Summer Jobs Scarce
I always looked forward to my summer job, whatever it was. It was a chance to do something different, make some much needed money and get some work experience.
Many who were counting on a summer job at the last minute will be shut out as many summer opportunities were filled months ago.
A report by MSNBC shows that the popular job website SnagAJob.com will have many the jobs featured online filled by the end of May. Kelle Scott, a teen who lives in Cleveland took a job working about 15 hours a week last month to guarantee she would have employment come June.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the teen unemployment rate in March was 24 percent, meaning many teens who want to work, can't or aren't able to find an opening.
Amusement and water parks have long been a well of opportunity for teens, but that is changing. With so many adults being out of work, many of these theme parks are hiring older workers, feeling they will be more responsible employees.
Many teens seeking summer work don't realize what it takes to land a job in our current economic conditions. Hancock College in California is one of many schools around the country that is offering a seminar for first-time job seekers. Topics covered include how to dress, how to fill out a job application and have knowledge about the job you are applying for.
Salvador Martinez, a freshman at Santa Maria High School, took the seminar after he saw it being promoted at his school. He wanted to get some pointers, since he hopes to apply for his first job soon.
One of the most valuable tips, Salvador said, was that students should elaborate on their answers to employers' questions.
Some teens are turning into entrepreneurs to work this summer. With transportation and a lawnmower, extra money can be earned landscaping and cutting lawns. Other teens clean and maintain pools and spas, while others scour internet sites like SitterCity.com to look for babysitting, daycare and nanny jobs.
I've always felt that holding a summer job teaches responsibility, helps one learn the value of money and keeps students out of trouble. The more students that hold summer jobs the stronger our country is in the long run.
Source: yahoo
