10 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Your Job Search: High School Edition

10 Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Your Job Search: High School Edition

06/09/2010

Before you even consider starting your job search, you should ask yourself the follow questions:

  1. How much do I want to work?
    Think about how long and how many hours you want to work. Three months during the summer? Or do you want to continue working during the school year?
     
  2. Is my family on board?
    Have you spoken with your parent(s) about potential job opportunities this summer? Are they ok with the amount of time you are looking to commit to a summer job?
     
  3. Have I talked this through with my mentors?
    Talk to your parents and their friends. See what advice they can give you for your job search. Have you talked to your teachers or coaches? What advice do they have for you?
     
  4. What skills do I have?
    Do you have any special skills, talents or strengths? What experiences or attributes can you offer at a place of employment? Are there some skills you’d like to acquire that a summer job might help you learn?
     
  5. Where do I want to work?
    What type of work are you looking for? Do you want to work in a retail store or a restaurant? Would you prefer to be outside at a camp or a pool? What about office jobs—is there a career you are interested in pursuing or learning more about?
     
  6. Do I have work experience?
    Have you already had a summer job? Have you helped your dad paint the house or spent time babysitting? Can these experiences help you in a job you want to pursue? Do you I want to try something new or continue in an area you are familiar with? Can you take advantage of your experience to make a little more money?
     
  7. What is my main goal? What do I hope to achieve from having a job?
    Are you working just to make money? Is there an amount or big purchase you want to save for over the summer? How should you budget? Consider working somewhere where you have a reduced possibility of spending all your wages. Think about what kind of hourly wage you need to reach your goals.
     
  8. What is my ideal work environment?
    Consider the type of work situation you want to be in. Are you a people person? Do you want customer interaction? Are you looking for a place where everyone works as a team or do you prefer individual responsibility? Is there a certain work place that you will fit into better than others? Who are the people you’ll be working with? Are they your age or do they share a similar interest?
     
  9. What are my other responsibilities?
    What other responsibilities do you have that you need to balance with a job? How will working affect your time with family and friends? Are you interested in continuing to work during the school year? How will you handle school and a job?
     
  10. Will getting a job benefit me in the long run?
    We can help you answer this one. [Yes!] Getting a summer job will help make you more marketable to future employers. It can help you gain more diverse skills and experiences, making future opportunities more abundant.
     
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