Most teens are excited about the prospect of earning their own money whether from an official part-time job at a fast-food hangout or something a little more casual like babysitting, delivering papers, tutoring or computer troubleshooting.
But even the keenest teens may not be prepared for the responsibilities of getting and keeping a job. Here are seven great ways to help your teen have a positive first work experience.
1. Help prepare a resumé. Yes, many of the businesses that hire young people have their own application forms. Still, you can’t beat the benefits your teen will get from preparing an actual resumé and discussing the strengths and skills they can offer an employer.
2. Review workplace etiquette. Kids may not realize that basic personal grooming and clothing choices can affect their employment prospects. Not making eye-contact is another notorious shortcoming for some teens. You’ll also want to go over handshakes, punctuality, speaking clearly (especially on the telephone), not texting while at work, and minimizing their use of the words “like” and “huh.”
3. Discuss transportation issues. Does your teen have access to a bike or safe, reliable public transit? Will you be driving your teen to and from work or can they get rides with a co-worker? Will your teen be buying their own bus pass or chipping in for gas? Discuss these options beforehand and come up with a plan that works for you both.
4. Assess time management. How will your teen juggle homework, friends, extra-curricular activities and their new job? Some kids are born multi-taskers and can handle a job, maintain their grades, and still get to soccer practice. Others will need some time-management coaching. Be sure to discuss how your teen’s work schedule will affect home responsibilities like chores and meal times.
5. Talk about income expectations. Minimum wages vary considerably across the country. In B.C., the current minimum wage is $8.75/hour. In Ontario, it’s $10.25. In jobs where some of the worker’s wages come from tips (such a bussing tables or washing dishes), the hourly rate may be less. You’ll also want to discuss possible payroll deductions and what they’re for.
6. Prepare a budget. Give your teens the tools they need to manage their new income. Start by asking how your teen wants to spend his or her money. Clothes? Concerts? Downloads? What longer term goals are they saving for? Work together to draw up a budget based on their potential earnings. If you can, encourage savings by matching the money saved toward that school trip to Florida or first car.
7. Remove barriers. If your teen says she doesn’t want to work, be candid and ask why she’s not interested. The reasons could range from self-doubt and anxiety to lack of motivation. Use requests for cash as an opportunity to talk about the benefits of a paying job. Get online with her and look at just how much that summer camp is going to cost. Use a calculator (or real money) to show her what she could earn by working just 10-12 hours a week.
For more on how to teach your kid’s about money management, checkout the BMO SmartSteps® for Parents online portal
Please note: Each province has its own regulations concerning minimum age of employment and the maximum number of hours a young person can work. Find out more here: Employment Guidelines 1
