Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Adeline. Adeline Wonders, “How do you get a job?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Adeline!

Do you wake up to an alarm clock going off? Or does a grown-up let you know when it’s time to get ready for school? Many kids—and adults alike—would gladly roll over and keep sleeping rather than greet the day. Of course, most adults have a different responsibility that gets them out of bed each morning. They have to go to work!

When you’re a kid, people ask you what you want to be when you grow up. Do you want to be a race car driver? How about an astronaut? Maybe you want to be the President of the United States. Some people do become those things. But most kids end up working in one of the thousands of other jobs that exist in the world.

Perhaps you’ll be a teacher or a construction worker. Or you might be an accountant or a salesperson. Maybe you’ll become a mechanic or a doctor. Whatever career path you choose, there’s a job out there for you. But exactly how do you get a job?

To get the job of your dreams, you must prepare . . . and that starts now! Doing your best in school will give you the education you need. After graduation, you may even attend college or a trade school before continuing on to your chosen career.

Once you’re armed with the education and training you need, you can search for a job. Companies advertise job openings in many ways. Nowadays, you can find most job listings online. However, some businesses still put up signs in a window or ads in the newspaper, as well. Companies also often have sections on their own websites that list openings.

Finding a job opening that interests you is just the first step. Next, you’ll need to submit an application. This will often include a resume. Your resume details your relevant education and work experience that prepared you for the job. You may also need to write a cover letter explaining why you’re right for the position.

If you have the right background and skills, you may catch the employer’s attention. Then, you’ll be invited to interview for the position. It’s important to prepare for the interview and show up ready to impress. What comes after the interview? Hopefully a job offer!

Getting a job may seem a long way off. But you might be surprised to know that many kids get jobs at an early age. People can work at some jobs as early as 14 years old. There are also laws that regulate when and for how long kids can work. For example, young kids usually shouldn’t work more than three hours on a school day. Working longer hours would cut into valuable study time.

If you’re a kid under 14 who is looking to make some extra money, there are several jobs that you could do. Many of these are tried-and-true, traditional kid jobs that have been around for years. A few examples are babysitting, mowing grass and doing other yard work, running a lemonade stand, and dog walking. Kids also often help out with washing cars, delivering newspapers, and household chores.

Volunteering is also a great way to build work experience. Can you fill a need in your community? Maybe you can help an elderly neighbor with some work around their house. There are many ways for kids to prepare for their future jobs today.

Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.W.4

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day may have you shouting, “Oh deer!”