Spring is here so students – and their parents – will soon start to think about what to do this summer. With the national unemployment rate hovering around 8.9 percent and 23.9 percent for teenagers – many teens may have to work extra hard to grab that part-time summer job this year.
"The job market this summer will be tough for all Americans, regardless of age. It is very possible that teens will be competing with adults who have been laid off or are coming out of retirement," said Joseph Peri, president of Junior Achievement. "To that end, JA New York recognizes our responsibility to impress upon teens the importance of preparing for a job search instead of blindly jumping in."
For more than 80 years, Junior Achievement of New York (JA New York) has built programs and curriculum around workforce readiness provided free to New York City and Long Island schools and community organizations.
JA New York helps teens stand out from their peers by teaching them success skills, such as how to develop a professional resume and successfully interview. Additionally, students who participate in JA programming are well prepared for summer jobs and beyond because they gain perspective on the workplace, are taught to think entrepreneurially, and understand the basics in business. Like the "job shadow" opportunities provided to students by JA, summer jobs extend the classroom learning to the real world, which is invaluable.
JA New York has developed a series of ideas and tools for teens to increase their chances of landing a position.
A few of these valuable tips include:
? Sell Yourself Through a Professional Resume. An updated professional resume – free of mistakes is an important job search marketing tool for young people. It should highlight work experience, or if this is a teen’s first job, include public service and extracurricular activities, along with computer skills and relevant course work.
? Spring clean your personal brand & public reputation. Pay attention to personal branding details which may derail your job search efforts. Use an e-mail address that reflects you well, not one that may be silly, distracting or offensive to prospective employers.
Spend some time reviewing and cleaning up your online profiles. In the digital age the line between private and public has become blurred. Many people have been tripped up by public social networking profiles which contain questionable images or content/postings in poor taste.
It’s common for prospective employers to run a search on you. Also pay attention to content posted to your profile from friends in your network. Delete all inappropriate or offensive material to maintain a responsible job ready image.
? Put Social Media to Work. Most teens are already familiar with a wide array of social media opportunities. Teens should join LinkedIn, a professional social network, and join groups in their desired industry. Not only can teens post their resume, but often times these groups will post jobs. Teens can also find similar groups on Facebook.
? Avail Yourself of Message Boards. Teens should post their resume and search job postings on sites like Monster.com, SnagAJob.com, and Idealist.org (for non-profits). Most of these online sites allow users to search by zip code for job opportunities. Teens should also use more traditional means like the classified section of their local newspaper.
? Talk to Everyone and Anyone. Since job opportunities can come about at any time, teens should constantly network. Teens can e-mail their friends, parents of friends, relatives, and teachers – everyone they can think of – giving a brief description of the job they’re looking for or stating that they’re available for any position.
? Work the Phones and Pound the Pavement. There’s no better way for teens to find a job than to make some calls and stop by stores. Teens can use the Internet check to see if any businesses in their area have openings and follow up with a visit. In industries with a high turnover rate – like restaurants – jobs can become available any day at any time. Be persistent and remember that the more you apply the better chance you have of finding a job.
? Be Strategic and Go Where the Jobs Are. Teens should think about which jobs are highest in demand during the summer. Working at amusement parks, baseball fields, ice cream shops, or on the beach are all great choices for the summer months.
? Be Prepared For the Interview. If you land a job interview, you need to present the best version of yourself. Make sure you know the background of the company (research it on the Internet); develop answers to common interview questions; think of a few questions you could ask; practice a 30-second pitch of why you’re the best candidate for the job; and dress conservatively for the interview. Remember you can only make one first impression.
?Can’t Find a Job? – Make A Job! Consider Being Your Own Boss. If you’re coming up empty-handed in the job search, take the initiative and start your own business. Whether it’s dog-walking, babysitting, or landscaping, teens can use their skills to make money. Teens can print out fliers advertising their services, with rates and contact information. Drop them off at homes in the area and ask supermarkets and coffee shops to post them on bulletin boards. This is an especially great idea for younger teens since they may not have working papers.
? Even with No Pay, Volunteering and Interning Are Great Options. Internships and volunteer opportunities are abundant- especially in this economy where businesses are trying to cut back on costs. These opportunities may not pay, but they do offer hands-on experience for next year’s resume and for one’s future.
– Courtesy of Junior Achievement of New York
