Teen Hiring Guide Home Page
Knoxville News
Sentinial
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For the parents of teens, questions about how and when their children should get a job
are a topic of frequent conversation. Balancing sports, school, and family time can
make scheduling seem impossible, often leaving parents wondering how to their kids
can squeeze work into the already tight schedule.
Having basic answers to which company’s hire teens and at what age can help. Though
there are laws governing teen employment, these are some initial guidelines in helping
parents to start by making a more educated decision.
At what age can my child get a job?
Federal law mandates certain parameters for teen workers. During the school calendar
year, 14-15 year olds can work with limitations, while most jobs available would be
considered entry level. Basic rules are: they can’t start work before 7 AM or work
after 7 PM; are not allowed to work during school hours; and can only work three hours
a day when school is in session. The maximum hours to work during a school week
is eighteen. Such becomes more flexible during summer months and when school
is not in session. Many employers require notes from parents agreeing to the terms
of the schedule.
For 16 year olds, the rules about the job and scheduling are more flexible. The main
restrictions for 16-17 year olds govern the use of certain types of equipment that are
deemed dangerous. That would include some cooking equipment, heavy construction
equipment, power tools, or anything that could cause a potential hazard as determined
by the employer. School hours are still of consideration and vary based on the policies
of each company, but are no longer mandated by law.
How can parents help prepare teens for the hiring process?
Preparing a teen for the interview process is the key in securing a job. Even if a
company will hire teens, they seek to find the ones most fully capable and responsible
in fulfilling the roles of the job.
“Mainly what I’m looking for is eye contact, a smile, professional image, and the overall
ability to enhance our guest relations. Once I find those qualities, I then match that
person with the needs of our store,” says Stephen Johnson, manager at the Chick-fil-A
at Kingston Overlook, (who started his career at 16). He commented that those qualities
are most important, because the amount of teens looking for work often exceeds the jobs
available.
“Responsibility is important in life-guarding,” says Jimmie Wheeler, of Ski and Scuba
Center of Knoxville. “Though we can certify 15 year olds, we look for maturity and
someone who understands the importance in their job.” Jimmie stated that most teens
who graduate the course do find employment, due to the amount of community pools
in the area.
“We look for teens that are comfortable greeting customers, who are well perceived in
a customer service environment,” said Cindi Brooks, of Ingles Corporate office. “We seek
those with a professional image, and also look for good eye contact and a strong hand shake.”
Much can be learned as the child begins to understand the value of a job. Andrew Bowling
has been working since 14 at Chick-fil-A, and is now in management. “The biggest
adjustment was the responsibility of my job, there is a lot to learn.”
Transportation is also an important factor. Since younger teens can’t drive, the
responsibility falls on another driver. Taking into consideration the location and travel
time should be weighed by both employer and employee, as this is a key discussion when
hiring decisions are made.
Where should we start the process to find a job?
There is abundant information available by browsing the internet, but to get you started,
here are some suggestions.
14-15 year olds…There are a few large employers in Knoxville that welcome teen workers
at this young age. Food City boasts on its website “fourteen and fifteen year olds are welcome”.
In addition, Chick-Fil-A is an option, the location at Kingston Overlook (Turkey Creek location
too) offers open team interviews every Monday at 4:30 PM. This serves as an initial screening
for the hiring process. Applicants who do well there are then selected to be interviewed
personally by the manager. McDonalds is also a potential, offering some available position
to those age 14, with more hiring consistency by 15, with Kroger having limited positions
at 15 as well.
By the age of 16 most employers will hire with limits on use of equipment. Restaurants
commonly hire starting at 16 (mostly to host/bus tables), grocers (typically start as baggers),
as well as retail stores (customer service). One resource available, with a section committed
to teen hiring, is www.snagajob.com . There you will find several potential employers with
ages listed on the site, such as Papa John’s, JCPenney, Kentucky Fried Chicken, AMC Entertainment,
Burger King, Steak n Shake and Arby’s.
Jiffy Lube and Valvoline Oil Change will hire 17 year olds.
By the time young people reach 18 years old, most limitations are based on company policy with
some equipment guidelines that must be followed.
Matching any teen with the right job should require careful planning. It’s more important to match
skills to job requirements than simply finding a job. This is especially true in their first job, as it
can become a strong foundation on which to build a successful career as an adult. It’s also a good
idea to check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure good business practices prior to
accepting a position.
Below are some websites for information.
www.knoxarc.org (Red Cross Lifeguard certification)
www.cfaKingsontOverlook.com (Chick-fil-A, Kingston Overlook)
Ski and Scuba Center 865-523-9177