<p>My parents own a restaurant, and I work there and help out sometimes. I didn't get paid at first, but now I do. My mom just hands me money after I am done working, equivalent to what a minimum wage worker makes.</p>
<p>So I was just wondering, when the application asks me to list the jobs I've held, can I list this? This is the only job I've ever done-- as a hostess at our restaurant. I mean, I make the same amount as any worker, and I work equally as hard. It's just that I don't hold an official job there since it's family owned and operated. I work whenever my parents are short-handed, and sometimes just when I feel like it.</p>
<p>What happens if I listed this, and then the colleges checked to see if I actually had a job there? Is there any way for them to check besides calling my mom? </p>
<p>Or should I actually apply for an official job at the restaurant? I filled out an application today, just in case. But my mom just scoffed when I handed it to her since it was kind of silly.</p>
<p>If I did get an official job there, would I only list this year as when I started working? Or would I list all three years of working without an official title?</p>
<p>Relax, it's fine if you list it on your application. My friends and I work for our parents and when we were completing the application, we all put our parents as our employers. Sure, it's our parents but a job is a job. Most colleges won't seriously check by calling your employer but I don't know about this since I've never heard of any stories. Also, I think I would follow your mom's advice. Don't apply to another job at a restaurant just because of that. You'll be fine at the end.</p>
<p>We own a farm and my kids have worked on it since they were five years old. They were probably middle school age when we started cutting them a paycheck.</p>
<p>Every adult that has seen my boys work (at home, at church, at volunteer sites) has commented on their work ethic. It has given them leadership experience in the "real" world (i.e. their efficiency increases our sales and their mistakes cost us money/customer satisfaction). </p>
<p>Son #1 (sophomore at UCB) chose not to write about his life on the farm. Son #2 is going to write his main essay on farm life.</p>
<p>So, to answer your questions...
Yes, you can list your job at your family's restaurant.<br>
Will they check? I don't see why they would but I guess if they needed to they would contact your parents or your guidance counselor.
I don't think you need to officially "apply" as you are already employed. I think a paycheck also verifies that you were employed.
I would list all three years.</p>