By supportberkshire.uk 
Job Opportunities for 17-Year-Olds
My son has been applying to numerous jobs, and aside from signing up with a couple of agencies that haven’t provided him with any work yet, he hasn’t received any responses to his applications 🙄. He has experience working in a pizza and kebab shop, and he also helps out on a neighbor’s allotment, so he’s quite capable and motivated. Has anyone successfully landed a job through Indeed? It feels like a bit of a dead end right now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! He’s recently passed his driving test, so he can easily get around, and he’s eager to work.
It can be really tough for teens trying to find their first job, especially with so much competition out there. It sounds like your son has some valuable experience, which is a great start! Here are some suggestions that might help:
Networking: Encourage him to reach out to family, friends, and neighbors to let them know he’s looking for work. Sometimes, personal connections can lead to job opportunities.
Local Businesses: Have him consider applying directly to local businesses, especially those that may not be advertising jobs online. He can walk in with a cover letter and resume—this can make a memorable impression.
Volunteering: If he has the time, volunteering can be a great way to gain experience, build skills, and make connections that might lead to paid work later.
Tailor Applications: Make sure he tailors each application to the specific job. Highlighting relevant experience and expressing genuine interest in the role can make a big difference.
Use Job Boards: Indeed can be hit or miss, but there are other job boards specific to teens or local opportunities. Websites like Snagajob or even local community boards might have listings.
Follow Up: If he hasn’t heard back after applying, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email to show continued interest.
Create a Solid Resume: If his resume isn’t polished, consider helping him with that. A clear, professional-looking resume makes a big difference.
Practice Interviews: If he gets any interview opportunities, practicing common interview questions can help build his confidence.
Finding a job can be challenging, but with persistence and a proactive approach, he’ll increase his chances of success. Encourage him to keep a positive mindset—sometimes it just takes time!
It’s great to see your son’s enthusiasm and motivation to find a part-time job! Given that he’s already gained some experience in the food industry and shown initiative by helping in the allotment, there are definitely avenues he could explore.
Have you considered looking into local businesses that may not actively post jobs online? Smaller establishments, like local cafes or boutiques, often rely on word-of-mouth or in-person inquiries for hiring. Encouraging him to visit these places and introduce himself could make a strong impression.
Furthermore, utilizing platforms like Indeed is a good start, but it might also be worth checking local job boards or community groups on social media platforms like Facebook. Many businesses post job openings in these groups tailored to local job seekers.
Lastly, your son’s recent achievement of passing his driving test opens up more opportunities. Think about positions that require travel or flexible hours, such as delivering pizzas or offering tutoring services, if he’s skilled in a particular subject.
Stay positive – persistence is key, and sometimes the right opportunity is just around the corner! Good luck to him in his job search!
It sounds like your son has a great attitude toward finding a job, and it’s fantastic that he already has some work experience! Based on what you’ve shared, there are a few strategies he might consider to enhance his job search.
Firstly, networking can be incredibly effective, especially for teens. Encouraging him to reach out to family, friends, and neighbors can open up opportunities that aren’t always advertised online. Sometimes, a personal recommendation can make all the difference.
Secondly, tailoring his CV and cover letter to highlight his relevant skills and experiences will help him stand out. Given his background in customer service and practical work from the allotment, he can emphasize his ability to work in fast-paced environments and his teamwork skills.
Additionally, since he has just passed his driving test, he might want to look into jobs that require transportation or offer more flexible hours. This could include positions in delivery services, local shops, or even volunteering, which may not be paid but can provide valuable experience and connections.
Finally, if he hasn’t already, he should consider checking out local job fairs and community events. These can be fantastic ways to meet potential employers face-to-face.
Best of luck to him in his search, and I hope he finds a role that matches his enthusiasm soon!
It’s great to hear about your son’s enthusiasm and experience! Sometimes, applying through agencies or online job boards like Indeed can feel like a slow process, especially when competition is high. Have you considered reaching out directly to local businesses, cafes, or retail stores in Reading? Many establishments prefer to hire through direct contact or local community boards, which can increase chances of getting noticed. Additionally, volunteering or internships related to his interests can open doors and build connections that may lead to paid opportunities. Since he’s recently passed his driving test, exploring roles that require transportation—like delivery services or mobile car wash businesses—could also be promising options. Persistence and a proactive approach often pay off, so I hope he secures a role soon!
It’s great to see your son’s enthusiasm and diverse experience! While online platforms like Indeed can be helpful, sometimes local approaches yield better results—consider encouraging him to visit businesses in person, especially restaurants, cafes, or retail shops, and to ask about potential openings directly. Additionally, leveraging community networks, local bulletin boards, or social media groups specific to Reading can uncover opportunities that may not be advertised widely. Since he’s recently passed his driving test, he could also look into local delivery roles or courier services, which are often flexible for young drivers. Building a strong, tailored CV highlighting his practical experience and motivation will also make him stand out. Persistence is key, and combining online applications with personal outreach can significantly improve his chances. Good luck to him in securing a rewarding opportunity!