Although you are still in school, there is a chance you are looking for your first job. Whether you want to get some experience or earn money, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. In this guide, you’ll learn about hours of work, expected wages, best opportunities, and the ways to get your first job as a 15-year-old.
What hours can you work?
Underage employment is strictly regulated by the government. Some industries are prohibited. And there are also limits on the hours you can work in a day. This limit depends on the country of residence.
In the UK you are not allowed to work before 7 am and after 7 pm. You also cannot work more than 1 hour before school starts. Also, you need to take an hour’s break after every 4 hours of work. The maximum number of hours a 15-year-old can work during term times is 2 hours on school days and Sundays. On Saturdays, 15-16-year-old can work up to 8 hours. During a school holiday, this age group is allowed to work not more than 35 hours a week.
In the US, 14-15-year-old are allowed to work up to 3 hours on a school day and up to 8 hours on Saturday or non-school day. But overall it should not be more than 16 hours a week except for such jobs as babysitting, farm labour, performing, modeling, some seasonal jobs or newspaper delivery.
How much will you get paid?
The exact wage depends on the type of job and employer. But there are some government-set regulations in this regard too.
In the UK, children under 16 are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Only when you reach 16-17 you are entitled to at least £4.81 per hour.
In the US, teenagers are entitled to the Federal Minimum Wage, which is $7.25 per hour. But children under 20 can receive a Youth Minimum Wage, which is about $4.25 per hour. There are also some differences between State regulations.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average wage for teenagers in the US is $19. As for the UK, the average hourly rate according to Talent.com is £12.50.
What jobs can you get at 15?
Teenagers are usually prohibited from working in hazardous environments. But there are plenty of job opportunities out there. Here are the eight best options to consider.
Babysitter
Here you’ll need to watch and care for younger children. It is easy to start with and doesn’t require particular certification. Often, you can find clients among family friends, and acquaintances. You’ll need to make sure the baby is safe, fed, and goes to bed at an appropriate hour.
Kennel Assistant
Teenagers can work in shelters or veterinary clinics to help with animals. The duties include walking dogs, bathing animals, feeding them, cleaning cages, and grooming animals. This is a great opportunity for those who like to work with animals or are interested in a related career in the future. A dog walker is another animal-related job a teenager can aim for.
Cashier
15-year-old also often work in grocery stores as cashiers. Here you’ll scan items, take payments, and sometimes bag products. Some jobs require to stock shelves as well or helping customers to find something.
Waiter
If you do not mind working at a restaurant, a waiter might be a great position. Providing exceptional guest service is a key to successful future. One of the benefits is the opportunity to get tips and earn more than your wage. But it can be a bit stressful as you get to work with customers and ensure they have a good experience. You can also work as a host in a restaurant and offer excellent customer service.
Fast Food Workers
Also, it is pretty easy to get a job in a fast-food chain for teenagers. Here you’ll need to prepare or serve food. Some might work as cashiers as well. Duties might include cleaning as well. This can be a good-paying job, but it might also be quite stressful. You need to be a good team member cause the whole working process depends on well-coordinated teamwork. You need to be flexible in case you have misunderstanding with other team members.
Barista
If you like coffee, this might be a great option. Barista works at a coffee shop or cafe and prepares beverages for customers. Usually, you’ll get initial on-the-job training to learn all the recipes. You will also take payments, greet clients and help them with choosing a beverage if they need it. Baristas also maintain a clean working area and do some inventory work.
Car wash
Another job opportunity is becoming a car wash attendant. As the name suggests, you will be cleaning, washing, and buffing vehicles. This includes the interior and exterior of the car and the usage of proper tools and materials. This job requires a certain level of physical activity.
Tutor
This is one of the most well-paid jobs a teenager can get. But it requires strong knowledge of a particular subject and good communication skills. You will definitely have flexible schedules, which a huge plus. The goal is to help other students get better at a subject, whether it is Math, Physics, or Literature. You’ll need to apply various teaching methods and easily explain complex things.
Top Tips for Getting Your First Job
If you are ready to get your first job, these tips will help you. Teenagers should follow several steps, namely:
- Decide what they can do and what types of jobs they are aiming for;
- Find out whether you need some working papers according to government regulations and acquire them;
- Look for opportunities online and offline;
- Prepare a resume with your skills and prior experience if applies;
- Showcase your personality traits and experiences that are relevant to the position;
- Ask relatives or friends for leads or opportunities. Often the case, they know more about jobs available or can recommend you to an employer;
- Create a list of jobs you are going to apply to;
- Prepare for an interview – be confident, honest, and wear appropriate clothing;
- Consider the offer before accepting it. Make sure you know your rights and do not go for something sketchy. Do not settle for something you are not comfortable with.
In Summary
Finding your first job might feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Decide on what spheres you’d enjoy working in and research the options. Prepare a resume and nail an interview to get that position.
