Do you have a work permit? Are you a U.S. citizen or resident? Are you 18 or over? Do you have a driver's license?
Those are just some of the questions employers will ask you on employment applications this summer if you are a student looking for work.
Ten high school students learned this and more in a Jobs 4 Youth workshop Wednesday at the Private Industry Council (PIC) suites at the Butte County One-Stop Center on Table Mountain Boulevard.
Instructors Bob Lackey, Elaine Hocking and Gail Smith Reed pointed out the key elements of completing applications and resumes for this new program that started this summer.
Some of the teens had worked previously, but many were searching for their first jobs and needed tips on what to do.
The instructors noted most jobs require computer skills these days for everything from putting in a time card to handling a fast food restaurant cash register. Most students also know how to type, so typing certificates can be obtained through PIC and the Employment Development Center after taking a test, they said.
Students also were advised to expand on past job duties. Don't just say you baby-sat, the instructors said. Explain your levels of responsibility such as feeding, bathing and playing with young children.
If you are bilingual and speak more than one language, list them and list other skills like building fences, landscaping, operating equipment like saws, mowers and so on. Also include volunteer activities at school, in student clubs and for organizations.
School studies such as college preparation courses, welding, general ed, woodshop and more should be mentioned as well particularly if they apply to a job you are seeking.
All of these skills are important for teenagers seeking jobs and building resumes, and the agencies involved with Jobs 4 Youth aim to give students the skills they need to get a job, according to Daryl Turner of PIC.
Jobs 4 Youth's goal is to find 100 jobs for 100 youth, Turner said, although he doubts it will obtain that number in 2006.
"We cannot promise a job for all applicants,' a flyer said, "but we can offer training on how to prepare for a job and tips on how to get one.'
PIC and the county agencies will offer support, coaching and job training for young people, officials said.
The project is being coordinated through PIC and the Oroville Cares Community Awareness Program initiated by the Community Health Alliance of Oroville (CHAO), said Jana Wilson, of the Butte County Office of Education.
Other participants include the City of Oroville, Butte Community Employment Center, Butte College, Feather River Recreation and Park District, Oroville Union High School District and even California State Parks.
The Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce also is involved, Wilson and Turner said, in trying to get employers interested in hiring youth.
In addition, Turner said the program is aimed at teens 16 to 19 who might be considered at risk, so letters were sent to families on public assistance who had teens in that age group along with area charter or alternative high schools catering to at-risk teens.
He said 25 to 30 kids had responded so far from the letters, but additional applications to the program are being accepted.
Besides the job application training, some participants in Wednesday's workshop were to be referred to job interviews Thursday afternoon, and Lackey advised the students to come prepared and be dressed appropriately.
"I don't like being mean,' Lackey said. "But I will pull you aside for a talk if you smell and need a shower. I don't want to see pants down to your knees or boxers or thongs showing.'
The students laughed at his admonitions, but they seemed to get the message clean presentable clothes and appearance are important to employers.
Other tips include listing at least three personal references such as past employers, teachers, co-workers, neighbors, etc. on applications with phone numbers, being honest about skills and legal matters and making sure resumes and applications are clean and error free as misspelled words and sloppiness will get them tossed.
There are a host of things to learn in these workshops, so participants will have plenty of information to use when they are finished.
Job interview