Are you eligible to work?
First time job seekers may need to present personal identification, such as a photo ID, to be eligible for employment. A Minnesota Identification (ID) Card, Drivers License or Work Pemit may be required.
ISEEK's New to America - Employment and Business page has many details to assist immigrants and refugees in finding work.
Teenagers should check Federal and State rules regarding young workers. Youth 2 Work shows government regulations and safety tips for teens. Also different states have different teen job laws.
Where should you begin?
- Be prepared.
Employers expect you to fill out an application when you inquire about a job opening. If you have this information written when you inquire about job openings, it makes completing the application easier. You’ll need:
- What days/hours you are available to work
- How you can be reached (phone, email address)
- References (can be neighbors or teachers) and their contact information
- Names and addresses of any previous employers (include unpaid or volunteer work)
- Dates of employment
- Resume (Include it with the application if you have one.)
- Prepare a resume
This shows a prospective employer that you are serious about finding a job.
First time job seekers have many skills and experiences worth mentioning in a resume. Any work, even unpaid work and hobbies, counts as experience. Taking the time to prepare a resume shows a prospective employer that you are serious about finding a job.
- List extracurricular activities and informal work experience.
- Emphasize the skills you learned and the challenges you overcame.
- Highlight the connection between what you have done and the transferable skills you learned, such as:
- customer service,
- verbal and written communication,
- teamwork,
- ability to persuade,
- sell,
- organize, and problem-solve.
- Indicate important“soft” skills such as being punctual and keeping commitments.
- Create a list of places to apply.
Use a variety of sources to search for full-time or part-time work, such as print and online advertisements, job banks, and career centers.
- Talk to others.
Many employers don’t advertise, (especially for part-time or seasonal jobs) so don’t limit your search to official listings.
- School counselors
- Teachers, coaches,
- Family and friends
- Apply in person.
Applying in person is often the best way of finding a job. Some businesses require you to apply onsite using their computer kiosk. Jobs may be available in:
- Fast food
- Retail
- Golf and tennis clubs
- Parks and recreation departments
- Hotels and resorts
- Prepare for the interview.
You can be interviewed on the spot. Employers
are looking for people with a good attitude and a positive work ethic.
- Do some research on the job you’ll be interviewing for.
- Identify the skills you possess that match the job description.
- Review common interview questions.
- Think of a few questions you could ask.
- Practice many times with a family member or friend.
- Take care to present yourself well.
Personal grooming and the way you dress can matter more than a smart interview answer. You don't need to be in a suit. Just make sure your hair and clothes are clean and neat. Things to avoid are:
- tight fitting and revealing clothes (no short skirts, low cut blouses or shirts)
- open-toe shoes or sandals (These can be considered a job hazard.)
- extreme hairstyles
- excessive makeup and perfume
- The Interview.
To impress the interviewers:
- Convey professional manners
- be polite, say please and thank you
- do not slump or chew gum
- Remember to turn off your cell phone.
- Show interest in the job and the company
- a willingness to learn
- self-confidence
- Follow Up.
This is probably the most important part of getting a job. Employers look for candidates who have the ability to follow up with customers.
- Send a thank you note.
- Wait about a week to make a follow up call.
- Make sure to speak with the employer (or leave a personal voice mail.) Don't rely on someone else to leave the right message for you.
- Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail (with a professional outgoing message) so potential employers can get in touch with you.
- Be persistent.
As a first time job seeker, you need to mentally prepare for someone to say “no”. Don’t be discouraged by a rejection. Remember to:
- Ask to be contacted if another opening occurs
- Leave a copy of your resume.
- Thank employer for their time.
- Think of your future goals.
Start thinking about a career that would allow you to achieve the lifestyle you seek while doing what you are really good at. If a career in education interests you, apply for work as a summer camp instructor or helping in a local elementary school classroom. The more career-related experience you accumulate, the stronger your resume will be. By gathering information on careers, you’ll be better prepared for your next move. Develop a plan to get qualified in a field, including further education/training needed and specific work experience. The sooner you start building the right skills and credentials, the stronger your resume will be to prospective employers in the future.
Source:
Minnesota
Department of Employment and Economic Development
Page last updated in July 2008.
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