What Every Teen Should Know Before Their First Job
A first job is one of the biggest confidence boosts of the teen years — and also one of the easiest things to over- or under-prepare for. Here's what actually matters, broken into the order it comes up in real life.
Before applying anywhere
The best predictor of whether a first job goes well isn't the job itself — it's whether the basics are already in place.
- Grades are currently stable, not already slipping.
- There's a reliable way to get to and from work.
- Parent or guardian is on board with the decision and the hours involved.
- There's a shared understanding that school comes first, before the first shift is even scheduled.
The application and resume
A first resume doesn't need work history to be effective — it needs to show responsibility and availability clearly.
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com, not a gaming handle).
- List school involvement, volunteer work, and any informal jobs (babysitting, lawn care) as real experience.
- Know your availability cold before filling anything out — vague answers slow down hiring decisions.
The interview
Most first-job interviews ask a predictable set of questions. Practicing answers out loud, even just once with a parent, makes a noticeable difference in confidence.
The first paycheck
Gross pay and take-home pay are rarely the same number, and that gap surprises almost every teen the first time.
- Gross pay is everything earned before deductions.
- Federal, state, and FICA (Social Security/Medicare) withholding come out automatically.
- Net pay — what actually lands in the account — is the real number to budget against.
Knowing when to scale back
A job should never feel like something a teen is trapped in. Grades dropping, constant exhaustion, or a boss pressuring extra hours are all signs it's time to adjust the schedule — not something to push through silently.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a week is reasonable during the school year?
Many teens do well starting with weekend shifts or under 10 hours a week, adjusting based on how grades hold up. Some states also cap hours legally for minors — check local labor laws.
Does a teen need to file taxes?
Often yes, even at part-time income levels. Free IRS resources exist for simple teen tax situations — this is worth doing together the first year.
What if the interview doesn't go well?
Most teens don't get the first job they interview for — that's normal, not a reflection of their worth. Each interview is practice for the next one.
Want the full guide as a workbook?
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