13 Clues to Help Teens Find a Summer Job

                                                     

Teens including recent college graduates and unemployed adults will be competing for jobs this summer.  Teen workers are disadvantaged doe to most employers wanting to hire adults because they feel they require less training. However, some employees want to save money and want cheap labor so they hire more teens instead of adults since teens don’t require benefits.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of working 16 – 19 year-olds increased by approximately 1.4 million from May to June 2012. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show increased employment among food stores, sporting goods, hobby stores, clothing and accessory stores, and book and music stores. 

“Earlier this year both Home Depot and Lowes announced they would be adding 80,000 and 45,000 seasonal workers, respectively,” said Challenger.  Several amusement parks will have new rides for summer 2013 which means new seasonal jobs will become available. Many teens are looking for summer employment to pay for college or other expenses. Here are 13 clues to help teens find a summer job. 

1. Use social media. Follow stores on Twitter and Facebook and watch for advertisements about job vacancies including full-time, part-time or seasonal employment.
2. Research. Do research about companies that you are interested in working for and view their websites for job vacancies or contact their Human Resources department and ask about summer employment or internships.
3. Public service. Look for public service jobs such as working for a police department, hospital, fire department, hospital or teacher’s assistant, etc.
4. Youth Organization. If you are a member of a youth organization ask about job vacancies or contact youth organizations in your area such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club of America or Junior Achievement.
5. Ask. Ask your friends, relatives and everyone you know if they know of any companies hiring during the summer and submit your resume.
6. Training.  Go to youth job training centers in your area to gain skills that are in demand.
7. School. Talk to your school counselor or former counselor to learn about any possible job opportunities or job leads.
8. Intern.  Look for internship opportunities in-state or out-of-state for the summer.
9. Volunteer. If you have done or will do volunteer work during the summer and do a good job you may be considered as a candidate for employment. Also ask if they have any part-time jobs during the summer or know of any companies hiring.
10. Small businesses. Contact small businesses in your area and ask if they need help during the summer.
11. Preparation. Always be ready to go on an interview, have several copies of your resume printed, be able to articulate your job skills, strengths and weaknesses and why a company should hire you.  Skip using your phone or texting during interviews and while working on a job.
12. Be creative. Consider summer jobs at malls, restaurants, amusement parks, museums, city tours, boat rides, summer camps, schools or daycare centers, toy stores, hair salons, spas, private medical offices for doctors, nurses or dentists, lifeguards, dog walkers, babysitters, lawn care companies, secret shoppers or elderly care.
13. Contact employment organizations. Contact organization that assist youth with getting employment such as: YMCA, Rotaract, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Youth Jobs Coalition, AmeriCorps, National Youth Employment Coalition, Peace Corps, State Summer Employment Departments or local employment organizations in your city.