Summer Jobs: With Teens In Demand, It’s Not Too Late To Find A Job Now

With the first official day of summer, June 21, around the corner, it’s not too late to find those great summer jobs. Teens in are in demand this year, and there are a wide variety of jobs that are available for those who are looking for employment even if you’re not a teenager. Many of the jobs available don’t require any experience and they only pay minimum wage. Still, for those who are looking to pick up extra cash, or those who are looking for job experience, there are plenty of great places to start.

According to Forbes Magazine, those who are willing to consider seasonal employment and internships have a lot of options. Things Remembered, which has 600 stores in 48 states, is seeking workers for its stores. Unlike many retail chains that only offer minimum wage to start, employees also earn bonuses when the company reaches its goals. Although they are offering many summer jobs, there are actually permanent positions availble. Managers can make around $30,000 to start.

Companies like Lowes, of Mooresville, North Carolina, offered over 30,000 seasonal jobs. Summer jobs are still available with them even though the 73 internships they offered were filled. Another great choice for summer jobs, Tween Brands, offered positions like a seasonal brand buyer, and the position didn’t even require a high school diploma, just someone with lots of drive and creativity.

Don’t just consider jobs in retail though. For those who are going straight into the job market, that first summer job is a stepping stone to something better, especially for those who plan to attend college down the road. Admissions officers at colleges and universities consider the summer jobs and internships students have had as part of the overall package.

As stated in Fortune, Bob Patterson, a former Standford University admissions director, summer jobs show initiative and leadership.

“Gaining work experience is meaningful.Admission offices want to see commitment, leadership and initiative and all three can be demonstrated in a low-skill job. You can show initiative by getting the job, commitment by sticking to it, and leadership by showing up early and staying late.”

Summer jobs can also make the difference when getting a job after graduating college because any experience a potential job candidate has can be resume worthy and give that person an edge when getting hired.

According to Katie Bardaro, PayScale’s director of analytics and chief economist, summer jobs will pay dividends for teenagers when they are ready to find their first “real” job after high school. Summer jobs show that the teenager can get along with others as well as fit in with new and different people. It indicates a strong work ethic, something all employers are looking for.

“Jobs that fall into a regular nine-to-five schedule, that rely on communication skills, office skills, and interpersonal skills are teens’ best bet.”

For those having trouble coming up with great ideas and want more than just minimum wage or retail work, Yahoo Finance gave its list of the best unique summer jobs. These included theme park operator and cruise ship photographer.

With so many summer jobs available, it can be hard to decide where to start. Choose places where you would like to work and put in an application. Not all employers put out signs or publish ads, so if there is a place you would like to work, ask. Sites like Indeed are also great places to use to look for summer jobs because they list all the information from all the major jobs databases.

[Photo credit ABCInfo.org]