You’re a teenager and recently got your driver's license. Your parents remind you of how expensive car insurance and gas costs, so you decide to look for your first part-time job to earn the privilege of driving mom or dad’s old commuter car, and truthfully, for extra entertainment money. Now what? Where do you start?
In today’s world, teens and young adults turn to their mobile device for answers. To find a job, they may do a simple web browser search and find a local job board. They may check social media to see where their friends currently work. Or they may look at the maps app to see what stores or restaurants are close to home to check if they are hiring. These are all viable search methods. One option that should not be forgotten is the old fashion method of walking into an establishment with a “Now Hiring” sign and inquiring in person. Don’t underestimate the value of looking someone in the eye and showing them that you would be a great person to hire.
You landed a job interview at the local sandwich shop, great! What should you wear? Your attire should be appropriate to the company or job that you’ve applied for. We’re not suggesting a suit and tie, rather find a polo shirt, button up shirt, or nice dinner out top. Avoid loud graphic T-shirts, save those for going out with friends. We’re not asking you to change your identity, but to be presentable and accept that first impressions do matter. Remember, if you are in a customer-facing job, the first impression of you (at your interview) will likely be the first impression of a customer, and therefore, the hiring manager will care about how you present yourself.
Prepare for your interview in advance by practicing out loud how you would answer some common entry-level questions such as:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you applying for this job?
- What skills do you have?
- Can you [ fill in job duty from on the job description ]?
- Why should I hire you?
The employer will likely ask you to fill out a job application (on paper or on a computer), or ask for a resume. You can prepare a simple resume to bring to the interview. There are many basic samples online, or your high school career center may be able to help. Alternatively, be ready to complete the job application with your personal information, phone numbers, and dates of any applicable work or volunteer experience. The employer will ask your availability. Think about your schedule and how many hours a week you plan to work.
You passed the interview, and they would like to offer you a job. Congratulations! They will likely ask, “How much do you want to be paid?” If this is your first job, the most common answer is “minimum wage” or the “going rate.” As of this blog writing (May 2025), the minimum wage in California is $16.50, higher in some cases (such as certain fast food chains, healthcare facilities).
If you are under 18 years old (with a few exceptions), you are required to obtain a work permit. You can obtain the form titled "Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit" from your school (often the Career/Counseling Center), school district office, or online. You, your parent or guardian, and the employer will need to complete their sections of the form. Once completed, return the form to school, with photo identification, and the school will issue the work permit. It may take a few days to process. Finally when received, the work permit should be reviewed for accuracy, signed, and then given to the employer.
Good luck on your first day of work! You’re on track to earn some spending cash and help out with car expenses.
Here are links to your local high school websites, where you can look for work permit information:
Livermore: Granada HS, Livermore HS, Del Valle HS, Vineyard Alternative School, Livermore Valley Joint USD
Pleasanton: Amador Valley HS, Foothill HS, Village HS, Pleasanton USD
Dublin: Dublin HS, Emerald HS, Valley HS, Dublin USD
San Ramon: California HS, Dougherty Valley HS, Del Amigo HS, San Ramon Valley USD
Danville: Monte Vista HS, San Ramon Valley HS, San Ramon Valley USD
Tracy: Tracy HS, Kimball HS, West HS, Stein HS, Tracy Charter, Tracy USD
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Tri-Valley Tracy Jobs is an online job board that focuses on job seekers looking for work and hiring companies looking for candidates in the California cities of Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, and Tracy. The job board is open to all industries, all job functions, all job levels, and all job types. We encourage local hiring companies to post your open jobs.