When I owned my business, I found my least favorite part of the job was screening applicants for employment. Eventually, I got a team that I became quite fond of. I interviewed quite a few teens, and a couple of them really stood out with their approach.

Today, my teenager submitted his first job application (other than for our family business of course), so I passed along some of the qualities that really turned my head when looking for an employee. Maybe this list will help some of you and your teens, too.

1. Make sure their application is written neatly; have them practice first so they know exactly what they are writing. No scribble marks.

2. Type up a resume to submit with the application, and be sure to include volunteer work.

3. Have them type a cover letter introducing themselves, with one great reason they are the perfect candidate for the job.

4. Advise your teen to ask to speak to the manager and hand the application directly to him/her instead of the cashier, desk person, whomever. The applicant can introduce him or herself, get a hand shake and put a face with the application.

5. Be sure your teen follows up with a phone call within two days.

6. If your teen does get an interview, make sure he or she immediately sends a thank you note the very next day, thanking the manager for the interview, saying that it was a pleasure to interview for the job, and that he or she looks forward to hearing from the interviewer soon.

My two youngest applicants were the ones with the resume and thank you note. (Ryan and Laura you know who you are...) They were great employees, and one of them is now my baby-sitter, and they both volunteer at community events any time I need a hand.

For more information on the job application process: www.quintcareers.com and www.recruitment.com.

I wish you and your teen much future success!

April Scarlett is a freelance writer. She can be reached through her website and blogs: www.fromherdesk.com, www.successfulwomenweekly, www.aprilscarlettwrites.blogspot.com and www.aprilscarlettmotherboard.blogspot.com. Also follow her on facebook under ASW-April Scarlett Writes and Twitter @ajscarlett.