7 Ways to Prepare a Child for Their First Job
Working is stressful! It requires both emotional and practical skills to be successful in the workforce. We often take for granted that our children will have those skills when it is time for them to start their career journey. The truth is, preparing kids for their first job takes time and intention. Here are a few ways that you can assure that your child is ready for the job market.
- Help Them Write a Resume
Resumes and CV’s are more than just lists of jobs. They are records of accomplishment and tools of reflection. Introduce your kids to the concept of resumes before they are old enough to work. Help them create a habit of recording their skills and experiences. When your kids are younger, resumes don’t need to be about traditional work experiences. Were they named captain of their little league team? That is solid leadership experience that may have come with unique responsibilities to the team. Have they won academic competitions? That can show ambition and work ethic. Even if your child never shows their resume to anyone but you, they will start to see the value of their experiences in a different way.
- Buy Them an Interview Outfit
Professional attire is important at work, but having an interview outfit is about more than looking the part. Kids aren’t always aware of the impressions that they are making, or how to send the right message at the right time. As they grow into teenagers, kids will start to express themselves through fashion and clothing choices. They need to learn to express themselves and still appear professional. Finding a perfect interview outfit is about expressing who you are, but also who you will be for your employer.
- Model Professionalism
Speaking of professionalism, prepare your child for the workforce by modeling professional actions every day. This could be as simple as shaking hands when you make a deal. It can also mean talking about your own professional behavior, like following up with a client or dealing with contacts. When you take steps to boost your own career, share your experiences with your kids.
As your children are closer to working age, simulate professional situations so that they can practice their skills. Teach them the appropriate way to network and leave a positive impression. Set specific expectations for work related events, and reflect afterwards. If you have a close friend or colleague willing to help, have them write a few impressions down for you to share with your child. Constructive critique will help build their resiliency and give them a growth mindset about professional interactions. This will really help with the stress of job searches and interviews.
- Play to Their Strengths
It can be very challenging for young people to identify their strengths and passions. They may need your help reflecting on past experiences to understand where their strengths lie. Taking personality tests together can be a fun way to start the conversation! Share your own findings, the surprise results, and your reflections on how your personality effects your professional choices.
When your kid is ready to look for work, help them see the bigger picture. They should research their options and find something that will be a good fit for their strengths. Kids as young as 14 years old have many job opportunities available to them, either from traditional employment paths or online options. Help them explore all the options, analyze job openings to see if they are the right fit, and apply for the best positions. Remind them that they always have a choice. Their first job will not be their last.
- Open a Savings Account
Your child may already have a savings account in your name. When they are old enough to start bringing in a paycheck, take them to open an account in their name. Set expectations around saving to help them develop healthy financial habits. A popular rule of thumb is that 20% of your income goes toward savings, but you can decide on the right amount for your teen based on their needs. When they start putting money away, choose milestones to celebrate. Their first deposit, first $500 in savings, even their first major withdrawal. Be supportive and encourage smart financial choices.
- Set a Goal
Once your child is old enough to get a job, they can begin to set realistic goals for the future. Help them understand the “why” behind working hard. Goals build resiliency. When your child understands what they are working for, they are better able to handle roadblocks. Conflict at work, losing a job, or even not getting the position they wanted can derail a child’s motivation. It is important to let them experience these failures, but they should learn from them. Their goals will help motivate them to keep trying and learn those valuable lessons.
- Ask Them About Their Dreams
Preparing your children for the workforce isn’t just about teaching them life skills. They will get much more out of their work experiences when they understand their path to the future. Make sure to talk to your kids about their dreams. Bring it up in casual conversation, with no judgment. Remember that your children are still developing their values. Their ambitions will change with age and experience. In the meantime, encourage their curiosity about different fields. Let them try a variety of jobs, and help them recognize the value in those pursuits.
You can’t guarantee that your child will be prepared for every challenge that they may face in the workforce. Your support is what really matters. Don’t rescue them from the stress and conflict of working, but be compassionate. They will gain the most from their experiences when they know you are behind them, cheering them on.
Byline:
Ron Stefanski is the founder of JobsForTeensHQ.com and has a passion for helping teenagers find jobs. He created the website because he feels that teenagers need to focus on their professional passions much earlier in life and aims to teach them how they can do that. When he’s not working on his website, Ron is a college professor and loves to travel the world.
