by Kimberly Bartel, Manager
Zack impatiently flipped through the want ads looking for a job. It was so depressing! All of the jobs seemed to require some sort of experience. He asked himself the age-old question, “How can I get a job to gain some experience if all the jobs require experience?” It’s like, which came first the chicken or the egg? He sighed and put his head in his hands.
“What’s wrong Zack?” asked his mom.
“I’m 17 years old, I’ve never worked, and I want a job, but they all require experience I don’t have!” Zack said.
“Well now, I don’t know about that. You are 17 and you have experience doing many things if you stop and think about it.” His mom replied.
“What are you talking about?” Zack said irritably.
“Let me explain.”
Zack’s mom listed the following things he could put on a job application:
Zack has a 3.7 GPA
Zack has taken accounting, computer programming, and auto mechanics classes
Zack has served as treasurer for his chess club
Zack has served as captain of his soccer team
Zack volunteered regularly for a full year at his local food bank through a service learning program at his school
All of these activities have provided Zack with experience that employers value. For example, he can show demonstrated leadership skills, experience maintaining records, and experience working with customers.
Zack got up off the couch, found a job as a summer camp counselor, and gained even more experience that he will use in the future. And he had an awesome summer!
• Volunteer
• Get summer jobs
• Serve in leadership roles
• Take classes that are relevant to your career and job goals
Don’t forget to add a list of adjectives to your resume. These words describe you, your talents, characteristics and behavior traits:
• bright
• capable
• creative
• intelligent
• quick
• responsible
• problem solver
• dedicated
• inquisitive
• optimistic
• patient
• conscientious
• lively
• motivated
• self-confident
• skillful
