The teenage days or the period of adolescence as it is scientifically called, is a period of many changes, some of them being intense too. The body undergoes changes, the way of thinking matures, attitudes change and so do the needs and wants of a teenager. As desires to own things and possess materials get sown into the teenage mind, the teenager starts to lookout for opportunities to make some bucks. When you sense this, know that your teen is on the first step towards growing financially independent. Of course, the teen has no experience and idea about how difficult or challenging doing a job will be. And that is where your role as a parent becomes vital. It is up to you to support your teen and land him/her in a job that makes full use of the capabilities, enjoyable and fulfilling. In these tough times when the talk everywhere is of a falling and failing economy, you can definitely take some steps to help land a good job for your teen. And what is the first step in that?
Preparing your teen for the first job
As the famous proverb goes, “Well begun is half done”. A good start always comes with preparation. Preparation also seems to be the recipe for attracting luck as the scientist Louis Pasteur put it, “Fortune favors the trained mind.” Before jumping into a job, you have to help your teen take some preparatory steps.
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Analyze the study interests
Childhood is an age of dreams and the teen will have many ideas about his/her career choices. Fantasizing some work and career is totally different from the actual work. Make efforts to find out where the interest of your teen lies as regards to a career. Do not push in your own ideas and goals. Let the teen be free to choose. Try to get him/her some volunteering opportunities in that sphere of work so that the teen gets some first-hand experience of what working there means.
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Make the teen responsible at home
Not only charity, but even responsibility begins at home. If your teen is not capable of handling responsibilities at home, there is very less chance of success in juggling work along with it too! To start with, assign some responsibilities at home and encourage your teen.
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Educating the teen to handle money
This is one of the important reasons why the teenager begins to think about working – to get money. While yearning for money is one thing, earning it and handling it is a different ball game. Teach your teen the basics of cash, credit and banking. Open an account and teach the teen to maintain an accounts book. The most important is to teach him/her the value of savings.
Some great teen-job ideas
Once the preliminary preparations are done, it is time to look out for avenues to get your teen gainfully employed. Here are a few suggestions as to what could be done.
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Tutoring jobs
This is a great option for it also teaching someone is a great teaching experience in itself. Remember that studying and teaching are different and your teen need not be an academic genius to be a good teacher. Check the school whether they have tutor programs available.
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Babysitter jobs
Most of the teens are at an age where they are responsible enough to keep a watch over younger children. And there are many neighbors in need of baby sitters. Baby sitting also inculcates the virtues of patience and perseverance in your teen. If babysitting at home does not work out well for the teen, try for a day care center.
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Hospital jobs
For those interested in the medical profession, there are many voluntary and paying jobs available in the local hospitals. These temporary jobs at the hospital will inculcate the values of care and empathy in the youngster and also provide ample opportunities to serve.
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Zoo or Veterinarian jobs
This would be a lovely option for those who love animals and birds. Zoos need helpers to assist the trainers and veterinarians too need capable assistants. Again, this job will introduce the teen to care and empathize for animals – something that the world needs in abundance today!
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Cashier jobs
Many stores would be willing to hire teens to fulfill their cashier needs. If your teen has an aptitude for mathematics, this will be the right job for your teen to start.
Helping your teen to land the first job
It is a tough world out there. But that does not mean your teen is going to have it tough. With a good knowledge of his/her likes and preferences and valuable experience in doing part time jobs, when it comes to actually taking up a job, the teen will be confident and prepared. As a parent, here are the last few things that you should do and ensure that your teenager gets independent in a comfortable manner.
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Prepare a good resume
The resume is a document that has all the relevant information like qualification both educational and professional, personal information, achievements etc, the world will use to judge your teen. Make sure that it is well made. Extra-curricular activities, awards and recognition in class and school must be showcased here. References from teachers and those people for whom the teen volunteered must be added.
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Preparing for the interview
The job interview, more than anything else, seeks to judge the confidence levels of your teen. You can easily get guides to the most common questions asked during an interview. It is vital that you guide your teen to relax and take it calm during an interview. Teach them ways of expression that will show their personality, respect and commitment for the job. Most importantly, they should be honest while answering questions as interviewers have a lot more experience and can very easily if any incorrect information is given to them. Employers appreciate honesty a lot.
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Follow up
It is not all done with the interview! A follow up is required too!
