TEEN SUMMER JOB MARKET
The teen summer job seems to be a thing of the past this year. Teenagers are not working this summer. That’s according to recent news reports. Amongst 16 to 19 year olds, the unemployment rate is 14.7%. Just last year, the unemployment rate was lower – 13.4%. The teen summer unemployment is above normal this summer. Typically, teens can find work at ice cream shops or the mall but not this year. Below are tips I used to find summer jobs when I was a teenager.
tIP #1: VOLUNTEER
Teenagers are old enough to volunteer their time at a variety of places. Hospitals, food banks, and nonprofits are just a few examples of places that can always use an extra set of hands. Volunteering can be a great way to build a resume, gain references and learn the skills needed to work with others. Sometimes, a volunteer position can lead to employment.
I remember how bored I was the summer between my sophomore and junior year of high school. I loved to read and was always in the library. One day, I inquired about volunteer opportunities. I helped out with the summer reading club. Then, the library let go one employee. I was the natural person to take the open position – library page. The head librarian asked me if I would be interested in working part-time not just for the summer but year round. It paid minimum wage and was not glamarous. I was thrilled to get a paying job to save up for college. And it turned out, it was common for teens to secure employment as library pages as their first job. I had classmates who worked as pages at other libraries in town. But first, I needed working papers.
FIRST EMPLOYMENT FOR TEENS
In most states, teens as young as 14 can work. State child labor laws require working papers for teenagers under 18. The process varies from state to state. Generally, teens have to find the job first before applying for employment certification through their state department of labor. Here in New Jersey, employers then have to register with the New Jersey Department of Labor to receive a unique eight-digit code to share with the minor. Then, the minor teen logs into the New Jersey Department of Labor’s website to start the application process. Their parent or guardian then receives an email to review the application and upload age verification documents. Upon approval, the teen minor can start working.
At this point, you might be asking yourself what places have seasonal teen summer jobs. Here is a list of the common places to seek employment:
- Community centers, YMCAs, and community pools need lifeguardsand swim instructors
- Summer camps need camp counselors
- Shore towns need people to work on the beaches, ice creams shops and boardwalk retail shops
- Offices such as law firms usually seek office assistants
- Grocery stores and restaurants still have cashiers and are always hiring
TIP #2: TEEN SUMMER JOB NETWORKING
Despite the fact that job applications are universally online, teens can often secure jobs through referrals from the adults in their lives. Ask parents, neighbors, or relatives if they know of opportunities at their workplaces or other people who may be looking for extra help. Read this post for more tips. Teens can also look online on sites such as Indeed and Craigslist or local neighborhood groups on sites such as Facebook or NextDoor.
TIP #3: CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOURSELF
Employment can also include self-employment. Instead of waiting for someone to hire you, consider hiring yourself. Teen summer jobs can involve entrepreneurship. Be your own boss and advertise services such as:
- Pet sitting, baby sitting, landscaping or tutoring
- Getting crafty and setting up an Etsy shop
- Cleaning houses, running errands and performing odd jobs
- Become a virtual assistant
More teenagers are starting businesses than ever before. A list of resources for teen entrepreneurs can be found here.
BONUS TIP: FOCUS ON EXPERIENCE NOT PAY
Teens working summer jobs should prioritize gaining entry level experience. The pay for teenagers is typically minimum wage. Current average hourly pay is $17.07. That may seem low but at this age, teens typically do not have the expenses that adults have other than gas and car insurance. Therefore, teens should keep an open mind. Consider taking low paying jobs and alternatives to employment such as unpaid internships. The first experience can be a means to getting their foot in the door to other places later on. Summer jobs are for gaining experience, making connections, learning new skills and having fun.
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