May 7, 2026 3 min read

Q. How do I go about getting a job? – 13-year-old

Mary Jo’s Response: I’m glad you’re thinking ahead! In PA, people 14 and under may not be employed. Some jobs are available to 15-year-olds, but you must have a written statement by your parent or legal guardian acknowledging an understanding of the duties and hours of employment and granting permission to work.

I admire you planning for your future. A first job matters. I will never forget mine. At 16, I worked at a store that no longer exists – G.C. Murphy Co. I worked in the record department. I love music, so this was a great fit for me. One of the first tasks you will have is deciding what type of work you want to do. If you enjoy your work, it’s a lot easier to do it well.

Here are a few suggestions:

Prepare. Beyond knowing what type of job you’d prefer, you should consider how the job schedule will fit into your schoolwork. Do you need transportation to and from work? Will you have time to complete homework and stay involved in school extracurriculars that matter to you? What is the wage? Is it acceptable to your needs?

Create a resume and cover letter for your application. A parent or teacher can help you with these. Your resume should be simple and should highlight your education, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Your cover letter should be friendly and brief.

Apply carefully. Write legibly and review spelling/grammar. If the application asks why you want to work there, be honest. Do your homework. Research the company and discover its mission and vision statements. Is their philosophy one you support?

Role play an interview. Many schools do mock interviews. I think these are valuable. If your school doesn’t offer them, ask an adult in your family or a teacher/coach to role play an interview. Be your best self. Dress well. You don’t need to buy a new outfit, but your clothes should be clean and pressed. Do not wear shorts or old-looking jeans. Do not wear T-shirts with slogans.

Once you have your first job, please consider:

Every job is important. Create a work ethic that will be part of your life. Be on time, be reliable, and be a good team player. Do the tasks assigned to you and help others. If you deal with the public, do so respectfully and with kindness.

Learn to communicate. An “I” message is a communication technique that expresses personal feelings and needs without blaming others, fostering constructive dialogue and reducing defensiveness. For example, if you need to ask a manager for extra shifts, express concerns about your workload, or ask for time off, using an “I” message will help you say what you need to say respectfully and clearly. You might say, “I could use some extra hours and I’m willing to work on the weekend.” You state your needs clearly and offer a suggestion for resolving your situation.

Good luck!

Peer Educator Response: A first job can be scary. Do your best. Listen to Mary Jo – she knows. Be confident and have faith. You’ll get a job!

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.