Whether you’re a teen looking for short-term summer work, or you are a professional looking to break into a new industry, here are some easy steps to get you out there and making some money.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Don’t have a budget for new work clothes?
1. Make use of an older sibling’s wardrobe, or borrow from a good friend.
2. Invest in some basics like a new pair of shoes, nice slacks and a shirt.
3. Consider asking relatives for work clothes as a birthday or holiday gift.
4. Trade in clean, well-kept trendy clothes for something more professional at consignment stores like Crossroads and Freestyle.
5. Go to a thrift store!! Digging through racks of clothes can be time consuming, but the pay-offs can be great. Some people donate name brand and even designer clothing.
6. Ask for help. Get a demonstration from someone to help you tie a tie if you don’t know how, or ask for tips on how to stretch your wardrobe from a fashionable friend.

DREAM

1. Make a list of places you’re thinking you could apply to. Research the company and contact information.
2. Consider your favorite things. Brainstorm a list of things you would do for no pay at all. When dreaming, consider your likes and dislikes. Not everyone is a people person or a high-pressure salesperson.

FIND THE JOB YOU WANT
1. Look for websites like: www.groovejob.com (look in the teen job section) and www.snagajob.com (part-time work) or just walk in and ask if they’re hiring.

2. Be prepared for a "No.” There is a right and a wrong way to respond to a business owner or manager who says they have no need for new hires. If you get a "No, I'm sorry" (it happens to the best of us!), respond by saying, “Well, if you do need someone in the future, please give me a call. I'll leave you a copy of my resume. Thanks for your time.” Don’t just walk away without saying anything.

3. EXPECT a “YES”!!! Your words have power!! Make a list of “Yes” statements. Say them everyday:
“I am talented, gifted and bring abilities that no one else on this planet can bring.”
“People like me and I attract successful people.”
“I am able to work any job no matter what the qualifications. I bring fresh ideas.”
“I am an important member of any team.”
“Money and jobs come to me. Employers want to offer me jobs every day.”

HAVE CONFIDENCE

1. Stand up straight and tall. Keep your head up, maintain eye contact, and have a firm handshake
2. Go to each of the employers on your list, walk in the door, and ask for that job.
3. Always make a follow up call. It's best to wait about a week. When you do call, make sure to get on the phone with the person who will be hiring. Don't leave a message the first time; call back until you can speak with the decision-maker.

AVOID SCAMS

There are all kinds of job postings on sites like craigslist.com and in newspaper classifieds. Make sure it’s worth it to give out personal information.

1) The chance you’ll get rich on surveys/focus groups is slim to none
2) Mailing jobs/work from home jobs/Get rich quick schemes aren’t real work
3) Online Jobs? If it seems too good to be true, chances are there’s a catch.

It can be difficult in times when fewer people are hiring, so stay open to work that isn’t your first choice. Be flexible on the pay scale, because that entry level job could turn into an opportunity for great promotion!!

TIPS FOR TEENS: HOURS THEY CAN LEGALLY WORK

14 and 15 year-olds:
• Hours when teen isn't in school
• 3 hours on a school day
• 18 hours total during a school week
• 8 hours on a non-school day
• 40 hours total during a non-school week
• Hours between 7 am and 7 pm from Labor Day to May 31
• Hours between 7 am and 9 pm from June 1 through Labor Day

Ages 16 and 17:
There is no limit on hours, but if you're under 18 you can't work in a job that the Labor Department considers hazardous.
Here’s a website that can help: http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/justforstudents/a/parttimejob.htm

Build your resume with these types of jobs:
For Younger Teens
• Baby sitting
• Pet sitting/dog walking
• Lawn and yard work
• Shoveling driveways
• Household chores/cleaning
• Errands
• Homework help/tutoring

Sample Teen Jobs
• Camp counselor/Lifeguard
• Cashier
• Child care assistant
• City or town summer jobs program
• Fast food or restaurant
• Hospitality - hotels, resorts
• Lawn/yard maintenance
• Retail
• Resort jobs - ski resorts, vacation resorts, amusement parks
• Office Assistant

Other places to Find Teen Jobs
• Check with your high school guidance office for job postings.
• Check the newspaper help wanted want ads.
• Walk around town or the mall and look for help wanted signs in store windows.