how to get a job under 18 reddit

[Taylor]

I got my first job at 16, working at a local grocery store. The key was focusing on entry-level positions that explicitly hire minors. Most fast-food chains, retail stores, and movie theaters have legal age requirements—usually 14 to 16 depending on the state. I applied to at least 15 places before I got a callback. The biggest mistake I see friends make is only applying online and never following up. I called the store manager two days after submitting my application and asked if they were still reviewing candidates. That simple step got me an interview.

Here’s a quick breakdown of common jobs for teens under 18 and typical age rules:

Job Type	Minimum Age (U.S. typical)	Availability
Grocery bagger/cashier	14–16	High
Fast food crew	14–16	Very high
Retail sales associate	16	Moderate
Movie theater usher	14–15	Moderate
Babysitting / pet sitting	13+	Variable
Lawn mowing / landscaping	12+ (self-employed)	High if you market yourself

For my interview, I prepared a simple list of my available hours (after school and weekends) and brought a signed parental consent form because many employers require one for workers under 18. I also highlighted my reliability by mentioning I had never missed a school day. The store manager later told me that showing up early and dressing neatly made the difference.

If you’re under 18, don’t overlook seasonal jobs like summer camps, holiday retail, or lifeguarding. Those positions are often created specifically for teens and come with structured training. Also, check your local labor laws—some states have stricter rules about the number of hours minors can work, but that actually protects you. Employers see that as a plus because it shows you’re serious about balancing work and school.

Finally, use your network. Ask neighbors, family friends, and teachers if they know any openings. My cousin got a job at a pharmacy because his mom’s friend worked there. References from people they trust carry more weight than an online resume.

[VonRose]

Honestly, I’ve been applying for months and it’s frustrating. I’m 16, and most places just say “we’ll keep your application on file” and then ghost you. What’s working for some of my friends is going in person with a printed resume, even if they said “apply online.” I did that at a local pizza place and got a trial shift right away. Also, check if your school has a work-study program. My counselor hooked me up with a paid internship at a library—no experience needed. Another tip: target businesses that are family-owned instead of big chains. They’re more flexible with hours and less strict about age policies. Good luck—it’s a grind, but someone will say yes eventually.

[WalterFitz]

At 15, I couldn’t get a regular job because of age limits, so I started my own dog-walking and pet-sitting service. I printed flyers and posted them on community bulletin boards and asked neighbors to share on Nextdoor. Within a month, I had five regular clients. The best part is I control my own schedule and charge $15 per walk. Self-employment is a great loophole for under-18 workers—no minimum age, no formal hiring process, and you learn real business skills. Just check your local laws about earning money as a minor; you might need a parent to open a bank account.

[MartinRose]

Looking back at when I was 17, the smartest move I made was targeting seasonal summer jobs that hire teens en masse. Places like amusement parks, summer camps, and pool concessions are desperate for young workers and have lower hiring standards. I applied in early March, got a role as a camp counselor, and ended up with a reference that helped me land a better job at 18. Another underrated option is unpaid internships—some lead to paid positions after a few weeks. Just make sure the internship is legal and structured, not just free labor. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a clean social media profile. Employers check it.

[LaPaisley]

As someone who has hired dozens of teens for a retail chain, I can tell you the number one thing