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Have you ever heard the saying "it's not always what you know, but who you know?" Sometimes these sayings get famous because they're true. What an employer usually values most is integrity - honesty, reliablity, puctuality - it sounds too simple to be true, but basically - someone whom they know will always try their best, even if that best falls short sometimes. Everyone is more likely to forgive a well-meaning mistake if the kid behind it had a good heart.

These qualities are best known and judged by someone who knows you and can vouch for your good character. So the number 1 tip is to approach a friend, peer or older student who may be leaving a place of employment, one perhaps with other "fish to fry" such as going away to college. Or you can ask around the family and neighbourhood, business owners, family friends and contacts to see who is hiring, or has a valued teen leaving.

After all, with this approach you can be more sure of 4 things:

1. It will be reasonably legal for the laws that apply in your state, otherwise the other teen's family may have been reluctant for them to take it - its always wise to check out.

2. It will be reasonably safe, or the other teen would have left.

3. It will be reasonably local and accessible as most peers/students will be from a given school catchment area.

4. It will be reasonably lucrative in its section or the other teen would have had no incentive to stick at it!

You can also be politely proactive and enquire of working teens who look like they might be old enough to be thinking of leaving for college, whether and when they are actually quitting the workplace you have selected to approach. A personal recommendation from the outgoing teen, particularly if they know you well, is often given very high precedence by employers. Word of mouth is often the best recommendation - employers do not have the time to keep interviewing endless, potentially disastrous candidates. Much simpler to get someone whom you have heard IS reliable.

If you have no luck with this, there are many more avenues to try. Several down-to-earth and practical, inventive tips can be found in the book -

"Testing the Waters - a Teen's Guide To Career Exploration" (by Alice N. Culbreath and Sandra K. Neal)

This comprehensive guide (available from all good bookstores or to order online) is an informative preparation for the wider world of later careers also - and sets the mind to thinking about a productive and fulfilling future.

Or, if you find there is really nothing out there that fits your personality - it could be you are one of life's gems ! - a budding entrepreneur! Self-employment beckons and many are the rich business moguls who started out as enterprising teens! Think of all the useful skills you have, find a gap in the local market and market yourself, safely of course! Make use of Parental Pointers here.

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