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Tips for teens seeking summer employment
STILLWATER, Okla. – Many teens around Oklahoma take advantage of the summer months to find employment. Often they work because they are saving money for a car or college expenses. Some teens may need to find jobs to help with household expenses at home. Others work in order to have money for movies and other fun activities.
With the economic downturn, it is anticipated that more teens than ever before will be looking for work this summer. However, they will also be facing a market that has fewer openings and increased competition, said Glenn Muske, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension interim associate dean, assistant director, family and consumer sciences.
“Teens this year need to more than ever before use their networks to find possible job openings. Many of the jobs they might apply for may not even be advertised this year,” Muske said. “Teens should be telling people they’re looking for a job. Getting the word out to friends, family and other acquaintances could lead to job prospects.”
A recent survey of more than 1,000 hiring managers indicated that 65 percent of their summer staffs will consist of returning workers. Teens that had a job last summer may already have their foot in the door for this season. Those employers will be interested in return workers because those workers already are trained.
When applying for summer employment, make sure that everything is spelled correctly on the job application. Be sure to use proper grammar and punctuation.
“Being professional is extremely important. If you provide a telephone contact, make sure your recorded voice mail message is professional,” he said.
Job interviews can be stressful, so in order to better prepare do a few practice interviews with someone other than a close friend or family member. Ask a teacher, guidance counselor or a friend’s parent to help you with a mock interview. This process can help a teen work out any jitters ahead of time.
Along with acting professional, it is important to look professional as well. Dress nicely even if the dress code for employees is casual.
Muske also suggests showing some energy in the interview. Show your eagerness to do whatever it takes to get a job done.
“Although teens have a tendency to be hard on themselves, a job interview is the time to play up your strengths,” he said. “Emphasize positive details about yourself such as being an honor roll student, your ability to multi-task or the fact that you do community service.”
Follow up a job interview with a handwritten thank-you note.
“Having a summer job not only provides teens with spending money, but it also helps them develop skills such as time management and responsibility,” Muske said.
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Oklahoma State
University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and
Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national
origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an
equal opportunity employer.
Trisha Gedon
Communications
Specialist
Agricultural
Communications Services
136 Agriculture
North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK
74078
405-744-3625
(phone)
405-744-5739
(fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
