Why don’t you get a job… and the younger the better!

Oh yes, I did love that Offspring song from the nineties, and funnily enough, this post is somewhat related. If you have offspring (not the band), getting them into a job early is, in my view, one of the best things you can do for them. It teaches responsibility, gives them a taste of the real world, and helps them work out who they are and what they value. The earlier they start, the earlier they grow. Even one casual shift a week can boost your confidence, independence and skills, and open doors to new opportunities. Nothing prepares you for the future quite like your first job.

You also do not need to have life figured out. You just need a starting point, and a job is the perfect one.

Working even a few hours a week teaches you far more than tasks. You experience a shift in maturity, identity and direction. You earn your own money, which builds pride and independence. Your self-esteem grows because a job shows you that you are capable, useful and trusted.

A first job also builds real employability skills. These include handling pressure, contributing to a team, meeting expectations, reliability, punctuality, accountability and customer service. These are the skills that follow you into every future job you ever have.

Hospitality is one of the best places to start. There are plenty of jobs available, the work is fast paced and you can often find shifts that fit around school, sport or family commitments. Hospitality teaches you how to think quickly, work under pressure and deal with all kinds of people. Be prepared though. You will need to make sacrifices in your existing life to accommodate your employer and their needs. Once you start working, it is no longer all about you. Other people will rely on you to show up, work hard and be part of the team.

Your world gets bigger as you meet new people and start experiencing life outside your current bubble. Even if the experience is bad, it is still helpful. You start to recognise what a good workplace looks like and what a bad one looks like. You learn what feels respectful and supportive and what does not. This awareness will guide you for the rest of your working life because you begin to understand the type of environment where you can thrive. It also builds resilience because there will be times when you feel out of your depth and you are sinking. In those moments, keep on swimming. Learning to push through discomfort becomes one of your greatest strengths.

Once you get your foot in the door and begin proving yourself, new opportunities naturally appear. You might be offered more shifts, new responsibilities, new skills or even a pathway towards an apprenticeship or ASbA. Many jobs also provide the chance to begin a nationally recognised qualification.

Even if you have no idea what you want to do after school, a job helps you work out what you enjoy, discover what you are good at and understand the type of environment that suits you. Many students find their career path because they entered the workforce early, not before.

How to Get a Job

1. Create a resume - Use a template that suits your style. There are lots of example templates you can find online. Choose one you like and start adding your information like your school achievements and extra curricular activities, volunteer work, skills and availability.

2. Write a short cover letter explain why you want a job, what interests you about the organisation and how you can add value. Open AI can help with this.

3. Strengthen your resume with short courses - Completing courses such as RSA, RCG or food safety shows employers you are committed and ready to learn.

4. Visit venues to see what appeals to you - Explore cafés, restaurants, clubs, hotels and bakeries. Look at the atmosphere, pace and location, especially if you depend on public transport.

5. Research job ads online - Seek, Jora and Indeed help you see who is hiring, what skills they want, which venues appeal to you and who to contact.

6. Start sending out your applications - Apply to your preferred employers and attach your resume and any relevant certificates. Check your emails regularly and keep your phone nearby. You may receive calls from numbers you do not recognise. Do not ignore them, as they may be a prospective employer trying to contact you

7. If you get an interview make sure you prepare for it. I found some great stuff on headspace.org.au which is tailored for young people.

...and the moral to the story...Start somewhere and start early.

A first job is more than pocket money. It is the beginning of adulthood, independence, opportunity and self-belief.

Finally and just for a bit of fun here's the youtube clip of Why don't you get a job by Offspring.