Welcome to the workforce! Searching for your first job can seem like a difficult task especially when you are in your teens. Finding a good job can be hard to begin with, so when you factor in the fact that you may have no experience, you have never written a resume, and you have never been interviewed, the whole process can appear to be a bit overwhelming.

Preparation is vital when you are about to start searching for that first job. The first thing you need to do is work out what sort of employment you are looking for, full time, part-time or casual?

The next thing you need to do is to create your resume. Many first time job seekers don’t believe they need a resume, but they are wrong! Even if you have never been employed before, a resume will show your prospective employer that you have put some effort in to create a resume. You can put in your details, strengths, hobbies and anything you think will give your employer an idea of who you are and what you have achieved.

When going to an interview, it is very important to look presentable. This does mean you need to wear a suit or high heels. Just remember to always be well groomed, well dressed and smile!

Using websites like teenjobs.com.au is not the only way you can find a job. You can also make a shortlist of places you would like to work, and even if they don’t have an advertisement or sign asking for help, you can just walk in, ask to speak to the manager and hand them your resume. This can show the manager that you are interested in the business and keen to work with the team.

If you are told that the business is not currently looking for new staff, you can just respond by saying “Thanks for your time, I will leave you a copy of my resume. If you need anybody in the future please give me a call’. This will show the manager that you are serious about being employed. Alternatively, if you were to just roll your eyes, and walk out of the business it would not help your chances of getting that job! Employers look for certain qualities when hiring new staff so you always need to keep your head up, maintain eye contact and be confident!

Once you have successfully applied for a job, don’t forget one of the most important things, the follow up phone call. To show your willingness to get the job, wait approximately a week after applying for a job before you call. Calling your prospective employer can make a difference between getting the job and getting lost in the hundreds of other applications.