Jobs

Places to work

Looking for a job this summer or for after school? Check out these businesses.

All of them either have said they hire teens or been recommended by a teen who works there.

Know of a great place to work? Post it below. And check back every week for new ideas.

Logan’s Roadhouse
(locations vary)
2840 E. Franklin Blvd
Gastonia
(704) 869-9288

“I love working at Logan’s because it’s such a great atmosphere. I get to see a lot of people I know, and the managers will always work around what’s going on at school.”
Ali Dietrich, junior at Forestview High School in Gastonia

O’Charley’s
(locations vary)
1601 E Franklin Blvd
Gastonia
(704) 865-6633

“I really enjoy working at O’Charley’s because it still allows me to participate in extra-curricular activities as well as school. My managers are very flexible with my work schedule, and I get paid more than minimum wage.”
Katie Worley, senior at Forestview High School in Gastonia

Recreation Centers
(locations vary, but the person quoted works at this one)
Bradley Community Center
1200 Modena St.
Gastonia
(704) 866-6847

“Helping with the coaching at these community centers is really fun because I get paid to go teach kids how to play basketball.”
Josh Wright, junior at Forestview High School in Gastonia

FootAction (footwear retailer)

Eastland Mall
5647 Central Avenue
Charlotte
(704)-563-6204

Freedom Mall
3205 Freedom Drive
Charlotte
(704)-391-1828

“Here, teenagers can develop personal communication skills and problem solving skills, as well as how to make a sale.”
Stacy Quick, assistant manager

Essic Sport Shop
1320 E. Franklin Blvd.
Gastonia
(704)-867-4491

“I love working at Essic because my employers are always very understanding when it comes to giving me time for my tennis practice and matches.”
Lucy Brown Spencer, junior at Forestview High School in Gastonia

Carowinds

14523 Carowinds Blvd.
Charlotte
(704)-588-2600 N.C. number
(803)-548-5300 S.C. number

“I worked at Carowinds as a lifeguard all last summer, and it was a great learning experience. It also gave me a lot of responsibility. I am going to go back and work this upcoming summer, too.”
Adam Royston, junior at Forestview High School in Gastonia

Brusters

(locations may vary)
1605 Neal Hawkins Road
Gastonia
(704)-865-2888

“We teach the teenagers we employ to be courteous because customer service is our number one priority. We also teach them to count change manually, and we have them make decisions for themselves.”
Bill Wilson, Owner of Brusters in Gastonia

Pizza Hut

(locations may vary, but this quote comes from a girl who works at this particular one)
832 S. Chester St.
Gastonia
(704)-861-1557

“Working here helps me to be more responsible, and it teaches me how to interact with different kinds of people. They are also good about giving me days off for school and family things I need to focus on.”
Lauren Ritchie, junior at Forestview High School in Gastonia

Tips for finding a job

Employers weigh in on what makes a teenager an appealing new hire.

Tom McDonald, general manager at Shoe Carnival in Gastonia:

• friendliness is most important
• a can-do attitude
• neat attire
• flexibility when it comes to shifts and hours
• politeness

In an interview …

1. arrive on time, or possibly early.
2. show up by yourself, without any friends or family members.
3. make eye contact while speaking.

Charles Sutton, store manager at Shoe Carnival in Gastonia:

• appearance (dress neatly and act professional)
• be sure not to wear too much cologne or perfume
• have a background of participating in team-like activities
• be respectful; have a sense of taking directions or commands
• a good GPA or good grades shows articulation
• bring a resume, even though it may not be required
• availability

Derrick Copeland, a manager at a national retail store (he did not want me to use the name of the company):

“One of the things I like to do is give a chance to a teenager who has never had a job before, and I like to keep the teenagers with me until they go to college or until they move up in their position. And they are always welome back after or during college.”

All information gathered by editor Haley Twist.

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