applying for first job

[AznAnarchy99]

Im starting to apply for my first job ever and Im clueless on some parts.

First off the employment history. What do I put if ive never had a job before? Do i just leave it blank?

Also some apps have a spot for references. What kind of people do i put? Should i put teachers down that i know from my school? (High School)

Finally my age. I am 15 and 10 months. Each app says the minimum age is 16 however i have friends that have jobs at 15 with a permit. I dont know how the permit works and i was wondering if anyone knew anything about California employment laws as i cant find it

 

[BigJ]

The minimum age is strictly employer based (besides the absolute minimum allowed by the state). There is nothing you can do about it.

The permit is simply a work permit. If you're under 18, you'll need a work permit regardless. You need to get this permit typically from your school.

 

[S Freud]

For references I would put anyone that you have ever done odd jobs for or people that know your work ethic. Not just teachers and such, also for work experience I would put any that you think would have to do with the job that you are applying for, then tell the employer that this is your first job.

btw, what kind of job are you going for?Where?

 

[SirStev0]

Where the hell are you applying that they are making you fill out an application at 15?

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Originally posted by: S Freud
For references I would put anyone that you have ever done odd jobs for or people that know your work ethic. Not just teachers and such, also for work experience I would put any that you think would have to do with the job that you are applying for, then tell the employer that this is your first job.

btw, what kind of job are you going for?Where?

Problem is that i dont know anyone really. Im going for basically anything but food; retail and such.

Im looking into Barnes and Noble, Gamestop, Borders, Fry's Electronics, and maybe Best Buy (kinda worried about the horror stories though)

The minimum age is strictly employer based (besides the absolute minimum allowed by the state). There is nothing you can do about it.

After more searching, I finally found a more definate answer. I am limited to 3 hours per school day from ages 14-15. At 16 I am limited to 4 hours. And I am limited to 18 hours per week at the age of 15 compared to 48 hours a week at 16.

 

[BigJ]

Based on what jobs you're looking at:

On their online survey, DO NOT ANSWER TRUTHFULLY. Answer middle of the road. They do not like independent thinkers or people that are going to take initiative and might be confrontational with management. They basically want a drone. I think the system is called Uni-something.

 

[Sphexi]

Originally posted by: BigJ
The minimum age is strictly employer based (besides the absolute minimum allowed by the state). There is nothing you can do about it.

The permit is simply a work permit. If you're under 18, you'll need a work permit regardless. You need to get this permit typically from your school.

What state is that? At 16 I was working every school night, no "permit" required, as many hours as I could get. I was probably pulling 35+ hours a week on average back then, just so I could afford a car and insurance and money to go on dates. No way you could get all that working only a few hours a week.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Sphexi

Originally posted by: BigJ
The minimum age is strictly employer based (besides the absolute minimum allowed by the state). There is nothing you can do about it.

The permit is simply a work permit. If you're under 18, you'll need a work permit regardless. You need to get this permit typically from your school.

What state is that? At 16 I was working every school night, no "permit" required, as many hours as I could get. I was probably pulling 35+ hours a week on average back then, just so I could afford a car and insurance and money to go on dates. No way you could get all that working only a few hours a week.

For NY, it's definitely true. They also regulate the amount of hours you can work, and till what time on school nights.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Based on what jobs you're looking at:

On their online survey, DO NOT ANSWER TRUTHFULLY. Answer middle of the road. They do not like independent thinkers or people that are going to take initiative and might be confrontational with management. They basically want a drone. I think the system is called Uni-something.

Unicru, Im applying to Borders right now online and thats what they use

 

[2Xtreme21]

A lot of businesses are flaky about hiring 15 year olds, at least here in PA, due to the outrageous restrictions put on their hours and such. I admire your initiative for getting started in the job market, but I'd wait the 2 months until you turn 16. I think you have a MUCH better chance of getting an interview from places when you are 16.