Discussions

I know someone who is trying to find a job but they are having trouble..they are 16. any suggestions? the have no resume or work experience.

Well.....a resume to start would be necessary. How do they expect to get a job without providing a resume.  
 
As for work experience, most people do not have any work experience by the age of 16. This is a pretty typical age for teens to go looking for their first job. A resume could include their education level, and any extra curricular activities they are involved in or have been involved in as a kid. Volunteer experiences also count.  
 
Tell them to go on the internet and look at examples of a resume for a teen looking for their first job, and they will see very easily how to set one up. Or they could ask a counsellor at school to help them with that as well. I'm not sure how school works these days, but when I was that age we had already created a "professional portfolio"as a school assignment, which included a resume.

Sadly I'm going to say good luck... unless it's a fast food restaurant not many will hire. Even with a resume, being a hard worker, willing to do the unpopular shifts etc, my 20 yr old can't find a job. Hoping your friend has better luck.

Not sure why fast food isn't the go to option for teens. That's where I started and it was fantastic. Future employers look at fast food restaurants as great team building and leadership training experience.

Go around to all the restaurants in the neighbourhood fill out applications and ask to speak to a manager to hand it in. Be courteous and professional. Fast food is a great way to start out and get experience! You've got to start somewhere. Keep going until you find someone hiring.

I have never seen a post before for MacDonalds hiring, but I actually saw one today.  
 
http://www.workopolis.com/jobsearch/jobs-in-brandon-manitoba

My daughter is fifteen, started at McD's a few months ago, and is doing fantastic. She is moving up the ladder already and often takes shifts for others who have to give up theirs for whatever reason. Of course school kids can only legally work 20 hours per week during school.

It sucks being middle aged all the time. Of course, I'd hate being a teen all over again; just now and then would be great.  
But seriously, when I was a teenager, I babysat for family friends, did yard work, snow shoveling, etc. during the school year. I'd ask the folks who hired me for seasonal chores if they needed any help in the other seasons.  
As it got closer to summer holidays, I went after anything that was advertised and dropped around to places I thought might be hiring kids over the summer. I asked for references from everyone who'd hired me, because a resume wasn't considered necessary or appropriate for a "kid" way back then.  
 
Things have certainly changed over the years.

Not just fast food.. My first job was in a clothing store. Then a restaurant waitressing. I also worked in a grocery store . You can also try gas stations as well. I dislike how so many people are quick to judge because of age. You could be 16 and a harder worker then a middle aged adult..

Definitely put together a resume. The movie theatre hires 16yr olds all the time, as do fast food restaurants, restaurants, catering places (hotels for weddings, etc, to help serve), retail in the mall, ice cream places, grocery stores, etc. There are so many places that hire 16year olds with no experience.  
My kids and friends kids have never had a hard time finding a job if they're not being picky. Everyone has to start somewhere, and at minimum wage. Good luck!  
 
Edited by Cheezies, 2017-03-16 08:53:25