Wanted: A job for your teen

Author: Kristen De Deyn Kirk

The summer job is a time-honored tradition for teenagers. Parents might have to push their children the first time their youngsters are old enough to work, but once the teen gets used to a regular paycheck and extra spending money, they're often eager to work as often as the extra free hours of summer allow.

Years ago, finding a job, even when you were inexperienced, was no harder than going into a business or two and filling out an application. But the down economy of the last two years has changed that. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 23 percent of Virginia's teenagers who want to work aren't. Just like adults, they're realizing that finding a job is a job in and of itself.

The good news: It's only April. That leaves about 10 weeks until school lets out, plenty of time to think about a job search and take action.

First, what to do? Decide what kind of job the teen would like - and research if he or she is allowed to accept such a job. Under Virginia law, children as young as 12 and 13 can work delivering papers or helping on a farm; when they turn 14 or 15, more jobs are available, as long as they don't involve heavy machinery, according to child labor laws.

The possibilities are nearly limitless once the teen hits age 16. For a complete guide, search child labor laws at http://www.doli.virginia.gov. If your child is 15 or under, he or she must have a work permit. You and the child can most likely obtain one through your local high school.

The only catch: You child must first have a job offer and submit an "Intention to Employ" form filled out by the potential employer. (You will also need to sign a "Permission for Employment" form and give your child a copy of his birth certificate to prove his age.)

So your child's first step in the job hunting processing will not start with obtaining a permit, but by doing some thinking at home. Dr. Debi Yohn, a psychologist and creator of www.collegeworks101.com, recommends having your teen write a simple resume with their experience and what they can offer an employer.

"Even if it (the past work) was for friends and family," she notes.

When he can look at his experience and comfortably talk about it, then your teen can start marketing himself the old-fashioned way: through networking.

"Have him talk to parents of his friends, teachers, and adult friends of the family," says Yohn. "Let everyone know he's looking for a job. You might role play this with him so he's more comfortable."

Of course, you'll also want him to look in community newspapers, bulletin boards and the Internet for job postings.

Didi Zahariades, a Massachusetts coach and psychotherapist for teens, reminds parents to have a little chat with their children before they head out the door on their job search, even if it's just to pick up an application.

"Often a teen will be passing by a store, while out with friends, and grab an application," says Zahariades. "Remember, you get one chance to make a good impression. Encourage your teenager to be remembered for looking professional."

No crazy outfits, hair, and make-up.

Ellen Pober Rittberg, author of 35 Things Your Teen Won't Tell you, So I Will, advises wearing clothing "you would wear if you would work in an office."

Her guidelines:

For girls, this means either slacks or a skirt, neither of which should be too tight, and a shirt with a collar or something that looks business like. No low necklines, no tight sweaters, no flashy jewelry.

For boys, this means a white or pale blue shirt (or some solid color that is not extreme) and slacks. A tie is preferable; as is a sport jacket if the teen has one. The clothes should not be wrinkled. Shoes should be shined and heels should not be worn-down or shabby-looking.

"A teen should dress for a job interview as if they were going to a house of worship," Rittberg says. "And this may just be me, but I have a sensitive stomach, so I would tell teens to lose the tongue ring and while they are at it, they should definitely take out any piercings or nose rings.

In addition to thinking about what they look like, teens should consider what to bring with them when they're going out asking for an application. Rittberg says to bring identification with a photo, their social security card and a list of contact names and numbers.

"They should know all contact numbers (for example, in the case of an emergency)," says Rittberg. "With cell phones and Blackberries, some kids don't know their parents' work numbers or cell numbers (as it is in their contacts list of their devices) and they don't want to have to rummage around to find this while filling out the application."

If filling out the application turns into an interview, teens can increase their chances of landing the job by becoming more familiar with the business. Rittberg advises having them watch how employees greet and interact with customers. For bigger companies, they should study what the store's philosophy or mission statement is, and Google or Bing it to get more information.

Parents can "practice interview" with their children and remind them to make eye contact, smile and speak directly to the interviewer, instead of looking away from the person. They should have examples ready that show their work ethic and times when they had to deal with difficult people.

If your teen does all this, and gets a little luck in today's challenging job market, he or she might just have a job by mid-June. Then the hard work really begins, for your teen and you. Mom and Dad, that isn't the time to hold back on advice about being a good employee. Rittberg says they'll need the following tips:

- They shouldn't gossip about fellow employees and should never, ever badmouth their employer.

- They should arrive to work on time or a bit early and should put in an honest day's work.

- They should show initiative. If business is slow, they should offer to do something that needs doing. Becoming a desirable employee today requires that one be motivated and loyal to the company's aims.

Hopefully, your teen will listen and you'll enjoy not having to hand over so much of your own hard-earned money for his cell phone, gas, clothes, video games, sneakers, movies, (etc., etc., etc.) - at least until September.

Source: Tidewater Parent Magazine