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Summer Jobs for Teens: Assessing the Options

by Frank Burtnett

Now's the time to get an edge over the competition and start looking hard for that hot summer job!

"Do you, like, want fries with that?"
While it's true that most "real world" jobs available to high school students are in the service sectors, like working at the video store or flipping burgers, you aren't restricted to these "traditional" high school jobs if you start examining your options now.

Here are some tips to follow for summer success:

1. Take a talent inventory!
Do you have a particular ability or skill -- like designing websites or speaking a second language? Where could you put your special ability to use? Consider researching small Internet start-up companies in your area if you have Web skills or check out local libraries, non-profit organizations, consulting companies, or tutoring centers to capitalize on your language skills.

Network, baby!
Do you know people who work in companies or businesses that you think might be interesting? Don't be shy: Ask them to check out the prospects of a summer opportunity for you. Many of the best summer jobs -- ones that aren't advertised -- are discovered through "people" connections! Just ask around and remember to follow through with phone calls, letters, or email.

But I have no experience or special talents.
You don't have to be a prodigy to land a cool job that you love. Think about companies and organizations where business is likely to increase in the summer months. If you love the outdoors, then state parks and summer camps are a great place to start looking for a summer job.

If it's business experience you're after, check with the owner or manager of some companies you're interested in and tell them why you'd like to come aboard for the summer. They'll be impressed that you're such a go-getter.

2. Consider creating your own job.
Ever thought about being your own boss? You'd be surprised at how much you can earn by doing things for people. Organize a crew of your friends and create a lawn mowing or babysitting service.

Have a flair for cuisine? Plan the menu and then prepare and deliver picnic baskets for busy people who don't have time to cook. Think about other "service" ideas that people would pay you to perform for them.

As your own boss, you'll definitely have more responsibilities, but the monetary rewards can far outweigh the extra time and attention you'll devote to these entrepreneurial duties. And beyond the extra dollars, the leadership and management experience you'll gain is priceless.

3. Build on last year's summer experience.
If you had a good job last summer and want to return to it, make your intentions known with you employer right now. But don't stop there -- it may be time for a promotion! Especially if you had a great experience and all signs suggest they'd like to have you come back. Ask if your experience and knowledge can be translated into more responsibilities and/or additional hours.

4. All great work experiences aren't paid.
Consider a volunteer experience as an alternative or compliment to your summer job. Sometimes finding a paying job in a particular field that interests you just doesn't work out.

An unpaid volunteer internship can be a rewarding experience. Volunteering can also give you the background to find a paying job in the field you're interested in for next summer. Think of unpaid internships and volunteering as an investment with big future payback.

Don't forget: There's no better way to explore future career opportunities than to rub elbows with professionals who represent your career interests. Be observant, perform as many tasks as possible, and absorb all you can.

5. Getting Started: Laying the Groundwork
Okay great, so you have some ideas about what you might like to do this summer. Now how do you prepare to make the necessary contacts?

Though it's not anyone's idea of a great time, landing a great summer job means you need to work on a mini-resume that outlines your interests, skills, training, and experiences.

Here's a sample resume and instructions to help you to write your own.




Frank Benjamin
1776 Independence Avenue
Freedom, PA 17776
(717) 555-6789

Objective: To use my interests and skills in graphic communications, desktop publishing, and computers in an Internet company.

Education: Freedom High School, member of the class of 2001

Employment: Mowing crew member, Green Valley Lawn Service (Summers, 1998 & 1999)

Related work and volunteer experiences:

Special talents and skills:

Honors and awards:

Activities:

References Available upon Request Student Resume Template Below you will find instructions on the core information a high school student should convey in a resume. Employers read dozens -- sometimes hundreds -- of resumes from applicants. Do everything you can to make yours "reader friendly" and make it stand out from the rest of the pile.

The four basic rules of resumes are:

1. Provide enough information to create a true profile of yourself.
2. Use the least number of words to describe your background. Employers don't have a lot of time to read resumes.
3. Be assertive and positive without being boastful.
4. Personalize each resume you send out by changing the objective to reflect what you'd like to do for the individual businesses or organizations you're interested in.

Put your full name at the top of the resume and provide your full address, telephone number, and email if applicable.

Objective: State your main goal in seeking employment with the company you are sending your resume to.

Education: Identify your school and student status.

Employment: List in chronological order (starting with the most recent first), your primary employment experiences to date.

Related work and volunteer experiences: List in chronological order any other part-time, summer, or volunteer experiences that you have under your belt.

Special talents and skills: List any specific talents or skills you've acquired that might be useful to an employer.

Honors and awards: Identify any special recognition you've received for academic, athletic, or other related activities.

Activities: List two to four things that you do for enjoyment or pleasure. These might be personal (e.g, reading, cooking, etc.) or school, community or church/synagogue related.

References: If requested, list two to three individuals (name, company, address, phone or email) who can speak favorably about you. Just make sure it's OK with them before you submit their names to a prospective employer. You want your references to be prepared to give you the best recommendation they can -- and no one likes to be caught off-guard.

Just follow these steps and you'll be on your way to an awesome new summer job.Good luck!

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