Q&A for How to Get Your First Job (for Teens)

Yes, of course you can! It shows that you have confidence and that you are really interested in the job. Even if they don't have an open position, they will usually tell you of other places that are looking for employees.

Yes. Try to find a job that fits for you. Not all jobs involve retail, or talking to people. Jobs such as writing or transcription have limited contact with others.

Follow the guidelines in the article. Highlight any skills and/or experience that may be relevant to the job you're applying for. E.g., if the job involves customer service or working with people, you could tell about volunteer work you've done or leadership roles you've had that have taught you people skills. If applicable, share any education or knowledge you may have that's relevant to the job. Tell them about your positive qualities, show that you understand the company and what it needs from you, and convince them that you'll be a great employee.

It should have the basic information, including your name, email and phone number. Include any work experience as well as volunteering experience and other extracurricular mentions.

It varies from company to company and state to state. Some places take 14 year old applicants, but others won't accept you until you are 16.

Start applying for different jobs. Once you've found one, leave your current job for one in which you can be treated with respect. You could try talking to HR about the issue or talking to your manager's supervisor, but that could make things awkward between you and your manager.

For youth under 16, there are certain restrictions for how long and how often you can work per week. Some companies may not hire junior high students. You can, however, always do jobs around your neighborhood like babysitting or yard work.

Cover letters are necessary for most job applications. When in doubt, send a cover letter alongside your resume.

You are starting at 0, which means you must try for minimum wage jobs in retail, hospitality, fast food, etc. It's not glamorous, but you are starting at 0 and need to get experience to move up in the work world. No one wants to work these jobs, but you gotta do what you gotta do, and employers love customer service experience.

Yes! Plenty of introverts find jobs that they enjoy. Whether you're introverted or extroverted, you can find a good job.

You can just give a phone number as your contact if you don't have an email address. Most modern places require online applications, though some smaller, locally-owned businesses use paper applications.

You have to be at least 16 years old, but certain jobs require you to be 18 years old. Ask the human resources department for their advice, as it will vary from zoo to zoo, and is also dependent on local labor laws.

You don't need a credit card, but you will certainly need a bank account to be legally employed by a business.You will probably also need tax reference number as well - ask your parents/guardians or responsible adult for assistance.

For a teen new to the workforce this is normal, just relax and remember almost everyone is there to work/ get paid and not necessarily to socialize, although yes your co-workers will try to get to know you and have fun while working, just relax and be yourself

If you are writing a cover letter, yes definitely aim to personalize it for the specific job you aim to be applying for. If you are stuck, do an online search for cover letters for jobs you are applying for to give you help. Your cover letter and resume are to be sent out first to the employer as a response to their job advertisement. Only then will they schedule an interview if they see you as a potential employee.