What do I have to do to start working?

Question

I decided I want to start working, and I have no idea how to get started. I'm a minor so do I need special permits or papers and how do I get them? Step by step instructions would help a lot!

Answer 1

Depending on local laws, you can work outside school hours in non-hazardous jobs (restaurant and retail gigs are fine). But your hours are limited, especially on school days, when you can work a maximum of three hours a day. This increases to a maximum of eight hours a day on Saturday and Sunday. The maximum you can work in a week while school is in session is 18 hours, and this increases to 40 hours during the summer.

You should also know that while the U.S. government doesn’t require you to have any special paperwork or documents saying it’s OK for you to work, your state may. Some states require these documents (also known as “working papers”) for teens under 18. Ask your school guidance office or career center if they have the forms to fill out – and to provide you with assistance. You can also check with your state’s labor department by typing in the following Web address into your Internet browser:

http://youthrules.dol.gov/states.htm

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

The U.S. Department of Labor has a number of helpful resources for teens on its website covering following topics:

• Agricultural employment

• What are “hazardous” jobs?

• Additional age restrictions and state labor laws

Simply type the following Web address into your Internet browser and you should be able to  find answers to all of your questions:

www.dol.gov/dol/audience/aud-kidsyouth...

Answer 2

A workers permit. You can get them through school or a city hall.

Answer 3

i think (at least in california) if you are over 16 (and under 18), you need a workers permit.  

best advice is just to get out there and find your first job.  What do you like to do?  Do you work well with people?  

I started in the restaurant and spent quite a few years in there.