Career Coaching Your Teen

Remember your first job? Whether it was cutting the neighbors’ lawns, washing dishes at the local restaurant, or serving as a camp counselor, these experiences created an abundance of memories and taught you about responsibility, teamwork, and the confidence that comes with accomplishments. Now you have the opportunity to help your teen gain these same experiences. While the job search can be tasking on a teen, especially if it is the first time, your guidance and assistance can help make this search a positive learning experience that will lead to even greater experiences on the job. Use these top ten tips to guide your teen through his first job search and into the ultimate first job. 1. Determine the Right FieldrnBefore actually starting the job search, help your teen determine what kind of work he is interested in pursuing. Brainstorm with your child, reviewing the things he enjoys to do as well as his strengths, and make suggestions of things he might enjoy doing. 2. Keep All Options OpenrnEncourage your child to keep an open mind about jobs, as most first jobs are not the most glamorous. For example, if your child is interested in engineering, suggest he tries to find a job as part of a clean up crew for a construction company. Or if he wants to go to culinary school, he could bus tables at a restaurant. These jobs offer great experiences for teens and leave room for promotion and growth within the workplace. 3. Start NetworkingrnSit with your child and go through your contacts list for anyone who owns or works for a business that your teen might be able to work in. Rather than securing the job yourself, provide him with the contact information for that individual. You can help him develop an appropriate script when cold calling these individuals as well as ways to follow up, but let him take the initiative. This is an excellent way to build confidence and allow your teen to practice the skills he will need to network in the future. 4. Develop a Resume rnIf this is your teen’s first job, you might think a resume is not necessary. But, developing a resume and using it to apply for jobs, as apposed to only filling out applications, shows professionalism and dedication in the job search. Help your teen gather information to include, such as his education, volunteer experience, any awards or honors from school or sports, as well as any other skills he possesses. Work with your teen to format the information into a professional resume that is sure to make him stand out from the competition. 5. Organize a List of Places to ApplyrnNow that your teen has all the tools to apply for jobs, help him create a list of specific places to inquire about openings. Use the newspaper, Internet searches, and keep an eye out for “Help Wanted” signs. Once your teen has an organized list of places, he can bring copies of his resume to the establishment and ask about any job openings. 6. Review the Guidelines of ProfessionalismrnWithout experience, it is difficult for a teen to understand how to present himself professionally when searching for jobs. Go over the things employers look for in jobseekers. Remind him to stand up tall and speak politely and confidently. You can even offer your assistance in selecting an appropriate outfit to wear when applying for jobs. 7. Facilitate Mock InterviewsrnOnce your child has secured an interview, offer to help him prepare through role-play. This will give him the opportunity to develop excellent answers to some of the difficult questions and give him the confidence necessary to succeed in the interview. 8. Prepare for All of The PossibilitiesrnTo succeed in the job search, a jobseeker must go through some rejection. Help your teen prepare for this situation in order to make the most out of it. When he is informed that an organization is not hiring, have him give the employer his resume and ask that he be thought of if any help is needed. Employers find these acts memorable and appreciate the professionalism, especially from a teen. 9. Create a Follow Up PlanrnJust as a follow up is crucial in your job search, it is necessary for your teen. Inform your teen that he should follow up with organizations about a week after applying. You can even help him develop and practice a script for the follow up phone call. 10. Be the CheerleaderrnThe absolute best way you can help your teen through his first job search is by encouraging him. Always offer your help, but also mind your boundaries. When providing advice or criticism, remain positive rather than being critical. Your encouragement and support will help him build responsibility and confidence to secure and succeed in his first job.