With summer fast approaching, students are racing to find a way to occupy their time and fill their wallet over the next few months. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to know how to get started. There are a few easy steps to the application process.

1. The first and foremost step to acquiring a job is to know what places are hiring. There are a wide variety of businesses in Lenoir City, and more in the surrounding areas, including Knoxville.
   
   Some places currently hiring in Lenoir City are:
   
   Food:
   

   Chili’s
   KFC
   Pizza Hut
   Cracker Barrel
   Burger King
   Papa Murphy’s

   
   Retail:
   

   The Home Depot
   Weigel’s
   Love’s Truck Stop

   
   
   There are more than detailed here. Remember to do research about what type of job you want to work and what places nearby are hiring.

    

2. Your next step is a sort of scavenger hunt. After deciding on a few places you may want to work, you will have to get an application. Some places offer online applications, but many places offer paper applications as well. Ask the manager of the business before you apply online, as some GMs may prefer paper, or not recommend using the online application.
3. You’re almost done! Now that you have your applications from a few businesses, fill out each one accordingly. Places will often ask for your identification info, social security number, and what position and pay you would like. Be cautious when answering the final question.
   
   It is likely that, if you are a teen looking for a summer job, you will be hired for a regular service position, such as a cashier. As great as it is to aim high, do not say that you would like to be hired as a manager. Additionally, when asked for your desired pay, be reasonable. No teenager working their first job part time is going to make $8 an hour. You will likely receive minimum wage. Remember to have realistic expectations of your job.
4. Now that the applications are complete, all you have left to do is return them to a manager at each business you applied to.
5. Once step 4 is completed, the rest is a waiting game. If you applied to a small handful of locations, it is likely that at least one business will call you and ask if you would like to join the team. If multiple places called for you, then it is up to you to decide where you would like to work. Consider the hours you will work, the pay you will receive, how far it is from your home, and then make your decision.
6. At the end of the process, you will have found a new niche for the summer and a good way to put some change in your pocket. Remember to spend responsibly and practice saving habits once you have this job, but that’s another article for another time. For now, I suggest you grab your name tag; your shift starts soon.