Many people remember the excitement of earning their first paycheck as a teenager. However, for many 16- and 17-year-olds today, finding a part-time or weekend job has become increasingly difficult.
Youth unemployment has risen to its highest level in over a decade, and younger teenagers are often competing with older and more experienced job seekers for the same entry-level roles.
Struggles Facing Young Job Seekers
One 17-year-old student, Megan, has spent months trying to secure a job while studying at sixth form college.
She described the process as frustrating, explaining that many applications are rejected due to a lack of experience. This creates a difficult cycle—without a first job, gaining experience becomes nearly impossible.
Another teenager, Elsebeth, also shared her experience of applying to numerous roles without success. She noted that many employers seem to prefer full-time or more experienced workers, leaving younger applicants overlooked.
Limited Opportunities Without Connections
Some young people do manage to find work through personal connections. One 17-year-old, Mavi, said he was fortunate to get a job at 16 through a family contact. However, he pointed out that many of his peers have not had the same opportunities.
He also suggested that employers may sometimes underestimate young workers, assuming they lack commitment or seriousness—an impression he believes is often inaccurate.
Employers’ Perspective
Despite these challenges, some business owners actively support hiring young people. One café owner explained that teenagers often bring energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.
Working in entry-level roles can also help young people develop important life skills, such as customer service, communication, and teamwork.
However, employers also face practical concerns. Hiring younger workers can require additional training and supervision, which can be time-consuming. In a challenging economic environment, some businesses may prefer candidates who are already experienced and able to work independently.
Rising operational costs—including wages, energy, and supplies—have also made it more difficult for small businesses to take risks on inexperienced staff.
Increased Competition in the Job Market
Economists note that younger teenagers are facing more competition than before. With higher unemployment among 18–24-year-olds, older candidates are often applying for the same entry-level roles that 16- and 17-year-olds traditionally filled, particularly in sectors like hospitality and retail.
Changes in Employment Trends
Although the minimum wage for under-18s has increased significantly in recent years, this has not necessarily translated into more job opportunities. At the same time, employment rates among 16- and 17-year-olds remain relatively low, as many in this age group are still in full-time education.
Advice for Young Job Seekers
Experts suggest several strategies to improve the chances of finding a first job:
- Build “micro-experiences” such as volunteering, short internships, or community projects to strengthen a CV
- Reach out directly to employers through emails, videos, or in-person introductions to stand out
- Continue applying consistently, even when lacking formal qualifications or experience
Persistence and creativity in job searching can help young applicants overcome initial barriers and improve their chances of entering the workforce.