As the school year comes to an end, many teens may be thinking about starting a job and setting aside some money for college, a first car, or personal spending wants. Starting a first and new job may be frightening and stressful for some teens, especially a first job interview.
Robin Mullins, President-CEO of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce says that the chamber does not have a direct role in helping teens looking for work. They do, however, partner with local high schools in offering “mock interviews” for students.
“These practice interviews allow students the opportunity to learn valuable interview skills and receive useful feedback and tips on what potential employers are looking for in great employees,” says Mullins.
Having the opportunity to practice these skills ahead of time can help alleviate some of the stress of interviewing and give the student an indication of what the interview process will look like.
“During these ‘mock interviews,’ I talk with teens about the importance of looking for work they will be happy doing,” Mullins says. “Teens work in the summer for a number of different reasons. The need to spend money, to save for college, and to spend time with friends are just a few examples. No matter their reason for working, it is imperative they enjoy the work they are doing. If they like the work, they are more apt to stay for the entire summer and come back the following year.”
For some it could become the full-time career they choose to pursuit once they graduate.
Once the teen has determined what areas they may enjoy working in, they should look to see what businesses offering that type of work are hiring. This information can be found on company websites, Facebook pages and signage at the business locations. Other resources can include word of mouth from family and friends or using an employment agency or website, such as Indeed, Zip Recruiter or Bonney Staffing, located in Windham.
“The need for good summer employees is always great this time of year in our region,” says Mullins. “Tourism is a huge part of our economy in the late spring, summer, and fall. Having teens fill many of these roles is a win for the employers who can invite the students back each summer and will not need to lay people off at the end of the season. It is also a win for teens who can work during the summer when they have the flexibility and time off from school.”
Maine Department of Labor regulations stipulate that those 14 years old and older can work within certain boundaries that are in place to ensure that working does not interfere with the health or education of the minor, such as minimum age for employment, work permits, hours of work, and dangerous prohibited occupations.
All minors under 16 years old must obtain a work permit before beginning a job. This includes home-school students and they must obtain a new permit every time they begin a new job until they reach 16 years old, even if they work for their parents.
In order to apply for a work permit, the minor must be enrolled in school, not habitually truant or under suspension, and passing a majority of courses during the current grading period.
Employers must have a stamped, approved work permit on file before allowing any minor under 16 years old to work and parental permission is required for a minor to work. <
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