So what’s changed with getting an after school job since we were young?

When my mum went for her first job in the 60’s, she heard through her aunty that the local hairdresser was looking for a junior to wash hair and clean up. Mum went into the hairdresser’s, which was in the same street as where she lived, saw the manager, had a 15 minute chat and was offered the job on the spot. No resume, no real interview, and she started working the next week doing after school Friday and all day Saturday.

When I applied for my first job in the late 80’s, I went into a local fast food outlet, filled in a job application form and had a quick chat to the manager on duty. I got a call (at home) soon after offering me a job as a service cashier and then later as the Birthday Party Coordinator.

In 2010 we see teenagers applying for jobs via the internet or email as the standard way to go, Gen Y targeted websites, online assessments, information/induction sessions for parents, skills profiles and e-portfolios.

If you want to help your teenager to find an after school job then you need to know what’s out there, how to help them with the search and what the steps are.

Start by making a list of possible employers with your teenager. Get them to search online and ask for a directory of stores from major shopping centres at their customer help desks. Where do they and the family like to shop, eat or spent their leisure time?

Take note that for most clothing and department stores and some supermarkets your teenager needs to be 15-16 years. For 14 year olds and above there are options including food businesses such as bakers, juice bars, yoghurt shops, ice creameries, sandwich, chocolate, donut and nut shops; fast food / take away outlets; newsagencies and supermarkets.

Think about the locations that would be preferable – close to home, on the way home from school, at a major shopping centre, or near your work to make it easier for younger teenagers who can’t drive and may have to be picked up or catch public transport.

Consider availability too as most employers will want to know is it just after school, til what time at night, what about weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

How will work fit in with school, homework, family, social life and other activities like sports, music, and dance? Emphasise the importance of work-life balance from the beginning of their career. This can be a good opportunity to work with your children, teaching them negotiation and time management skills as well as how to manage relationships with teachers and employers.