Last summer, Lila Maren turned 16 and decided it was finally time to get her first job. She wasn’t looking for anything fancy, just something to help her save for a used car and maybe cover a few weekend outings with friends. She imagined herself at the local ice cream shop, handing cones to kids on warm evenings.
The reality was less idyllic. Lila printed a stack of resumes from her mom’s old computer, complete with a slightly outdated font and a basic layout she copied from a school project. She walked into several shops and restaurants, but the managers barely glanced at her papers before saying, “We’ll call you.”
Weeks passed, and no one did. Lila felt frustrated. She started thinking maybe there weren’t enough jobs for 16-year-olds in her area. The truth? There were plenty. The challenge was making herself stand out, something she hadn’t thought about before.
In the U.S., the job market for teens is more varied than ever. Traditional roles such as grocery store bagging and fast-food service now sit alongside newer opportunities like social media assistance for local businesses, creating an ever-expanding range of choices. Summer months often bring a surge in hiring, but many part-time positions are available year-round.
The demand for teen workers is high in certain industries, including:
For many teens, these roles provide more than a paycheck. They offer a first real experience with teamwork, customer service, and responsibility.
When people search for “jobs for 16-year-olds,” they often think of the classics: cashier, lifeguard, camp counselor. These are still great options, but there’s more out there if you know where to look.
Lila eventually learned that the way you present yourself, both in person and on paper, makes a big difference. Teen applicants often think a basic resume is “good enough,” but employers notice when an application looks polished and professional.
This doesn’t mean you need a five-page document filled with corporate jargon. It means:
For many teens and their parents, creating these documents feels overwhelming. That’s where our services come in. We specialize in crafting resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles that highlight strengths, even when you’re just starting out.
We know how to:
For Lila, a professionally written resume transformed her search. Within two weeks of handing out her updated application, she got calls from two coffee shops and a bookstore. She chose the bookstore, where she now works part-time while saving for her car.
Jobs for teens are more than a way to earn spending money. A first job often becomes the place where teens learn the value of showing up on time, treating people well, and taking ownership of their responsibilities.
And when teens like Lila have the right tools from the start, they’re more likely to land jobs they enjoy, gain confidence, and build a strong foundation for whatever comes next.
If you or someone you know is searching for jobs for 16-year-olds, remember that opportunity often meets preparation. The more polished the application, the greater the chance of standing out.
Just like Lila learned, the right presentation can turn a “We’ll call you” into “Can you start next week?” And that’s a life-changing moment for any teen ready to start their first job.
