So you want to find a job? Maybe you’re tired of begging your folks for money or perhaps you’re saving up for a car or college. Here are steps to finding your first or next job.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Information.
You’ll need your social security card (not just your number) and a driver’s license or photo identification. If you are 16, you do not need a work permit. (> DOL)
Step 2: Put Together a Resume.
Most teen job openings do not require a resume — and most other teen job-seekers won’t even have a resume. So why prepare a resume if one is not needed? Job-hunting is all about perceptions and standing out from the crowd — and presenting a nicely formatted resume to prospective employers can give your application an edge. 

Step 3: Plan Your Wardrobe.
Time to ditch the trendy clothing and find a few nice, conservative outfits you can wear when applying and interviewing for jobs. Making a good first impression with a hiring manager is essential to getting a job. Review the professional appearance ONWARD lesson for tips.
Step 4: Develop a Job-Search Strategy.
Conduct a little research to help you determine the best type of jobs for you. Typical teen jobs can be found working at 

• fast food joints 
• grocery stores
• retailers 
• childcare facilities 
• community programs and camps 
• resorts and hotels 
• business offices 

You can also try to find a job related to a career interest, such as working in a veterinary hospital if you have a passion for helping animals. 
Step 5: Practice Your Pitch.
One of the keys to success for any job-seeker is being able to clearly articulate why you are the best candidate for a job. And for teens, you need to be able to say why you are not only the best teen for the job, but also why you are better than others who may be applying for the position (such as college students and retirees). 

Watch a video here about How to Get a Summer Job.

Step 6: Apply and Interview for Jobs.
Now it’s time to visit all the places where you would like to work. ** A new trend is that companies require to you complete an ONLINE application. Do this before you visit, then go in person to introduce yourself to a manager.**

• Start early each day bringing along all your materials (resume, ID) and apply to as many places as you like. 
• Keep track of who you visit and the names of any managers you talk to. 
• Always wear appropriate clothing when applying for jobs.  You never know when the manager might be there and want to interview you on the spot!
• Always be polite, including using “please” and “thank you.” 
• Consider removing excess piercings and jewelry for the best first impression.

Step 7: Be Prepared for Competition — and Rejection.
You may face a lot of competition — and not just from other teens. College students and retired folks returning to the workforce have taken many jobs that traditionally went to teens. Start your job-search with an open mind — all the while knowing that you’ll get a high percentage of rejections. 

Step 8: Complete Follow-Up.
Once you’ve applied for a job, keep following up on the status of your application. Keep track of who you give a complete an application for and follow up with a phone call 3 days later. Ask to speak with a manager. Be professional and ask  if they have all the information they need to make a decision about your application. 

RECOMMENDED: Send a thank-you note after each job interview. The thank-you itself won’t get you the job... but it may be just enough to push your application to the top of the pile.