Lesson 5: Job Research

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Activity: Job Research

Key Considerations

If you have never volunteered your time, held a job, or had an internship, now is the time to begin exploring the possibilities of obtaining work or work-related experience. Think about your circle of friends and the peers in your age group at school. They are most likely spending time either working a part-time job, volunteering, and/or have an internship experience lined up for the summer months.

What types of jobs do your friends in high school have? What types of jobs have you encountered other teens or young adults doing when you are out in your community? These are the same types of jobs you need to research and apply for. Explore your options from the following list of jobs.

Typical Teen Jobs

Administrative Assistant
After-school Aide
Amusement Park Attendant
Animal Shelter Worker
Baby Sitter/Nanny
Bellhop
Busser, Busboy, Waiter or Waitress’ Assistant
Camp Counselor
Car Wash Assistant (detailing)
Cashier
Cleaning Person, Maid
Clerk
Data-entry Clerk
Daycare Assistant
Dishwasher
Dog Walker
Fast-food Associate
Grocery Store Employee, Bagger, Stocker
Groundskeeper, Park Maintenance
Hostess, Host
Hotel (Room Attendant, Housekeeper, Front Desk Attendant, Reservationist)
Janitor
Kennel Attendant
Kitchen Helper
Lawn Care, Landscaper
Library Assistant
Mail Clerk
Maintenance Helper
Messenger, Courier
Movie Theatre Usher, Lobby Attendant, Ticket Taker
Packing, Moving Assistant
Painter
Parking Lot Attendant
Personal Assistant Services (run errands, walk dog, wrap gifts)
Pet Groomer
Pet Sitter
Plant/Nursery Assistant
Receptionist
Recycler
Retail Salesperson
Server
Thrift Store Assistant
Tour Guide
Tutor
Veterinarian Assistant
Waiter, Waitress
Warehouse Worker

Directions:

Pick five typical teen jobs and use O*Net Online to research the answers to the 11 questions. You may need to use a variety of keywords to locate a specific job. For instance, the job “pet sitter” can also be located using the keywords “animal caregiver”. Your goal is to identify five jobs you are a good candidate to apply for.

What tasks will need to be performed at the job?
For each task, describe how you would get it done (with or without efficiency tools such as a magnifier or electronic note taker).
What skills are required to perform the job?
What abilities are needed?
What tools and technology are used at the job?
For each tool or type of technology used, describe how you will access or use it to perform the tasks associated with the job.
Read the job zone for the job. What education or training is required?
Could you do the job right now?
If not, what things do you need to learn to be able to perform the job duties (tasks)?
What are the wages for the job?
Does this job interest you?
Are you a good candidate to apply for this job? If so, why?