How to find a job under 18

Parents & guardians · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting a job search for someone under 18?

Before starting the job search, parents need to gather key information and documents. Begin by researching your state’s labor laws regarding youth employment, as rules vary widely. These laws outline the minimum age to work, permitted work hours, types of jobs allowed, and if a work permit is required. Your local school, state labor department, or the U.S. Department of Labor website are good places to find this information.

Next, if required, obtain a work permit or age certificate. This often involves filling out a form with signatures from a parent or guardian, the employer, and a school official. Contact your child’s school office or local labor agency to understand the application process and how long it takes to get approval. Starting this step early helps avoid delays.

Prepare a simple resume or skills list with your child. Unlike adult resumes, this can focus on informal experiences and personal qualities. For example, list volunteering, babysitting, pet care, or helping with household chores. Here is an example format:

• Name: Jane Doe
• Contact: (555) 123-4567, [email protected]
• Objective: Responsible student seeking part-time work to gain experience
• Skills: Reliable, good communication, hardworking
• Experience: Babysitting neighborhood children; volunteer helper at community events

Discuss with your child the kinds of jobs that interest them and are appropriate for their age. Common teen jobs include retail cashier, food service crew member, pet sitter, or lawn care assistant.

What steps should you follow to find a job for your child under 18?

Here is a step-by-step guide for parents helping their child find a job:

1. Know the Legal Rules: Review your state’s youth labor laws to understand age limits, work hours, and permit requirements to ensure compliance.
2. Apply for a Work Permit: If needed, complete the required paperwork with your child’s school or labor office. This legal document allows your child to work.
3. Help Create a Resume or Skills List: Write down your child’s personal info, skills, and any experience, even informal, to present to employers.
4. List Potential Employers: Identify local businesses likely to hire teens, such as grocery stores, restaurants, libraries, or community centers.
5. Search Job Openings: Use online youth job boards, school bulletin boards, or visit businesses directly to inquire about openings.
6. Assist with Applications: Help your child complete applications neatly and accurately. Practice filling out forms beforehand if needed.
7. Practice Interview Questions: Role-play common interview questions such as “Why do you want this job?” or “What are your strengths?” to build confidence.
8. Submit Applications and Follow Up: Help your child deliver applications and teach them to politely follow up if they don’t hear back within a week.
9. Prepare for Starting Work: Talk about punctuality, appropriate dress, workplace behavior, and safety to set clear expectations.

Each step is designed to teach responsibility, build confidence, and increase the chance of success.

How can parents help their child prepare an effective resume and application?

A resume for a teen should be simple, clear, and focused on skills and qualities employers value. Start with the child’s full name, phone number, and a professional email address. Next, add a short objective statement, for example: “Motivated high school student seeking part-time work to develop teamwork and customer service skills.”

Help your child list relevant skills such as:

• Good communication skills from school presentations
• Reliability demonstrated by babysitting or pet care
• Teamwork experience from sports or clubs

Include volunteer work or extracurricular activities with brief descriptions and approximate dates, for example:

• Volunteer helper at local food pantry – Assisted in sorting donations
• Member of school drama club – Participated in organizing performances

When filling out job applications, ensure your child writes clearly or types if online. Double-check for spelling and grammar errors. Help them practice answering standard questions about availability, interests, and why they want the job.

Here are sample answers for practice:

• Why do you want this job? “I want to gain work experience and develop my communication skills.”
• What are your strengths? “I am dependable, friendly, and eager to learn.”
• When can you work? “I am available after school on weekdays and all day on weekends.”

How do you know the job search is working?

You will know the search is progressing when your child begins receiving interview invitations or phone calls from employers. Track applications by keeping a simple list of where and when your child applied and any employer responses.

Signs of success include:

• Your child confidently filling out job applications alone
• Invitations to interview or complete additional paperwork
• Positive feedback from employers after interviews

If your child attends interviews but doesn’t get hired, review interview skills together. Practice speaking clearly, making eye contact, and dressing professionally. If there are no responses, consider expanding job searches to different businesses or roles.

Celebrate progress such as completing applications or going to interviews. This encourages persistence and helps your child stay motivated.

What should you do if the job search faces challenges or setbacks?

If your child faces rejection or delays, start by reviewing their resume and applications for clarity and completeness. Add more details about any informal experience or skills if necessary.

Consider broadening the types of jobs or locations searched. For instance, look into local parks, community centers, or seasonal work like helping with events or yard work.

Increase interview practice to boost confidence. Help your child prepare clear, positive answers to common questions and use calm body language.

Make sure all legal paperwork, especially work permits, is current and valid. Sometimes application delays occur because of missing documents.

Provide encouragement and remind your child that rejection is normal when job hunting. If your child encounters unsafe or unfair work conditions after being hired, teach them to report the issue to a trusted adult or labor authorities.

How can parents balance a teen’s job with their school and social life?

Balancing work with school and activities is essential to avoid stress or burnout. Sit down with your child to create a weekly schedule that includes school hours, homework time, extracurriculars, family time, and job hours.

For example, if school ends at 3 p.m., a reasonable work schedule might be 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with longer hours on weekends if allowed. Encourage your child to communicate openly if their job affects their schoolwork or wellbeing.

Check your state’s laws on the maximum work hours allowed for minors during school days and weeks. Some states limit work to just a few hours on school nights.

Help your child use tools like calendars, planners, or phone reminders to keep track of homework, shifts, and social plans. Encourage good sleep and downtime to maintain health and focus.

What jobs are commonly available for teens under 18 and what should parents know about safety?

Common teen jobs include retail cashier, food service worker, babysitter, pet sitter, lawn care assistant, and camp counselor. These roles typically comply with youth labor laws and are suitable for young workers.

Before your child accepts a job, ask about the duties to ensure they avoid hazardous work like operating heavy machinery, handling chemicals, or selling alcohol if underage.

Discuss workplace safety with your child, including how to use equipment properly and what to do in case of injury or harassment. Teach them they have the right to a safe workplace and can report problems to supervisors or labor departments.

If you have concerns about a work environment, contact your state’s labor department or OSHA’s youth worker resources for guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the youngest age a child can work in the United States?

The Fair Labor Standards Act sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural work, but state laws may have different rules. Check local regulations for specifics.

How long can teens under 18 work on school days?

Work hours for minors during school days are limited and vary by state. Typically, teens can work only a few hours on school nights, with longer hours allowed on weekends and vacations.

Can a teen work without a work permit?

Some states require work permits for minors under 18; others do not. Your child’s school or local labor office can tell you if a permit is necessary.

How can parents help their child prepare for a job interview?

Practice common questions and answers with your child, encourage them to dress neatly, arrive early, and make eye contact. Role-playing helps build confidence.

What should a teen do if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe at work?

They should tell a trusted adult or supervisor immediately. Parents can also contact labor authorities or organizations that protect young workers’ rights.