Teen Jobs: Use a Pocket Resume When Applying for Jobs

A Pocket Resume

If you are a teen who is actively looking for a job, it's very helpful to create a pocket resume to bring along with you when you are applying for jobs in person. Or to have near your computer to have the information reaily available if you need it.

A pocket resume is different than a professional resume because it includes all the information you need to know to fill out job applications. It is also smaller than a professional resume and can be folded to keep in your pocket, or your wallet. If you keep it in your wallet, it will always be with you to use at a moments notice. That way, if you happen to be walking or driving past a store that has a "help wanted" sign in the window, you'll be ready to pop in and apply.

What if You Are Applying for a Job Online?

A pocket resume is still a good idea to create and keep with you near your computer if you are applying for a job online, so you can have all the information you need to complete the application in one sitting.

Many online job applications will ask you if you want to upload your formal resume after you fill out the online application. That is a good idea, but before you get to that point, you will still have to fill out a lot of questions in advance. Having a pocket resume with the addresses and phone numbers of previous workplaces, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of references handy is very helpful to have on hand when filling out online job applications.

Leave No Spaces Blank on a Job Application

It is important to be able to fill out a job application totally when applying for a job. Leaving spaces blank indicates to an employer that you are careless, or don't pay attention to all the questions asked on a form.

If you haven't worked before, but have volunteered, you can use that information. If something does not apply to you, don't leave it blank, but put N/A in the space, so the employer will know you didn't carelessly miss it. It's especially important to include addresses and phone numbers when asked. A pocket resume will have these names, addresses and phone numbers on it, so you will be able to access the information quickly when filling out a job application.

Be Better Prepared Than Your Competition

The competition for part-time jobs for teens these days is fierce, with many adults with experience going for the same jobs as teens due to the economy. The best-prepared person has the best chance of getting a job. And some businesses time how long it takes a person to fill out an application. If you have to keep stopping and texting someone for the information on a job application, the process could take a long time and not be very impressive to your future employer.

Listed below is the information that should be included on a pocket resume:

Information To Include

Name

Address

Home phone number

Cell Phone number

Email address

Name and phone number of someone to call in case of an emergency

Last four digits of your social security number (try to memorize the rest, so you don't have to include it on your pocket resume in case it gets stolen)

Name and address of your current college/vocational school if applicable( include town, state, and zip code)

Name and address of your high school( include town, state, and zip code)

Name, address and telephone number of any jobs you have held

Name of your supervisor at each job

Name and address of any places you have volunteered while in high school

Supervisor's name at the agency where you volunteered

3 References names, addresses and phone numbers ( it's important to note that these references must be people age 21 or older who are NOT related to you. It can include a teacher, coach, club advisor at school, Pastor at your church, youth group leader, someone you have babysat for, someone you did yard work for, a friend of your parents, etc.)

A list of your skills and abilities Many teens who haven't worked before think they have no skills, but if you have babysat, you have childcare experience. If you have done lawn work, even at home, you have lawn care experience. If you have taken a keyboarding class, you have typing skills. If you use Microsoft Office, you must know Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which are all skills, Adobe PhotoShop may be another skill you have. If you are certified in CPR or first aid, that's great to put down.

Any Honors or Awards you have received Making the Honor Roll at school, getting a perfect attendance award, sports award, Volunteer Award, etc. all go a long way in showing a future employer that you go above and beyond the average teenager. But they won't know that unless you provide them with that information.

Any Leadership Activities you have been involved with This could mean holding an office in a club at school, being a captain of an athletic team, helping to run the youth group at church, being a team leader for a charity walk, etc.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you are applying for jobs is making a good impression from the start, starting with your application. Being prepared by having a mini resume along will help you do just that.

Good luck with your job hunt!

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Copyright by Karen Hellier, 2012