What employers look for in resumes when hiring teenage, first-time workers for part-time jobs

Not having work experience to list on a CV is not a problem for employers hiring first-time workers. Here’s what they are looking for instead.

Teenagers applying for their first job can still stand out to employers, despite not having any work experience to list on their resume.

Employers want to see what involvement they have in co-curricular activities, rather than grades, that they are enthusiastic about the job and are willing to learn.

However, they also need to follow many basics that are applicable for any jobseeker, such as correct spelling on a resume, researching potential employers, and arriving well-presented for job interviews, such as having tidy hair.

The Employment Department has several factsheets available online that have been tailored for young people to help them get a job.

Available via its Labour Market Information Portal, the Employer Recruitment Insights reports reveal general traits that employers want in young workers, as well as occupational-specific skills for common entry-level jobs such as shelf fillers, fast food workers, kitchen-hands, sales assistants and waiters.

Fast food worker is a common part-time job undertaken by teenagers.

Rather than an ability to flip burgers or clinch a sale, employers specify good availability and an ability to work flexible hours, neat and tidy clothing, and a smile as key attributes required.

The reports suggest team sport experience may be useful to work in the fast food industry, that retail workers should put aside their hobbies then plan them around their shifts, and hospitality staff should be prepared to do one trial work shift.

Shelf fillers should have a positive and friendly attitude and be willing to help customers.

Year 10 student Nico Cacayorin is looking for a part-time job and is “open to all sorts of work”.

The 16-year-old has been told by teachers and parents to include on his resume the skills he has developed through his school experience, such as problem-solving and conscientiousness.

“I’ve been advised to include any sorts of co-curricular or community involvement I’ve had, and to be really specific about the transferable skills these activities have given me,” he says.

“For me, these activities include sports, music ensembles and school leadership opportunities I have taken on.”

Nico Cacayorin and his mum Cherrie work on his resume at home. Picture: Brenton Edwards

He says his music experience has taught him the value of working as a team towards a common goal, discipline and organisational skills.

“It has been important to me to include some of the personal qualities I have that would make me a valuable employee,” he says.

“For example, I am quite self-motivated and always striving to improve myself and do better.

“I have a great willingness to learn new things, and my positive interpersonal skills means I am open to feedback and learning from all sorts of different people and experiences.”

Blackfriars Priory School learning engagement and pathways co-ordinator Carl Todman says inexperienced jobseekers can show they are reliable and organised by listing on their resume their participation in co-curricular activities at school or in the community, such as sport or debating.

“Participation in co-curricular shows that the student values a sense of community and has experience of being a team member supporting others and working together to achieve common goals – whether that is winning a game or providing excellent service to customers in a work environment,” he says.

“It generally demonstrates employability skills and helps students develop important social skills required in the workplace.

“For example, students involved in debating should emphasise their ability to speak confidently and in an engaging manner.”

Teenagers should try to list specific examples from their activities, he says.

“For example, students involved in pedal prix or musical bands could emphasise their ability to perform a specific role within a team or dedication to practice,” he says.

“Students involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) can demonstrate an ability to work as a team to solve complex problems.

“Having a positive attitude can be demonstrated by explaining examples of resilience – bouncing back after a failure, learning from failure and getting better as a person.”

Blackfriars Priory School learning engagement and pathways co-ordinator Carl Todman. Picture: Photojo

Grades should be omitted, but listing subjects studied may be useful.

“They should include subjects they are currently studying and the subjects they enjoy – they should include how they like to learn and their strengths at school/areas they excel in,” Todman says.

“They should include awards they have won and any competitions they have participated in.”

Simply requesting work experience or being willing to do a work trial shows enthusiasm and work ethic.

Jobseekers also should be prepared to learn and take direction, for the level of pay on offer, and to work their way up and not start at the top.

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