<p>I need a summer job badly. However, I don't know where to start looking for one. I tried looking in the newspaper, but most of the jobs there are not suitable for teenagers. Where should I look, or what should I do to get a decent summer job?</p>
<p>All comments are welcomed</p>
<p>My daughter is having the same issue. I suggested a temp agency (most teens have great computer skills as well as knowledge of Power Point) for a clerical job. Try the summer seasonal places which would be looking for lots of people during just the summer months e.g. ice cream places, landscaping nurseries, farmers markets type roadside stands, lawn mowing services, baby sitting flyers throughout your neighborhood, local summer camp programs (e.g. YMCA), lifeguarding (if you've got the certification). Got any particular sports skills for summer sports camps? e.g. tennis camps. Golf courses - could be snack bar help or grounds work. HOpe some of those kick start some ideas in your head and good luck.</p>
<p>My daughter just goes into any store or business where she thinks she might want to work and asks for a job application. She's not too particular about what kind of job she would take - basically any restaurant or retail establishment will do.</p>
<p>calmom,</p>
<p>did your daughter suceed in getting a job?</p>
<p>I don't have a suggestion about where to look but I do have a suggestion about how to look. No matter what type of job you are applying for - even if you're just going to the mall to fill out applications, it's best to not go in your jeans. My older d went on an interview for work in an ice cream store in a nice skirt and shirt and pantyhose. It's amazing that people don't take the time to look like they want the job! I always tell my kids to be sure to make eye contact and shake the interviewer's hand and they'll be ahead of the game.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>Also, go in by yourself, not with a friend. If you go with a friend, it's too easy to get distracted and to start talking to your friend. Potential employers would feear that you're more into socializing than working.</p>
<p>Since you have good grades, I also suggest bringing a report card. Employers view good grades as a sign of a mature, responsible person, and that will give you an edge in being hired.</p>
<p>It's tough job hunting when no one seems to be hiring. It's so important to make sure your attitude isn't affected -- looking rejected and downcast before you even apply. Stand up straight. Smile. Look confident. (Can you tell we've been through this?) One tip: make your goal something you have control over. You can't make a goal like, "Have a job by the end of the week" because you can't control the folks doing the hiring. Instead, make your goal "I will apply to five (or whatever) different places this week" and feel good about meeting that goal!</p>
<p>A couple years ago, it took S 6 weeks of constant rejection before he found his minimum wage mall-kiosk job. In hindsight, it really was useful process for him to go through.</p>
<p>The one place that did seem to be hiring, and paying okay, was wait staff at restaurants -- but S was too klutsy to even consider it. Maybe that would be an option for you? Wages aren't always great, but tips can be.</p>
<p>vtoodler - yes, she got hired but then she couldn't fit the job around her school schedule, so she didn't end up taking the job. I think there were actually 2 jobs. But she's already gearing up for summer - once school is out she won't have the problem.</p>
<p>Offer to work the shifts nobody else wants -- Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday mornings. Be prepared to work at least one day a week (during the weekend) BEFORE school ends and summer break begins. There will be less competition NOW than 1-2 weeks from now! Try fast-food, gas stations (if over 18 and can sell tobacco products, lottery tickets), landscaping/garden stores, life guard or other seasonal work. Can you drive a car? (Pizza delivery -- sometimes good tips.) Do any of your neighbors have elementary age kids who might need full or part-time baby-sitting? Sometimes kids this age prefer to "hang" with a cool teen who can take them to the beach, parks, watch them at home rather than go to daycamp (which also can be pricey.)</p>