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Plus, learn how labor laws for minors affect the jobs you can work
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Finding a job can feel tough, especially when you’re only 15! While the world of adult careers may not be open to you yet, there are still a ton of positions available to you that don’t require much (or any) work experience—or even being grown up! In this article, we’ll show you the best and most popular jobs for 15-year-olds, plus give you some tips on how to find jobs near you and ace your first ever interview. Read on to learn more and start making some money!
Best Jobs That Hire Teens
- Restaurant or fast food companies like Arby’s, Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, or Taco Bell.
- Grocery store chains like Fareway, Publix, or Kroger.
- Movie theaters and entertainment venues like AMC Theaters, arcades, and theme parks.
- Community and local jobs like lifeguarding, camp counseling, or gas station attendants.
Steps
Section 2 of 3:
Finding a Job as a Teenager
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Think about what work schedule fits with your school commitments. As a 15-year-old, your academic priorities come first! Think about your class and homework load, extracurricular commitments, and other obligations you have as a student when you’re job hunting. Different kinds of jobs have different schedules or busy times of the year, and some may mesh better with your school schedule than others. [9] X Research source
- A typical part-time job is a good bet if you’re looking for hours after school or on weekends.
- Seasonal work hires more staff for busy times of year if you don’t want to work year-round (for example, an amusement park will need more staff during summer than winter).
- Entrepreneurial ventures (like starting your own babysitting, dog walking, or photography side hustle) are the most flexible since you can decide your own hours and workload.
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Consider what skills or work environments you want to explore. Think about what talents and interests you already have. Are you great with kids? Maybe a babysitting or camp counselor job is a good fit. Do you love film and entertainment? Then perhaps a movie theater job is right for you. While your options may be a bit more limited at 15 than when you’re 18 and up, there’s still plenty of opportunities to explore work that interests you! [10] X Research source
- Also consider the kind of environment you want to work in. Do you prefer small teams and being outdoors? Consider life guarding or landscaping work. Or, if you see yourself thriving in customer service and interacting with lots of people everyday, a grocery store or restaurant position may be a better fit.
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Use job sites and your personal network to brainstorm potential jobs. Some great job listing sites include LinkedIn, Glass Door, Indeed, and Monster, but there are many out there to try. Try entering “teen” in the search bar and then set your location to your town, county, or whatever radius you’re willing to travel (if you have a car or public transportation to use). [11] X Research source
- Keep in mind that not all the jobs that pop up will hire 15-year-olds. If the job listing doesn’t specify an age requirement, feel free to send them a message asking if they accept applications from 15-year-olds.
- In addition to job sites, ask your parents, neighbors, teachers, employed friends, or any other contacts you have if they know of any place that’s hiring teenagers. Sometimes, having a connection or recommendation can make a huge difference in landing the job! [12] X Research source
- Don’t be afraid to visit businesses in person, either. Following up on a “help wanted” sign in the window or simply asking a manager if they have any openings can make a strong first impression on potential employers.
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Make a simple resume and cover letter to submit with applications. As a 15-year-old, you probably don’t have much professional experience to flesh out a resume , and that’s OK! Instead, focus on other skills and experiences that make you unique and qualified for the job. This could include academic awards and accomplishments, volunteer experience, your hobbies and interests, or special skills like speaking another language or knowing how to code. [13] X Research source
- Most jobs require a resume. A resume is essentially just a 1-page document that lists your work experience and previous jobs along with your primary responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Some applications may also require writing a cover letter , or a letter that complements your resume and introduces you to potential employers. Include information like why you want the job and feel qualified for it, how the job fits into your overall career goals, and what unique skills or perspectives you can bring to the position that set you apart from other candidates.
- For resume and cover letter help, feel free to use school resources like your guidance counselor, writing tutors, or even trusted teachers and coaches for feedback.
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Have a good interview with companies that reply to your application. If a potential employer reaches out to schedule an interview, prepare yourself for some common questions they may ask and do some research on the company and their mission or goals so you’re fully informed on what they do. [14] X Research source Wear a nice, clean, unwrinkled outfit (slacks or a skirt and a dress shirt or a nice dress are appropriate for most situations) and plan to arrive early in case of traffic or setbacks.
- Don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality in your interview! They may seem intimidating, but most employers want to know they’re hiring kind, dependable, easy-to-work-with, and motivated people (especially when they’re working with teens).
- Expect to get questions like:
- “Why are you interested in the position or company?”
- “Why are you a great fit for the role?”
- “What interests you about this type of work?”
- “When did you experience a problem or conflict, and how did you solve it?”
- “What do you hope to gain from this job? What are your career goals?”
- Unfortunately, not every employer will offer you an interview (such is the world of job hunting!). This doesn’t mean you’re a bad or unqualified candidate; there may have been a ton of applications for the same position, or they may have filled it before they even saw yours. Don’t take it personally and keep applying—you’ll find something eventually!
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Get a work permit if required by your state. If you live in a state that requires work permits for minors under 16 or 18 (the exact age varies), you’ll need a work permit signed by your legal guardian to be employed. Most often, you can get a work permit through your school, school district office, or a regional Office of Education for your county or state (search your State Labor Office website for exact details). [15] X Research source
- The requirements for a work permit vary by state. Generally, you’ll need some or all of the following: [16] X Research source
- A letter from your possible future employer stating an intent to hire you.
- Proof of your age (birth certificate, passport, etc.).
- Your social security card.
- A valid state ID or driver’s license from your parent or guardian.
- A signature from your parent or guardian.
- A doctor’s note saying you’re capable of working.
- Agreement from your principal (only when school is in session).
- Proof of a Coogan or UTMA account (for teens in acting, performing, or modeling).
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Tips
- If you’re unsure whether a business hires 15-year-olds, call or email before applying.Thanks
- Know that franchises of the same company may have different hiring laws regarding age if they’re located in different states (for example, a McDonald’s in one state may be able to hire 15-year-olds, while another location in a different state may not).Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://wellkeptwallet.com/places-that-hire-15-year-olds/
- ↑ https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/ChildLaborFF.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2418
- ↑ https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/whd/flsa/docs/haznonag.asp
- ↑ https://wellkeptwallet.com/places-that-hire-15-year-olds/
- ↑ https://wellkeptwallet.com/places-that-hire-15-year-olds/
- ↑ https://wellkeptwallet.com/places-that-hire-15-year-olds/
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/blog/5-reasons-hire-your-child
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-job-as-teenager
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-job-as-teenager
- ↑ https://novoresume.com/career-blog/jobs-for-teens
- ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/tips-for-getting-your-first-part-time-job-2058650
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-job-as-teenager
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-job-as-teenager
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-find-job-as-teenager
- ↑ https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Work-Permits.aspx
- ↑ https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/youthlabor/agerequirements
- ↑ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers/non-ag-14-15
- ↑ https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/youthlabor/agerequirements
- ↑ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/age-certificates
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