Tips for Jobseekers

If you are under the age of 18'

  • Many companies only hire people over the age of 18. Local shops might be willing to hire you if you express that you are eager to learn and would be a loyal employee, given that you don't have to leave for college at the end of the summer and can work more consistently.
  • As you are preparing for your work experience, please make sure you are fully eligible to work and you have all associated work documentation. Depending on your age, you may have additional steps to take in order to get a job.
  • For youth under 18 and still in high-school, you will need to obtain a work permit before you are eligible to work. Work permits are obtained from your school district, search your school district's online page for additional information on work permit requirements and process. In order to complete the work permit process, you will need the following documents (please keep in mind this information is specific to San Francisco Unified students, other school districts may have additional requirements):
    • Original Social Security Card? This must be unlaminated and signed. Laminated and copies of social security cards will not be accepted.
    • Photo ID ' Current state ID, current school ID, Passport or Permanent Resident Card etc.
    • Proof of Age ' Original Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card or school locator card, ID or transcript with birth date on it.

    If you are missing any of the documents mentioned, here are instructions on how to get work eligibility documents (this information is specific to San Francisco residents):

    California ID? Visit the DMV location at 1377 Fell Street, cost $29 and requires parent/guardian signature, social security number and proof of residency.

    Birth Certificate? Visit the Office of County Clerk at 101 Grove Street Room 105, bring completed application. This generally cost $25.

    Social Security Card? Visit any social security administration office and bring a school ID or current transcript and a Driver's License, State ID or US Passport. This is free.

If you are a college student'

  • Apply early! Don't wait until you get home for the summer to apply for a job. By then, it may be too late.
  • Some companies only make permanent hires, so check the qualifications before applying. Camp counselor positions are a great option for college students, because they are temporary by nature.

Check out these guides and resources for job-searching basics from Look Sharp
Look Sharp helps students find internship opportunities and provides a variety of resources for young people looking to build their work experience:

Gladeo (gladeox.org) helps youth find info on a variety of career paths, including average starting salaries, recommended education level, and current industry trends. You can also take a personality test and discover which careers might be a good fit for you.

Be bold.

  • Walk into a store and talk to the Store Manager, even if the store hasn't posted a job. An in-person conversation can be particularly helpful if you are interested in a customer service role. You have nothing to lose by being friendly and asking good questions!

Get professional.

  • LinkedIn is a professional networking site. It is a way for you to search for jobs, connect and stay in touch with your colleagues and also represent yourself in professional way. Add your work experience, education, awards, skills, etc. to your LinkedIn profile so employers can see what you've done and get a sense of who you are. There are a lot of job postings on LinkedIn as well, so take a look around and search based on your interests and skill set.
  • Make sure your voicemail sounds professional. For example, 'Hi you've reached [YOUR NAME]. Please leave your name, number and a brief message and I'll return your call as soon as I can. Thank you.'

Perfect your resume.

  • Make sure your contact information is up to date and correct.
  • Always have at least one other person proofread your resume.
  • Use consistent formatting throughout your resume.
  • For an example resume template, click here.

Network.

  • Talk to your friends, family, former co-workers, neighbors'whomever you know! If they know someone at the company you are interested in and are willing to make a connection for you, you'll be much more likely to get an interview.
  • Speaking of networking, make sure your Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites are clean and appropriate. Sometimes employers look at these sites when considering job candidates, and inappropriate pictures and language can work against you. Also make sure your privacy settings are up to date.

Don't give up!

  • Searching for jobs can be frustrating. Employers tend to take a while to respond, and sometimes they don't respond at all. They get hundreds or thousands of applications, so sifting through them is time-consuming. Feel free to follow up if you haven't heard from the employer after three weeks.