Need a job while you’re in high school or college?

You might have heard that the job market isn’t too great right now, and that the economy is making part-time jobs scarce for teens. Don’t despair, though! There are still options for finding a job. Do your research, be persistent, and don’t give up. Ask everyone if they’re hiring, and be prepared to show up for interviews whenever asked. Here are a few more tips to help you score a job…

Use the Stimulus Plan
Newschannel 5 in Nashville reports that some of Tennessee’s stimulus money will go to providing teens with safe, educational summer jobs. Under the plan, roughly 12,000 teens who show need could find jobs this summer. Almost any business is eligible to participate. How it works is this: the business hires the teen, the business sends the Department of Labor a time sheet, and the government pays the teen’s wages. The employers don’t have to pay anything, and everyone wins. Interested teens should be in financial need and face other barriers such as literacy problems, pregnancy, life in foster homes, disabilities, etc. Anyone aged 14-24 who meets the criteria can call 615-741-1031 for more information.
Try Being a Summer Camp Counselor
It might not be too late to get a job as a camp counselor this summer! Being a counselor isn’t what it used to be, because summer camps aren’t what they used to be. Camps are available now for arts, technology, and outdoor adventure. Try this site for camps that are hiring in Tennessee.

Use the Tools You’ve Got

You have tons of resources available to help you find work this summer. Use the Internet to help you search job databases and websites, such as Teens4Hire.org. You can also check job listings at your local news websites.

And while you’re surfing for jobs, don’t forget to use your connections! Most people report that they’ve gotten a job in the past because of someone they knew. Talk to your parents and their friends about potential job opportunities. Introduce yourself to local business owners that your parents or friends have done business with. Call your extended family (those who live nearby) and see if they can introduce you to anyone who’s hiring. Having these connections is more helpful than almost anything else in finding a job. In fact, the first job I ever had (check-out clerk at a pharmacy in high school) was given to me because my father knew the owner of the store and could vouch for me. Personal recommendations count, so talk to the people you know!

Good luck with your job search!