Finding a Summer Job:  Tips for Teens

	Auburn, April 25, 2003---Summer break provides teens with many opportunities. Finding a job to 
earn a little extra cash is one of them.

	The summer job market for teens can be highly competitive.  Locating a job requires a 
commitment of time and energy, a clear understanding of the type of job you want, and a good attitude.

	“Half-heartedly looking for a job is the quickest way to get turned down over and over,” says Dr. 
Jacquelyn P. Robinson, a workforce development specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension 
System.  

	Landing a job for the summer means committing hours to talking to people, filling out job 
applications and going on interviews. 

	Before looking for a job, teens need to answer several questions: 

1.	What type of job do you really want? Knowing the type of job you want is key to finding one 
that fits your skills and interests.  Take time to think about the types of jobs that might appeal 
to you.  Do fast-paced jobs have more appeal than ones in a quiet, laid-back environment?  
Do you prefer to be inside or outdoors?  Do you like to work with others, or do you prefer to 
work alone?  For example, someone who prefers to be outdoors would probably enjoy a job 
in a park or recreation center more than a job in a stock room.  

       “If you are terrible in math, you probably won’t enjoy a job as a clerk who has to make change all 
day,” Robinson adds.  
       
       Look at the skills required for each job, then compare those skills to the skills you already have. 
The closer the match, the more you will enjoy your summer job while building a good reference for future 
jobs. 
       
2.	Why do I want to work during my summer break?  Understanding why you want to work 
during the summer break will also help you determine where to apply for jobs.  Do you want 
to earn extra money for something special, or do you need the job to make ends meet?  Do 
you want to use your summer employment experience as an opportunity to do a little career 
exploration? Are you looking for jobs where your friends work so that you can hang out with 
them?  Do you view working during the summer as an opportunity to gain work experience 
and make good contacts for future reference? Coupling the real reason you want to work 
during the summer with the type of job you really want will help narrow the types of places to 
look for a job, thus eliminating wasted time.

3.	Do you have the right attitude?  Having a positive attitude may not be everything, but it goes 
a long way toward making up for lack of skills. Employers want enthusiastic teens who know 
their capabilities and the type of job they want, are dependable, have good basic skills, get 
along with other workers, and are eager learners.  


Employers understand that teen workers are inexperienced and are learning.  However,
 they also want to feel that hiring a teen is a good investment. 

Source:  Dr. Jacquelyn Robinson, Workforce Development Specialist, Alabama 
Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-5353