With the rush of school, sports, extracurriculars, etc., it can be difficult for students to find spare time. Some students tackle jobs as well, but others struggle to find one. Junior Gracie Burton is a JayC employee who had to go through the same process many students go through to acquire a job.
“Usually you can find job listings online or you can talk to the manager of the place you want to apply to,” Burton said.
Loft and Ann Taylor store manager Michaella Myers hires teenagers for part-time jobs. She described different factors that make it easier for a student to get a job.
“Teaching students how to search for jobs, fill out applications, and prepare for interviews can make the process less daunting and more efficient,” Myers said.
Having a job isn’t a crucial undertaking for some, but for Burton it is important.
“Having a job is important so I can earn money and buy my own things,” Burton said. “It overall just lets me be independent. Being a student with a job helps you learn life skills and save money for college.”
Myers and Burton share this opinion.
“Having a job builds confidence, teaches skill development, time management, financial independence, responsibility, accountability, networking skills, and overall work experience,” Myers said.
Some teenagers struggle to find jobs though.
“It can be hard to find a job sometimes because a lot of places don’t like to rely on teenagers as employees,” Burton said.
Myers also recognizes that some teenagers have a difficult time finding employment.
“Many employers seek candidates with prior work experience, which young people typically lack,” Myers said. “This becomes a barrier when competing for even entry-level positions.”
Having a job usually isn’t a student’s only after-school activity. This can make hiring and scheduling difficult when dealing with teenage employees.
“Kids have school, extracurricular activities, and homework, limiting the hours they can work,” Myers said. “Employers often look for candidates with more flexible schedules.”
Aside from busy schedules, some students just don’t fit the job description.
“Some jobs require specific skills or certifications that high school students may not have had the opportunity to develop yet,” Myers said.
Counteracting these adversities can be hard, but can assist students when seeking employment. Little things like finding the right time to apply can aid the applicant.
“In retail, we typically do additional hiring for the holiday season, as we have extended hours and more shifts to accommodate the demand of the business,” Myers said.
Just like employers look for many things in a candidate, students seeking jobs look for specific things in a job too. One of those things is a positive work environment.
“I think a positive work environment is made out of people being in a good mood and helping out,” Burton said.
As an employer, Myers looks for similar things in a positive work environment.
“An ideal work environment is one where employees are valued, motivated, and engaged,” Myers said. “It’s a place where employees feel comfortable and empowered to perform to the best of their abilities.”
