1. You Don't Need to Have It All Figured Out

Most people don't know their "dream job" at 16, 18, or even 25. That's normal.

Start with these questions:

• What kind of work excites me?
• Do I like people, numbers, hands-on work, or creative stuff?
• Do I prefer flexible hours, structure, or freedom?

Your answers can help you choose a starting point — not a final destination.

2. Try Things Out (And Learn While You Work)

First jobs are about experience — not perfection. Whether it's retail, hospitality, tech, or delivery work, every job teaches you skills you'll use later:

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Time management
• Problem solving

Tip: Part-time or volunteer work still counts. Add it to your resume.

3. Build a Resume That Shows You

Even if you don't have a long work history, you can still build a strong resume:

• Highlight school projects, group work, volunteering
• Mention soft skills: "reliable, fast learner, great with people"
• Keep it one page, clean, and honest

Need help? YouthJobsHub is working on a free resume builder tool (coming soon!)

4. Network Without Being Awkward

Networking doesn't mean handing out business cards. It's about:

• Talking to your teachers, family, and friends about what you're interested in
• Asking past employers or mentors for advice or references
• Joining local events, youth programs, or online communities

"I'm interested in [job area]. Do you know anyone I could talk to?"

That question can open doors.

5. Learn (A Little) Every Month

You don't need another degree. You just need small steps:

• Take free online courses (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Google Career Certs)
• Watch industry content on YouTube or TikTok
• Read one blog or article a week in your field of interest

The goal? Keep moving forward, even if it's slow.

6. You're Allowed to Change Your Mind

Hated that job? Didn't vibe with that internship? Cool. Now you know. That's part of growth.

Your 5th job may look nothing like your 1st — and that's how most successful careers happen.

Quick Wins

• Sign up for job alerts on YouthJobsHub.com
• Create a clean resume (PDF format, 1 page)
• Apply for 2–3 jobs a week — even if you're unsure
• Ask for feedback if you don't get the job
• Celebrate every interview — it means someone noticed you

Need Advice?

We're building a career Q&A section where you can ask real questions and get answers from mentors and professionals.

For now, if you have a question, email us: