Summer jobs are plentiful for teens who want to work
Help wanted signs for summer jobs are sprouting right now like so many tulips blooming in flower beds.
You can hardly drive down a busy street without seeing “now hiring” signs for lifeguards, camp counselors, seasonal park workers, beach and marina staff, and shift roles at fast-food restaurants. One parks and recreation department in my community is advertising increased lifeguard pay to $15 an hour for applicants who are 15 and older.
Indeed, jobs for teenagers and young adults are expected to be plentiful this summer with many workers earning above minimum wage.
However, job growth will be slightly lower than last year’s gains, according to the annual summer jobs outlook from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement and business and executive coaching firm that has been monitoring the summer jobs market for many years.
Challenger, Gray predicts employers will add 1.1 million more teens ages 16 to 19 to their payrolls this summer. That’s down from last summer’s gain of 1.24 million jobs. (Those numbers do not include all the young entrepreneurs who baby-sit, dog walk and mow yards in the neighborhood.)
The job market growth this summer will mark the smallest level of summer job gains among teens since 2011.
Those 2023 estimates are based not only on the potential for a slower economy that may reduce job creation but also the fact that “despite need, teens will not take available jobs,” the outplacement firm said.
“Teens who want jobs are basically working right now,” said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of the Chicago-based firm.
In March, 5.5 million workers aged 16 to 19 were employed, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s the highest total since March 2007.
“Amusement parks, pools, restaurants and summer entertainment venues most certainly have needs,” Challenger said. These are mainly shift roles that older job seekers may reject, he said.
What about wages?
Teens should expect to make better than minimum wage at most jobs, Challenger said. In addition, he added, “it’s worth a try to negotiate the starting wage they want from one employer. But even if they don’t get it, it’s possible another is already offering a higher wage.”
That said, consider more than just the money, Challenger said. What skills are you learning that can be applied in the future? How is the work environment? Do you generally get along with others in team situations? Is the work environment safe for teens? Is there a training program?
If you have a teen eager to work over the summer, here are some additional job seeking tips:
◼ Start knocking on doors and filling out resumes now.
◼ Network. Reach out to family friends, instructors, coaches and friends’ parents about job opportunities.
◼ Create a resume. Include extracurricular activities and volunteer experience.
◼ Practice common interview questions about your strengths and experiences. Dress for success by looking professional in front of the interviewer and be punctual.