Job Advice for Teens

Job Advice for Teens

As summer approaches, many students will be looking for a summer job. Whether it’s a chance to save up some money, the beginning of a career interest, or anything in between, summer work is valuable opportunity for growth and maturity – both personally and spiritually. 

We were all created to reflect the image of a God who works. Work is not just something we have to do, it’s something we’re created to do. Granted, the fall of man in Genesis 3 resulted in work becoming much more difficult. But that doesn’t change the fact that humans were created for work. 

So how you think about work and approach work is very important. How you approach your work will inform how you approach every other aspect of your life. 

With that in mind, we wanted to give students a chance to make the absolute most of their summer employment. So I reached out to several members of our church who are either employers or supervisors – people who have experience managing young employees. And I asked them two questions:

What words of wisdom would you give a teen looking for a job? 

Does their Christian faith have any bearing on how they should approach their summer employment? 

The following are their responses:

Mike Tully | President and CEO of Aerial Services Inc.

I consider a college degree of very little, if any, value unless it’s from a private college known for high academic standards. Graduates from public colleges no longer receive solid liberal arts or technical training. What we value most in an applicant is “character”. What indicators do we have that the person will work hard, can solve problems, has high integrity, humility, and strives for excellence in everything they do? With this type of character, we can teach people to do anything. If the applicant can communicate that this character has its foundation on biblical wisdom and on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it only serves to make the person more desirable.

Andrew Tink | Project Manager at Young Plumbing and Heating

These are the 3 things I tell every new kid during orientation:

  1. Be dependable – show up everyday and if you are going to be late or are sick, text ahead of time so there are no surprises. 
  2. Stay off your phone – nothing says you don’t care like being on your phone. Don’t prove the stereotype that kids don’t want to work and just want to sit on their phone. 
  3. Be hungry – in our trades, purchasing a couple personal hand tools shows you are hungry, eager to learn, believe there is a future for you in this profession, and want to learn as much as you can. 

A couple biblical principles that I share – you will reap what you sow, do the right thing when no one is watching – in time all things will be exposed by the light. 

Ben Nanda | Owner/Operator Chick-fil-A Waterloo

What words of wisdom would you give a teen looking for a job?:

  • The people you work with will become your friends. Choose wisely the people you want to become like.
  • Talk to your parents; it usually goes much better for everyone if they’re on the same page.
  • Learning to manage your job and the money you’ll make is beneficial for college and beyond, even if you don’t work many hours.
  • Summer work isn’t likely your career, so it’s more important to use it to build the proper habits than a relevant field of work. 
  • Do something challenging. Don’t look for an easy job or one that you can be on your phone all day. 
  • School is more important, but work is important too. Value them both.

Does their Christian faith have any bearing on how they should approach their summer employment?: 

  • Yes, of course!
  • It’s not what you do so much but why and how (see below). 
  • Work is an opportunity for evangelism, even indirectly. 
  • And, of course: Many students found their future Christian spouse at a Chick-fil-A. If you’re struggling in that department elsewhere, give us a try! Who knows what will happen. 

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

“Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called, and his work will be as sacred as the work of the ministry. It is not WHAT a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, but WHY he does it…Let a man sanctify [set apart] the Lord God in his heart, and he can thereafter do no common act.” – AW Tozer

Chris Ravn | Transportation Director at Western Home Communities

Before you even start to consider where you might want to work, lift the situation up to the Lord in prayer. Share with Him any fears, doubts, questions, and excitement you may have. Ask God to show you the direction He wants you to take. 

When starting the job search process, talk to your parents, other relatives, or friends who know you well. Ask them if they know of any opportunities for work that might be a good opportunity for you. Look for jobs that might be a good fit for the gifts that God has given you. 

When you do score an in-person interview, make sure you are not only on time for the interview but try to be there 10-15 minutes early. Be sure to dress nice and carry yourself with confidence knowing that God has created you for a purpose. During the interview, make sure to speak clearly and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer. (I have chosen not to hire many people in the past simply because they were late to the interview, dressed sloppy, or were getting distracted by things around the room while talking to me.)

