If there is one thing is needed to obtain a summer job, that thing is perseverance. If one has perseverance, finding a summer job is not too difficult. However, if one gives up after a few days of trying, finding a job may be near impossible. There are a few reasons as to why finding a summer job is hard to do:
• Jobs for teenagers are somewhat limited because of their lack of experience, education, their busy schedules, and the fact that they may only be able to commit until the end of summer.
• During the summer, just about every teenager around is looking for work. Teens are each other’s competition, and because the number of teenagers looking for work exceeds the number of jobs, each teen must make themselves stand out from the rest.
• Teens with prior employment at an establishment may return for the summer, and often times they will be rehired, cutting off opportunities for newcomers.
But perhaps the two biggest reasons of all…
• Most teens won’t take a job that they don’t want or that they don’t think is good enough for them. Though there may be opportunity for good hours and good payment, if that job doesn’t meet a teenager’s “expectations,” that teen may turn it down in hopes of obtaining that better job.
• Teens give up too easily. As noted before, perseverance is everything when looking for work.
When dropping off a résumé, image is important. An employer will look at how that potential employee keeps themselves, dress, and they will notice the smile, and the “please” and “thank you.” Always address your employers with respect.
In order to find a job, one must consistently go out and ask around. Every couple of days, a teen must check in to the 20-40 locations to which they have applied so that they may showcase their desire for that job. Employers will notice this. Be sure to mention how much you would love to have the job.
Once an interview has been secured, be sure to arrive on time, dressed nice, and try to think of the answers to why you want the job, or why you think you would make a good employee. Often times, these are the types of questions employers will ask during interviews.
If employment has been established, congratulations! However, now is the time where the employee must really shine. Every time an employer hires, they are making an investment of time and money. Show them that this investment was well placed by always arriving on time, communicating well, asking for help when needed, and if there is downtime, asking for more work. Employers will really appreciate and remember an employee who goes above and beyond.
Some common and not-so-common jobs for teens include:
• Dishwasher
• Buser at a restaurant
• Food server
• Office Clerk
• Newspaper route
• Car washer
• Freight
• Janitorial
• General Laborer
• Babysitting
• Lifeguarding
Check local newspapers, Craigslist ads, and public bulletins for job postings and work offers. Also, go into working establishments and ask if they are hiring.
