16 year old job hunting

[Pfpppl]

My 16 year old is desperate for a part time job as he wants to save up for driving lessons/ car/ insurance. I thought applying for Xmas jobs would be a good way to get an in somewhere, that might then turn into something more permanent if he did OK.

He is really struggling to even get an interview as everywhere seems to make you do a sort of competency screening first and he always fails. I appreciate that employers want good people working for them, but how is a 16 year old supposed to understand this stuff if they don't have any experience and nobody will take them on and give them training?

He's had one interview (no test first!) and didn't get the job. I wasn't surprised as the interview was over almost as soon as it began. DS has a real problem with his facial expressions - he generally looks moody and disinterested even when he's not, so I doubt anywhere would want to take him on in a customer facing role!

Does anyone have any suggestions of jobs that aren't the usual retail type roles?

Obviously I've tried to get him to let me help with the tests, but he just gets annoyed and says I'm interfering 🙄

DS got his from a speculative CV to the local, independent garden centre. Heard nothing for six months and had completely forgotten about it then they emailed him offering him an interview.

At least three of his friends are working in Sainsbury’s packing for home delivery. Might be worth a try?

What about private schools? And gyms, David Lloyd, Nuffield etc. They are all likely to have pools.

The thing about lifeguarding is they actually prefer 16yo and 17yo lifeguards (as long as they are qualified) because they are cheaper. 18yos qualify for a higher rate of minimum wage.

DS1 worked at JD Sports for four years, he applied through Indeed.
DS2 walked into the local Papa Johns to ask if they had any vacancies and is still there four years later.

My son (17) is struggling too. He’s applied to so many places and has received either rejections or no response. I’ve told him to head in to the local town with his CV in the hope that someone may take him on!

It’s hard at 16 - so many places want 18 and over due to selling alcohol and working longer hours.

DS got a job at 16 mainly as a result of voluntary work he’d done so he could talk about H&S and customer service so that helped I think. Plus DS went for a job connected with what he wanted in a career and found the job from the venue website - I’d avoid Indeed and such like as they have thousands of applicants so it’s a numbers game. Try and hunt out places he can get to on public transport and either go in with a CV or look for the jobs section on their website. It takes longer but think you have more chance.

Also agree it’s who you know. I got my M&S job as my mum worked there - majority of us were related in some way as they preferred being recommended to open advertising.