Are You Ready to Get a Job? 

You’re about to read “Will Teen Workers Save the Day?” In this news story, you’ll learn why more companies are hoping to hire teens this summer. But before you start your job search, consider this: How much do you know about finding the right job? What are the do’s and don’ts of interviewing? Take the quiz to find out! (Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers. By the time you’re done, you’ll know plenty.)

1.

U.S. law says you need to be at least  ___ years old to work as a dishwasher at a restaurant. 

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U.S. law says that you must be 14 to work most jobs. It also puts limits on how many hours a week you can work under age 16 and the types of jobs you can do. (For example, no one under 18 can do dangerous tasks, like using heavy machines.) In some states, you may need to be older than 14—but don’t be bummed. These laws are meant to protect you. Kids of any age can deliver newspapers, babysit, work for their parents, or work on family farms.
2.

True or false: You should set your social media to private when you’re hunting for jobs.

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True—most of the time. It’s an easy way to make sure employers aren’t judging you for an old Instagram post you forgot about. But sometimes, your social media skills can be a major selling point. If 10,000 people follow your baking videos on TikTok, you may want to keep that public. Just have an adult you trust take a look first. They can point out anything that may give someone doubts about hiring you.
3.

You’re filling out a job application to work at your local pet store. It asks you to list your work experience. Which of the following should you include? 

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Work experience can include past jobs, but that’s not all. It can also include volunteer work and school activities–especially if you’re just starting out. Your unpaid experience can still show a business that you are responsible and interested in what it does. 
4.

A job listing says it requires one year of experience as a cashier. You’ve worked as a cashier for only six months. Should you still apply for the job? 

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Yes! Job listings often list requirements, like previous experience. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for jobs if you don’t meet 100 percent of what they require. There are a lot of things a company considers when hiring someone. Applying is always worth a shot!
5.

You’ve got a job interview. Congrats! What should you not do to prepare?

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Bringing an uninvited friend isn’t just rude and awkward. It also sends the message that friends will visit you often while you work. Not cool! Instead, spend time with your friend beforehand by asking them to help you prepare. They can help you pick out a clean outfit, proofread your résumé, and practice interviewing. (There are plenty of lists of sample interview questions online!) You’ll also want to come up with some questions to ask your interviewer, like: What kind of training will I get? What skills are important to doing well in this position? These questions can show the interviewer how excited you are—and that you understand the job.
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