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Making the case to teen and student workers

Are you looking to hire young employees to bring a fresh perspective to your workplace? Read these tips on how to tailor your job postings to grab the attention of students and teenagers.

Students and teens looking for part-time jobs have different priorities than working moms or even young professionals. They’re probably not looking to start their career, but they still have certain criteria that guide their job search. If you’re an employer who wants to be on young job seekers’ radars, there are a few things you should know about how to tailor your job postings accordingly. Allow us to explain:

• Little (or no) experience necessary. Teens and students are usually lacking in job experience, so they’re looking for jobs that don’t require a lot of specific skills or training. Make room in your business for entry-level positions that allow these applicants to learn and grow, and advertise this in your postings. Teen workers can help you by bringing a fresh perspective to the company and provide an extra set of hands for tasks that don’t require a lot of expertise.

• Flexible schedules. Some of the busiest people in the country don’t even have their high school diplomas yet. Between school (both classes and time set aside for homework), sports and club activities, and family and social life, students and teenagers have a lot on their plates. Squeezing in a part-time job can be tough, especially during the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evenings and weekends are a great time for this demographic to pick up hours, so if you offer these shifts, highlight it in your job postings. Employers should always be aware, however, of state and federal laws regarding how many hours employees under the age of 18 can work, and only assign them approved, non-hazardous duties.

• Make it fun. Remember, young job seekers are just that: Young. They’ll get bored quickly with menial tasks like pizza box origami and endless data entry. Try to keep responsibilities varied. Also, make sure to reflect company culture in your job descriptions. Do you have a Halloween costume contest or a secret Santa gift exchange? Is there a company foosball table in the break room? Or maybe even just a casual dress code and a laid back environment? Whatever it is, bring attention to it in a posting—it will help you stand out with younger applicants and even help keep them there once they get the job.

• Play up the perks. Are you a clothing store manager that offers employee discounts on all merchandise? Do you own a restaurant that provides free meals for workers? Do you need lifeguards that get to work outside in the sun and have access to free pool admission? No matter what kinds of benefits you offer, highlight those that would interest younger workers in your jobs.

Using keywords like “fun,” “no experience necessary” and “flexible schedule” can attract teens to your postings and entice them to apply. With descriptions like these, you’re sure to find the fresh faces you need that will bring new energy to your business.