How to get a job age 15

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

What do parents need to know before helping their 15-year-old get a job?

Before beginning the job search, parents should become familiar with both federal and state labor laws that apply to 15-year-olds. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) restricts work hours during school days, prohibits hazardous jobs, and limits total weekly hours. For example, 15-year-olds may not work more than 3 hours on school days or 18 hours during the school week, with different rules applying on weekends and school breaks. Many states require a work permit or age certificate, which can often be obtained from the teen’s school or local labor office. Parents should check their state’s labor department website for current requirements. It’s also wise to discuss with the teen the importance of balancing school, rest, and work to avoid burnout. Understanding these legal and practical considerations protects the teen’s welfare and helps set realistic expectations for job hunting.

What are the step-by-step actions parents and teens should take to find a job at age 15?

1. Check Work Permit Requirements: Visit your teen’s school or state labor office website to find out if a work permit or age certificate is needed. If so, help your teen complete the application form, often requiring parental consent and proof of age. This permits legal employment.
2. Identify Suitable Jobs: Focus on jobs allowed for 15-year-olds, such as babysitting, dog walking, lawn care, retail stocking, restaurant hosting, or delivering newspapers. Some businesses have specific youth hiring programs or summer positions. Use local job boards or community bulletin boards to find openings.
3. Create a Simple Resume: Help your teen write a basic resume listing volunteer experiences, school activities, hobbies, and skills. For example: Name and contact info Objective: (e.g., “Looking to gain work experience in retail.”) Education: School name and current grade Volunteer or extracurricular activities: “Volunteered at community library,” or “Member of school soccer team” Skills: “Good communication, responsible, punctual”
4. Practice Interview Skills: Conduct mock interviews with questions like “Why do you want this job?” or “Tell me about a time you worked with others.” Teach your teen to answer clearly, make eye contact, and thank the interviewer.
5. Apply to Jobs: Help your teen complete applications neatly, whether online or paper forms. Review each application for accuracy and completeness, emphasizing following instructions closely.
6. Follow Up: About a week after applying, encourage your teen to call or visit the employer to politely ask about the application status. This shows initiative and eagerness.
7. Prepare for Interviews: Make sure your teen dresses appropriately (clean, modest, no offensive logos), arrives 10-15 minutes early, and brings any required documents like a work permit or identification.
8. Evaluate Job Offers: Review the offer details together—hours, pay, transportation, and expectations—before accepting. Make sure the job won’t interfere with school and personal life.

Each step is designed to build skills, confidence, and responsibility while guiding your teen toward a safe and legal job opportunity.

How can parents tell if the job search is progressing successfully?

Signs of progress include your teen getting interview invitations or callbacks from employers. Positive feedback during interviews or networking conversations also indicates the search is on the right track. Your teen may begin to show increased confidence in communication and organization. Once a job offer is received, it’s a clear sign the efforts have paid off. Another sign is the teen’s ability to manage time better between school, work, and relaxation. If your teen is motivated to keep applying and improving, even if not hired yet, that shows valuable persistence. Parents can also look for improvements in their teen’s attitude toward responsibility and professional behavior. These milestones confirm the process is working well.

What should parents do if the job search is not going as planned?

If your teen isn’t getting interviews or offers, first review the resume and application materials. Are they clear, accurate, and tailored to the job? Offer to rewrite or reorganize the resume with more specific achievements or skills. Encourage your teen to practice interviewing more to reduce nervousness. It may help to expand the search to different types of jobs or locations and to apply to more employers. Consider alternative opportunities, such as volunteering, internships, or community projects, to build skills and experience. If anxiety or low confidence is a barrier, role-playing and positive reinforcement can help. Remind your teen that many people face rejections at first and persistence is important. If your teen faces discrimination or unfair treatment, help them contact resources like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or local legal aid. Patience and flexibility in approach can eventually lead to success.

How can the job search process be adapted for younger or older teens?

For younger teens (ages 13-14), formal employment options are very limited and often require direct parental supervision. Jobs typically include informal work like babysitting, pet sitting, or helping with family business tasks. Parents should focus on safe, age-appropriate opportunities that teach responsibility without violating legal restrictions. Starting with neighborhood chores or occasional paid help can build early work habits. At age 14, some states allow limited formal work with a permit, often in retail or food service, but hours remain restricted. For 17-year-olds, work hour restrictions loosen and a wider variety of jobs become available, including internships or more skilled roles. Parents can encourage more independence while still advising about workplace rights and expectations. The key is to match job complexity and responsibility with the teen’s age, maturity, and legal permissions. For detailed age-specific guidance, see resources on jobs for 14-year-olds and how to get a job at 16.

What are some practical examples of jobs that 15-year-olds can do?

Depending on local laws, 15-year-olds can often find jobs like:

• Babysitting: Caring for younger children in familiar neighborhoods, possibly with Red Cross babysitting certification.
• Lawn Care and Yard Work: Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow for neighbors.
• Retail or Grocery Stores: Bagging groceries, stocking shelves, or cleaning.
• Restaurants: Bussing tables, hosting, or running food to customers (not cooking).
• Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Caring for pets while neighbors are away.
• Newspaper Delivery: Carrying papers in the neighborhood early mornings.
• Tutoring: Helping younger students in subjects your teen excels at, such as math or reading.

Parents can help by creating a list of potential employers and local community centers, visiting businesses to inquire about youth hiring, and encouraging networking with family friends or neighbors. This practical approach helps the teen see real options and build a plan.

How can parents best support their teens throughout the job search and first employment?

Parents support their teens by:

• Ensuring all paperwork, such as work permits and social security cards, is in order before starting work.
• Role-playing interviews and helping your teen practice polite, confident communication.
• Teaching time management skills to balance school, work, and rest effectively. For example, use a shared calendar to mark work shifts and homework deadlines.
• Monitoring the teen’s work schedule, ensuring it does not interfere with health, academics, or family time.
• Discussing workplace expectations, such as punctuality, respect for supervisors, and following company rules.
• Encouraging your teen to speak up if they experience problems like unfair treatment or harassment and guiding them on how to report issues.
• Celebrating successes and milestones to motivate continued growth.

Parental involvement provides safety, structure, and encouragement, helping teens develop skills that last beyond their first job.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 14-year-old get a job?

Yes, but job options are limited and often require a work permit. Typical jobs include babysitting, lawn work, or certain retail roles. Parents should check state laws and support the teen in finding age-appropriate opportunities.

What jobs are legal for 13-year-olds?

Formal jobs for 13-year-olds are rare due to legal restrictions. They can usually do informal work like babysitting, pet sitting, or helping with family business tasks under close supervision.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work during the school week?

Federal labor laws limit work to 3 hours on school days and 18 hours per school week for 15-year-olds, with no work during school hours. State laws may vary, so verify local rules.

What should I do if my teen experiences discrimination at work?

Discrimination based on race, gender, age, or other protected categories is illegal. Help your teen report the issue to their employer or contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a legal advisor for assistance.

How is job searching different for a 17-year-old compared to a 15-year-old?

At 17, teens face fewer restrictions on work hours and job types, allowing for more diverse and longer shifts. They can seek internships or more skilled jobs, so parents can encourage greater independence while still providing guidance.