Teen Job Market Improving; Need to Look Now, Differently – Atlanta Journal Constitution (Blog)

Teenagers will have an easier time finding jobs this summer but they need to start looking now and not necessarily on the computer.

From JobMouse:

“The teen job market definitely rebounded in 2011, with more than 1,000,000 teens finding new jobs.  However, job gains among teens were still well below the levels achieved prior to the recession.  While teen employment is likely to see further improvement this summer, job gains will probably once again fall short of pre-recession figures,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

(According to the article, 2010 was the lowest level of seasonal hiring since 1949.)

“We are probably still several years away from teen summer hiring returning to pre-recession levels.  Teenagers hoping to find employment this summer definitely want to start their searches now, if they have not already done so.  And, they should not expect to find a job by simply filling out electronic applications through employer websites and online job boards.  Those are great places to find opportunities, but the key is to engage in an active search that focuses on meeting with hiring managers face-to-face,” advised Challenger.

So what types of jobs will be available and how should they be looking:

From JobMouse:

“Many families are eliminating monthly expenses such as lawn care and home cleaning.  However, these tasks still need to be completed and families, while strapped for cash, are no less strapped for time.  A teenager who can provide these services at a fraction of what professional services charge may be able to drum up enough business to earn a steady income.  Teenagers won’t find these opportunities in the classified ads or on the Internet; they will have to go out and sell their services to their neighbors,” said Challenger.

“Use your parents, friends and your friends’ parents as sources for job leads.  Try to meet with hiring managers face-to-face, as opposed to simply dropping off a completed application form with a random clerk at the sales counter,” he added.

“Newspapers, both print and online, are also a good source for job leads.  The classified ad section will contain some help wanted advertisements, but do not forget to read the local and business news sections, where you might find stories about new local businesses or ones that are struggling to find workers.”

The article went on to say though that a lot of teenagers weren’t looking for jobs. They are focusing on academic and extra-curricular activities instead.

So are your teens looking for employment for the summer? Have they already started their searches? How are they searching? What type of work are they hoping to find? Will you tell them to change their search methods based on this article?