Even if a teenager isn’t convinced he or she is ready for a job (or Mom and/or Dad isn’t entirely convinced that the teen is ready for a job), local job fairs can be a great way to introduce your teen to the job opportunities available, give them practice talking with potential employers, and get the ball rolling in terms of employment and job realities.
Job fairs have become increasingly popular and available, even in smaller areas. Community colleges, universities, chambers of commerce and other entities often sponsor job fairs throughout the year so employers can expose themselves to potential employees and individuals can peruse some of the employment options available in the area. There is no rule that says teens can’t attend these functions. In fact, job fairs are a perfect way for teens to get a feel for what the world of employment is like—without the time commitment and pressure of doing official applications and interviews. Plus, this is something that parents can do WITH their teens to provide some support and additional guidance into the world of job hunting.
Check in your local newspaper’s business and/or education section for news on upcoming job fairs. If you have a community college, chamber of commerce, work force network, or university in your community, this is also a good resource for finding out about upcoming job fairs. Your teenager’s school guidance office may also keep information on job fairs being offered.
Encourage your teen to dress reasonably and take along a duffle or bag to keep papers in. If he or she already has a resume’, then copies of this should be brought along to the job fair as well. He or she should also have a couple pens to fill out forms and applications and even a notepad to record names and notes.
By attending the job fair, a teen can talk with different employers, gather applications, find out what might really be available and what will be expected of him or her as an employee. It is also a no pressure way to kick off a job search and gain valuable practice talking to employers.
See Also: Should Teens Receive an Allowance if They are Working? and Should Your Teen Work?