One. Four. Ten applications. Three phone calls. Two interviews. All rejected.

Students in West Chicago are struggling to find jobs. Filling out multiple applications seems like the best idea, but writing a resume and scheduling interviews can be time-consuming. Hope dwindles as time stretches, and getting hired feels out of the question.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that teen employment rates grew from April to July, 2025. Why? Students are finally out of school and ready to hit the employment pool.

In June of 2025, the unemployment rate for teens rose to 13.4%, and it was estimated that roughly 1 million new jobs opened up for teens across the country – the lowest number since 2010 – according to The New York Times. 

Most entry-level jobs now require a high school diploma and prior work experience, which most students lack. With competition between applicants at an all-time high, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stand out.

The process of getting hired or applying for jobs is not foolproof, but with a few tips and some advice, it can become much easier.

Make a Resume

Having a resume can make the application process more efficient. Teens don’t need to fill out dozens of applications with the same information; just have multiple copies ready to hand out. As a student, one may not have much to add, but it is important to highlight the skills one has learned in school. Make sure to include contact information, education, extracurriculars, previous work experience (if any), or volunteer experience.

Having references on your resume can really boost an application. 

“Those are really good references: a school counselor or someone else that you know for volunteer experiences,” Dan Garcia, General Manager at Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli, said.  

Aside from school counselors, teens can ask a teacher, coach, club sponsor, or another school staff member who could speak to their character.

Canva is a great tool for making a resume. Teens can create a visually appealing resume while keeping it professional and organized.

Job Hunting

Applying to a place that is not hiring cannot get someone a job. Teens can look online on sites like indeed.com for available positions in their area, find out through friends, or ask the places they are hoping to apply to if that place is hiring.

Have an idea of what your schedule could look like. Teens enrolled in school cannot work during school hours, and every state has different restrictions on how many hours one may work, depending on age. 

Those under 16 must pick up a work permit application from their high school counselor’s office before they can begin working.

Practicing for an Interview

According to an article by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, some helpful tips for practicing before an interview are figuring out how one’s skills, background, and passions fit with the job they are applying to. Come prepared, and make sure to research the company or business before the interview, as well as the job description. 

Make sure to prepare questions for the hiring manager – and have them written down. Practice. Make sure to practice the answers to some common interview questions (Some are listed in “Interview Tips for Teens: How to Be First Job Ready”).

The Interview

Facing a first job interview can be nerve-wracking for many, but to help things run smoothly, here are some tips to keep in mind. 

Dress appropriately. An interview is the first impression an employer gets of a prospective employee. There is no need to show up in a full suit, but a collared shirt, a dress, some slacks, or a polo are all good options. Aim for business casual.

Always arrive early. It shows punctuality, but the interviewee also gets a few minutes to collect themself if they are feeling anxious. 

When starting the interview, be polite and greet the hiring manager. Maintain good eye contact and be confident. It is okay to mess up; everyone gets nervous. Take a breath and keep going.

Knowing why one is searching for a job can aid the process. If teens put in the effort and stay persistent, they are more likely to find a position.

For Wheaton North High School’s senior, Niang Cing, becoming less financially reliant on her parents was her motivation. 

“Everything’s just expensive these days, and I feel like we should be able to make a living for our own,” Cing said. She has been working at the same job for three years now.

Finding a job is about trial and error. Do not be discouraged if no interviews come from the first few applications. This reporter gave up when she was not getting any calls back for months, and finally landed a job when she tried again the next semester.