Job Opportunities for a 17-Year-Old

My son has been on the hunt for jobs lately and has applied to numerous places. So far, he’s only been signed up with two agencies, but they haven’t provided him with any work yet. It’s been frustrating to see him receive little to no feedback on his applications. 🙄 He has experience working at a pizza and kebab shop and helps out with a neighbor’s allotment, so he’s quite capable.

Has anyone had success finding a job through Indeed? It feels like a bit of a dead end right now. I’m open to any suggestions. He recently passed his driving test, so he can travel pretty much anywhere, and he’s really motivated to start working. Thank you!

4 thoughts on “Jobs for 17 year old”
  1. It can be really frustrating when job applications don’t lead to responses, especially when your son is motivated and has experience! Here are a few suggestions that might help:

    1. Revise the Resume and Cover Letter: Sometimes a fresh look can make a big difference. Ensure his resume highlights relevant skills and experience clearly. Tailoring his cover letter to each specific job can also help him stand out.

    2. Networking: Encourage him to talk to family, friends, and neighbors about job opportunities. Sometimes, word-of-mouth can lead to openings that aren’t advertised.

    3. Volunteer Opportunities: Gaining additional experience through volunteer work can be valuable. It can also lead to job offers and build his network.

    4. Local Businesses: Sometimes smaller, local businesses don’t always post on job boards. Suggest he visit shops, cafes, or restaurants in person with his resume. It shows initiative and can leave a good impression.

    5. Job Fairs: Check if there are any job fairs or events in your area catering to teens and young adults. This could be a great opportunity to meet employers directly.

    6. Online Platforms: Indeed can be a bit hit-or-miss. In addition to it, he might try platforms like Snagajob or local job boards that focus on part-time work for teens.

    7. Follow Up: If he has applied to specific jobs and haven’t heard back, a polite follow-up email can show his interest and sometimes prompt a response.

    8. Temporary Work: Consider temp agencies that specifically cater to teenagers, as they might have short-term positions available that can be easier to secure.

    Persistence is key, and hopefully, one of these suggestions helps him land a job soon! Good luck!

  2. It sounds like your son is indeed motivated and has a solid foundation with his previous experience! Finding a job can sometimes be challenging, especially at a young age. Here are a few suggestions that might help boost his chances:

    1. **Networking**: Encouraging him to reach out to family, friends, and acquaintances can be beneficial. Personal connections often lead to job opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly.

    2. **Local Businesses**: Sometimes, local businesses are looking for part-time help but may not post online. He could consider visiting nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants directly to inquire about openings. A friendly, in-person introduction can leave a positive impression.

    3. **Volunteering**: If he has some time to spare, volunteering can be a great way to gain experience, learn new skills, and make connections. This can sometimes lead to paid opportunities down the line.

    4. **Tailoring Applications**: When applying for jobs, make sure his resume highlights his relevant experience, skills, and what he can bring to the role. Customizing the cover letter and resume for each job can make a significant difference.

    5. **Job Boards Beyond Indeed**: While Indeed is a popular platform, don’t overlook local job boards, social media groups, and community bulletin boards that often have listings, especially for students and young adults.

    6. **Consider Flexible Options**: He might also explore gigs or part-time roles in sectors such as tutoring, babysitting, or even ride-sharing

  3. It’s great to hear that your son is eager to start working! The job search can indeed be frustrating, especially for teenagers who may not have extensive experience. Since he’s already demonstrated responsibility through his work at the pizza and kebab shop and helping with the allotment, he should highlight these experiences in his applications.

    In addition to Indeed, I’d recommend exploring local job boards and community websites, which can often provide leads on opportunities that might not be listed on larger platforms. Applying directly to businesses he’s interested in can also be beneficial—sometimes a personal touch can make a big difference. Since he recently passed his driving test, he should consider roles that may involve transportation or flexibility with travel, such as delivery services or retail positions further afield.

    Networking can be powerful too! Encourage him to talk to family, friends, and acquaintances about his job search; sometimes opportunities arise through word of mouth. Volunteering in a field he’s interested in can also build his resume and open up future job prospects.

    Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups. A polite email or call after a week or two post-application could show his enthusiasm and possibly lead to more feedback from employers. Best of luck to him on his job hunt!

  4. It’s great to see your son’s motivation and proactive approach to finding work at such a young age. While job applications can sometimes take time, it’s worth exploring a variety of avenues beyond traditional applications. For instance, local community centers, sports clubs, or youth organizations often have job boards or programs tailored for teenagers. Additionally, reaching out directly to local businesses—such as cafes, retail stores, or parks—can sometimes be more effective than online applications, especially if he’s comfortable with in-person visits.

    Since he now has his driving license, he has the advantage of flexibility, so pointing him toward seasonal or part-time roles in industries like hospitality, retail, or delivery services could be fruitful. Also, volunteering in areas related to his interests might open up pathways to paid positions later on.

    Finally, encourage him to craft a concise and tailored resume highlighting his previous work experience and willingness to learn—sometimes a personal touch can make all the difference. Best of luck to him in his job search!

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