Kids Getting First Job Programs

Kids Getting First Job Programs (Compilation, some from pubyac) General tips from librarians:      Make sure families understand this is a how-to get a job program, not a job fair with employers present Invite people from businesses (like Gap, movie theaters, grocery stores, restaurants, to talk about what they look for in employees. Get sample applications from local employers and let kids practice filling them out so questions can be addressed in the group. Ask HR (Human Resources) person to speak about legal aspects of interviewing, minimum wages If you have people in the audience you are too young to work, suggest they get volunteer experience. (Good opportunity to recruit them for library.) Issues for teens to consider:         Should I volunteer, get an internship or get a paying job? Why do I want to work? What types of jobs are available to someone my age? What hours can I work? What times can I work (morning/afternoon/evening) (summer only/during school year)? Are there other activities which may interfere with my work schedule, such as sports, music lessons, taking care of younger sibling? How will I get to and from my job? What types of activities do I like to do? What types of activities am I good at? Parental involvement & concerns: Invite parents to join the program so that discussion of expectations parents may have can be included, or advise young people to talk over issues with parents, such as:   Rules about balancing work, school, family, e.g.: Working during the school year as long as certain GPA is maintained, what work hours in the day or weekend can be scheduled? Expectations that some of the money earned gets put into savings or is designated for clothing, car expenses, etc. If the student gets an allowance from their parents, will they lose it if they start working? Parents may be able to make some good suggestions of family friends or business associates who know the student well enough to act as a character reference. How many hours per week will the job require? If in a restaurant, is alcohol served? Other issues of suitability of the work site. Will the teen be alone in a shop? Opening or closing a shop? Is the schedule fixed, or variable? Ask parents to tell of their first job experiences, if it seems to fit the program to spark discussion. Will transportation be needed to get to the job and how will that be provided?        Resumes:    Present samples of good resumes (create one or get one from older teen, with permission) Tips - http://www.bygpub.com/books/tg2rw/resumes.htm More resume tips - http://www.gotajob.com/content/tenresumetips.asp Preparing for job interview   Interview tips - http://www.groovejob.com/resources/getting-your-first-part-time-job/ Get friend or someone in community who hires teens to do mock interview with you to show good interview skills and bad ones. Example: One adult plays the ―bad‖ applicant - wears an inappropriate hat or clothing, slouches, waves to ―friends‖ in the audience, chews gum loudly, has sullen attitude, wears headphones, etc. Get some volunteers from teens to do a brief interview with the adult in front of everyone, and comment on it for the group. Point out positives: ―Her babysitting experience shows me that she is responsible; Even though he doesn’t have experience, I like how outgoing and friendly he was.‖ Ask, ―Do you think you’d want someone like him waiting on you?‖ Talk in general about filling out applications and what employers look for in an applicant. Paperwork and other legalities     Where you can work, how long, etc.: http://www.groovejob.com/resources/teen-jobs-legal/ Sample job applications - http://www.skokie.lib.il.us/s_teems/tn_jobs#appliations In New York State, an Employment Certificate is issued to minors under age 18 (mandated) by local school In NYS, an Age Certificate may be issued to minors 18 and over by school Job safety issues:  An awareness the young job seekers may not have is their own job satisfaction & job safety. Just received a poster from these folks & their information could be helpful in the workshop: http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~safejobs/teens/index.html Job etiquette       Be on time. Dress neatly and appropriately. Be polite to and considerate of co-workers and customers Do not have friends stop by work. Do not talk on cell phone while at work. Act like you really would like to do the job offered. FAQs about jobs  http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~safejobs/faq/index.html Types of jobs   Creative job ideas - http://www.groovejob.com/resources/creative-ideas-for-teen-jobs/ Should I go into business for myself? See http://www.quintcareers.com/jobs_for_teens.html   How to find a job – http://www.quintcareers.com/finding_Summer_jobs.html Where are the summer jobs? – http://www.skokie.lib.il.us/s_teems/tn_jobs#where Money issues      Paychecks and what to do with them Opening checking and savings accounts (Savings calculator: http://www.asec.org/ycalcs.htm) Where to cash the paycheck Money management issues—setting up budget to save, goals for money FICA withholding, other fees kept from pay Questions to ask the employer at the interview   What hours will you work? Do you need a uniform? Will the employer provide it or do you have to buy it? Questions to ask employer when they offer the job   Will you be fed, if you’re at work over certain period of time? Do you get a break? How long? When is payday? Is there place to keep food cool, if you can eat while on the job?                Suggested Books: How to get a Job if You’re a Teenager- Cindy Pervola I’ll Work for Free: a short-term strategy with long-term payoff- Bob Weinstein What Do You Stand For? A Kid’s Guide to Character Building- Barbara A. Lewis 10 Things Employers Want you to Learn in College- Bill Coplin Using College (and Even High School) to Get the Skills Employers Want-Bill Coplin What Do You Really Want? A Guide for Teens: How to Set a Goal and Go For It- Beverly K. Bachel Working Days: Stories about Teenagers & Work- Ann Mazer Resume Writing Made Easy- Lola M. Coxford The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens- Sean Covey & workbook Life Lists for Teens- Pamela Espeland High School: The Real Deal, From GPA’s to Graduation- Juliana Farrell The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects- Barbara Lewis Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cool Jobs for Teens – Susan Ireland Also mentioned: Life Strategies for Teens- Jay McGraw Websites: Work Interest Quiz & Personality Test http://www.myfuture.com/ This is a 50- card deck with motivational/inspirational lessons. Getting Your First Job as a Teen http://www.gotajob.com/content/tenresumetips.asp The Career Institutes Game http://career.missouri.edu/holland/ YouthRules! http://www.youthrules.dol.gov/ Junior Jobs http://juniorjobs.com/ Working Teens- info about minimum wage, safety & labor laws http://www2.dol.gov/dol/public/youth/index.htm Internships- Extraordinary Experiences- Seasonal Jobs- Volunteer Vacations- Work Abroad http://www.backdoorjobs.com/ Job for Teen/ Internships http://www.afterschool.gov/tncareer.html NYS Labor Department (―Jobseeking Advice for Teenager‖ handout you may request) http://www.labor.state.ny.us/working_ny/finding_a_job/career/joboform.htm Articles online: ―Are You Ready for Your Interview‖ http://www.northwestern.edu/careers/a-ucs-home/hot-topics/Article02.htm ―Using College (and Even High School) to Get the Skills Employers Want‖ http://news1.securesites.net/resources/skills.php