Regardless of what the job market is like, finding a job out there is tough when you’re a teenager. You’ve got little or no work history, barely any schooling, no college credits, and no clue where to start. Where can you find job applications online? Should you apply online or fill out an employment form in person? What are the interviews like? What employers even hire part-time workers? It’s enough to make your head spin.

While a teen might get lucky working for a construction company or pest control over the summer, there are two types of retailers that will be seeking new hires, especially part-time, throughout the year as well as during the holiday rush.

Retail – Part-time jobs for teens at Walmart, and places like it, are always available. From PetSmart, Finish Line, Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom, and Target to grocery stores like Sam’s Club, Giant Eagle, Kroger, and Winn-Dixie, there are tons of jobs out there. Entry-level jobs as cashiers, stock clerks, sales associates, and customer service representatives are always being hired for in these massive corporations.

The best part is that big companies like these have locations in virtually every state, so there’s bound to be an outlet nearby that’s looking for workers. Job duties generally involve keeping the store clean and stocked, speaking with customers, and handling the cash register. Pay for many of these positions is minimum wage, but can always increase over time. An employee must usually be at least 16, though some stores may require associates to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma for select positions. Most of these stores hire managers from within, so working in an entry-level job is a great way to get started. Read the rest of this entry »