For High School Graduates Only
May 26, 2009 by Darlene McDaniel
Filed under Jobs
High School graduates have a huge challenge in front of them when it comes to a job search. Whether the graduate is looking for a summer job before college or they have decided to work rather than go to school, the job market is a difficult place to be. For high school students to have a fighting chance of finding a job, 
they will need assistance from friends and family. Even for some of the entry level jobs that are typical for teenagers.
The issue for high school graduates is that most of them don’t have marketable skills. And even if they do, they don’t have as much experience as some of the more seasoned job seekers in the market. As a result many may not be able to find a job this summer.
What can a high school graduate do to find employment?
1. Networking is the most important thing a high school graduate can do. Like seasoned job seekers, networking is the best option for finding employment. In the case of a high school graduate, friends and family is the best place to network. Mom and Dad, or your next door neighbors, people who know you, are the best way to network your way into an organization and get a job.
2. Self-employment is another great option for high school graduates. From cutting grass, and starting a landscaping business or babysitting for friends and family members who are more skilled, can go and get a job, knowing that their little one is cared for.
3. Reconnect with previous employers you have worked for in the past. If you have not burned bridges and you left on a positive note, than you have a potential opportunity to find employment.
For high school students with a great attitude, and an aptitude for working hard, I believe you can find employment. If you are willing to be flexible, work hard and show up to for work, makes you unique. Many young people want a job that requires nothing from them. Those days are gone. If you want to work, I believe you can find a job in this market, with or without skills, and with or without networking. Go out and meet business owners, and hiring managers. Practice what you will say and get ready for the windfall.
Image Credit: sxc.hu
Good job. Very encouraging.
Hey Jenn, Thanks for stopping by bizzia Careers! I appreciate your comment. Please feel free to send your friends. And if you have any questions, please leave a comment. I will respond.
Darlene
Hello darlene,
I just found your site and was wondering if you could help me out. I have a couple questions. I was let go from my reception job almost a year a go now and I have teken time off until about 2 months ago when I decided to start looking for a new job in and out of my reception career path. I have been on at least 10 interviews, some for reception positions, some for call centres, and others like car rental agency. I have not been able to secure a position, and I am not being giev any specific reason other than we don’t feel you are a good fit, we decided to hire someone with a little more experience than you.. and so on. I have another interview for this friday and after the latest let down.. and nothing to go on as to why I’m not being hired. what do I need to do differently to prepare this time.
MY second question is what do you do in a situation where you tell a friend about your quest to finding a job, you tell them in casual conversation about the latest quest to find out they to are now trying to apply to the position. this friend has a great job and i know they are looking for something better as well, but is there a way to politely ask them not to apply? I feel if they were a friend and they have a job and didn’t find out about before hand about the position it’s a little shady to try and potentially take a job from me..
Hi Jen,
Thank you for stopping by bizzia Careers today. Let me answer your second question first and then I will share my thoughts on your first question.
First, the friend you mentioned in a perfect world, would not consider competing with you for the same job you are applying for, however, we are not in a perfect world, an as much as you want the job, the job is not yours yet. So they are not taking the job away from you, they are competing for the job as you are. Which leads me to my response to your first question.
The reason that you are struggling to land a job offer is because you are interviewing hoping that you will get hired, and/or hoping they like you better than another candidate. You are not walking into these interviews prepared to discuss “who you are and what you will bring to the table.” You are not walking into the interview prepared to get the job. You are applying, getting interviews but not converting those interviews into a sold job offer. The other piece that I see as I read your question is that your lack of confidence is evident to me. You believe that your friend will get a job, or take it away from you. Not so if you are a serious candidate for a job. Take some time to evaluate who you are and what you will bring to the organization.
Thank you Darlene for answering my questions. all i can say is WOW, I din’t realize I was doing that, but since you said it I know it’s true, because as I’m interwviewing I didn’t realize it was that easy to see. I do find it difficult after being let go from my last job comming up with great things about me and soundng confident while saying it. once again thank you so much for your advice and I don’t feel the same about my friend.