Advice on where to apply and how to impress your interviewer, from L.A. Youth writers who have looked for jobs
Apply at places where you know someone who works there. You have a better chance of getting hired. I recently applied to work at Gelson’s supermarket in Century City during the summer. I have a very good chance of being hired because my mother has known the manager for 22 years. I talk to her whenever I shop at Gelson’s. Also, because my family has been shopping at Gelson’s for several years and I know the environment well, I know I will be comfortable working there.
Brett Hicks, 16, Loyola HS
Melanie Boysaw, 16, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies
Think about your interview like an essay and bring up examples. For a program I did that’s designed to give high school students jobs in finance, we had mock interviews. I told the interviewer I was very social and confident. But she said anyone could say that. So I said it was easy for me to speak to anyone and for confidence I said that after running a marathon, I feel like I can do anything. At the end of the interview, ask, “What do I do next?” to let them know you’re interested in the job.
Richard Aviles, 17, Foshay Learning Center
Sylvana Insua-Rieger, 16, Beverly Hills HS
Find jobs that are teen-friendly. Last summer I called H&M and places at The Grove shopping center. They told me I couldn’t work there because I wasn’t 18. This year I heard from a friend that the Hollywood Bowl hires teens so I called them. I got the job.
Gabe Andreen, 15, Pilgrim School |
Work hours
• 7 a.m.–7 p.m., from Labor Day–June 1
• Not during school hours
• 7 a.m.–9 p.m., from June 1–Labor Day
Maximum hours when school is in session
18 hours a week, but not more than:
• 3 hours a day on school days
• 8 hours a day Saturday–Sunday and holidays
Maximum hours when school is not in session
• 40 hours a week
• 8 hours a day
Work hours for teens ages 16 and 17
Work hours
• 5 a.m.–10 p.m. when there is school the next day
• 5 a.m.–12:30 a.m. when there is no school the next day
Maximum hours when school is in session
48 hours a week, but not more than:
• 4 hours a day Monday–Thursday
• 8 hours a day Friday–Sunday and holidays
Maximum hours when school is not in session
• 48 hours a week
• 8 hours a day