How Teens Can Land a Summer Job

            Many young folks are thinking spring break instead of summer job, but with the still-tough job market, putting off the search could mean long, hot days and no paycheck.

            The competition is fierce. There are plenty of adults looking for any type of work, be it full time, part time or temporary. So teens will need to be savvy to snag a chance to make some cash.

            Here’s how to get started.

            Think about what you want

          As a starting point, teenagers should ask themselves the following questions – what existing skills and strengths can I leverage to secure summer employment; what skills do I want to develop this summer; do I have hobbies that I can pursue as summer employment; what can I do this summer that is interesting and unique and will catch the eye of a college recruiter or employer, says Dawn Chandler, a professor of management at the Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University.

            Develop a resume

           Even if you haven’t completed high school, you can still put together a resume that will list your name, address, phone number and email address. “Make sure your email address does not sound silly or seductive. Add any skills you might have, any place you may have worked in the past, your GPA, if it is 3.0 or higher, and any special clubs or sports you belong to, which shows leadership qualities,” advises career coach Lori Gersh Weiner.

              Network

             You never know who might know of someone who is looking to fill a summer spot. Many times the apartment superintendent or the person who cuts your hair will know of a place to send you. Ask parents, friends, relatives, everyone. “This is a real case of the early bird gets the worm. Hitting the pavement and hitting it hard, before the summer rush, will pay off enormously,” says Gersh Weiner.

            Simply put, getting a job is not a solo process. Two-thirds of all job seekers will get a job from someone they already know, according to SimplyHired.com, a search engine for jobs. The good news is teens have extensive social networks on sites like Facebook and Twitter. SimplyHired can help you see the connections you have on LinkedIn so that you can touch base with them for an interview. SimplyHired.com also helps job seekers to get friends involved in the job search, allowing you to share jobs easily with your Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter contacts.

            The jobs could be just about anywhere, the mall, hotel/motel help, parks and recreation departments, golf and tennis clubs, summer camps, fast food restaurants, mowing lawns, pool cleaning, or babysitting. Check on job boards like Monster.com, Craigslist, the local newspaper, the guidance counselor’s office at school, and more.

            While the job market is tough, some industries are booming and hiring big time. Look to health care and green industries, advises Jeff Cohen, author, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Recession Proof Careers.

           Have an open mind about all opportunities. “Many fast-food restaurants accept applicants at 16. Do not think you are above these jobs, ones that can teach you about work ethic, how to be a team player and customer service,” says Heather Moose, a spokesperson for SnagAJob.com.

            Though there may be one job that you really want, apply for as many jobs as you can.

             Nail the interview

           Finally, when the big day of the interview arrives, be ready. It’s understood that a teenager is teenager, but that’s not license to show up like it’s time to party. Think no flesh, no flash, just class. “Dress like you’re going to a house of worship. Lose the tongue ring and while you’re at it, definitely take out any piercings or nose rings,” says Ellen Pober Rittberg, author, 35 Things Your Teen Won’t Tell You, So I Will.

            Also arrive with one or two forms of identification, social security number or card, and a list of references with contact numbers.

            Do show up having done a little homework. “Visit the store, if it’s a store and see what merchandise or service they sell or provide, and watch how employees greet and interact with customers. If it’s a company, find out what their philosophy or mission statement is, Google or Bing it on the computer to get more information. Try to get a copy of the annual report of the company,” says Pober Rittberg.

            As for what impresses an employer, Tim Arnold, president of 2Bhip.com, a specialty retail website, hires teens/students during the summer and holiday season, highlights what he looks for before and after hiring them. “I look for a kid that is serious. Most kids come in with a ‘I want to hangout and get paid attitude,’. It is important that the teen is mature and acts serious,” he says.

            Arnold doesn’t mind if mom or dad inquires as to whether he is hiring, “but I want the kid to come in for the job. I am not hiring the parent,” he adds.

            Once hired, he expects them to show up to work. “If they are not taking the job seriously, then I am getting rid of them and bringing in someone who wants to work. We hope they like the job and have fun, but our priority is getting the work done. I don’t have time to baby sit and don’t have patience for tardiness or someone who’s social life is more important than showing up.

            Alas, if can’t find a paying gig, volunteer. “While a summer job may enable a high school student to make a few thousand dollars, being a volunteer may yield the same indirectly,” says Barbar Pytel, private college consultant and author, Best College for You: How to Find the Right Fit and Save Big Money. Colleges are looking for leaders and private colleges look at the whole person. Consistent volunteer work and extracurricular activities throughout high school may yield great benefits in the way of scholars and grants that may run in the range of $2,500 up to $25,000. “So if you can’t get a job to earn money for college, don’t take the summer off, volunteer.”

         Check out sites like www.WaysToHelp.org, and ask around in your community.

            The bottom line: get busy now.