In an economy where unemployment is on the rise, finding a summer job will be more daunting than last year when help-wantedteen joblessness reached record numbers. With more and more adults losing their primary source of income or having their hours reduced the competition for any available jobs will be tough, especially for young inexperienced workers. It is important to remember that summer employment is not just a rite of passage for teenagers, employment in your teen years increases your chances of finding work as an adult. So how can you find a summer job during a recession? The following tips may help get you out of the house and earning a paycheck in the months to come.

Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute

There was a time when you could wait until summer break and pick up a job in a few days. As you already know that is not likely the case this summer. You should start your job search now, contacting potential employers, submitting applications or resumes. If positions are not advertised don’t be afraid to ask, some businesses are not advertising summer positions at this time, by inquiring before season you may get a jump start on your competitors.

Target Seasonal Employers

There are some industries that see a boom in business during the summer season. While the recession may have consumers tightening the purse strings it is unlikely all travel and entertainment will stop. There may not be as many summer positions as normal years but businesses that see an increase of activity in the summer months will still be hiring.

Know Your Competition

Many part time or summer jobs are typically held by teens or college students, all of whom have the same basic history of employment-short. This year everyone is clamoring for extra hours and extra money, so it is important to dress, speak and act responsibly if you want to secure employment. The competition for jobs will include other students plus older more experienced workers.

If At First You Don’t Succeed

Persistence will be key this summer. If your first prospect doesn’t work out, don’t give up; sometimes finding a job means you have to keep pounding the pavement (or surfing the web) until you find the right opportunity.

Due to the increased competition as well as the slow economy you should be prepared for the fact that you may not find summer work. Don’t take this as a pass to while away your time this summer. Future employers are looking for more than just work experience. Consider volunteering at your church, community center or local youth group. In most cases life experience is just- if not more important than work experience.



 Related Content: