Between off-campus lunches, new clothes and other random expenses, high schoolers are constantly finding themselves in debt. When parents finally grow tired of hearing pleas for donations to meager bank accounts, they resort to the three words that every teenager hears at some point in their high school career: Get a job. In reality, it is easier than it sounds. With these simple tips, you are sure to make an impression on employers and land your job of choice.

First, scope out your community for potential places of employment. Since service industry jobs are most willing to hire high school students, narrow your search to restaurant chains, movie theaters, clothing stores or salons where your primary role will be customer care. Make a list of the places that catch your eye and rank them in order of your interest in working there. Keep in mind the distance between your house and workplace, as a long commute can put you in a bad mood before work or cause you to be late. Students who do not yet have a license or car should be extra mindful of this.

Once you have made your list, it is time to make your first impression on the establishment that holds the number one spot. To show interest and initiative, walk into ask for an application rather than calling or printing one out online. Since this is your first chance to prove yourself to a future employer, you will want to look your best. Although you do not have to dress as nicely as you would for an interview, you should not show up looking like you just rolled out of bed. Shed your Nike shorts and T-shirt for the ideal outfit of jeans and a nice button-up shirt. Once the final touches to your appearance have been made, slap on a smile and muster the courage to enter the building. Approach the current employees with charisma and friendliness, politely asking for an application and for further information about the process. Once all of your questions have been answered, thank them and get started on filling out each form.

Complete the application in a timely manner, as procrastinating for weeks on end will show employers you are not serious about the job. The next time you go in, bring your completed paperwork and be prepared for an on-the-spot interview in the event that the hiring manager wants to meet with you immediately. If you have never participated in an interview before, do not panic. Think of it as a normal conversation you would have with any respected adult or teacher. Your responses are expected to convey sophistication and competence, but you should still feel comfortable to be yourself. When asked a question, you do not have to give an immediate response. If you need to, pause for a moment after the interviewer has asked the question to gather your thoughts and give an appropriate answer. Do not just tell the interviewer what you think they want to hear, because what they are really looking for is a reflection of your raw personality and potential as a worker. At the end of the interview, you will most likely be asked if you have any questions for them. This offers an opportunity for uncertainties to be cleared up, so take this chance to ask when and how they will be getting back to you with their decision.

If your first choice does not hire you, find it within yourself to respect their decision, pick your head up and try again with the other options on your list. The right job for you is somewhere out there, so take action to ensure that it is well within your reach.