Teens looking for a first, part-time, or summer job can start with school career staff, local youth employment programs, CareerOneStop’s GetMyFuture tools, and American Job Centers. These free resources can help with job leads, applications, resumes, and interview practice. This guide focuses on the United States; opportunities and youth-work rules vary by location, so teens outside the U.S. should check their local youth employment services and laws.
Choose a job target that fits your life
Start by thinking about your schedule, transportation, interests, and the kinds of work that are safe and permitted for your age. A job that conflicts with school or is difficult to reach may not be workable even if the role sounds appealing.
CareerOneStop’s GetMyFuture tools can help young people explore interests, occupations, and job options. Make a short list of roles you would consider, then look for openings with hours and locations you can realistically manage.
Where teens can look for jobs
Use several approaches rather than relying on a single job board. The U.S. Department of Labor suggests job banks, networking, employer research, and job fairs as ways to search. For teens, local connections and youth-specific support can also make it easier to find suitable openings.
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- Ask at school: A counselor or career-services office may know about local openings, youth programs, or job fairs.
- Use youth-focused tools: CareerOneStop’s GetMyFuture provides career and job-search resources for young people.
- Find local programs: The Department of Labor’s youth services information can help you locate employment and training support. CareerOneStop also has a youth program finder.
- Contact an American Job Center: Centers can provide job-search and preparation support. Find one through the Department of Labor’s American Job Center page.
- Check employers directly: Look at local businesses’ hiring pages or ask whether they accept applications for the kind of work you want.
- Ask trusted people: Family, teachers, coaches, and community contacts may know of openings. Share the type of work and hours you are seeking so they can make relevant suggestions.
The Department of Labor’s job seeker resources offer additional guidance on finding work. Local openings and youth-program availability differ, so check current details with the employer or local provider.
Make a simple search plan and track applications
A small, organized search is easier to manage than sending applications without a record. Youth.gov recommends setting goals and building a schedule; CareerOneStop advises job seekers to record positions applied for and employers contacted.
- Set a weekly goal: Decide how much time you can spend looking and applying around school and other responsibilities.
- List employers and roles: Note the job title, location, expected schedule, and how to apply.
- Record each contact: Track the employer, position, application date, contact details, and any next step or follow-up date.
- Review the list regularly: Check which applications need action and whether a new opening better fits your schedule.
CareerOneStop’s job search guide recommends applying to saved openings, contacting networking leads, and keeping a record of applications and employer contacts.
Prepare an application that fits the job
Before filling out forms, gather accurate information about your education, activities, experience, dates, contact details, and references if requested. Read each application’s instructions first, answer all applicable questions honestly, and provide only the information requested.
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Tailor your answers to the specific opening. If you are applying for a particular job, use its actual title instead of writing “any job.” Emphasize skills and experience relevant to that role rather than listing everything you have ever done. CareerOneStop’s job application guidance covers these practices. If you need a computer or internet access, American Job Centers and public libraries may offer free access.
If you have not had a paid job
You can still describe relevant experience truthfully. A school project might show teamwork or organization; volunteering, clubs, caregiving, community activities, or informal responsibilities might demonstrate reliability, communication, or customer service. Connect each example to a requirement in the posting, and be accurate about what you did, when you did it, and how much responsibility you had. Do not present unpaid or informal activity as paid employment or claim credentials you do not hold.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Follow application instructions and contact employers thoughtfully
Apply to openings you have saved and follow the posting’s stated method. Contact networking leads with a brief note that identifies the kind of work you want and a relevant qualification. Include a cover letter only when the posting asks for one, as CareerOneStop’s job search guide advises.
If you choose to follow up, be polite and use the employer’s preferred contact method. No particular follow-up interval guarantees an interview; respect any timeline or instructions in the posting, and avoid repeated messages that could burden the employer.
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Practice for interviews and handle practical barriers
Ask a school counselor, youth employment program, or American Job Center whether someone can review your application or conduct a practice interview. Youth.gov describes local assistance with resumes and interviews, and CareerOneStop notes that youth programs may offer application help and interview practice.
If transportation, technology, or an appropriate outfit is a barrier, ask a trusted adult, school staff member, public library, or community program whether help is available. You do not need to assume that buying new clothes is required; ask about expectations for the particular employer and role. Youth.gov identifies these kinds of practical needs as issues that youth programs may help address.
Check youth employment rules before accepting a job
Federal child labor rules restrict the hours and types of work young people may do depending on age, and states have their own requirements. The details can depend on both your age and where you will work, so there is no universal hours, job, or permit rule that applies to every teen.
Check the current guidance for your state and age through the Department of Labor’s child labor information and ask the employer or state labor agency about the specific job. Federal law does not require work permits, according to Youth.gov’s child labor laws guidance; that does not rule out state or local permit requirements. Confirm what applies where you live before starting work.
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