Adulting 101: Helping your teen build a resume and land their first job

Watching your child take their first steps into the working world is both exciting and a little nerve wracking. Whether they’re looking for a summer job or starting to explore long-term career interests, your support can make a big difference. We’ve outlined 7 ways you can help them navigate job applications and build a strong resume. 

Where to start the job search

Encourage your teen to explore job listings on platforms like Indeed, especially for local and seasonal opportunities. A simple Google search for “summer jobs near me” can also yield helpful results. Remind them that job opportunities can come from unexpected places—encourage them to talk to teachers, coaches, family friends or members of your community. This could be their first taste of the power of networking! 

Discovering interests and skills 

Help your teen reflect on their hobbies and strengths. Do they enjoy working with people? Are they detail-oriented or creative? One great way to start is by thinking about places they already enjoy—like a favorite clothing store or café—and considering applying there. 

Understanding job descriptions 

Teach your teen to read job descriptions carefully. They should look for: 

• Job title 
• Work days and hours 
• Required qualifications 

Encourage them to ask themselves, “Can I see myself doing this job?” and “Do I meet the basic requirements?” 

Filling out applications

Most job applications will ask for: 

• Personal information 
• Education and experience 
• Supporting documents like a resume and cover letter 

Make sure your teen double-checks everything before submitting—common mistakes include attaching the wrong documents or addressing a cover letter to the wrong company. 

Building a resume

A resume is a snapshot of your teen’s qualifications. It should include: 

• Contact information 
• A short professional summary or objective 
• Work or volunteer experience 
• Skills relevant to the job 

Encourage them to tailor their resume for each job and use keywords from the job description. Tools like ChatGPT or online resume builders can help them get started. 

Avoid including personal details like age, social security number or a photo. And always proofread for spelling and grammar! 

Preparing for interviews

Your teen has found a great opportunity and submitting their application. Now it’s time to interview! Help your teen prepare by: 

• Practicing common interview questions 
• Researching the company 
• Doing mock interviews with you or a mentor 
• Making a list of questions they’ll ask of the hiring manager 

They should dress professionally—clean, neat and appropriate for the job—and bring copies of their resume and a notepad. 

Encourage them to make eye contact, offer a firm handshake and take deep breaths to manage nerves. 

After the interview

Whether they get the job or not, it’s important to follow up. A thank-you email shows professionalism and gratitude. If they don’t get the job, help them see it as a learning experience. Every interview is practice for the next one. 

If they do get the job, celebrate! Then help them prepare for next steps like background checks, paperwork and orientation. 

Your teen may feel overwhelmed or unsure during this process, and that’s okay. Your encouragement, guidance and even just being a sounding board can help them build confidence and resilience. With your support, they’ll be well on their way to mastering this essential part of adulting.