Finally—your parents have agreed to let you work this summer. You have big plans for your first paycheck, but aren’t sure how to contact an employer. With a plan of action, some preparation, and determination, you can snag your first job.

The Hunt
First, find out what companies or organizations are hiring teens. Check newspaper want ads, job fairs, and bulletin boards in grocery stores. National chains like Best Buy have on-line applications. Check out www.snagajob.com. Your friends may have a lead. Some teens have great luck applying at businesses displaying “Help Wanted” signs.

Your next step will be to pick up and fill out applications. Experts suggest you fill out several a day, until you are hired. Filling out an application may seem difficult, but if you’re prepared, the process will be easier.

Bring a copy of your Social Security Card and an index card with names, addresses, and phone numbers of three or four adults (teachers, pastor, family friends) who will give good references. Note your volunteer work, leadership roles, and community service activities.

When filling out the application, print or write so your future boss can read it. Most employers will throw away applications they can’t read or those with misspelled words. Some job hunters take paperwork home to fill out. To beat the competition, bring an erasable pen with you to fill in the form neatly. Turn it in fifteen to thirty minutes after picking it up for a better chance of being hired.

Applications often want job history. If you’ve never had a paid position before, list jobs like baby sitting, yard work, volunteer work with church, school, 4-H, or Scouts.

How will you dress to pick up an application and during your interview? Experts say you should dress like the employees. If you’re not sure about the company dress code, guys can wear nice jeans or slacks with a clean, pressed shirt. Girls can wear nice slacks or skirt with a tasteful blouse. Girls shouldn’t wear too much makeup and all job applicants should skip cologne or perfume.

Become familiar with the employer by checking the company website through a
search engine like www.google.com. Google will also display articles from newspapers, magazines and other sources. Read stories from the daily newspaper archives website. Call the Better Business Bureau or check out www.bbb.com. Your parents may be able to tell you about your perspective employer. Discussing the company's history will impress the interviewer. Practice interviewing with a parent, friend, or teacher. Be rested before your appointment.

The Interview
For a great interview, try these hints. Be prompt. Shake hands firmly with the interviewer. Sit if he or she offers. Answer questions clearly and loudly enough to be heard. This is the time to show off good posture. You may have the jitters, but try to project a positive, optimistic attitude. Look your interviewer in the eye, pay attention, and don’t interrupt.

Interviewers may ask these questions:
* Why are you interested in this job? Your answer might include, “To get job experience” or “I’ve heard this is a great place to work.” Don’t mention salary until you’re hired.
* Why should we hire you? You can say, “Because I’m reliable and dependable. I don’t mind working hard.”
* Describe your previous work experience. Tell about your job history. If this is your first job, describe volunteer work.
* What are your strengths and weaknesses? Be positive with your weaknesses. For example, “I become irritated if employees are late or don’t focus on being team players.” List your strengths. This isn’t the time to be shy or modest.

Be sure to ask questions including those you may have about the job description and starting date. This is the time to mention previous commitments such as your family’s vacation.

At the end of the interview, ask how you stack up with other applicants. Ask the interviewer for the job and find out when you might hear his final decision. Send a thank you note and make a follow-up phone call when the final decision is to be made.
With preparation, practice, and ready attitude, you will successfully snag your first job.

Tips to Keep Your New Job
* Arrive on time when you are scheduled to work.
* Come to work in clean, pressed clothes with combed hair and clean nails.
* Treat customers, fellow employees, and your employer in a professional, courteous manner.
* If the boss asks you do extra work, do it with a song in your heart and a smile on your face. Cooperative employees often receive raises and more working hours.

When and Where Teens Can Work—Information for Parents and Teens
The State of Oklahoma has passed work laws to protect teen workers. The law says that fourteen is the minimum age for work. Fourteen- and 15-year-olds are required to get a work permit from school before they begin working.

Between June 1 to Labor Day, 14- and 15-year-olds may work eight hours on a non-school day, 40 hours in a non-school week between 7am and 9pm.

Teen workers are entitled to thirty-minute break periods for every five hours worked and one hour for every eight hours worked.

Working Teens Have the Right To:
* A safe work environment
* Refuse dangerous work and to file a complaint if your job is unsafe
* Safety clothing, equipment, and training
* Payment for your work
* Medical care if you get injured or sick because of your job
* Work without racial or sexual harassment
For more information:
* Check out www.ok.gov; click on “Business and Employment,” then search “Teen Workers” for the “Oklahoma Safety Pamphlet”
* www.youthrules.dol.gov

Gilda V. Bryant, mother of teens, has written for Metro Parent Magazine, Ann Arbor Magazine, Boys’ Life, and Young Rider.