Top 10 Tips for Teens
Completing Job Applications
1. Take your time filling out your application!
Don’t rush.
Make a list of all the information you need to
include in your application before filling it out.
Don’t rush filling it out because you might miss
something. Be thorough with filling out your
application. See “application cheat sheet”
2. Neatness counts
Write clearly. If the app lets you type in the
application, type it! If employers can’t read
what you’ve written, they won’t know it’s you
they want to talk to.
3. Show the employer that you can follow directions.
Be sure to fill out all sections of the application
form. If you don’t have information to put in
a box, you can say N/A or “not applicable”.
Review the questions carefully to make sure
you understand what they’re asking for.
4. Check your application for spelling and
grammar mistakes.
Review your application before submitting.
Show that you are a professional by ensuring
your application is error free, legible, and filled
out to the best of your knowledge.
5. Make sure you emphasize the job
responsibilities of your past jobs which are
most relevant.
List the most relevant activities first when
describing your previous jobs, so your key
qualification is easily noticed. Use actions
words to lead your phrases when describing
past jobs.
6. Employers of teens value reliability, especially
in terms of attendance and punctuality.
Try to incorporate references to perfect
attendance and punctuality, if possible.
7. No work experience yet? Include volunteer
work, honors, or awards.
If you don’t have formal work experience, list
jobs like babysitting, yard work, participation
as an officer in a club, and volunteer work on
your application. Honors and awards are good
evidence of a strong work ethic! Include yours
to let employers know you have potential for
their jobs.
If you’ve held a volunteer job, you have job
history! Many volunteers forget to include this
when they are applying for paid work. Be sure
to add that in your employment history on
your application.
8. Get a list of references
Have these names ready! See application
cheat sheet. Most employers will request 3-4
references - people who can vouch for your
work ethic and responsibility. You should ask
several people who might be willing to give
you a good recommendation, should they be
contacted by a potential employer.
9. Be prepared to furnish names, job titles,
and contact information for your references.
If you haven’t held a formal job, consider
asking families for whom you babysit,
teachers, or even coaches. Let people know
if you plan to list them as a reference so they
won’t be surprised if they get a call or an
email message from an employer.
10. Check your phone for messages or follow ups.
You will be listing your phone number on
the application, so be sure your voice mail
greeting is a suitable for an employer to hear.
Also, check your messages regularly so you
don’t miss a call in case they want to invite
you for an interview!
What Managers Are Looking For…
Availability
Can you work the schedule they need? Managers want to know if you have enough time to
work what they need at their locations
Professionalism
Are you a reliable and have good work ethic? Show this with a nice resume, courteous cover
letter, and a clean and appropriately dressed appearance.
Positive Attitude
Employers want people who want to be there. Smile and be friendly. Don’t speak negatively
about previous employers or jobs. Focus on the positive. You don’t have to kiss butt to show
you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity. Be friendly and interested. That’s enough.
…How Do Managers Find It
Resume
Your resume should be well organized, clear, and concise. A well-organized resume
communicates your experience to the employer, indicating a level of professionalism.
Cover Letter
You’ve seen this phrase before, but why do it? This letter is the document that introduces
you. What the application and resume cannot say (like “why you’d like to work there” and
“why are you changing professions” may be communicated in a well written cover letter.)
Interview
Be on time! Dress appropriately! Remember to speak clearly, make eye contact (not the
creepy kind), and smile throughout. This is your chance to put the face to the name on paper.
