How to Find After School Jobs for Teens

Having an after-school job is a good way for teens to develop good work habits, learn responsibility, and make some extra money. On the other hand, an after-school job can interfere with school work and create stress if your teen's schedule becomes overloaded. Once you have an understanding about your concerns and expectations, use the tips below to help your teen find an after-school job.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Investigate job possibilities that match your teen's interests and personality. If she has particular career interests, look for jobs that involve those interests. If she has a particular talent or skill, think of ways in which it could lead to a job. For instance, if she loves science or math, she could do after-school tutoring.

2. Have a discussion with your teen about the responsibilities required by different jobs. For example, if he works the last shift of the day he might be required to handle the closing duties. Help your teen decide what he might feel uncomfortable doing and eliminate those job possibilities.

3. Help your teen with the process of filling out a job application and putting together a resume. Guide him in choosing appropriate character references, and emphasize the necessity of writing detailed descriptions of job-related experiences.

4. Scan the Help Wanted ads of your local newspaper. Many employers advertise when they need part-time help, and some even mention that the job might be a good fit for a teen looking for after-school work. Check with the local employment office to see if it has information about employment opportunities for teens.

5. Consider some of the most obvious choices for after-school jobs for your teen. Babysitting, lifeguarding, a newspaper route, mowing lawns and yard work are good money-making opportunities for teens. Advertise your teen's availability for these type jobs with an ad in the newspaper. Also post notices with the same information in appropriate places in your neighborhood.

Tips & Warnings

• Research the child labor laws for your state. There are laws concerning age requirements, how late teens may work on school nights, and the maximum number of hours per week they are permitted to work.
• Don't let your teen be the victim of an employer who abuses child labor laws. This is a common practice in some places. If you have concerns, be sure to contact the employer.