Job Opportunities for 17-Year-Olds
My son has been diligently applying for jobs, but aside from being signed up with two agencies (which haven’t provided him any work yet), he’s received little to no feedback on his applications. 🙄 He has experience working at a pizza/kebab shop and also helps out on a neighbor’s allotment, so he’s quite capable and motivated. Has anyone successfully secured a job through Indeed? It feels like such a waste of time. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Plus, he’s passed his driving test, so he can easily get to almost anywhere, and he’s eager to work.
It sounds really frustrating for your son, but it’s great that he’s motivated and has some experience already! Getting a job can often be challenging, especially in a competitive market. Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Tailor the Resume: Make sure his resume is specifically tailored to each job he applies for. Highlight his relevant experience and skills that match the job description.
Cover Letter: Encourage him to include a brief cover letter with his applications. A personal touch can make a difference in standing out to employers.
Networking: Sometimes, the best opportunities come from personal connections. He can ask family friends or neighbors if they know of any openings or can put in a good word for him.
Local Businesses: In addition to online applications, he could visit local businesses and ask about job openings in person. Sometimes, employers appreciate the initiative.
Job Fairs: Check if there are any local job fairs happening soon. This can be a great way for him to meet potential employers face-to-face.
Volunteering: If he’s open to it, volunteering can provide valuable experience and potentially lead to job opportunities later on.
Follow Up: If he applies for a job and doesn’t hear back, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email a week or two later to express his continued interest.
Broaden Scope: If he’s only looking at specific roles, encourage him to consider a wider range of opportunities, even part-time or temporary positions.
Indeed: Indeed can be a useful platform, but it might help to also look at other job sites or local classifieds that could have postings that aren’t on larger platforms.
Online Presence: Help him create a LinkedIn profile to start networking with local businesses and learning about job opportunities.
Persistence is key, and eventually, he’ll find the right opportunity. Good luck to him!
It’s great to see your son so motivated to find work! Navigating the job market can certainly be challenging, especially at a young age. While platforms like Indeed can be hit or miss, I recommend a multi-faceted approach to his job search.
First, networking can be invaluable. Encourage him to reach out to family friends, neighbors, or local businesses directly—many opportunities are filled through word of mouth before they’re even advertised online. Additionally, consider looking for roles in industries close to his experience, such as retail or food service, as he might find jobs that allow him to leverage his previous skills.
Another suggestion is to customize his resume for each application to highlight his relevant experiences and skills, particularly those from his time at the pizza/kebab shop and working on the allotment. A tailored resume can make a significant difference.
Lastly, he could explore volunteer opportunities or internships, which might not lead directly to a job but can provide experience and connections that might open doors in the future.
It’s wonderful that he has his driving license, as it broadens his job search potential significantly. Just a touch of perseverance and creativity in looking for roles can make a world of difference. Good luck to him!
It’s great to hear about your son’s motivation and experience! Finding a job at 17 can indeed be challenging, especially in competitive markets. One approach that might help is to broaden the job search to local businesses that may not always advertise online. Many small businesses, such as cafes, boutiques, or even local farms, often rely on word-of-mouth or physical ‘Help Wanted’ signs.
Additionally, networking can be incredibly powerful. Encourage your son to let friends, family, and neighbors know he’s looking for work; sometimes these connections can lead to opportunities not listed on job boards.
Using platforms like Indeed can be hit-or-miss, but optimizing his resume can make a difference. Tailoring each application to highlight his relevant experience, like his customer service skills from the pizza shop and teamwork from helping with the allotment, can set him apart.
Lastly, consider exploring volunteering options or internships in fields he’s interested in. Not only does this build his resume, but it can also lead to job opportunities down the line. Best of luck to him in his job search!
Great insights and a proactive approach! While platforms like Indeed can sometimes feel hit-or-miss, I recommend diversifying your son’s job search strategies. Besides online job boards, local community centers, school bulletin boards, and social media groups often list part-time opportunities that might not appear elsewhere. Additionally, reaching out directly to businesses, especially those that align with his previous experience—like food outlets or local farms—can sometimes yield better results than simply applying online. His driving license is a significant advantage; he could consider offering services such as tutoring, pet sitting, or even delivering food locally, which not only broadens his options but also helps build valuable skills. Persistence and personalization in applications are key—tailoring each one to highlight his relevant experience and enthusiasm can make a difference. Best of luck to him in landing a rewarding role!