: February 26, 2008

When a teenager finally decides it is time to take one their initial steps toward adulthood and seek summer employment for the first time, they find themselves in a difficult conundrum. The problem is that most employers only want to hire workers with experience, therefore without experience it may be difficult to get hired. So the question is - what can you do to solve this paradox and become employed without having any work experience? There are several controllable factors that you need to be aware of in order for you to get a leg up on any potential competition. These factors include appearance, attitude, and persistence. However, there are also other more significant factors that will help you obtain employment.

You may have heard before it is not always what you know but who you know. This assertion definitely holds true when seeking employment. Your best chance to receive a decent job without any experience is to have great references. Putting your parents and teachers down as references won't usually do the trick. If, by chance, you know a manager, or even an employee at a job, sometimes using them as a reference can give you the "in" you need to get noticed. Make sure that you notify your friends before you include them as references, just to be sure that they will put in a good word for you. It is also important that your references are respected and valued employees. It will not help you much if your buddy who is on the verge of getting fires attempts to put in a good word for you.

I do realize that sometimes you cannot nor should not rely on others to obtain employment. My next tip for those that are seeking employment for the first time and have not accumulated any work experience is to document any work-related experience. For example someone that has mowed lawns, baby sat, volunteered as a camp counselor, coached a little league sports team, or anything of that nature may not have been employed before, but they do show great potential to be responsible employees. Anytime that you are involved in any type of community service, or win any type of award that deals with leadership document that information. If you have your eyes set on a specific job, than, you will have to impress your employer. Obviously, you cannot do this with your vast experience; you can only show them you are serious by being prepared with a resume that includes any work-related experiences you have had.

My last piece of advice is a last resort. If you have no one that will

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>