Tips for Finding and Landing Your First Job in High School

Starting on your first job hunt is nerve-wracking. Whether you’re just interested in getting some work experience or just want to earn a little cash, we’ve got a few tips to keep in mind to help you find, apply, and interview for your first job.

Job? Isn’t School Enough Work?

Juggling a part-time job and full-time school isn’t for everyone – it can be overwhelming trying to fit everything into a day or week.

But for students who are interested, work experience is a great opportunity to develop and practice leadership and other skills that you might not encounter in daily school life. You’ll get a chance to explore potential career fields before you graduate or enter college.

Showing a work-life-school balance and highlighting projects and skills you learn on the job can also make for a more well-rounded college application.

Cast a Wide Net for Opportunities

If you’re just embarking on your job search, start by checking out what jobs you’re eligible to work in (you might need specific training to handle food, for example), and then narrow the list down based on what you’re interested in.

Part-time, temporary, or seasonal jobs are great options if you just want to try a position out without wanting to take on a long-term commitment or just want to work somewhere during your longer summer or winter breaks.

It doesn’t hurt to talk to people you know about your interest in looking for a job. They, or someone they know, might be interested in getting some help. Ask your friends, parents, people you volunteer with, or anyone that might be able to point you in the right direction.

Complete Applications Thoroughly (Yes, Even the “Optional” Stuff)

Whether you’re applying to jobs online or in person, you’ll have a better shot if you give the hiring manager as much information as possible. This will often make the application and interview process easier, and it gives you more opportunity to explain why you’re a good fit for a role.

If you’re struggling with what to put on your resume or talk about in your interviews (especially since you don’t have any previous experience to refer to), try to think of ways you can highlight accomplishments and how they might apply to a workplace environment.

Think about extracurriculars where you’ve demonstrated leadership, how you’ve handled difficult situations like a group project or conflict during a team sport, etc. You’d be surprised how relevant some of your experiences can be to working in retail, leading a project, or working well with other people.

Prepare and Practice for Interviews!

It’s impossible to predict what you’ll be answering during an interview (though there are lists of commonly asked questions you could find online), so the best way to prepare is through practice.

Ask your parents, sibling, or friend to ask you a few questions about yourself: why you think you’re a good fit for a specific role, describing your strengths and weaknesses, etc. Going through as many practice questions and forms of your answers as you can will help you think on the fly when you go in for your interview.

Be prepared to dress well. Not every position warrants full business wear, but going into your interview cleaned up helps make a good impression and show that you’re serious about the job. It also helps to have an idea of your schedule and the hours you’re available to work, so your manager has a sense of how you’d slot into the team. 

Don’t be afraid to have a few questions of your own ready to go, too. Think of interviews as a time for both sides to get to know each other. There’s no point taking on a job if it’s not something you’re going to enjoy, or an environment that you’ll be able to work well in.

Remember that applying and interviewing for jobs is something that can take a lot of time. Don’t be discouraged if it feels like there are more rejections and non-answers than anything else. Every application and interview process is an opportunity to learn more and be better prepared for the next one.