What Employers Seek from Today’s Teens

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My first job was at a local sporting goods store, and it was far from enjoyable. As a clever teenager, I believed that working in a bustling mall would enhance my social life and give me ample opportunities to indulge in delicious food court offerings. Little did I know that the job would require actual effort.

After treating my 15-minute breaks as a time to devour Cinnabon, Panda Express, and Orange Julius, I became increasingly lazy and unmotivated, having achieved my only goal. I restocked shelves at the speed of a sluggish tortoise and hung clothes like a 1990s car stuck in traffic. I was also easily distracted by my high school crush, who would come by every afternoon to try on sneakers he had no intention of purchasing. His shiny forehead was blinding, and I failed to notice my supervisor glaring at me from the tennis display.

My time at the sporting goods store was short-lived. I claimed boredom as my reason for leaving and (gasp!) admitted I didn’t enjoy being told what to do. I can’t quite recall how I disappointed them, but I like to think they were sad to see me go. I was like a fly swatter on a hot summer day—needed but not wanted. I bid farewell and never returned, feeling let down by the experience.

For many teens, working an entry-level job is a rite of passage. They are excited about their paycheck, but for some, the steep learning curve can be overwhelming. Retail jobs can feel like an exhausting trial by fire, especially when dealing with demanding customers, much like my brief stint at J. Crew. Or the tough skin I had to develop while working with the foul-mouthed kitchen staff at a busy restaurant after college. Thanks for that, George. I still find myself using your colorful language.

Not much has changed for today’s youngest workforce. We still need fresh-faced teen employees who don’t know what they don’t know. They come in with enthusiasm but often lack the skills needed for the job. If my experiences from the 1980s taught me anything, it’s that first jobs can be tricky, and many small businesses don’t have the time or resources to provide comprehensive training for the next generation of workers.

Now, I work for a large private company that has the resources to guide and teach young employees. One of these employees is my 16-year-old daughter. Although I’m not her supervisor, I have the unique opportunity to observe her from a distance and hear about her day during our commute home. This perspective, paired with hers, offers insights into what teens desire and what employers are looking for.

First and foremost, employers want to train specific skills effectively. This includes the foundational aspects of the job. New hires usually pick this up quickly and are rewarded for it, as success is clearly defined. We don’t cut corners here; if a kid can’t wash dishes or run the register, they’re not contributing. Unfortunately, many businesses stop training at this point due to time constraints.

The next critical area to develop is teamwork. This soft skill is often learned through group sports, large families, or shared meals with friends. Not every new employee has the personality to grasp the intricacies of teamwork right away. Many must be taught how to collaborate with a diverse array of personalities and skill sets. Work environments often demand a good deal of teamwork, requiring patience that can be hard to come by. Therefore, creating spaces where kids can learn and grow is crucial; otherwise, they may leave jobs feeling frustrated and confused.

In addition to teamwork, our society values strong leadership and self-assured individuals. These qualities aren’t developed overnight; they require years of experience in a supportive environment. The right employers recognize the potential in young staff and possess the emotional intelligence to help them cultivate their resilience and decision-making abilities. This isn’t a quick fix for our workforce shortage but could lead to long-term success if we’re willing to invest the time.

Teens have the potential to impress us every day. Many are still mastering the basics, such as arriving on time, practicing good hygiene, and greeting coworkers politely. This is an achievement worth recognizing, as new employees don’t come pre-equipped with the skills to navigate the work environment. They are teens in training and will one day take on leadership roles.

If you’re interested in more insights, check out this related post on home insemination experiences here. For authoritative advice on home insemination kits, you can visit Make a Mom. Additionally, for comprehensive information about pregnancy, Healthline is a fantastic resource.

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Summary: Employers today seek eager young employees who are willing to learn and grow. They prioritize training in specific skills and teamwork while fostering an environment that encourages leadership development. Teens may initially struggle with basic work habits, but with proper guidance, they can evolve into capable professionals.

Keyphrase: Employers’ expectations from teenagers
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