Helping 16 year old DS find a summer job

[Ruminating2020]

DS has finished his GCSEs and it would be good for him to look for something constructive to do with his time before he starts 6th form. So far, he has made an online application for Subway and a couple of others but that is it and he hasn't heard back yet. It will be very competitive at this time of the year of course but I don't want him to give up.

Is there anything else we can encourage him to do? We have already suggested that he goes round the shops armed with copies of his CV.

TIA.

DS3 in same position so shamelessly placemarking

Year 11 don’t officially leave school until the end of June. Law states they can only work 12/hrs per week until then. Employers’ public liability insurance may be affected if employ for more hours until then. It’s stupid and govt need to issue covid guidance to make an exception this year. If anyone knows anyone that can lobby on this, please say !!

Dd tried 101 places but they all - especially hospitality - want over 18s. In normal times they can’t be so picky, but faced with a glut of young people they can spurn anyone who needs authorisation to serve or sell alcohol.

Apply, apply,apply!
I know it's time consuming but this is the key. Don't be afraid to contact businesses on the off chance they have a vacancy as many positions aren't widely advertised.
Also some top tips here

https://barclayslifeskills.com/young-people/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv-bFwpyA8QIVCIXVCh3FjQzyEAAYASABEgKZMDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Dd is volunteering to get some experience, but even there they had to make a special allowance with much hoo ha as she is under 18.

DD has done some (non dodgy!) online work typing up interviews. Dreadfully paid, but it gave her something to add to her CV.

As an employer who has had countless 16 year old apply for cafe positions recently, I have to say the standard and quality of applications received has been unbelievably poor. The cover letters literally all say the same thing and give the overall impression that the prospective employers should be grateful this kid wants a job. A lot of them come without cover letters. The majority of them have no idea who they’ve actually applied to or what the job is.
We have just taken on a 17year old who wrote an amazing cover letter, had researched us online and popped in to see the business and gave specific examples of how her knowledge and experience in extra curricular activities could make her an asset to our team. THAT is how it’s done.

It is impossible at the moment. Supermarkets, McDonald’s etc won’t take on 16 year olds until the start of July(something to do with school leaving age).

Dd1 has been in this position. She’s applied for around 50 jobs and was getting pretty down hearted with it all.

She has however just been offered a job at Burger King and started next week. It was the first interview she was offered and she apparently made a good impression as she was offered the job on the spot.

They might be worth a try for your DS?

• starts

This hasn’t been mentioned yet, but my sons have all done labouring work from about that age. Usually have to get a CSCS card for insurance purposes but if you get something lined up it’s a good investment.

My middle son, did labouring with a guy doing landscaping and then took on lawns to cut through the people having work done. He made a fortune! Constant work over the summer, earning cash each week but meant weekends were free. Plus he gained some practical skills. Obviously it’s physical work though.

DS has a job at a freight company sorting out parcels, it’s about 9.50 ph. He took a night shift though. He applied for one job delivering restaurant standard food for a very upmarket take away service. They had over 130 applications. They at least got back to him. He applied for 20 jobs in two weeks.

Thanks for further responses. It has been helpful to know about the experiences your dcs have got from doing the same. There are some retail jobs I've given him to have a look at so that will keep him busy for a bit.

Not considered labouring type work, but I will look into that instead of the usual retail, fast food chains etc.

Not much use for this year, but once he had his driving license, DS used to do night shifts parking and washing buses in the local bus depot.

Hotels round near us are looking for house keeping roles. Apparently really struggling to fill them.

Update on DS finding a job. He has an interview next week for KFC, so that is something at least! Now, to help him find something suitable to wear for the interview. Will dark jeans be okay?

I hear you @Pbbananabagel but when these kids are having to make 100+ applications it isn't possible to call into every business and spend time studying it.

I'd say dark jeans are fine, with a shirt and decent shoes.

Great news! Does he have black school trousers?

Thanks.
Yes, he has black trousers from his uniform.

@Pbbananabagel

As an employer who has had countless 16 year old apply for cafe positions recently, I have to say the standard and quality of applications received has been unbelievably poor. The cover letters literally all say the same thing and give the overall impression that the prospective employers should be grateful this kid wants a job. A lot of them come without cover letters. The majority of them have no idea who they’ve actually applied to or what the job is. We have just taken on a 17year old who wrote an amazing cover letter, had researched us online and popped in to see the business and gave specific examples of how her knowledge and experience in extra curricular activities could make her an asset to our team. THAT is how it’s done.

Bloody hell. These are 16 year old children!. I had several Saturday January when I was 16-18. I wouldn't have had a clue how to write a cover letter and my parents less of an idea . I went in I asked if they had a job and left my details if they didn't. No-one expected a 16 year old to be perfectly capable when they started !, Just eager to please and hard working which I was

Saturday Jobs

Sigh

@Pbbananabagel

As an employer who has had countless 16 year old apply for cafe positions recently, I have to say the standard and quality of applications received has been unbelievably poor. The cover letters literally all say the same thing and give the overall impression that the prospective employers should be grateful this kid wants a job. A lot of them come without cover letters. The majority of them have no idea who they’ve actually applied to or what the job is. We have just taken on a 17year old who wrote an amazing cover letter, had researched us online and popped in to see the business and gave specific examples of how her knowledge and experience in extra curricular activities could make her an asset to our team. THAT is how it’s done.

@Pbbananabagel I see your point but for what I assume is a waiting job, the business research seems like overkill. Surely for a waiting job you need someone who is polite, efficient and good with people?

I'm in a drive through car wash right now - lots of young lads working here.

DSS applied to McDonald's and was working his first shift within the week. It's given him a new lease of life and sense of responsibility, which is good. They seem to be good employers, so far, and they pay above minimum wage.