It’s never too early to get started on your career path. Even though you might not be able to work until you turn 18 legally, you can begin learning valuable skills and building a portfolio of experience.

When you’re young, the world is your oyster. You can do anything you set your mind to, and there’s no telling what you might achieve.

For some people, that means starting their career at a young age. If you’re looking to get a job at 15 years old, there are a few things you need to know.

Keep reading for tips on making yourself stand out from the competition and land the job of your dreams!

What kinds of jobs may 15-year-olds perform?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teenagers can work in multiple industries. They can even do some things better than adults because of their youthfulness. Teens are good multitaskers, and many teens enjoy working in fast-paced environments. Some positions that young people can fill include cashiers, stock clerks, customer service representatives, receptionists, salespeople, and waitstaff.

Here are a few roles that 15-year-olds can perform well:

1. Cashier

2. Stock clerk

3. Customer Service Representative

4. Receptionist

5. Salesperson

How many hours may 15-year-olds work?

In general, it is illegal for anyone younger than 14 years old to work more than 40 hours per week. The maximum number of weekly working hours for minors aged 14 and 15 is 60. States may set stricter limits on the hours of employment for children.

Currently, 29 states plus Washington D.C. have passed laws limiting the hours of employment of 14- and 15-year-olds to 56 hours per week. New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle have similar laws.

Work Permits

In Wisconsin, the law requires most employers to obtain a work permit for each minor worker they hire. This includes workers under the age of 16. A work permit is required even if the minor works in their family’s business.

A work permit proves that the minor is legally permitted to work, verifies the minor’s identity, and notifies the employer, parents/guardians, and child of the minor’s employment. Employers must ensure that minors have work permits prior to beginning employment.

Exceptions to the permit requirement include:

• Minor employees are hired in agricultural occupations.

• Minors employed in or around a home where no part of the work is done in connection with the employer’s business.

• Volunteers performing work for a nonprofit organization

Employment Generally Prohibited To Minors

In other U.S. states, the law prohibits employing minors under 16 years old to do dangerous work. This includes working around machinery, operating power equipment, or doing tasks such as welding, cutting, grinding, mixing concrete, or painting.

The agency that licenses a specific occupation determines whether someone under age 18 can practice that job. For example, to operate a crane, you need to get a license, but you can hire a minor to operate one.

How to Get a Job at Age 15

WalletHub released its list of the best and worst states for teenagers looking for work. It turns out that it’s not too difficult to find a job as a teenager. You have to know where to look. And once you find the right place, be sure to shine in your interview by coming across as confident, reliable, and enthusiastic.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the easiest industries for teenagers to get jobs in are food service and retail. Teens are good at doing more than one thing at once and can work in fast-paced environments, so many fast-food chains try to hire them.

If you’re interested in working in food service or retail, start by checking out job openings at your local mall or grocery store. You can also search for open positions on major job boards.

Another industry that’s relatively easy for teenagers to break into is the hospitality industry.

Jobs in this sector include positions like hotel front desk clerk, bellhop, and server. If you are interested in this field, start by reaching out to hotels in your area to see if they have any open positions.

You can also look for work in the hospitality industry on major job boards such as Hcareers.com and HospitalityJobSites.com.

Once you’ve found a few industries that interest you, it’s time to start applying for jobs!

Be sure to read through each job listing carefully and only apply for positions you’re qualified for and truly interested in. Include a well-written cover letter and resume with your application that shows off your relevant skills and experience.

Then, prepare for your interview by practicing your answers to common interview questions like “Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge at work.” Following these steps will increase your chances of landing the teenage job of your dreams!

High-demand occupations suitable for 15-year-olds

Here are some of the best jobs that every 15-year-old could do:

1. Caddy

Caddies are typically employed at golf courses and country clubs. They carry bags, clean balls, rake sand bunkers, hold flags, and consult players on which club to choose. A caddy earns a good hourly rate, depending on location and experience. Most caddying jobs require no formal education beyond high school graduation.

2. Dishwasher

A dishwasher cleans dishes and cookware and places clean dishes in the serving station. Depending on the type of restaurant, they may also set tables and place items on the dining room floor.

The job description for dishwashers varies widely based on where you live. In some areas, like New York City, dishwashers do much more than wash plates and bowls.

3. Grocery bagger

Grocery bagger assistants work under the supervision of store managers and stockers. They help shoppers find store items, load groceries onto carts, and unload them into customer cars. Some baggers handle cashiering duties too.

4. Cashier

Retail stores and fast food restaurants typically hire cashiers to receive cash, debit cards, credit cards, or check payments, issue receipts and refunds during their shift, count money, and keep cash drawers balanced.

5. Dog walker

Dog walkers are responsible for walking their clients’ pets while keeping track of how long it takes to complete a round trip. They may even carry leashes, food bowls, water bottles, toys, and treats.

Some dog walkers take one pet out at a time for a walk, while others may take several dogs out together. The duration of each walk varies depending on the dog type and the instructions the client gives.

Conclusion

So, you’re looking for a job. But you’re only 15 years old. That can be tough, especially when all your friends are out there enjoying their summer break while you’re stuck at home applying to jobs that aren’t the right fit. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

This blog post outlined some of the best jobs to do when you’re young and just starting on your career journey. We also provide tips on creating an amazing resume that will help you land your dream job, even if you don’t have any work experience yet.

Ready to get started? Contact the experts at Lancerbee to get a great resume and tips on how to get your dream job at 15 years old.