Summer is less than 10 weeks away! Does your teen have a job yet?
By Kathleen A. Matchunis, B.A., M.S., Certified Professional Coach
Summer is really just around the corner and you may be wondering if your teen should get a job. The time for teens to start job hunting is now! College students finish their classes in May and if your teens have not put in an application or interviewed yet, they need to do so as soon as possible. In my coaching practice, I see teens may drag their feet on getting a job due to many reasons such as:
- Lack of confidence
- Anxiety
- Lack of knowing where to begin
- Lack of support or expectations by the parent
How can we help our teens get ready for job hunting? We need to build their confidence and lower their anxiety level. We need to give them some streamlined steps to follow. Having positive support and expectations can be very encouraging for them.
Parents, follow these simple steps to increase your teen’s chances of finding a summer job:
- Recognize your teen’s strengths. When you catch your teens being punctual, diplomatic, thorough, or honest, mention those strengths to them and let them know that these strengths can distinguish them in the job market.
- To reduce anxiety and build confidence, practice interviewing your child for different positions. If you don’t feel that you can do this, have a friend or coach practice with your child. Make sure that your teens’ social media represents a positive image and won’t embarrass them. If they can highlight any cause or community service which they support, they will stand out.
- Not knowing where to begin can be a show-stopper for some teens. First of all, work with them on a resume, whether the job needs one or not. If they have not worked before, they can list where they go to school, clubs and community service besides their talents. Just having a resume will make a teen feel more grown-up.
- If your teens need to drop off an application or go to an interview, please have a transportation plan, which enables them to arrive on time, relaxed, and confident.
Parental support is essential for your teens when they are attempting something new such as applying for a job. If your efforts do not result in a job, consider volunteer positions which can lead to jobs later on. Have them volunteer throughout the summer to build some experience. Soup kitchens and Boys and Girls Clubs are great volunteer opportunities. Volunteering will ensure that your teens are not playing video games all summer and will help build their resume for the future.
If you would like more ideas on getting your teen ready for the workplace and practice interviewing, contact experienced educator and coach, Kathy Matchunis at 954 294 9708. Take a look at my website for lots of free information: www.connectinginc.net or my FB page at www.facebook.com/connectinginc.