Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Summer job market tight for teens. Here's what to do about it.

editor

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My teen-age daughter was hoping to work this summer, but after making the rounds at some local businesses, nothing has come through yet, though there is the possibility of a job starting in August when college kids head back to school.

Her friends are in a similar situation, which mirrors what's going on nationwide: The Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University predicts the summer teen employment rate will hit 34.2 percent, which is below the historical low reached last summer and 11 percentage points below the summer employment rate of 2000. There are a few reasons why it's tougher this year, as Michelle Singletary notes in the Washington Post, with the tight economy heading the list:

  • Nearly half of employers who dole out hourly jobs, such as retailers and restaurant owners, said they have no plans to hire additional workers in 2008, according to a SnagAJob.com survey
  • Teens are up against college students and recently laid offer workers for the same jobs.
  • Employers in the same SnagAJob.com survey said they are not impressed with the work ethic of today's teens.
Okay, so it's tough out there. Any teen who has been looking for a job knows that. But what can they do to pull in some pay this summer?

Be persistent. Don't just put an application in and forget about it. Call once a week to remind the business owner you really want to work there. Even if you don't have a job at the start of the summer, there may be openings later in the summer as college kids head back to work and underemployed adults get full-time jobs.

Think small. You may not be able to get that regular job you want, but you may be able to get many small jobs. Babysitting is still one of the best ways for teens to earn money. I've been telling my daughter to let the families she has babysat for know she is available if needed this summer. My pre-teen has already made up cards for a pet-sitting business she has started. And my 13-year-old has approached a few neighbors about cutting lawns, though he's had no takers yet.

Spread the word. Let friends and your friends' parents know you are looking for a job. You never know who will have a line on some work.

Next year -- start earlier. If this summer turns out to be a complete dud for regular employment, take a lesson from it. Start earlier next year -- in the winter -- scouting out possible summer jobs and letting employers know you are interested all spring long.



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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 15
  • Carol Fishman Cohen's Avatar
    Posted by Carol Fishman Cohen Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:13am PDT

    If you can't get a job this summer, get some great unpaid experience so next year your chances will be better! In the Boston area, there is a terrific resource called TeenLifeBoston.com. Two guides are published - one is a guide to summer programs for teens and one is a guide for summer community service and internship opportunities. They have a great newsletter as well. I used the guide to help one of my teenagers find a rowing program and one of my other kids applied for a spot on the Governor's Youth Council after seeing the info in the TeenLife e-newsletter.

    Report Abuse
  • maria's Avatar
    Posted by maria Mon Jun 16, 2008 3:10pm PDT

    any opportunities in the marketing bussines for teens or magazine

    Report Abuse
  • Illusion's Avatar
    Posted by Illusion Mon Jun 16, 2008 8:06pm PDT

    Hello,

    I'm an Avon/Mark representative and my 16yr old daughter is also a Mark Representative. Being a Mark Rep, a teen can set their own schedule and work as much or as little as they want to. They are only limited by the limits they set for themselves. I strongly urge that any teen who is looking for something and needs money to look into this opportunity. Even if they already have a part time/full time job, being a Mark Representative can bring in added cash they need. If you know a teen who might be interested, contact me or you can visit the site www.meetmark.com and see if its something you would be interested in.

    Also, any ladies 18+ who would be interested in becoming an Avon Rep. same applies, I would be more then happy to talk with you and share with you about the Avon Opportunity. Contact me at Juzt4avon@yahoo.com

    Report Abuse
  • HayleyG's Avatar
    Posted by HayleyG Mon Jun 16, 2008 8:31pm PDT

    come on down to the T.J. Maxx in Bridgehampton NY!! we need people!!

    Report Abuse
  • SGT's Avatar
    Posted by SGT Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:18pm PDT

    my stomach hurts

    Report Abuse
  • William's Avatar
    Posted by William Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:56am PDT

    I totally agree! I've stuck to working for my relatives now though. Better pay, easier workload and the staff treats you better too.

    Report Abuse
  • Abbie's Avatar
    Posted by Abbie Tue Jun 17, 2008 6:31pm PDT

    I'm sorry but you forgot to mention one very important reason that the job market is tight for summer employment. The federal minimum wage has been raised pretty significantly. Say an employer usually has 6 employees that he pays 5 dollars an hour and in the summer hires 1 additional person at 5 dollars an hour. thats 35 dollars an hour. Now the federal gov. has made the minimum wage 7 dollars an hour. In order to keep the wages at 35 dollars an hour that same employer can only afford 5 workers. Just because minimum wage is raised does not mean that an employers bottom line has.

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  • Melisma's Avatar
    Posted by Melisma Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:28pm PDT

    Sorry to be a downer, but a teen could start looking for work as early as February, follow up on every application, and apply for the least savory jobs there are and STILL not find anything. No one is looking for seasonal workers- *if* a business is hiring, it's looking for an experienced, full- time employee that could devote himself to the job. A couple of tips: Employers typically think about hiring for the summer in May. Also, don't apply online or on weekends. Your application will be laughed at and tossed in the trash.

    Report Abuse
  • Sandi's Avatar
    Posted by Sandi Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:04pm PDT

    Unfortunately, we did not hear back from the Local teen summer job program.

    So, I volunteered my 14 year old daughter at her old pre-school. I called them and asked if they wouldnt mind allowing me to pay her through them and she volunteer 3 days a week.

    They agreed it was a good idea, and hired her on. She has been doing a tremendous job. She will learn to save money, and will have the money to shop for her school clothes in the Fall starting high school.

    She is excited to work. And although she didnt get the job with the city, she will learn some really great lessons in responsibility. And will gain some invaluable experiences (Being an only-child) with young children.

    You have to be creative... think of other ways you'd never think of to give your kids things to do. Volunteering them, will also put them at the top of the list for qualifying to do a job. By the end of the summer, I will have saved enough money for her to buy her school clothes and have allowance (EARNED), and have had someplace safe and educational to hang out and contribute to the community- and gain a sense of pride for it.

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  • amandar's Avatar
    Posted by amandar Sun Jul 20, 2008 1:33pm PDT

    Hi my name is amanda n i read your story well if ur hiring or if u no a store that hired pre-teen let me know.Im 12yrs old n if your hiring only teenagers please except me im very smart n i no my math alot no 1 can trick mi j.p but please reply im looking for a job until aug,10,08 b/c i need to save money to go to puertorico dis summer please not all kids do this please for mii im about to turn 13.

    thanx.amanda

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Comments 1-10 of 15

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