Looking for your first part time job can feel overwhelming. Finding a job is hard to begin with. Yet, when you don’t have experience working, have never had a job interview, and don't know where to start in writing a resume, then finding a job can feel impossible.

Some tips about getting your first job:
• Try to find out as much as you can on the position you're thinking about. You should try to find out what kind of work you will be doing, if the position fits your schedule, and if you have the required skills and/or experience.
• Keep you head up, maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake, and be confident. When you enter the business, ask to speak to the manager, shake their hand, and introduce yourself. Employers look for certain qualities when someone comes in asking for a job. The most important of these is communication. When talking to a manager, show that you’re excited to get the job.
• Be professional. Many employers will not look at your resume if you go in chewing gum or wearing headphones. Also, if you have family or friends walk into the store with you, the employer might think that you cannot do things on your own and think that you won’t work independently on the job either.

How do you go about getting your fist job?
1. Put Together a Resume: While many part-time job seekers don’t think they need a resume, having one will show the employer that you’ve put energy into your job search, as well as give an opportunity to show them what you have to offer.
2. Appearance Matters: Whether you are going to an interview, or simply going to fill out a job application, make sure you are well dressed. You don’t have to wear a suit, but you should make sure you look presentable. Don’t go into a store to hand in a resume wearing jeans, chains, or baggy or tattered clothes; in other words make sure your grandma would approve.
3. Get a List of Places to Apply: You can find various jobs from many different places. A local newspaper, going the library to look at help wanted listings, or walking around town and through malls looking for Help Wanted signs are great ways to find jobs. Add to you list only those places where you think it would be fun to work. Not all businesses will have a Help Wanted sign in the window so walking in and asking if they are hiring shows the manager that you are interested and motivated. You can also search sites that have part-time announcements for teens such as: GrooveJob.com, SnagAjob.com, Craigslists.com, Idealist.org.
4. Follow Up After You Apply: Employers look for people call later to ask about a job application, because it shows motivation and determination. Always call the manager about a week after you put in your application and make sure you speak to them in person. Don't rely on someone else to leave the right message for you.

What to learn more?
Did you get an interview? You can’t go into an interview without preparation. Check out “Tips for a Successful Interview” from Groovejobs.com from some advice on interview at http://www.groovejob.com/resources/interview/tips/.