Teens should keep in mind that they may compete for jobs with more experienced people as unemployed adults are also looking for work, Mr Challenger said. So unless you have a previous work history, emphasize other qualities: Flexibility is often beneficial to younger applicants who may be able to accommodate a patchwork plan with days of the week, evenings, and weekends.
It’s also wise to do some basic online research on the company you’re applying to, said Ms. Konkel of Indeed.
Laura Francis, an Oakland, Calif., Career strategist who works with teenagers, advised “educating” companies you might be interested in to see what employees were wearing so they could dress appropriately.
Note that many shops and restaurants are now in dire need of renting. “This summer is different,” she says. “These places are hungry for employment.” So while you might be planning on just checking out a location and submitting an application, you might be asked questions right away.
“Be ready,” said Mrs. Francis. Dress like you are looking for a job and say something about why you want to work there and what you can offer. And don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t get a response right away.
“Don’t worry about being annoying,” she said. “You want it. Get it.”
Do Teenagers Have Taxes Deducted From Their Salary?
If you are an employee of a company, your employer will usually pay wage taxes such as “You can’t get out of there,” said Rhonda Collins, director of tax content and government relations for the National Association of Tax Professionals. (The IRS allows an exemption for children under the age of 18 who work for their parents in a family business.)
Parents could talk to teenagers to explain why their first paycheck is likely to be less than what they calculated in their heads, said Cari Weston, director of tax practice and ethics at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.