Teenagers seek part-time employment opportunities

Different companies provide students interested in taking on more work with information about job offers

 

Junior Adrianne Adams signs up for an interview with Home Solutions of Virginia. Students who attended the job fair met with representatives of different countries and tried to find work that fit their interests and schedules. PHOTO PY JACKIE BECHARA

 

By Jackie Bechara
April 25, 2008

 

Interested students from throughout the Northern Virginia area had an opportunity to meet and discuss with potential employers at the Student Job Fair which took place on April 1 at the Dulles Expo Center.

 

With summer approaching, students are seeking available job opportunities in their fields of interest. Job fairs provide a chance to learn about potential employers in the community and learn about a variety of careers. Employers host booths to discuss openings in part-time, full-time or summer positions.

 

Career Center specialist Alice Robertson recommended that students attend a job fair to gain experience. for future professional interactions.

 

“They have similar-type events when you’re in college or as you finish some kind of post-secondary education,” Robertson said. “So it’s just good practice.”

 

Most importantly, students should be open to a variety of opportunities.

 

“You shouldn’t necessarily disregard an opportunity because it doesn’t necessarily sound like the first thing you think of to do,” Robertson said.

 

Types of opportunities

• Part-time and summer job opportunities are usually best-suited for students 16 and older
• Full-time opportunities are better fit for high school graduates over the age of 18 who have more time to devote to their work

What to wear

• For girls, a nice skirt or a dress would be appropriate
• Boys should plan on wearing khaki or black pants with a nice polo shirt
• A suit would be too formal for a preliminary interview

Benefits of holding a job

• Learn how to manage your time
• Recognize the value of a paycheck
• Demonstrate to a future employer responsibility, dependability and your ability and willingness to cooperate

General information

• Be prepared to talk to, and potentially to be interviewed by, employers on the spot
• Students should bring copies of their résumés to provide employers with more information about their experience and credentials
• Consider the pay scale at potential jobs. Expect a salary from $8-10 for an entry-level position
• Students with prior experience may ask for more pay depending on their previous position; employers may surprise you and give you more, so be willing to ask for it
• Parents may provide moral support and a system of “checks and balances” in this situation. If you do bring your parent along, be sure you’re the one talking to employers

What to include on a professional résumé

• Current activities you are involved in
• Classes you take that relate to the employment opportunity that you seek
• Two to three references. Teachers, counselors, family friends or community leaders, such as ministers or coaches, can serve as references for students with no prior work experience
• Be sure not to use family members as references