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!