The good news is that there is an immediate need for teenage part-time workers. There are industries that have suffered due to the pandemic. Many businesses are understaffed. Teens are the perfect demographic to fill many of these part-time roles. There are tons of easy jobs for teenagers out there in your community. Keep reading to learn what industries are booming and how to land the job.
What jobs opportunities are there for teenagers?
There are lots of easy jobs for teenagers. Most of these opportunities exist in your local community. Each job has pros and cons. The best thing to do is assess what best fits your personality and schedule.
Food Service Industry
Pros:
- Teenagers are in high demand in this industry.
- Little to no experience is required for many positions
- Shifts are usually short, ranging from 2-6 hours.
- Working in the service industry is a great opportunity to develop communication skills.
- Job responsibilities are usually easy and simple.
- Make extra money with tips!
Cons:
- May be stressful during busy times.
- Shifts may be late at night (ending as late as 10 or 11pm)
- Problematic coworkers and rude customers can make work more difficult.
Jobs in the Food Service Industry include:
- Host/hostess
- Busser
- Barista
- Cashier/server (i.e. smoothie shop, pizza shop, ice cream shop, etc.)
- Grocery store employee (i.e. bagger, stocker, etc.)
- Catering staff
- Food delivery driver
Recreation and Entertainment Industry
It is common for teenagers to look for seasonal jobs. If that’s you, a job in the Recreation and Entertainment Industry might be a great fit. Usually this means a summer job, which can be a fun and easy way to spend some time while out of school. People will always want to go out and do things, meaning there will always be job opportunities for teens in this industry.
Pros:
- It is a great opportunity to be part of your community.
- Hours are often short, even shorter than food service jobs.
- If you apply for a seasonal job, you may only work for about 3 months.
- There is a fun energy involved with this industry, usually involving kids and families.
Cons:
- Dealing with rude customers and unruly children can be stressful.
- You may need to get CPR certified or go through more extensive training.
- If you are looking for a longer-term job, you will have to be upfront about that so you aren’t out of a job in 3 months.
Jobs in the Recreation and Entertainment Industry:
- Lifeguard
- Movie theater attendant
- Fair worker
Childcare, Pet Care, and Education Industry
Teens rule the Childcare, Pet Care, and Education Industry. Do you have any neighbors with young kids or dogs? Ask them if they ever need a sitter! This industry is for you if you like working with kids or animals and want to work less hours than a traditional part-time job.
Pros:
- Make your own schedule.
- Working with kind and gracious families to work with makes the jobs very enjoyable.
- You get to work with kids and/or animals, if that’s something you like to do.
- There is often higher pay, as you control your rates. According to Sittercity, the average hourly rate for babysitters is $17.50!
Cons:
- Taking care of or tutoring children requires a lot of patience.
- Sometimes inconsistent hours.
Jobs in the Childcare and Education Industry:
- Babysitter
- Tutor
- Camp counselor
- Dog walker
Retail Industry
The retail industry has been hit hard in the past year or two. For that reason, it may be slightly more difficult to find a job in this industry. However, if you have interests in fashion or other areas of retail, you should look around in your area for stores that are still thriving or even newly opening. These roles are usually sales-based, and provide great career experience to build upon.
Pros:
- Job responsibilities are simple and easy.
- Shifts are shorter.
- You get to build sales and communication experience.
Cons:
- Many stores have closed due to the pandemic.
- May be boring if your store is slow.
Jobs in the Retail Industry:
- Sales associate
- Cashier
- Inventory/stockist
How to get the job?
- Make a resume. List your experience, academics, and extra curriculars. Most employers don’t expect teens to have much experience. They want to see that you are responsible and trustworthy. It is a great idea to use online resources to make a professional resume.
- Get your resume out there. The best way to apply for jobs is to simply show up to businesses that you want to work at. The more businesses you visit, the better. It is best to show up during slow hours. Slowest hours are usually between 2pm and 4pm, depending on the business. Print out several copies of your resume, dress nicely, and walk into the businesses with a good attitude. Ask if they are hiring and if they can give your resume to whoever is in charge of hiring (if it is not the person you are talking to).
- Use your connections. Think about who you, your family, or your friends might know that works at, manages, or owns a business in your area. Having someone refer you for a job is one of the best ways to land a new job.
- Follow up. If you don’t receive an answer from a hiring manager, it is a good idea to follow up with them. Don’t be afraid to call the businesses and ask if they have had a chance to review your resume.
Conclusion
There are plenty of easy and fun job for teenagers. In fact, certain industries are actively looking for teenagers to fill part-time roles. It is important to put school first, but making some money on the side is fun. Having a job as a teenager is a great way to build your skills, network, and gain experience to use for future jobs. Don’t be afraid to get out there with your resume and get to work!
Takeaways
- There are great jobs for teenagers in a variety of industries.
- Reflect on your interests and personality to find the best industries for you to job hunt in.
- Craft a professional resume, visit local businesses, and talk to your network to land the job.
Find more job options with our list of Easy High Paying Jobs.
