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Teens Working in the Summer

A student that is serious about getting a job for the summer should start looking for jobs as early as March 1.

Some of the ways to get a job is by using your present contacts.  Ask the people your parents know or the parents of your own friends and ask neighbors if they know of a summer job. Ask if they know people that might be able to help the student  find a summer job.

Students should practice with friends or their parents how they will have a good interview.  First impressions are important.  Show the prospective employer that this job is taken seriously by the student.

It is helpful if the student has prepared a resume.  Most students will need help in writing their first resume.  Information that should be included on the resume is  school grades, attendance, extracurricular activities, honors and awards.  Include information about hobbies, interests and volunteer work that has helped the student acquire real skills.

The student should dress appropriately for the interview even for the very first contact when the application is requested.  After filling out the application, they should staple the resume on top it.

Students should know the  importance of following up on the job application in person.  Sometimes the best way to get a job is by persevering by going to the place you want to work often until someone realizes how serious you are about getting the job.

Teens looking for jobs may be shocked to know that they will be competing  with college students and even college graduates for the same job.

Even though there may be a lot of competition for summer jobs, teens should continue in their job hunting endeavors.

Here are a few reasons why high school student should work in the summer:

● A job can teach you good work skills.

●A job can help a student acquire confidence, develop a sense of responsibility and feel more independent.

● Earning money provides an opportunity for learning responsible money management.

●The right job can steer a teen toward what they may want to do for a career.

● A job will show solid work experience on the students resume and college application.

More high school students want to get summer jobs and at a younger age.  There is no federal law stating at what age students can start working.  It varies by state, but teens can usually start  working between the ages of 14-16. Those under sixteen shouldn’t worry because there are still many job opportunities.

 A site to explore when you are considering a summer job is wwww.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/ it is a site for teen worker safety and health information.