Stand out and you’ll get ahead
DON’T FRET IF YOU’RE NOT EXPERIENCED, THERE ARE OTHER WAYS FOR TEENS TO GET WORK
Teenagers applying for their first job can still stand out to employers in this pandemic environment, say careers experts. There are roles still up for grabs for applicants without any work experience to list on their resume and who are also facing competition from older workers made redundant this year.
Employers favour initiative, rather than grades, so teens should list involvement in co- curricular activities, enthusiasm for the job and company plus demonstrate a willingness to learn.
However, they also need to do the basics that are applicable for any jobseeker, such as correct spelling on a resume, researching potential employers and arriving well- presented for job interviews.
Blackfriars Priory School learning engagement and pathways co- ordinator Carl Todman says inexperienced jobseekers can show they are reliable and organised by listing on their resume their involvement in co- curricular school or community activities, such as sport or debating.
“Participation in co- curricular shows the student values a sense of community and has experience of being a team member supporting others and working together to achieve common goals — whether that is winning a game or providing excellent service to customers in a work environment,” he says.
“It generally demonstrates employability skills and helps students develop important social skills required in the workplace. For example, students involved in debating should emphasise their ability to speak confidently and in an engaging manner.”
Teenagers should try to list specific examples from their activities, he says. “For example, students involved in pedal prix or musical bands could emphasise their ability to perform a specific role within a team or dedication to practise,” he says. “Students involved in STEM ( science, technology, engineering and maths) can demonstrate an ability to work as a team to solve complex problems. Having a positive attitude can be demonstrated by explaining examples of resilience – bouncing back after a failure, learning from that and getting better as a person.”
Grades should be omitted, but listing subjects may be useful.
“They should include subjects they are currently studying and the subjects they enjoy — and include how they like to learn and their strengths at school/ areas they excel in,” Todman says. “They should include awards they have won and any competitions they have participated in.”
Simply requesting work experience or being willing to do a trial shows enthusiasm.
Jobseekers also should be prepared to learn and take direction, for the level of pay on offer, and to work their way up and not start at the top. Common entry- level jobs teenagers can start over summer and continue after school include shelf fillers, fast food workers, kitchenhands, sales assistants and waiters.
Workplace expert Michelle Gibbings particularly recommends working as a sales assistant or waiter, as young people can gain transferable skills that will help them get their next job.
“For example in retail sales, they learn customer service, relationship management and sales skills,” she says. “In
waitressing, they learn how to deal with difficult customers, how to manage multiple requests, and how to balance their energy.”
Year 10 student Nico Cacayorin is looking for a part- time job and is “open to all sorts of work”.
“I’ve been advised to include any sorts of co- curricular or community involvement I’ve had, and to be really specific about the transferable skills these activities have given me,” the 16- year- old says. “For me, these activities include sports, music ensembles and school leadership opportunities I have taken on. It has been important to me to include some of the personal qualities I have that would make me a valuable employee. For example, I am quite self- motivated and always striving to improve myself and do better.”