A research paper published by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University provides evidence by stating that about one-third of teens will be employed this summer compared to the 45% of teens employed in 2000.

The recession is making employers reluctant to hire and with budget cuts, teens are unable to earn enough to make up for travel costs.

How, then, will teens be able to get by this summer? Well, they should not give up on the job market altogether. After all, they still need cash and employers still need workers. Here are some tips to finding a job this summer:

1) Know thyself. It is important to figure out what your interests and skills are so that you can find a job to match them. Employers like candidates that meet their worker criteria. It is also important to be yourself before, during and after a job search.

2) Network. Ask around and talk to people who are in the field that you are interested in breaking into. They can provide some advice and give plenty of suggestions to help you become a more desired candidate.


4) Be flexible. Many jobs, like restaurants and supermarkets, are looking for help on the weekends. If you are willing to work then, you will be more likely to land the job.

5) Be patient. Applying is not fun and waiting for responses is the worst. You have to be patient though. Give companies two weeks to get back to you after which you should follow up and find out what your application status is. If they are not interested, don’t fret. Apply elsewhere and hope you are a better match for them.

When looking for a summer job, it is imperative to keep in mind the time it takes to receive training for jobs like waiting tables. This type of training may or may not be paid so make sure you do your research so you don’t end up wasting your time when you could be making money.

You don’t have to be a statistic. Everyone will encounter difficulties when looking for a job. As long as you are determined and persistent, someone somewhere will hire you. In the mean time, good luck!