My first job was at a local sports store, and it was less glamorous than I expected. As a savvy teenager, I thought spending my afternoons at the mall would enhance my social life and allow me to indulge in food court treats. Little did I know, the job would require actual effort.
After indulging in Cinnabon and Orange Julius during my brief breaks, I became complacent, having achieved my main goal of sampling food. I would restock shelves at a snail’s pace and hang clothes with all the enthusiasm of a parked car. I was also easily distracted by my high school crush who would visit daily, trying on sneakers he never intended to buy. My supervisor’s frustration was evident, but I was too caught up in my daydreams to notice.
I didn’t stay long at the sporting goods store, eventually citing boredom and my aversion to authority as reasons for my departure. I can’t quite remember how I left them hanging, but I like to think they were disappointed by my exit. I felt like a necessary yet unwelcome presence, akin to a fly swatter on a hot day. After saying my goodbyes, I never returned. I knew I had let them down, and I felt let down too.
For many teenagers, taking on an entry-level job is a rite of passage. They are excited for their first paycheck, but the steep learning curve can be daunting. The retail environment can be overwhelming, especially when faced with demanding customers, as I experienced during my brief stint at J. Crew. My summer job at a busy restaurant also required me to develop a thick skin, thanks to the loud kitchen staff. Thanks for the lessons, George. I still have a bit of that east-coast edge in my speech.
Today’s teens in the workforce are not so different. Employers still need eager young workers who are often unaware of what they don’t know. They show up, somewhat ready, but first-time jobs can be filled with challenges, and not all businesses have the resources or patience to train the next generation effectively.
Now, I work for a larger company with the means to mentor young employees. My 16-year-old daughter is one of them, and while I’m not her boss, I have the unique vantage point of observing her experiences and listening to her stories during our commutes. This gives me insight into what teenagers desire and what employers expect.
Key Skills Employers Look For
First, we prioritize teaching specific job skills. Employees generally pick these up quickly, as they are straightforward and have clear benchmarks for success. However, many businesses stop training here due to time constraints, leaving employees unprepared for more complex aspects of their roles.
Next, we need to foster teamwork. This crucial soft skill is often picked up in sports, large families, or even social outings. Only a few teens naturally grasp it right away; most require guidance on collaborating with diverse personalities and skill sets. Workplaces demand a significant amount of teamwork, which can be challenging without the right environment to learn and grow.
Besides teamwork, robust leadership and confidence are highly valued. These qualities don’t develop overnight; they require years of experience in a supportive setting. Employers who are willing to invest in young staff can cultivate their resilience and decision-making abilities. This is a long-term investment in our workforce’s future.
Teens are capable of impressing us daily. Many are still learning basic skills, like punctuality, personal hygiene, and how to engage courteously with colleagues. This is a positive sign; new employees don’t come pre-equipped with workplace knowledge. They are young individuals in training, and one day they will lead.
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Summary
This article explores what employers seek from teenage workers today, emphasizing the importance of skill development, teamwork, and leadership. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, it highlights the challenges teens face in their first jobs and the crucial role employers play in guiding them through this journey.
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