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Jobs That Teenagers Can Get

Updated on July 15, 2011

Many teenagers are looking for jobs these days making it harder for teenagers in search of a job. Teenagers at the ages of 14-17 can get working permits which allows them to apply legally for jobs. However, due to many factors, many companies don't like to hire teenagers. This mostly applies to teenagers of the ages of 14 and 15. Teenagers with working papers are allowed to work but hours are limited and managers usually like to invest their time and money on people who can work full time. Many managers also feel that teenagers are too immature for a job. On the upside, there are companies who will hire teenagers.

McDonalds: McDonalds starts hiring at age 14. Most of McDonalds workers are under the age of 18! Many people think that jobs at McDonalds is bad. Many people post bad experiences online and it usually brings someone to think that they shouldn't apply there. There are actually lots of benefits you can receive. In some McDonalds, you can receive free meals and insurance which is something people should take advantage of. McDonalds is a great place for someone to start because it can give you valuable experience in both customer service and work ethic.

What you should do if you want a job there is call your local McDonald(s) and see if they're hiring. If they are, you can either apply online or in person. Because McDonalds is a very busy company, it may be hard for you to get their attention so it's best if you call every now and then to check the status of your application.

Salary: Probably minimum wage for starting pay.

Grocery Stores: Grocery stores may hire at 14 but some require ages 18+.Grocery stores are a great place to start working. Grocery stores provide a great work environment while providing experience. Most grocery stores have young teens bagging groceries or being "box boys" rather than cashier work but can provide a mobility in positions.

What you should do if you want a job there is go in person with a resume (if you have one) and see if they're hiring. If they're hiring, ask what the minimum age requirement is for bagging groceries and see if you are able to aquire a job. Be prepared for an interview and be sure you highlight your skills and the positive aspects of your life.

Salary: Most likey minimum wage.

Food Pantries: Food pantries can hire at age 14. Food pantries sometimes need volunteers which they may lack at times (especially throughout the school year). Food pantries usually have many people in the neighborhood supporting and going to them for food so it can provide you with lots of experience in customer service and food service. Some people that have worked there claim that it may be gross or disgusting to work there due to the fact that you may have to sort through food for what's good and what's bad but other than that, can be a valuable experience.

If you want a job in a food pantry, you can look online for local food pantries in your area and ask what their minimum age requirement for hiring is. Then you can try to apply at that food pantry and see what comes out of that. Be prepared for an interview and be sure you highlight your skills and the positive aspects of your life.

Salary: Most likely minimum wage.

Ice Cream Parlours: Depending on the location, ice cream parlours may start hiring at 14. Ice cream parlours don't require too much experience so they like to start hiring at young ages. This can provide great work experience in customer service and can build your communication skills.

If you want a job in an ice cream parlour you can call and ask if they're hiring. If they are you can ask how you can apply and see if they hire you. Be prepared for an interview and be sure you highlight your skills and the positive aspects of your life.

Salary: Depends on the ice cream parlour. Most likely minimum wage.

Movie Theatres: Many AMC movie theatres hire 14 year olds. This can be a GREAT job for experience and can be enjoyable. The experiences can include experience in customer service, maintenance, and food preparation. It can also build communication skills.

If you want a job, call a theatre that you are interested in and see if they're hiring. If they are you can request an application. Be prepared for an interview and be sure you highlight your skills and the positive aspects of your life.

Salary: Probably minimum wage as starting pay.

Restaurants: Some restaurants hire 14 and 15 year olds. Some require you to be at least 16 or have experience in order to be a waiter/waitress. Other jobs you can aquire are jobs in cooking, maintenance, dishwashing etc.

If you want a job at a restaurant, see if they are hiring and request an application. Be prepared for an interview and be sure you highlight your skills and the positive aspects of your life. Smile a lot because people who work at restaurants usually need to smile to keep customers satisfied.

Salary: Probably minimum wage.


There are other jobs that a 14-15 year old can aquire but may not be in companies. Sometimes, people are unable to do daily reponsibilities due to age or availability. You can see if you have any skills that another person would need help in like:

  • If you are smart or good in a certain subject: Tutor
  • If you are strong, hardworking etc: Yard Worker/Snow Shoveler
  • If you are good with children: Babysitter/Child Care Provider
  • If you are good with cleaning: Maintenance Worker/Cleaner
  • If you are good at writing: Go to hubpages and write an article!

Just think of a skill that you have and try turning it into a job. The salary depends on how much you charge but you shouldn't charge too much due to the fact that people are looking for inexpensive ways to do things these days. If you want to get a job in these areas, create colorful flyers that highlight the best things about why they should hire you. Be sure to put down a contact number or email address that they call call/email!

There are many other jobs that a young teenager can get but most require you to be 16. Sixteen year olds are usually the minimum age that many companies hire and local malls usually don't hire anyone under 16. Some companies that 16 year olds can apply for are:

  • Kohls
  • Macys
  • Sears
  • Wendys
  • Burger King
  • Toys R' Us
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • Aeropostale
  • Hollister

Basically, almost all of those companies and more hire at 16. Go to your local mall and request applications. Fill them out and be sure to make a good impression through casual but proffessional clothing (maybe a nice button down and slacks). Smile because that shows you are friendly and would be a good asset to the company. Places like nursery homes and pools can also provide jobs for 16 year olds but if you want to work at a pool, you may need to attain a CPR certificate.

Overall, there are many types of jobs a teenager can attain and it mainly depends on your determination and how well you present yourself. If you have experience in anything (it doesn't have to be a job), you can create a resume. If you have no luck in employment, you can do volunteer work to have something to put on your resume. Good Luck On Your Job Search!





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