Get Ready for Job Search
Age & Labor Law Considerations
Obligations & Schedule Availability
Marketing Yourself
Transportation
Exploration
Support
Online Presence
Professional Email & Phone
Documentation
Youth Labor Law
In Colorado, a “minor” is anyone under 18—unless you’ve earned a high school diploma or GED.
There are rules about how many hours minors can work to help balance school, health, and safety:
- All minors (under 18): Cannot work more than 40 hours per week or more than 8 hours in a single day.
- Ages 14–15:
- Up to 3 hours on a school day
- Up to 8 hours on a non-school day
- No more than 18 hours during a school week
- No more than 40 hours during a non-school week
- Ages 16–17: Can work any number of hours, at any time of day.
These laws help protect your time and energy, especially while balancing school or other commitments.
Learn more about youth labor laws
Youth Friendly Employer List
Looking for a job when you’re under 18 can be tough, but you’re not alone! The CareerRise team has put together a list of local employers who have identified themselves as “youth friendly” and open to hiring teens.
Use this list to explore job ideas, learn about different industries, and expand your job search network. These employers are a great place to start if you’re ready to take that next step.
Before starting your job search, take some time to think about your current responsibilities. Do you have school, sports, family duties, or other commitments that affect when you can work? Are you looking for a summer job or something longer term?
Talk with your family or support system about your availability and how you’ll coordinate transportation or shared schedules. Knowing your availability ahead of time will help you apply for jobs that truly fit your life and will show employers you’re ready and reliable.
Are you ready to show employers what makes you a great hire? Marketing yourself means being able to talk about your strengths, interests, and experiences even if they come from school, volunteering, or helping at home.
Confidence and preparation go a long way! Learn how to highlight what you bring to the table and stand out in your job search.
A key part of preparing for a job is figuring out how you’ll get there, reliably and on time. Will you walk, bike, take the bus, drive, or get a ride from someone? Talk with your family or support system to make a plan that works for everyone.
Your transportation options may affect where you can apply for jobs, what hours you’re available, and how flexible you can be with scheduling. Knowing this ahead of time shows employers you're dependable and ready to work.
Not sure what kind of job or career path is right for you? That’s okay, exploration is part of the journey!
Know your preferences:
Understanding how you like to work can help you find jobs that are a better fit for your personality and strengths. Do you enjoy fast-paced environments or something more relaxed? Do you like variety, or do you prefer tasks that are more predictable? How do you like to receive feedback—from frequent check-ins or more independent guidance?
Thinking about these preferences can help you choose jobs and workplaces where you’ll feel more confident, motivated, and successful.
Identify your career interests:
Start by exploring potential careers that might interest you. Then, think about how those interests could connect to real-world jobs, even entry-level ones.
Try career assessments to discover fields that match your personality and skills. You can also learn more by talking to people in different careers (this is called an informational interview), job shadowing, taking a career tour, or joining a short-term work experience like an internship or summer job. Every step counts.
- Take Online Career Assessments: My Next Move allows you to complete an interest assessment and explore potential matching careers.
- Learn More About Informational Interviewing
Getting a job is one step, keeping it and doing well takes support. Think about what you might need to be successful at work. Do you need help managing your schedule, getting transportation, or balancing responsibilities at home or school?
It’s okay to ask for help. Talk with your family, mentors, or trusted adults about how they can support your goals as you start your job journey. Building a support system sets you up for long-term success.
If an employer searched your name online, what would they find? Your social media and online activity can make a big impression, sometimes before you even get an interview.
Take a moment to review your profiles. Are your privacy settings in place? Is what’s visible something you’d be proud to show an employer? Creating a positive (or professional) online presence can help you stand out in a good way.
Online Profile Clean-Up Checklist
Make sure your online presence supports your job goals. Use this list to review and refresh your profiles!
Privacy & Security
- Check privacy settings on all social media accounts
- Make personal profiles (like Instagram or TikTok) private if needed
- Limit who can tag you or post on your page
Clean Up Your Content
- Remove or hide posts with inappropriate language, jokes, or images
- Untag yourself from photos that may seem unprofessional
Review old posts, comments, and “likes” for anything questionable
Google Yourself
- Search your full name online—what do you see?
- Check image results and any public links
- Fix or update any old or incorrect info
Showcase the Good Stuff
- Use a neutral or friendly profile picture
- Highlight school, volunteer, or personal accomplishments (if you're comfortable)
- Consider creating a basic LinkedIn or professional profile if you're ready
Want help reviewing your online presence? Ask a trusted adult or mentor to look with you!
Your email and phone are often the first ways an employer contacts you. Make sure they give the right impression!
- Do you have an email address that sounds professional? (Example: firstname.lastname@email.com)
- Is your voicemail set up with a clear, polite greeting?
- Is your voicemail box empty and able to receive new messages?
- Do you check your email and voicemail regularly so you don’t miss important messages?
Taking a few minutes to set up professional contact info shows employers you're serious, reliable, and ready to work.
When you get a job offer, you’ll need certain documents to complete the hiring process.
- Do you have valid identification like a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate?
- Do you have a Social Security card or know where to get one if needed?
- Do you have a bank account for direct deposit, or a plan for how you’ll receive your paychecks?
Having these ready will make starting your job smoother and faster. If you’re missing anything, now’s the time to get it!
