For some, the job-hunting process is an excitement-filled wonder: your application spreadsheet is in full swing, with your resume and cover letter on deck.
For others, it’s a deeply draining process — a process you find overwhelming and difficult to unpack.
Luckily, we’re in spring, which means it’s prime time to hunt for some of the best jobs for teens: internships, co-ops, part-time positions (and perhaps full-time), plus volunteer and research opportunities.
Sure, you may have a wealth of connections you’re planning to reach out to (and for that, we say kudos, because networking is key). The job search can be made easier, though, with a free job posting site like ZipRecruiter.
ZipRecruiter has hundreds of jobs posted in your area, divided by the type of position you’re seeking in high school, college and beyond. Plus, you can apply directly from its site, uploading your resume, cover letter and other elements of the application online.
Not to mention, employers can benefit from ZipRecruiter, too. It’s a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone type of platform, connecting candidates to companies and vice versa.
In tandem with using a job-searching site like ZipRecruiter, we consulted Shannon Conklin, director of Career and Leadership Development at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), who has more than 15 years of experience peppering undergraduates with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Ahead, find the top tips if you’re a teen looking for a job (or, if you know 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 may pique your interest, begin by doing a personal inventory of what you want to learn during this summer experience.
“What type 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 important questions to ask yourself.
For example, if you’re interested in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields and eventually want to pursue a college degree within a related major, “review your prospective college’s programs to see what type of courses you may take and identify an opportunity this summer which can help,” she adds.
Tap your network
You’ve certainly heard it before: network, network, network. This holds true as a top job-hunting tip, especially if you’re aiming to land at a top company.
“Trace your network, from friends and family, classmates and peers, teachers, counselors or advisors, former supervisors or community organization members,” Conklin said. “Dedicate thirty minutes to focus on creating a list of these individuals, and note where they work or what organizations they may be a part of that can help you accomplish your goal.”
Pro tip: browse someone’s resume who you think is inspiring. If you think you’d 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/when there is a date on application closures and deadlines, per Conklin.
“Utilize an Excel or Google spreadsheet where you can add all of this information,” she adds. “Or, you could set tasks or reminders on a calendar. Unless a job opportunity specifically states a timeline on their hiring timeline, you could reach out within two weeks to understand the next steps and confirm if [and] when you would be offered an interview for a role.”
Be open to volunteer opportunities
At the end of the day, “an experience is an experience,” Conklin notes. Be open-minded to any opportunity that may enrich your expertise in a given field.
“If a student needs to gain experience that is relevant to their goals, the most important consideration is how to accomplish building their skills, competencies and direction as part of their overall career development,” she adds. “A volunteer position can be just as rewarding as a formal internship.”
Treat your resume like a story you want to tell
“Key elements to highlight on their resume include contact information, their education and/or honors or recognition, relevant experience and skills and extracurricular activities,” Conklin said. “If they omit this information, they may 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 align with the opportunity you’re applying to.
For this, make sure to reference your job posting, as published on ZipRecruiter, to pull some unique words and phrases from the for-hire post.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.