Getting that first job: why it’s so tough for Canadian teens today

For many teenagers, landing a part-time job once meant walking into a local ice cream shop or retail store and asking if they were hiring. Now, with fewer opportunities and a competitive job market, teens across Canada are finding it harder to get that crucial first work experience.

One major obstacle for teens today is a shortage of available entry-level jobs. With Canada’s population growing, there are simply more applicants than ever before. Meanwhile, many employers prefer candidates who already have some form of work experience, putting first-timers at a disadvantage. 

“Most jobs are looking for some sort of experience,” explains grade 11 student, Norah, who is actively searching for her first job. “But when you’re a teenager looking for your first job, you don’t have any experience yet. Maybe [you try] volunteer work to sort of show up as experience, but you’re always fighting with people who might have experience. And so, it’s hard to find the entry point, because at some point, to get experience, you must get a job somewhere.” 

Norah adds that her motivation is more than just gaining experience; she also needs money for her university education. “I want to learn the responsibility of having the job I want. I want to be able to gain experience, but I mean, I also have to pay for things like university, and I have to think about that. So that’s always in there in my head, and a big reason to get a job.” 

Here in British Colombia, the youth unemployment is one of the highest in Canada, reaching 16.6% in May 2025. That is a significant increase from last year’s rate of 10.5%. Meanwhile, summer job postings across Canada have dropped by 22% this year.  

Despite these challenges, some teens are finding jobs, but often through connections. 

Keianna, 16, shares how her family and community ties helped her land her current job. “I was blessed with family connections and stuff like that because I teach at my dojo, where I currently still train. They knew me for a long time, so they accepted me there… another place I applied to was [also] via connection,” she says. 

Keianna points out how important being social is in today’s job market. “And then there’s another place, Zumiez, where the manager knows me personally. I just shop there and talk to the manager a lot. And she [said,] ‘the next time you come in, bring your resume, and I’ll hook you up’.” 

For Keianna, being social isn’t just helpful, it’s necessary. “That’s just how the world works. Like, you must be social to survive now.” 

While some find employment through their networks, others get there through pure determination. Sam, a grade 11 student, is a great example of that. Her first paycheck came from working at the provincial election last year and over spring break she became an instructor for Pedalheads, a cycling camp for kids.  

“It was pretty easy, I just applied thorough their website, and I just had to send in a few videos to [show more about myself]. Pedalheads is really short staffed, so I think it’s a good place for someone who is struggling to find a first job.” 

Still, Sam’s success came after a lot of rejections. “I think I’d applied for at least 30 jobs before that.” she says. “The job market is [stupidly] competitive right now.” 

Landing that first job can be challenging but knowing how to present yourself can really help your chances.  

Christine Blue, head of human resources at Centreville who was interviewed by CBC, says that the key for those without much experience is framing their application honestly and emphasizing their enthusiasm. “If this is your first job, we’re not going to expect you to have all these different places that you worked. You just need the basics,” she said.  

“If you did a little bit of babysitting, put that on there. If you don’t have anything, then just put your activities that you do, your extracurricular stuff that you are involved in.” 

Blue encourages teens to show confidence and a willingness to learn.  

“I think you just need to reach out and take a risk and take that jump,” she told the CBC.  

Image credit: Pixabay