STEP - Teen Employment Program

The City of Scottsdale Teen Employment Program (STEP) assists teens with strategies for gaining employment through job coaching, resume assistance, mock interviews, and job referrals.

STEP is a resource for teens seeking their first work experience, wanting a new job or to strengthen their job seeking skills. This program was designed for teens aged 14 to 19-years-old who live in the Scottsdale area. Job referrals are provided, when possible.

Fall and spring educational events designed for teens to learn job seeking skills, have been temporarily postponed.

Scottsdale Teen Employment Specialists are available virtually or in-person by appointment, for assistance with job referrals, resume development and interview preparation.

Specialists provide job seeking assistance through email, phone, and video conferencing. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Interview practice
• Resume assistance
• Job search coaching
• Job referrals

Make an appointment by contacting 480-312-0060 or [email protected].

Job seekers including teens can utilize the Vista Career Center computer lab for job search activities. The computer lab is by self-serve; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Career Center Computer Lab is Available to Job Seekers: 

• Computers with internet access
• Fax, Copier, printer, scanner
• Computer with webcam for digital interviews
• Job, Volunteer ideas for teens

ONE: List Your Qualifications

What are your skills? What are you good at? And… what can you do for an employer? The exercise of answering these questions will help you be prepared to talk to employers.

Examples:

• Computer/ Digital: Microsoft Office, Photoshop, social media, etc.
• Communication: Interpersonal Skills, Excellent Writer, Bilingual, Strong Academic Skills, Presentation Skills, etc.
• Qualities: Punctual, Strong Work Ethic, Works Well with Others, Punctual, etc.
• Certifications: CPR, First Aid Certified, Lifeguarding, Red Cross Certified, etc.
• Special Skills: Cash Handling, Customer Service Experience, Fundraising, etc.

TWO: Develop a Resume

A resume is the best way to highlight your experience, skills, and qualifications. A resume typically is not required or usually expected from teens, which is why is good to have one. Involvement with sports, music, student government and other extracurricular activities are all experiences that can be added to a resume and job application.

• Download Resume Template
• Download Resume Sample

THREE: Gather Professional References

Teachers, coaches, religious leaders, neighbors, and family friends can all be used as professional references. Just make sure you ask their permission. Typically, you will be asked to provide the reference’s first name, last name, professional title, phone number and email. However, leave off parents and family members, as they are not considered appropriate references for employment.

FOUR: Submit Online Application

Fill out your online application completely, accurately, with proper grammar and spelling. Because your application may be read by an automatic system, use keywords that show your qualifications for that position.

FIVE: Dress to Impress

Whether for your interview (virtual or in-person) or when stopping by a business to see if their hiring; what you wear is important. Dress nicely, business casual is suggested. Avoid trendy clothing, t-shirts, and jeans. And… don’t forget to wear a smile!

SIX: Ace Your Interview

Be ready to talk about your skills, qualifications, and positive characteristics. Commonly the employer will ask you why you are interested in working for their company, what skills you have and why they should hire you. Without preparation, it is easy to not know what to answer these questions. Get to know these Job Interview Questions to ace your interview!