Are you a teen interested in getting a job, but don’t know where to start? The resources below will help guide you through the process, with information on the rules and limitations for minors in the workplace, ideas for jobs you may enjoy, and resources to help you land that perfect job. 

Interested in volunteer opportunities instead? Check out current opportunities through the UA Library.

Websites

What job can I get?

The type of job you are allowed to get depends on your age. Those under age 14 are mostly limited to informal work like babysitting. At age 14 and up, you can work in grocery or retail stores, restaurants, lawn care, recreation, and much more. However, there may still be legal restrictions and things to take under consideration depending on your age. Here are some sites that outline federal and state laws regarding teen workers:

• US Department of Labor – Young Workers – Select your age group on this site for more information on the types of jobs you can work, and other restrictions based on age.
• Ohio Labor Laws – Read the laws that apply to workers ages 14-17 here in Ohio.
• Ohio Work Permits – Workers under 18 in Ohio need to work with their school to get a permit before they can get a job. The Ohio Department of Commerce walks you through the process.
  • Upper Arlington High School Students: here is the application to fill out to get a work permit from your school.

What do I want to do?

Now that you know the laws about teens getting jobs, it’s time to figure out what you want to do! The following sites offer some ideas of jobs that are good for teens.

• LiveAbout – Summer Jobs for Teenagers 
• Career One Stop – Ideas for First Jobs
• Fidelity -Best Summer Jobs for Teens
• Investopedia – Great Summer Jobs for Teens

Searching for Jobs

Looking online for jobs is one of the easiest ways to find openings! If the business or organization you are interested in working for has a website, go to it and look for employment opportunities. There are also job-searching websites that allow you to search for positions that hire teens. Here are some examples.

• City of Upper Arlington Job Openings – There are often job opportunities for teens through the City of UA, including lifeguard, camp counselor, and other recreation positions.
• Indeed.com – Jobs for Teens in Columbus
• Glassdoor – Teen jobs

Other ways to find job opportunities:

• Networking! Talk to your family, friends, teachers, guidance counselors, and others who may know of opportunities for you. This is especially useful for finding informal jobs for younger workers, like babysitting and lawn work.
• Use your online connections on social media to discover job opportunities. However, keep in mind you should manage your privacy settings or clean up your profile to show only what will make you look good to a potential employer.
• Check in person with local stores and restaurants that may not advertise job openings online.

Applying for Jobs, Creating Your Resume, and Preparing for the Interview

Once you find a job you are interested in pursuing, the next steps you take will determine how successful you are in getting hired. The following resources offer great tips for applying to jobs, writing your resume, and preparing for your interview.

• DigitalLearn.org – Applying for Jobs Online
• Career One Stop – Resume Tips
• Career One Stop – Interview Tips
• OhioMeansJobs.com – Job and Career Resources for 9th-12th Grade Students – Created by the Ohio government, this resource presents a variety of tools to help students prepare for jobs and careers, including resume tips and interview practice.

Search Starters

Want a little more help in landing that job? You can find books and other material in the UA Library’s catalog that will help you with searching for a job, preparing a resume, getting ready for an interview, and more! Click on a subject below to start your search.

• Job Hunting
• Resumes
• Cover Letters
• Interviewing
• Vocational Guidance