For some, the job search process is an excitement-filled marvel: your application spreadsheet is in full swing, with your resume and cover letter on deck.
For others, it’s a deeply exhausting process – one you find overwhelming and hard to unwrap.
Luckily, it’s spring, which means it’s time to search for some of the best jobs for teens: internships, co-op, part-time (and maybe full-time) positions, plus volunteer and job opportunities. research.
Of course, you may have a slew of connections that you plan to reach out to (and for that, we say kudos, because networking is key). Job hunting can be made easier, however, with a free job board like ZipRecruiter.
ZipRecruiter has hundreds of jobs posted in your area, divided by the type of position you’re looking for in high school, college, and beyond. In addition, you can apply directly from its site, by uploading your CV, cover letter and other application materials online.
Not to mention that employers can also benefit from ZipRecruiter. It is a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone type platform, connecting candidates to companies and vice versa.
Along with using a job search site like ZipRecruiter, we consulted with Shannon Conklin, Director of Career Development and Leadership at the College of New Jersey (TCNJ), who has over 15 years of experience in providing undergraduate students with the tools and resources they need. to succeed.
Ahead, check out the top tips if you’re a teen looking for a job (or know of one). These expert-approved strategies will help you stand out from the pack, for sure.
Define your goals
Before applying to the tens of thousands of open positions that might pique your interest, start by taking a personal inventory of what you want to learn during this summer experience.
“What kind of experience do you want to gain? What type of experience do you need to gain? What do you want to understand by the end of the summer? Conklin told the New York Post, explaining the important questions to ask yourself.
For example, if you’re interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields and eventually want to pursue a college degree in a related discipline, “look into your prospective college’s curriculum to see what kind of courses you can take.” track and identify an opportunity this summer that can help,” she adds.
Tap your network
You’ve probably heard it before: network, network, network. This holds true as job search advice, especially if you’re aiming to land a top-tier company.
“Trace your network, among friends and family, classmates and peers, teachers, counselors or counsellors, former supervisors or members of community organizations,” Conklin said. “Spend thirty minutes focusing on creating a list of these people and writing down where they work or what organizations they may belong to that can help you achieve your goal.”
Pro tip: browse the resume of someone you find inspiring. If you think you would like a similar role, you can search for it on ZipRecruiter.
Stay organized
As you apply for different opportunities, keep track of when you applied, where you applied, who you sent your application to, and if there is an application closing date and deadlines, per Conklin.
“Use an Excel or Google spreadsheet where you can add all this information,” she adds. “Or, you can set tasks or reminders on a calendar. Unless a job opportunity specifically lists a timeline on their hiring timeline, you can contact within two weeks to understand next steps and confirm if [and] when you are offered an interview for a role.
Be open to volunteer opportunities
Ultimately, “an experience is an experience,” notes Conklin. Be open to any opportunity likely to enrich your expertise in a given field.
“If a student needs to gain experience relevant to their goals, the most important consideration is how to develop their skills, competencies, and focus as part of their overall career development,” he adds. -she. “A volunteer position can be just as rewarding as a formal internship.”
Treat your resume like a story you want to tell
“Key things to highlight on their resume include contact information, education and/or honors or recognition, relevant experience and skills, and extracurricular activities,” Conklin said. “If they omit this information, they risk standing out for the wrong reasons.”
The golden question: how do you stand out as a candidate? Conklin recommends doing your research and adding keywords to your resume that match the opportunity you’re applying for.
For this, be sure to reference your job posting, as posted on ZipRecruiter, to extract unique words and phrases from the hiring post.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
