What kind of jobs (in what field etc) would suit a teen at entry-level with no/minimal job experience?

Question

I read in another person's answer that it's no good to work in retail boutiques folding clothes because it provides little experience.

So what kind of other jobs can a late teen do and at the same time, what kind of fields don't mind hiring a teen and teaching one along the way?

(I'm 18 and going to college this fall, so I'm eager to get some experience and earn a bit of spending money.)

Thank you all. Include your own experience if you have. :-)

Answer 1

There is so much more you can learn in boutiques than folding clothes. If you want experience, all you have to do is ask for it! You wouldnt believe how many people get a job and only do what is asked of them. Why not tell the employer that you are eager to develop job experience, and if they have a few moments now and then to teach you other aspects of their business that it would mean a lot to you. I am an employer, and have had people working for me for 20 years. I have only had one employee ask for more experience. They are now getting paid more. Why? Because they can do more. Why, because I taught them. Why? Because they asked!

Here is what I recommend. Get that job in a boutique. Learn to fold, yes, but do it better. Take the initiative when customers come into the boutique. Dont stand at the till like the rest of the employees. Even if you are not making commission on the sale, be of good service to your customers. Be there when your employer needs help. Offer to work extra hours, ask to learn about other parts of the business that you are not currently involved in. In a nutshell, be of VALUE to your employer. Not only will they pay you more, but you will be given more responsibility which translates into more experience. Be the best that you can be at all times. That means leaving your personal problems at home. Leave your mobile phone in the car, not your handbag. Give your employer your undivided attention from start time to finish time, and never be in a hurry to leave unless you have something scheduled right after work. If you stay a few minutes after, if you see a pair of trousers that need folded, if you see some dirt on the floor--just do it without asking. All of these things add value to you and I guarantee you will be rewarded for it.

Other recommendations:

Tell your friends to not visit you at work. When given a lunch break, come back on time every time. Never arrive late. Never leave early. NEVER steal anything, EVER. A dirty little secret: Great employees are often given gifts for good work. If you work in a boutique, you may get free clothes! Bonuses will be larger, and your paycheck will be increased on a regular basis. Make your boss WANT to pay you more because they dont want to lose such a hard working.

You can use this advice for any job. Most people your age look for a job just to get money. They have poor attitudes regarding work. Be better than them. Be HUMBLE, but be better than them. Dont just give as much as you need to get by. Give it your all. Before you know it, you will be screaming through the ranks into management.

I wish you the very best. Go get 'em!

Answer 2

Who says retail boutiques don't give you experience? I work at a clothing outlet, called FreshLook, and I get great experience from there. Anything from, Cashier Experience, Customer Service Experience, and Balancing Money as well.

You're 18, you can work at the bank. That's also good experience also.

There's also job occupations such as child daycares, they pay really good! Some get 13.00/Per hour, even if they never had experience before. Well, some "child development background education" is required. But they can train you too.

Never do fastfood. It sucks. That's where you don't get experience.

Hmm, what else... Well, if you have some sort of Job Corps. thing where you are, it's good to go there and get experience. They have occupations ranging from, culinary arts, child development, mechanic, etc ..

Good luck on finding a job. It's hard now'a days to find one, since all these young adults are eager to make their own money.

Answer 3

I would adise you to try and get a job in a call centre. I am 18 and currently studying at University and I managed to find a job working in an insurance company taking inbound calls. This involved 3 weeks training which is recognised by all insurance companies in the uk. I worked in retail before this job which, as you said, is as useful as no experiance. Re: wether they would emply you: this call centre employs all students with at least 2 years left on their course. Many of my friends are in the exact same type of job as me and they claim that a lot of the staff are their (our) age.

Happy Job Hunting!

Answer 4

Well your online..so your computer literate(a plus)...Im not sure what you are going to college for...but I would put in applications at temp agencies....the more you apply to the more chances of getting a job...there are so many "office jobs" out there..where you can get alot of different experience and on the job training....I havent temped in years...but I did get alot of experience and the money was always good...way above min wage.....give it a try...you have nothing to lose....the best part of course is that you can accept or turn down a position offered until you find one you think you would like...good luck

Answer 5

I had jobs working at a resort, being a waitress, working as a cashier, working at college food service, working at fast food. Entry-level jobs that accommodate college students' schedules are not going to be glamorous! You pay your dues. Even when you finish college, most entry-level jobs won't be high-paying or glamorous.