How to Search for Jobs as a Young Person
In our mini blog series – the Hired Youth Job Guide – we at Hired want to help you as you prepare for a future job. This blog post shares some websites to use for job searching. We also have a few ideas for jobs to explore as a newer job seeker.
Applying for job can be really overwhelming! Especially as a young person, it can be really challenging to try and search without help. Many young people find themselves caught in a loop. Oftentimes, our staff work often participants like you who want experience, but need an opportunity in order to get the experience you need.
We are here to help
Here are some ideas from our staff for those looking for new opportunities.
Online
There are tons of job-searching engines out there such as Indeed, Snagajob, MN Council of Nonprofits, and Idealist. CareerForce also has a detailed job search platform.
Big tip: Use these job searching engines as a springboard for researching different jobs that are available, and where to apply.
Many job posting websites will have an inquiry form to fill out on that website. We advise you to go directly to the company’s website and apply there. This makes it easier for the employer to track your application and it will make it easier for you to follow up with the company.
Job Fairs
Check out job fairs and posters at school, libraries, and community resource fairs.
Especially as spring and summer arrive, seasonal employment opportunities accessible to youth will open up.
Walking around the neighborhood
Local businesses around your neighborhood may be looking for employees to help keep up with spring and summer traffic.
Big tip: If you're feeling brave, you could even talk to the managers/owners of the businesses to introduce yourself and ask for an application in-person. Even if they ask you to apply online, they will be able to connect your name to a face when they review your application.
Community Centers/Parks and Recreation Departments
These organizations are looking for workers to fill open roles at parks, golf courses, grounds-keeping, leisure spaces, and so much more.
In early spring, our Corridors to Career youth program spring cohort took a field trip to tour Ramsey Parks and Recreation in Maplewood. Youth participants got a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities and learn about available summer jobs. Learn more about our youth programs and how to enroll today.
Don’t be too picky when you are first choosing potential jobs. Some jobs may open doors for future roles. It’s all about building your experiences for the future you!
Need some job ideas? Here are some to think about:
Some back-of-the-house roles don’t require much experience, including:
Grocery bagger/item stocker
Dishwasher
Janitorial staff
Some front-of-the-house roles that may require more preparation and skills include:
Cashier
Host
Server
Store associate
Some causal work experiences that involve getting out into the community (such as knocking on doors or putting up posters/social media posts) in your community:
Pet sitting/dog walker
Lawn mowing
Snow shoveling
Weeding
Babysitting/Nannying
Our Hired youth counselors want to partner with you, and know your goals and experiences.
Our team wants to help you succeed in school, work, or wherever else you want to go!
We are here for community members like you.
Contact us today for more information.