Where can a 16 year old get a job?

Fang_3 · 30 June 2010 at 12:28AM

mintymoneysaver wrote: »

Daughter has just finished her GCSEs, and is ideally looking for a part time job over the summr, which she can continue into Sixth Form. She has sent a CV out to a fair few shops, but had no joy yet. However, I think she's setting her sights too high, wanting to work at Top Shop etc. Just wondering where you all have your part time jobs to give her some suggestions?

Don't blind us all with your faith in your daughter.

Does she do a tailored covering letter to go with her CV? Does she cut out the waffle in her CV? Have you helped her with it?

TDQO · 30 June 2010 at 12:51AM

Also is she going into businesses herself and asking to speak to someone in charge of hiring/firing and presenting herself properly?? It's much easier to get a job from face-to-face meetings...

preable · 30 June 2010 at 12:56AM

I third the supermarkets when i was 15-16 i worked at asda

[Deleted User] · 30 June 2010 at 9:53AM

Get her to go around all the shops, hotels, supermarkets, pubs and restrauants near where you live with a CV whether they're advertising or not. Ask to speak to whoever's in charge and then she should ask if she can leave her CV. This is how I got most of my jobs while at school, and Uni.

I've worked in supermarket, pharmcy, clothes shop, pub, hotel, and also care homes. A friend of mine used to work in after school clubs as well.

If she'd look in care homes she needs to write to them with CV and covering letter, she can't just pop in to places like that. But if she has any intention of going into the care sector when she finishes school this would be a great bonus to have on her CV.

Does she have any ideas what she wants to do when she finishes school?

minerva_windsong · 30 June 2010 at 11:28AM

Everyone I knew at school seemed to be waiting on in one of the two local hotels that did loads of weddings, however the local supermarket now seems to be the more popular choice.

My OH's teenage jobs were working in McDonald's (though obviously that could be any fast food chain) and pot-washing in a pub.

Definitely apply to anywhere and everywhere - obviously this will be different depending on where you live (a big city is likely to have more opportunities than a small rural town) but the more she puts herself out there the more chances she'll have. And definitely speak to the manager not just whoever's on the till.

mrsg26 · 30 June 2010 at 2:56PM

My brother is in the same position. He is just turning 18 and is starting college to do HND Computing course in August - needs p/t job before then. He has got amazing grades and did 2 lots of work experience - 1 in JP Morgan and the other in a Joiners firm. We have been round all the supermarkets, jobcentre, local shops and now he is trying agencies. He is finding it really really difficult as there just doesnt seem to be any jobs available. We have 3 superstores beside us, Asda, Sainsburys and Tesco's and not 1 vacancy in any store!!!!! I really feel for him so i can understand how you must feel for your daughter. I hope she finds something soon.

Alye16 · 30 June 2010 at 6:54PM

How about childcare ?, the school holidays are coming up and parents maybe looking for someone to keep an eye on their children, or working on council ran play schemes.

Surfbabe · 1 July 2010 at 8:46PM

My DD is home for the holidays from uni and she has been to over 40 shops / restaurants etc with her CV - but there is no work at all in this area. None of her friends have managed to get anything either. All of them worked when in the 6th form but there is nothing available at all this year - only good thing is (in an ironic way) is that All of them are in the same boat and we know its not her being lazy!