High school can be expensive! From homecoming and prom to yearbooks and sports, the expenses can add up quickly. If this sounds familiar, you may be thinking about getting your first job. It may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together five simple steps to help you land your first job and get on the path to financial success.
Find Open Positions
One of the hardest parts of getting your first job as a teen can be finding available openings. You may be overwhelmed about where to begin or be unsure of how to know if someone is hiring. To get started, you can:
- Check out the website or social media pages of local restaurants or shops. Many places advertise job openings on these platforms and even allow you to complete your application online.
- Keep an eye out at your favorite places. If you enjoy spending time or shopping somewhere, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy working there, as well. Next time you’re there, look for “help wanted” signs or ask someone else who’s working if they have any open positions. Bonus: If you land a job somewhere you love, you might even get an employee discount.
- Learn where you can Depending on your age, the types of places that are legally allowed to hire you could vary. Look up the regulations in your state and find out if you’ll need a work permit. If you can’t obtain the information online, your school counselor may be able to help you.
Give the Application Your Best Effort
Once you find places to apply, it’s time to fill out the application. You'll want to put your best foot forward, so make sure you:
- Take your time. Rushing through the application could lead to careless errors.
- Answer each question. If you turn in an incomplete application, you could hurt your chances of getting selected for an interview. Ask a parent or other trusted adult for help if you’re not sure how to answer a specific question.
- Have someone check your work. Before you submit the application, whether it’s on paper or online, ask someone else to review it. A fresh set of eyes may catch mistakes that you missed.
Communicate Professionally
If an employer sees your application and is interested in hiring you, they’ll need to contact you to schedule an interview. This could be via phone or email. Make sure you’re prepared to communicate professionally in either channel by:
- Checking your email and voicemail regularly. If you don’t reply to an interview request quickly enough, you could get passed over for the job.
- Answering your phone politely. This will be the first impression the employer gets when they reach out to interview you, so make it count. Don’t answer your phone in a rude or rushed manner or in loud settings where you can’t be heard clearly. Pro tip: Set up a professional voicemail message in case you’re not able to answer your phone when they call.
- Using complete sentences and correct grammar in conversations. If you communicate with your potential employer in writing, via email or text, don’t speak too casually to them. Avoid abbreviations and slang.
Ace Your Interview
Take time to prepare before you head to an interview. You should:
- Ask a parent or trusted adult to do a mock interview with you. This will let you practice answers to common questions and work on eliminating filler words like “um” or “like” when you speak.
- Choose your outfit in advance. Give yourself time to wash and/or iron anything you need to wear that day. Choose clothes that are in good, clean condition.
- Practice making eye contact. It can be nerve-wracking going into an interview. Rehearse how you’ll introduce yourself, your handshake (if appropriate), and maintaining eye contact.
Set up a Bank Account
Once you land a job, you’ll need a safe place to keep your earnings. Consider the following when choosing a bank account:
- What fees are there? Some places charge fees just to keep your account open, others charge fees if you use an ATM they don’t own, and others still charge fees if you don’t keep a minimum amount in the account. Do your research and choose an account that’s designed to work for you rather than constantly charging fees.
- How long can I keep the account? Some places offer free accounts for youth, but then start to charge you a fee when you turn 18 or once you graduate from school. Choose somewhere that makes sense both now and in the future, like PSECU. Our members can keep their accounts open for life, and there are no hidden fees.
- How can I access my money? Find out how you can deposit money into an account – does your employer prefer direct deposit? Can you use mobile deposit on your phone? Are there ATMs nearby that don’t charge a fee? All of this is important to consider to make sure you can easily access your money.
Pay Yourself First with PSECU
When you get your first paycheck, you may want to spend it all on new clothes or going out with friends. But, make sure you pay yourself first. You worked hard for your money, and it’s important to set some aside. Keep some money from each paycheck in a savings account that you can use in the future – maybe it’ll help you buy your first car or pay for college expenses.
To learn more about how you can open an account that helps you meet your goals now and for years to come (without the hidden fees), visit psecu.com/youth.
