Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (May 28, 2014) – The annual rites of summer are upon on us and teens are on the hunt for summer jobs and stepping stones to future professional careers. CareerSource Broward, formerly known as Workforce One Employment Solutions, is standing by to provide innovative employment solutions and quality workforce services to businesses and individuals, including teens, year round in Broward County.
Statistically, Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in April 2014 just under the national unemployment rate of 6.3 percent. While the national unemployment rate for teens ages 16 to 19 has improved a great deal over last year’s 27.3 percent figure, it’s still at 19.1 percent as of last month. Further good news is that Florida’s 2014 annual rate of job growth is up +3.3 percent; 1.6 percentage points greater than the national job growth rate of +1.7 percent.
Retail, restaurant and leisure/hospitality jobs remain some of the most advertised openings and popular choices for teen summer employment.
While finding the right job at any age is not always easy, the experts at CareerSource Broward’s Summer Youth Employment Program offer these helpful tips and resources for teens in seasonal transition:
Top Ten List for Teens: Finding a Summer Job
1. Look everywhere; talk to everyone – Job seeking is serious, time-consuming work. Spread the message via word-of-mouth and social media that you are looking for a job – to family, teachers, friends, counselors and parents’ friends. Search online for places that hire teens. Ask your local businesses if they are hiring summer help (mall stores, restaurants, grocery stores, golf courses, camps, etc.). The more you ask, the more likely someone will say, “You’re hired!”
2. Know your business – If you want to work for a specific employer or you are offered an interview, find out as much as possible about that business. If the interviewer asks you business-related questions, your knowledge is sure to impress. Also, if you’re approaching a business that may or may not be looking for summer help, the more you know, the better your pitch.
3. First impressions DO matter – For any job search at any age, even teens, remember to dress for success and present a professional image. Job search activities are not the time to display the latest fashion trends or current slang. It is best to be over-dressed or “too professional,” than not enough. At the very least, teens should wear clean, pressed, well-fitting slacks and dress shirts with clean, appropriate shoes. No mini-skirts, halter-tops, crop tops, shorts, sagging jeans and so on. Feel free to dress in your own style outside of work but when looking for a job, traditional impressions are best.
4. Learn how to apply for a job – Familiarize yourself, in advance, with how to complete an application. Have a résumé prepared (even if you don’t have formal work experience) and make sure you take pertinent information with you including addresses, phone numbers and other contact information you will need to include on an application. This is very important, as you may have to complete an application on- the-spot with a limited amount of time.
5. Practice interviewing – This may feel awkward at first, but it will help prepare you for the real thing. Having practiced answers to routine questions will make you sound more professional and will be less intimidating should the employer ask something for which you are not prepared. At the very least, practice talking about yourself, beforehand. Create your own sales pitch.
6. Follow-up with employers – If you secure an interview, thank the employer, then, follow-up the interview with a thank-you letter. This shows the employer you are serious about the job and can help you stand out among the other teen competition. Politely ask the employer for a timeframe regarding the hiring decision so you can follow-up if you don’t hear back by that time.
7. Grades count – Strive for the best grades possible. Sometimes, employers have to choose between a few good candidates but showcasing a solid academic record can make you stand out as “the one.”
8. Volunteer – Although it’s tough to show relevant experience on your résumé, you can participate in community activities and/or volunteer to boost your skills. Involvement and an investment in your community is a positive attribute that will make you shine in the eyes of a potential employer.
9. Be a good employee – Once you’re hired, be punctual! Be attentive, follow rules and regulations and become a positive team player. Employers desire someone who is dependable and willing to work hard. Oftentimes, one summer job can lead to next year’s professional internship or career start! It can also provide you with a positive reference for future job or school endeavors.
10. Get assistance with your search – Besides telling everyone you know about your summer job intentions, visit CareerSource Broward Centers for FREE assistance with writing résumés, practicing interview skills, and looking for open positions online and off. Visit www.careersourcebroward.com to find the location of your nearest Center.
Summer Job Experience Resources
Teen Job Search Websites: The websites, below, frequently offer employment options for teen and student job seekers, including part-time and temporary positions.
Employ Florida: http://www.employflorida.com
Snag a Job: http://www.snagajob.com/
Groove Job: http://www.groovejob.com/
Got A Job: http://www.gotajob.com/employers/
Career Rookie: http://www.careerrookie.com/CC/Default.aspx
Teen Summer Volunteer Opportunities: Employers and schools are often seeking well-rounded individuals who have good teamwork and goal-setting skills. Besides looking great on a résumé or transcript, volunteering is the perfect way to develop these skills or to discover a new talent. The following websites offer local volunteer opportunities for teens.
Hands On Broward: http://www.handsonbroward.org/
Volunteer Teen: http://www.volunteens.com/broward-county-event-calendar/
Volunteer Match: http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/index.jsp?r=msa&l=33443%2C+
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/fl/miami/volunteer
YMCA: http://www.ymcabroward.org/help/volunteer.php
Special Olympics: http://specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/
Lighthouse of Broward: http://www.lhob.org/volunteer
Broward Health: http://www.browardhealth.org/?id=143&sid=1
Broward Meals on Wheels: http://www.bmow.org/volunteer/
For more information about job opportunities in Broward County, please visit CareerSource Broward online at careersourcebroward.com, like us at facebook.com/careersourcebroward and follow-us on twitter at@CareerSourceBD and at linkedin.com.
About CareerSource Broward
CareerSource Broward, formerly known as Workforce One Employment Solutions, is the administrative entity of the Broward Workforce Development Board. It is a federally-funded, locally controlled organization that provides innovative employment solutions and quality workforce services to businesses and individuals in Broward County. These services are delivered through three strategically located career centers – North at 2301 West Sample Road, Building 4, Suite 7-A in Pompano Beach, Central at 2610 West Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and South at 7550 Davie Road Extension in Hollywood. Each career center provides Individual assistance with the Employ Florida Marketplace, job placement services, career coaching and access to full-service resource centers for employment-related needs. Business services include employee training dollars, recruitment and placement assistance, screening and assessing applicants and providing information on financial incentives. Veterans and their families have priority for all services. For more information, please visit us online at careersourcebroward.com, like us at facebook.com/careersourcebroward and follow-us on twitter at @CareerSourceBD and at linkedin.com.
About Career Source Broward’s Summer Youth Employment Program
CareerSource Broward’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides Broward County’s young men and women, ages of 16 to 18, with a paid summer-long adventure that is more than just a job, but a true learning experience. Participants are taught how to obtain a job, how to keep a job and how to turn any job into an investment of time and effort for the future. Specific lessons focus on how to dress for an interview, how to be professional, how to value time commitments to a job and how to optimize translatable skills from any such opportunity. The program runs for an eight-week period between June and August. Prospective applicants must meet eligibility requirements and the final selection is by random lottery against the pool of qualifying applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected participants work in clerical, custodial, assistant, or aide roles with government agencies, libraries, parks, and private non-profit companies such as day care centers and museums. SYEP also includes a three-day, paid training period which focuses on job readiness skills and expectations. For additional information, please visit us online at CareerSource Broward’s Summer Youth Employment Program, like us atfacebook.com/youthcentralBroward and find us on Instagram.