how to land your first job (even as a teen), by Gohar Khan on YouTube. 12 min 42 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 42 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Write down everything you have done that shows responsibility: school clubs, sports teams, volunteering, babysitting, tutoring or a side project. These count as experience when you have no paid job yet.
Open a simple resume template and fill in your name, contact details, school and a short line about what kind of work you want. Keep it to one page.
List your activities under an Experience heading. Start each bullet with an action verb like organised, helped, led or managed, and add a number where you can.
Ask a teacher, coach or club leader if they will be a reference. Get their name, role and phone number before you apply anywhere.
Search for beginner-friendly roles near you, such as cashier, server, stock assistant, camp helper or tutor. Check local shop windows and community boards too.
Set up a simple tracker with columns for company, role, date applied and status. Update it every time you send an application.
Tailor your resume for each job by matching a few of your bullets to the duties in the listing. Change the summary line to name the role.
Apply online or walk in and ask for the manager. Bring a printed copy of your resume and be ready to say in one sentence why you want the job.
Follow up after about a week with a short polite email or a quick visit. Then keep applying to new openings while you wait to hear back.
Tips and common mistakes
One page is enough for a first resume, so cut anything that does not help the employer.
Never invent jobs or qualifications, because employers do check references.
Apply to several places at once, since most first applications get no reply.
Proofread your resume and email out loud before sending, or ask someone to check them.
Questions
What if I have no experience at all?
Use school, volunteer and hobby work instead. Employers hiring for entry-level roles expect to train you, so show reliability and willingness to learn.
Do I need a cover letter?
For most first jobs it is optional. A short two or three sentence note in the application email is enough and often helps.
How old do I need to be to work?
Rules vary by country and state, and many places limit hours for under-18s. Check your local government website before you apply.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
