Retail Jobs For Teenagers
For many teenagers, the retail sector is often their first experience of the workplace. Retail is an ideal arena for teenagers to earn themselves some extra cash and the skills you’ll learn and the people you’ll meet – both colleagues and customers - will stand you in good stead for the future, even if you decide to forge a career in a different area altogether. Retail is also a good choice for part-time employment for teenagers as many stores are open in the evenings and at weekends which means that work can be fitted in around your school work and other commitments.
Furthermore, although most types of retail stores will offer teenagers employment, there are certain types of store which will actively encourage teenagers to work for them because they fit the demographic of the type of businesses which tend to attract lots of teenagers as customers too.
Here are a few examples of the types of store you might wish to apply to.
Electronics and Computing
Computer stores and those which tend to focus on electronic gadgets in general are very popular places for teenagers to work. Let’s be honest, when it comes to computers and products such as DVD recorders, mobile phones and MP3 players, for example, teenagers usually are at the cutting edge of not only knowing what the latest technologies can do and which are the most ‘must have’ gadgets, they’re also often far better placed to demonstrate how they work.Music Stores
In spite of how music shopping has changed since digital downloads came into being, there is still a demand for high street record shops and most teenagers will have an interest in music and they are also popular places for teenagers to shop so music retailers will always take an active interest in job applications from teenagers.Sports Stores
Similarly to the case with music – sports stores are also a popular place for teenagers to work. With so much emphasis on sporting fashion in addition to selling sports equipment, teenagers are usually at the forefront of what’s hip and what’s not when it comes to sportswear.Fashion Department Stores
Fashion in general is something that most teenagers are interested in and there are plenty of general and specialist department stores to choose from.Of course, you may have other specialist interests or hobbies and prefer to work in a specialist store which caters for this - for example, working in a book shop, cycle store or camping and outdoors adventure stores. Alternatively, you may prefer to look for something in your immediate vicinity such as in a local supermarket or newsagents.
How To Find Work
The best way to find work in a retail store is to identify the type of store you’d like to work in and simply pay a visit to the store and ask the manager if there are any part-time vacancies. Of course, your local newspaper will run jobs advertisements but most teenagers will get their first job in retail by simply asking if there are any shifts going.Most jobs will be in sales and, although you’ll be expected to have a decent standard of education, all tills are computerised these days so you don’t have to be a wizard at maths. In fact, store managers will be more concerned that you have a pleasant disposition and possess good communication skills and that you’re confident about your ability to be able to relate to customers. You may find work in replenishing stock or other non-customer facing roles but the vast majority of jobs in retail for teenagers will be in sales where you're out on the shop floor.
In addition to receiving a wage, many retail stores also offer staff discounts and other incentives which can be a real plus if you’re able to find work in a store which is also related to your hobbies and interests.
The legal age at which you can work in retail is 14 but there is a lot of legislation with regards to work and teenagers so make sure you understand what you can and cannot do as well as having some knowledge about your rights.
