My Child Is Looking for Their First Job? 5 Useful Tips
During the process of looking for their first job, your child may feel lost. Applications, interviews, working conditions, bosses… all of this is new to them. The excitement of having their first income (and being able to enjoy it) is intermingled with the stress involved in facing the selection process.
To help them get their first experience in the labor market, without being overwhelmed by the process, it’s important that you transmit confidence and show predisposition when they ask for support. However, it’s not a question of solving all the problems that arise, but rather providing them with tools so that they can do it themself.
Recommendations to help your child in the search for their first job
Many teenagers take advantage of vacation and school breaks to get started in the labor market, which brings important benefits. In general, they aim for temporary jobs such as summer camp assistants or childcare workers. But in other cases, they’re interested in starting a long-term job, which allows them to cover some personal expenses, start saving, or have more independence.
Whatever the case, the search process is a novelty for them, so it can be stressful.
We’ll share with you the best five tips to help your child get their first work experience. Take note!
1. Listen to their concerns
Starting out in the job market can include a number of fears associated with various challenges. Taking on new responsibilities, having to present themselves to potential bosses, or starting to receive money of their own can lead your child to have some concerns.
Also, they may feel frustrated if they don’t get the desired results when they expect them. In this regard, it’s essential that you provide emotional support, listen to them without judging, and validate their emotions.
Comments such as “It’s normal to feel nervous before a job interview“ or “I understand that you feel frustrated if the search process takes longer than you imagined“, are of great help for them to feel understood and accompanied. You can also remind them that rejections shouldn’t be taken as an evaluation of their personal worth.
2. Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small they are
Even if your child’s ultimate goal is to get their first job, there will be many accomplishments before that. Whether it’s finishing a resume, getting a new interview, or getting the courage to show up at neighborhood restaurants and cafes in order to increase their network.
All of these events deserve to be recognized as small accomplishments in the job search process. Don’t pass up the opportunity to congratulate your child when they do!
3. Offer help with their cover letter
Creating a resume or writing a cover letter are two of the most stressful tasks for young people seeking their first experience in the job field. Many doubts and insecurities arise when determining what to include and what not to include in this type of documentation.
How about helping them create a complete, clear, and concise resume? Consider the advice provided by Mariangela Rústico in her book “El currículum que triunfa” ( The resume that succeeds):
- Include professional and personal information in a structured and complete manner.
- Avoid complex words to ensure a simple and agile reading.
- Summarize the relevant data and leave the details for the interviews.
- Avoid lies, exaggerations, and excessive information.
4. Accompany them in the preparation of the interviews
Interviews can generate a lot of fear. There are several aspects that come into play, such as the pressure of wanting to get the job, the desire to be confident, or the panic of receiving an unexpected question.
In itself, job interviews put people in a vulnerable situation, as they’re a decisive issue at the time of moving forward with the selection process.
In relation to this, it’s to be expected that your child feels nervous or has some doubts. Encouraging them to research the site or company and to practice their presentation can be more than convenient for them to gain confidence. If you want to accompany them in the preparation, it’s essential that you maintain patience and warmth.
5. Respect their decisions, even if they don’t agree with yours
Ready to help your child find their first job?
Helping a child find their first job can be a challenging task, but it’s an enriching experience for both of you. The tips mentioned in this article can be helpful in guiding your child to take their first steps on the road to financial and professional independence.
Remember that your child’s first job isn’t only their first income, but also an opportunity to develop valuable skills and gain self-confidence. Encourage your child to look for a job with dedication and commitment, and remember that this is just the beginning of their career path.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Horbath-Corredor, J, E. (2004). Primer empleo de los jóvenes en México. Papeles de población, 10(42), 199-248. Recuperado en 10 de mayo de 2023, de https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1405-74252004000400008
- Puchol-Moreno, L. (2017). El libro de la entrevista de trabajo: Cómo superar las entrevistas y conseguir el trabajo que deseas. Ediciones Díaz de Santos.
- Rústico, M. (2022). El currículum que triunfa. Parkstone International.