The Librarian’s Internet-Hard at Work

When kids look for after-school jobs, there are lots of things they need to learn—for instance, how to apply for a job, how to get a Social Security number, how to make correct change, and how to open and use a checking account. These Web sites will help teens and their younger counterparts, "tweens," learn all these skills and much more.

In order to get a job, kids need to know how to apply for one. This cool site will help them create their first résumé, their first cover letter, and their first list of folks who've agreed to provide them with references. All they have to do is fill out the easy-to-use, Web-based worksheets, print them out, and then hand them out to potential employers. Creator: New York State Dept. of Labor.

Before teens apply for their first job, they'll need to get a Social Security number. This nifty site explains what a Social Security number is and how to apply for one, as well as what Social Security is, how much is deducted from paychecks, and how Social Security funds are used. Creator: U.S. Social Security Administration.

In order to have a paper route, work at a fast food restaurant, babysit, or mow lawns, kids need to know how to make change. This interactive game does just that in a fun, high-tech way. Creator: The Learning Network, Inc., San Francisco, CA. Don't Miss: For a challenge, have older kids check out the foreign currency game—great for teens going abroad on vacation, or who are studying Canada, Mexico, England, or Australia.

Tweens' first jobs often are babysitting younger kids in their neighborhood. This great site provides tons of information about how to keep their young charges safe and happy, as well as how to turn babysitting into a profitable and satisfying endeavor. Creator: University of Illinois Extension Service, Champaign, IL. Don't Miss: The "Infants," "Toddlers," "Preschoolers," and "School Age" sections, with solid information about child development. Also see "Planning Play Activities," and the babysitting flyer that kids can create at the "Make Your Own Flyer" link.

Once a teen brings in a regular paycheck, he or she needs to learn about the taxes that will be deducted. This site will teach them about federal, state, and local taxes. Creator: U.S. Internal Revenue Service, American Bar Association. Don't Miss: The "It's Payday" section, where kids can see how taxes are withheld from a music store clerk earning an hourly wage or a pizza delivery person earning both a wage and tips. For educators, the "Teachers Toolkit" section includes tax forms and downloadable teaching resources.

Kids with a first job often find themselves setting up their very first checking or savings account. This site can help tweens and young teens learn basic banking skills, such as filling out a check correctly, what interest means, and how to safely and properly use an ATM. Creator: Sovereign Bank, Inc. Don't Miss: The "Calculators" link, where kids can calculate how long it will take them to save up for their first car or save for holiday gifts. Detour: Have older teens check out Moneyopolis at www.moneyopolis.com. Here they can play a live version of a game about spending, saving, and investing their money.