Jean's Blog

The Money Mom: Summer Jobs for Kids

Posted by Jean

If you have teenagers, this is a busy time of year. Trust me, I know – as we approach summer break, the dances, parties, plays and sports events just seem to pile on. But you also likely have something else on the brain: Helping those kids find a summer job.

My kids have been working for extra spending money for quite a while. And I firmly believe that teenagers should spend at least part of their summers working, because as you know, no money is as valuable as the money you’ve earned yourself.

So this week, I talked to Heather Moose, a spokesperson for SnagAJob.com, an hourly job search site. Here are her tips for getting your kids into the workforce this summer:

• Start now. SnagAJob.com’s research has shown that a lot of employers plan to have their summer positions filled in May, so kids really need to get a jump start this year. “Don’t wait until after school is over – you really need to start now. Help your kids make a plan for where to look, what’s out there, and how to apply,” says Moose.
• Understand age differences. There are lots of jobs available for students who are 16 or over. Fast food restaurants are always looking to hire, and grocery stores need baggers and cashiers. Moose says that resorts, movie theaters and amusement parks are another place to look. But if your kid is 14 or 15, he or she will need a work permit. Ask the school guidance counselor for help, and once the permit is in place, drive your kid around so he or she can apply in person instead of online, says Moose. “In this case, you really want to walk into places and speak to the manager.” Networking is another good way to score a job for kids under 16 – if friends or family members own a business, they may need some help.
• Think outside the box. There are about 9 million people looking for part time work right now, according to the Department of Labor, so your kids are going to have some competition not only from older teens, but also from older workers. If the job search comes up short, encourage them to start their own business mowing lawns, babysitting, even doing social media for small businesses in your town that need help setting up a Facebook or Twitter page.
• Practice. Moose says the main thing employers are looking for in an applicant is a positive attitude – that’s above flexibility or even experience. So before your kids go in for an interview, boost their chances by having a few practice sessions. And make sure to proofread their application – misspellings, capitalization errors, and inappropriate email address can all push it to the bottom of the pile.

Do you have any interesting ideas for summer jobs for kids? Share them below!