Being a teenager trying to get a job right now is genuinely hell. I’ve literally applied to every single business in town and it always ends the same way. They get me halfway through the process and they tell me they can’t hire me if I’m 17. I’m getting so tired of it because I need money. My family and I are struggling, but every job that says they’re looking for teens to hire don’t actually want teens.

The job market is incredibly difficult right now, which doesn't help. I would suggest walking into places and asking for an application. Sometimes that can make a huge difference at your age because people see you actually want to work.

Look for bussing or dishwashing jobs in restaurants. They often will hire high schoolers if they see you're serious and reliable.

Good luck

You should bring up your age right away and not waste time with potential employers who will only hire 18 and up. It's not a great job market now, but if you can impress someone that you're reliable and willing to learn the job you should be able to find something. Visit businesses in person if you can, sometimes talking to someone on the premises is the way to get your foot in the door.

So here’s some advice from someone who was like you at your age. So it’s actually illegal for places to say that they are hiring “teens”. And typically the only time that it is illegal to hire somebody who’s under the age of 18 is if it is a job that is classified as dangerous, or something where you have to be licensed or bonded which you cannot enter into a contractual agreement unless you’re at least 18 years old. I understand the urge and the excitement to get your first job, but you have to look at jobs that people expect teens to have. I honestly think that you may be reaching a little too high for your first job, so I would honestly Recommend retail, target Walmart, grocery stores, they offered the flexibility and scheduling as well as the task flexibility, but the reality is under age labor laws are very specific in the industries that you can even work at. Some states even require you to happy work permit and will only allow you to work certain amount of hours, and even if may require you to take additional classes during school in order to work more than say 20 hours a week. I would highly recommend probably going to your guidance counselor at your high school and explaining that you would like a place to look for a job that you can do at your age, they will likely have people or places to suggest as well as advising you on any local laws.

Where are you located ? My job is desperately hiring

Huh weird…I thought the federal legal working age was 16. I would stick with retail for now…it’s easy to get into and you can even move up rather quickly sometimes. At you age, I agree with some of the below comments, it’ll probably be hard if not impossible to get a job that isn’t retail at your age. I’ve worked retail for years, it’s actually not that bad in my opinion. However, I wouldn’t recommend t Walmart as a past employee there…but it’s to each their own. I work at Kohls, out of all the retail companies I’ve worked for…kohls has always been the best in my onion. Not trying to sway you or promote one business over the other…just speaking from a point of view as someone who’s worked at both places.

Don’t be discouraged! Definitely don’t slow down your search, there is definitely an opportunity out there for you. If you are in school, ask and see if they can assist with your placement or a paid internship.

Have you tried as an agency worker? Though the shifts will/could be here an there, it’s a good place to get work experience, trained up in the profession of your choosing. You also get to meet a whole diverse of clientele and staff. You learn more on the job training than you would if you only worked in one place. Good luck for the future

I was amazed to recently find out Fast Food restaurants are paying $20/hr.....when I'm looking at management positions (so they say) that are paying $24-$26. Fast food is not like is used to be and it's where every one of us started! If you're not inclined, then go to the Country Clubs - get a job at the pool - they are now gearing up for the season - and the tips are incredible. Best of luck ~

You can try a part time work from home customer service representative offer from where I work. They are hiring at the moment. Contact the HR at Hrcigna@currently.com