Youth Employment

A first job is an important milestone in a student’s life. Military OneSource provides plenty of resources to help military families assist their teens as they tackle their first job search. Use the resources and strategies below to help your Milteen prep for success.

Your teen can find available jobs on most company websites or by inquiring at the place of business. Teens can also get assistance with their job searches through local youth programs and Military and Family Support Center, which offer knowledgeable staff, classes and computer access.

Teaching your teen the basics of completing job applications will help alleviate confusion and anxiety about job searching. Whether your teen will be completing an application at the place of business or a fillable form online, here is the general information requested on applications:

Make sure your son or daughter has a good resume ready to go. You never know when an employment opportunity will arise and a solid resume allows your child to be ready when opportunities occur. Use Military OneSource and the Department of Labor’s Career OneStop tools to draft the resume, compare formats and styles, and explore resume guidelines, tips and samples to ensure your teen’s resume looks professional. Teens can also get assistance with resume development or review through local teen or youth programs and their installation Military and Family Support Center.

Employment documentation is confusing for adults, let alone someone facing these documents for the first time. Your teen will be asked to complete the following forms in the first day(s) of employment. All of the required documentation should be treated as sensitive information. To avoid identity theft, your child should never email or leave this information with anyone but the hiring manager.

Most employers pay via direct deposit into a savings or checking account. If your child hasn’t already done so, visit your local bank branch to set up an account. Direct deposits are handled through the Automated Clearing House network, and your child can expect pay deposits to show up on his or her monthly bank statements coded with the acronym ACH.

The following information is required to set up direct deposit:

• Bank account number
• Bank routing number (ask your bank for its specific nine-digit code)
• Account type (savings or checking)
• Bank name and address (any branch will do)
• Name(s) of all account holders on the account

Interning is a great way to get your teen’s foot in the door. Your teen can learn a lot about the company while making valuable connections. Ask around your installation, community centers and local businesses about internship opportunities. Job websites, such as Indeed, also list internship opportunities for both high school and college students, and you can use the MilitaryINSTALLATIONS website to search for opportunities at your installation. The Defense Department offers internship opportunities through its STEM program, available to both high school and college students.

The military community is full of role models from whom your youth can learn about their job experience. A strong network is key, and a mentor can unlock educational and professional connections. Mentors can also provide the support, guidance and coaching that will help your son or daughter figure out the right path. Start by asking a future mentor for a 15-20 minute conversation. Have your teen explore your community arsenal for someone who can help:

• Neighbor, relative or family friend
• Trusted employer or manager
• Counselor, coach or teacher
• Camp counselor or youth group leader
• Religious leader

You are part of a community committed to serving, and there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in and around your installation. It’s a great way for youth to build resume skills, make connections and stay busy during their job search. Your installation youth center or Military and Family Support Center can connect your youth to a volunteer coordinator who can provide a list of volunteer openings.