To ask how did your DCs get their first job

[JanuaryJonez]

I mean very first earning job.

My DS17 is currently doing his A Levels and would like a part-time job. He created a (very good) CV last week and then spent an afternoon wandering into cafes in our city asking if they had vacancies and leaving his CV. None had adverts in the window but only one said a flat 'No, we're not looking' without taking his CV, which I guess is encouraging.

He's now going to leave it a couple of weeks and if he hasn't heard back from any, pop in to them again, but he's having a bit of a 'Now what?' moment and feels he could be doing more. I searched on similar local jobs but they were all full-time and asking for a minimum amount of experience.

Quite a few of his friends and peers have had part-time jobs for a while, but they're all with either an independent retailer or cafe run by a friend of their parents. We don't really know anyone who runs a business that could give our DS a job, so he needs to find one through more formal channels.

So it would be helpful to hear how your DCs, if they're old enough, secured their first job, what was it doing and how long did it take them to get it etc. More recent examples would be the most helpful.

@needadvice54321 maybe check out the link to a guide to writing a CV when you're a young person with no experience, that I posted near the start of this thread.

@AliceBlueGown did your DS get his job at Sainsburys some time ago?

I'm asking as I thought it was all online now so you can't walk in and hand in a CV anymore (which I think is better as they can meet you).

Th Sainsburys jobs site is really glitchy compared to others unfortunately - maybe it's just not mobile friendly and we need to use it via a laptop.

DD got her job using a job search website keeping an eye on part time jobs in the area. Lots of bigger retailers and restaurants advertise on here. Many do not take CVs handed in as they have a more centralised recruitment process. There is often quite a long application to complete online, in addition to CV upload and also some screening questions. This takes quite a bit of time and persistence and I know without my nagging DD would have given up at this point because it really is dull if doing repeated applications. I suggest filling out as much as possible on the profile page, highlighting attributes to those stated on the job speck, add a profile pic if they ask for it anything just to make it stand out from others that might not have bothered. Also look at big retailers websites - B&Q, Halfords, Garden Centres and Hardware chains etc are often recruiting.

Other than babysitting...
V small town. Everyone knows everyone (or did, prior to massive new estate going in).

One gave a cafe her CV. Another used to go and chat to a shopkeeper on her weekend trek around the shops and was offered a job behind the till. The third was known to a cafe owner and when I was there I asked if she was looking for summer staff.

A lot of local DC apply to the local supermarket.

My DD looked on indeed and got a pt job in Iceland, she is 16 and getting paid £9 ph, she also had an interview at co-op and KFC so it doesn't have to be a local independent cafe etc.

DD's started at a local cafe from 13 via a friend of their grandma. Still work there now when home from uni 20 & 19 - they both also have a second job but round here people are desperate for staff as very touristy. Even worse this year due to Brexit. Anyone who wants a part-time job or two from 13/14 can get one with no problem.

And it's not about the money both DD’s paid we'll above their minimum wage.

We've just employed two friends kids 16 & 17 on £8 an hour do 6 hours a week currently rising to 3 days each in the holidays.

Good luck.

Their second jobs they also got.via friends by being recommended to apply.

Good luck.

Some great tips on here for my DCs - will be looking at that cv link too. Dd has to get p:t job in Sept

I had several jobs as a teenager:

1. Applied online for a Christmas temp job and then got hired permanently when the contract ended

2. My friend worked there and knew I was looking for a new job so asked the manager if I could have an interview (it was a big company, but a small shop in a hospital with only around 10 staff, the manager had hired several people she either knew or through recommendations)

3. Applied online

All the jobs were with big retail companies

Dd has had 2 jobs, both in the village we live, both advertised on local Facebook page. The first was waitressing in a pub so she found the second in a local shop during lockdown 1 whilst the pub was closed.
One definite tip though is let your teen make all the contacts themselves. Dd phoned about the pub job and was invited to an interview and then trial. Her friends mum called to enquire on behalf of her friend and was told that she was too young, that they wanted over 16 only. Dd was also 15 but clearly seemed more capable after doing it herself and someone else of the same age also worked there.