How to Get (& Keep) A Job

By Ava Elghanayan

Whether it’s your choice or your parents, getting your first job can feel daunting. How do I find a job? What should I write on a job application or say during an interview? What do I wear? And why do I need a job?

Whether you’re saving for college or simply looking to earn extra spending money, working is a great way to gain valuable experience and skills that will benefit you across all areas of your life. According to Michael Berlingo, founder and CEO of Starteryou, a job search app for teenagers, every job is a learning experience, and you should focus on learning everything you can from each job you have. That, plus learning about yourself—what you like and are good at, for example—gives you a starting point to build from.

Alyzza Ozer, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, says your job as a teen will help you learn responsibility, discipline, organization and working collaboratively with others.

“All of those expansions of characteristics and skills come through work,” she explains.

Finding the right job

Before grabbing a bunch of job applications, take some time to think about what you enjoy doing and what interests you.

“Start to explore what you’re good at, and then figure out whether those skills and characteristics are applicable in a particular industry,” Ozer suggests.

This can include skills developed in extracurricular activities as well as hobbies you enjoy doing in your free time. For example, if you enjoy spending time with kids, working as a camp counselor or babysitter could be suitable jobs for you. Have a passion for music? Consider working at a local music school or concert venue. If you’re not sure where to start, popular jobs for teens include food service work, retail, cashier and tutoring.

It’s also important to keep an open mind in your job search and apply for positions you don’t necessarily have experience with.

“It’s about trying things you don’t think you would like,” Berlingo says. “A lot can be gained from just trying jobs out and doing things you never thought you would like.”

The application process

After you’ve found the job you want to apply for, it’s time to make a resume. If you don’t have previous work experience, no problem! List volunteer experiences and leadership roles in clubs, sports and other extracurriculars.

Berlingo recommends going to your school career center for help crafting your resume. But if your high school doesn’t have a career center, there are lots of resources you can use. He says YouTube videos are a great place to start, and then ask your parents or teachers for help.

The most important thing? Keep your resume to one page. We cannot stress this enough; even if you’re the president of every club, your resume should only be one page.

“A mistake I frequently see is resumes that are pages long,” Berlingo says. “The reason for a one-page resume is simple: it helps you highlight your best skills and experiences clearly, making it easier for employers to quickly see why you’re a fit for the job.”

How to interview

When you get to the interview stage, be respectful of the interviewer’s time. That means arrive about five minutes early, look and listen for cues that it’s time to wrap up, and don’t delay the end because you believe the more you talk, the more likely you’ll get the job. (Hint: It doesn’t work that way.)

But before the interview, prepare. Head to their website to read about the company, their history and the people who work there. Learn a few interesting facts to use during the interview. Look at their social media for recent and relevant events you can bring into the conversation to demonstrate your interest.

Then, think about questions they may ask and how you would answer them. To get you started, most people will ask why you want the job and your strengths and weaknesses. Also consider job-specific questions, such as who is your favorite author if you’re interviewing at a bookstore, or if you know how to make coffee if you’re applying to be a barista.

Now it’s time to practice with a friend or family member to boost your confidence. No one available? Be resourceful. Many AI models can ask you interview questions. Have AI ask you questions aloud (instead of you reading them) and respond verbally so you can really practice. At the end, ask AI how you did and what you should work on. Practice makes perfect.

And most importantly, be polite and show enthusiasm for the job. When the interview is over, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.

You got the job. Now what?

Congratulations! You landed your first job. Remember that it’s normal to be nervous, and there is an adjustment period for each new job. To take some of the edge off, demonstrate your professionalism by arriving early and being courteous to your co-workers. People respond well to kindness and reliability, which will make you feel more comfortable.

And a new job means lots of new things to learn. While your boss will walk you through how to do the basics, expect to come across things you don’t know. There will be challenges—that’s part of any job. And you will make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean you’re bad at your job; it simply means you need to learn.

When you can, ask for help. You aren’t expected to know everything right away, and most bosses would prefer you ask questions than do it completely wrong. Part of their job is to help you learn and answer your questions.

“Be open to saying you don’t know how to do something or need some help,” Ozer advises. “It shows your boss you are confident enough to articulate when you need help with something, which will often inspire them to dedicate their time to mentor you.”

Additionally, building relationships with your co-workers and managers can be a helpful networking tool that can lead you to other jobs or internships in the future.

“One of the benefits of having a job, and a key to being successful in that job, is the relationships you develop,” Ozer says.

It can also lead to promotions and be helpful for future recommendations, so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward in your new role.

This article was published in the January/February 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.