How To Find Your First Job
By Mackenzie July 26


Mackenzie is Fitsmi’s teen blogger! Check out what she has to say:

Taking on new responsibilities can kinda suck, but it’s all a part of growing up. And you know what? Responsibility can actually lead to some pretty cool things, especially when it comes to getting your first job.

Some people may put off getting a job until they absolutely have to, but I wanted to start working when I was 14 years old! I love shopping with my friends, but without a job I didn’t have a lot of money to spend. Unfortunately, most places will only hire you if you’re at least 16. Once you hit that milestone, there are a bunch of places willing to hire you: restaurants, clothing stores, pet shops… you name it!

But it’s not impossible to get a job if you’re under 16, and I’m proof.

I’m 15 now and I got hired. It wasn’t easy, though. In the beginning, it seemed like every place I applied either wasn’t hiring or only hired older people. It was frustrating. Then my dad gave me some really good advice. He said, “Mac, you’re looking in all the wrong places. You are applying to big corporations and franchises, and they won’t hire you! You need to apply to locally owned businesses. You may have more luck there.”

I was skeptical at first because I was convinced that my age was the problem, not the places I applied. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I went to a small supermarket owned by a local family and handed in an application. They told me they weren’t hiring at the moment, but they would keep my application on file just in case. I was crushed and ready to give up.

About a month ago, I got a call from the local supermarket saying that they would like to meet with me again and possibly hire me! I was thrilled, but I couldn’t accept the job because I was in the process of moving away to another state. But just the fact that I got a call boosted my confidence so much! Now I’m motivated to start applying for jobs in my new hometown.

If you are looking for a job, hang in there! What may seem impossible can happen. If you are under the age of 16, I definitely recommend applying to small businesses and local places instead of chains.

How do you feel about getting a job?

Find Mackenzie on Fitsmi!

Photo by: swanksalot