by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
Finding a summer job is a rite of passage for many teens, and while some
years it may easier to find a job than others, the bottom line is that
finding a job -- even a summer job -- takes planning, effort, and determination.
And while looking for a job in the classified ads may work for a small number
of teens, here are better alternative ways to find work.
Always avoided your parent's friends? Now's the time to get to know them better.
Networking -- talking -- with as many adults (family, friends, neigborhors, etc.) as you
can is best way to find a job, any job.
Learn more about
the power of networking.
You thought school was over? Think again. Now is the time to learn all you need about
job-hunting because it's going to be harder than ever before to get a job.
Learn more about job-hunting basics.
How's your spelling and grammar? Better brush up. Take the time to prepare or
update your resume -- you'll need it when you go on job interviews.
Check out these resume resources
and sample resumes.
Put away those short skirts and thrift-store clothes. When you talk with potential
employers, you need to dress your best and look professional, not like you're
going on a date or lounging around the house. Learn how to dress for success.
Turn off the television or video games and hit the street. A good way to look
for summer jobs is going to the human resources department or manager of as
many stores and offices in your town. Dress professionally and bring lots of
copies of your resume.
Thought you were done competing with your older siblings? Nope. Teens are
being squeezed out of traditional jobs this summer as more experienced workers
are forced to take whatever jobs they can find.
If you love the outdoors, you may have better luck. As summer tourism picks up,
there will be jobs in water parks, camps, and other hospitality-related companies
and organizations.
Love the Net? Then use it -- to a point. There are a number of teen summer
job and camp sites, but don't make this method your sole method of job-hunting.
Check out these teen
summer job sites.
No matter how bad it gets, keep smiling. Studies show employers look for these
things in teens: enthusiasm, positive attitude, hard-working, friendly, and on-time.
Get more details in our article, A
Guide for Teens: How to Find a Summer or Part-Time Job.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search
terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers,
one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press,
including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter,
QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a
published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often
quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is
also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his
personal Website or
reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.
Have you taken advantage of all our Job
and Career Resources for Teenagers?
