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Finding Your First Job

Finding your first job can sometimes be a challenge. Businesses want experience and you need a job to get experience. Hopefully, the steps below will help you understand the process and give you a few tips on how to secure your first job.

1. Plan your search

Networking — Networking is simply talking to people you know – parents, relatives, teachers, coaches – about your desires to work. Show enthusiasm and share what types of skills you have or what type of work you want.

Research Employers — Research companies you’d like to work for. Local Chambers are usually a great starting point, as are trade associations.

Search for jobs — Use our easy-to-use Career Depot to search for jobs exclusively for 14-18 year olds.

2. The Hiring Process

Applications — Get the interview by making sure your application or resume is as good as it can be.

Resumes — First jobs usually don’t ask for resumes or cover letters, but here are a few links to help you when you do need those tools.

Cover Letters

Interviewing — This is your chance to sell your skills and abilities.

Follow up —  Don’t forget to follow-up with whomever you had the interview.

3. On-the-job Expectations

You got a job. Now what?! Learn what is expected at your first job.