Hey, young job hunters! This one’s for you. Have you ever wondered how to get a job at age 17? Wonder no more! Lancerbee is here to show you the ropes.

With a little hard work and some careful planning, you can land that dream job before you know it. It won’t be easy, but with determination and perseverance, you’ll get there!

First, find out what types of jobs are open to minors. Then, start putting together your resume and cover letter (which we can help with). Next, practice your interviewing skills until they’re perfect. Finally, read for a detailed discussion on how to land your dream job! So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

License Requirements for Employing Minors

Some US states require employers to obtain a work permit before allowing someone under 16 to start working.

This includes agricultural and domestic service work and most jobs involving heavy machinery. If there are no exceptions, the employer must provide proof of having obtained a work permit for the person it wants to hire.

Before enabling a minor to begin working, employers must have a valid work visa on file. They have 30 days after hiring the youngster to make a formal application to the local licensing board.

The employer must include the following information on the application: name, address, date of birth, social security number, physical description, height and weight measurements, criminal record check, and fingerprints.

On the other hand, 16- and 17-year-old minors do not need to have a work permit before starting work. There is no requirement for them to obtain one, either.

However, employers must still comply with the state’s prohibited employment provisions. These laws prohibit the use of minors to accomplish certain tasks.

How to Get a Job at 17

Seventeen. It’s the age when you’re finally allowed to drive, vote, and buy cigarettes. In other words, it’s a pretty big deal. But what if you’re not quite done with your teenage years yet and are looking for your first job? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips on how to get a job at age 17.

Interview advice: know what to say prior to being asked!

The process of interviewing for a job can be intimidating. You want to stand out among hundreds of candidates but don’t know where to start. Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready for your next interview.

1. Make sure your resume is up to date

Your resume is one of the most important parts of your application package. It could hurt your chances of getting hired if it doesn’t reflect your experience accurately.

2. Practice with friends

Practice makes perfect, especially when talking about yourself during an interview. Get feedback from friends or family members about how well you come across.

3. Prepare for Questions About Yourself

Don’t assume that the interviewer won’t ask you anything about yourself. Be prepared to discuss why you chose this career path, what motivates you, and what you hope to accomplish in the future.

Showing off your skills

Employers are always looking for people who show leadership abilities, know how to work well within a team, and are reliable. These traits make up what employers call “soft skills.” Soft skills are important because they’re hard to measure.

They include things like being able to communicate effectively, showing empathy, and working well under pressure. If you want to stand out among your peers, learning some soft skills is helpful. Here are some tips for improving your soft skills.

1. Show leadership abilities

Leadership is about making decisions, setting goals, and motivating others. You might be surprised to discover that many people don’t think they’re very good leaders. But there are ways to improve your leadership abilities.

For example, you could ask someone to take charge of organizing something, such as a meeting or event. Or you could offer to help another person complete a task. This shows initiative and gives you experience leading others.

2. Be a team player and dependable.

When you’re part of a group, you’ll often be asked to do tasks that require coordination. So you’ll need to be able to work well with others.

To demonstrate that you can work well with others, try volunteering for a project that requires teamwork. You might even consider joining a club or organization where you can practice your teamwork skills.

3. Take Care Of Yourself

Feeling stressed out, anxious, or depressed can affect your ability to perform at your best. Taking care of yourself includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress. When you’re feeling good, you’re better able to focus on the job at hand, too.

Hours that you can work as a 17 year old

The federal government has limits on how much you can work each week. But what about during school breaks? Are those hours counted, too?

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay workers overtime wages for working over 40 hours per week.

However, there are exemptions to this rule. One exemption allows students under age 19 to work up to 15 hours per week without being paid overtime. Another exception applies to students ages 19 to 20. This second exemption states that employees cannot work more than 30 hours per week.

Jobs for 17-Year-Olds

Most companies are looking for people with specific technical skills. If you want to work at a tech firm, you’ll probably need some coding knowledge. If you land a job at a finance company, you’ll likely need some financial background.

However, there are exceptions. Many companies are willing to hire talented young people without requiring them to possess certain skills. This is especially true for those who have strong leadership qualities, can learn quickly, and show initiative.

Teenagers may also need to focus on jobs that don’t necessarily have many skill requirements. For example, if you have a knack for customer service, you might want to consider working at a call center. Or maybe you’d prefer to work in retail, where you can interact daily with customers.

Some 17-year-olds do have hobbies or classes that give them marketable abilities. And even if you haven’t mastered anything yet, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You could still find yourself landing a job that requires little to no experience.

As a student, you gain invaluable transferable skills that can benefit you later in life. When employers see how well you handle yourself in stressful situations, they realize that you’re capable of handling similar challenges on the job. Plus, you’re able to build relationships with colleagues and clients. These are all things that can come in handy down the road.

High-paying occupations for 17-year-olds

1. Restaurant Server

You’ll mainly take customers’ orders as a restaurant server during a typical shift. This involves ensuring everyone gets what they want and remembering what each person wants. Once the meal is ready, you’ll bring it to the table and serve it. You’ll get it immediately if someone needs anything else, such as water or dessert.

2. Camp Counselor

Camp counselors are among the highest-paid teens in America. They work hard and often put themselves in dangerous situations, such as working alone in the woods. But many teenagers love being outdoors and having the freedom to explore nature.

This job involves spending long hours outside and requires stamina and endurance. Many camps offer summer programs for children ages 5 to 12, where there are fewer safety concerns. In addition, some camps offer overnight camping trips for older teens.

3. Tour Guide

If you love history, art, architecture, or nature, there is no better way to learn about those topics than to take a guided tour.

There are plenty of ways to make money doing this work, too. You can start out working part-time while attending school or college full-time. Or, you can find a local organization that needs someone to lead tours.

Many museums and historic sites hire guides at certain times, and some even let you choose your own schedule.

4. Graphic Designer

Many teens have some graphic design skills that could make them good candidates for freelance work. If you do, working for yourself as a graphic designer might be a great fit.

You’d spend your time creating digital images of various types for clients. Most freelance platforms require users to be at least 18, so you may want to advertise your services on social media. However, if you have a strong portfolio, getting hired may be easy enough.

5. Social Media Manager

Social media managers are responsible for managing multiple accounts across various social networks. They often work with marketers and copywriters to help make marketing plans and blog posts.

While many people think of social media managers as young adults, there are plenty of jobs for those already in high school and college.

Key takeaway

So, you’re 17 and looking for your first job. Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step on an exciting journey that will lead you to independence and financial stability.

But finding a job at this age can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we put together this guide on how to get a job at age 17. We hope it helps!

If you have any questions or need help crafting your resume, contact our team of experts at Lancerbee for a remarkable resume and advice from career professionals. Good luck in your job hunt! We believe in you!