During the interview and during the time you are working at a job, always try to represent Jesus to those around you by operating with a sense of humility, service to those around you, and respect for authority. Try to be teachable with a heart for learning. 

Tracy West | Owner of Main Street Exchange

Yes, I do feel faith plays a part (at least for me) when I look at a job app I like to feel I can trust the person.

This trust applies to the cash in the drawer and a person’s work ethic. No one wants to hire a slacker.

I have hired people in the past who had experience in VBS or other church activities on the application.

I always look for a person with a positive attitude and looks like they would be willing to work hard

Also one of the main things is a “self starter” if an employee gets done with a task don’t just sit! Ask what to do next or find something that needs attention

Also PUT THE PHONE AWAY!

Greg Christensen | Owner of Christensen, Freeseman & Richter Orthodontics

As our teens look to find summer jobs,  I would emphasize that whatever they do, they should work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Col. 3:23).  This makes our witness for Christ the central part of any job.  We should work with integrity and excellence.  This could mean simply being to work on time, having a good attitude on the job, encouraging other employees, and doing whatever the job entails to the best of our ability.  Having a teachable, humble spirit is important to allow for learning any new job.  Asking questions is encouraged.  Own up to mistakes and learn from them.  Lastly, I would encourage the kids to handle conflicts biblically. Never talk behind someone’s back.  Be slow to take offense and always ready to reconcile without delay.  Soli Deo Gloria.

Bryan Freese | Owner of Freese Trucking

Proverbs 24:33
a little more sleep a little more slumber.

Proverbs 14:23
In all labor there is profit,
But mere talk leads only to poverty.

Colossians 3:23-24. 
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing
that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

1 Peter 2:12 
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against
you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

A few words of wisdom:

  1. First impressions are extremely important. Look people in the eye when you greet them. Stand up straight and offer a firm handshake.
  2. Be teachable/coachable: Listen closely to instruction and follow it to your very best. This will be more important to remember when you finish college because after a few years of college, young people tend to think they know it all. Much more is learned on the job than from books.
  3. Be prompt when showing up for ANYTHING! This is especially true when you show up for an interview or punching-in to work. Better yet be 10-15 minutes early. You will stand out as being way above average. You have all day to be on time but in a brief moment you will be late, which leaves a bad impression and is disrespectful to your employer.
  4. No matter how menial you think your job is, do it to your absolute best. When you show yourself to be faithful in small things, you’ll be trusted to bigger things. Do your job and perform task above and beyond expectations.
  5. Your speech is very important. Speak clearly and confidently (even if you don’t feel confident)
  6. Remove the phrase “That’s not my job” from your vocabulary.
  7. Be willing to get dirty! Nobody wants to sweat or get dirty any more. Somehow culture tells young people that getting dirty is below you and an unrefined way to work. If you’re willing to get dirty and sweat AND use your mind, you’ll never be in want or need for money. If you’re also willing to use your creative mind, you can have your own business.

Craig Anderson | Former Estimator at Carl Schuler Masonry

  1. Be Thankful. Having a job is a unique opportunity that your employer has given you. Approach it with a thankful heart.
  2. Be Positive. Regardless of the task, it again is a privilege. Doing your job with a positive attitude makes the day more enjoyable for you, your coworkers and your employer.
  3. Do your best. 100% effort is required. Anything less is not fair to your employer.
  4. Be on time. Tardiness frustrates your employer and coworkers.
  5. Ask questions. There is plenty to learn. You don’t know it all. Questions show interest and you will learn.

The bottom line is this. As Christians we need our life to be a light for the cause of Christ in this world. Work consumes a huge part of our life. Your coworkers may have no idea who Jesus Christ is or what He has done. Let your life so shine!

DESIRING TO REFLECT THE GLORY OF GOD IN ALL THINGS!