As the economy is still recovering from the recent recession, finding summer jobs can be difficult for high school students. 

Junior Clara Dow applied for thirteen jobs before finding jobs at McDonalds and Justice, a clothing store.  “I applied at Target, Palm Beach Tan, Macy’s, JCPenney, Lunds, Gold Buyer’s Kiosk, Marshals, Claires, Davannis, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Caribou, AMC Southdale, McDonald’s, [and] Justice,” Dow said.   

Dow is not the only student who had difficulty finding work this summer.  Junior Solomon Anczarski applied to four different McDonalds near his home.  He explained, “…two in person, two online, [but] they never contacted me after I applied.”  

Lack of experience, along with age, can be factors that make it challenging for high school students to find jobs.

Employers told Dow that she did not get the jobs because of her, “…age and also experience, because stores that were hiring wanted people with some experience but because I’m only sixteen, I didn’t have any previous job experience,” she said.

Getting a job is possible, however, Anczarski said, “I got a job through family eventually though.” 

Sophia Sturges, a former manager ofBathand Body Works agreed that work experience is important, however there are ways to fill in the blanks. “Experience from babysitting, volunteering at church, and personal references from teachers were considered if there was little work experience,” Sturges explained.

Sturges also mentioned that businesses look for complete applications, employee’s availability, positive attitudes and willingness to help customers.  “Managers are always happy to interview someone who seems like they really want the job and made an effort to impress,” she explained.

Sophomore Estelle Bain, who works at Patisserie Margo’s, had to be persistent to get her job.  “Back when I was fourteen, I knew Margo’s hired fourteen year olds, so I went in once or twice a month to see if they needed help. I work every Saturday because of sports, but when my sport is done, I hope to work more,” she said.

A common theme in these stories is tenacity. When searching for a job, it is very important to not give up.  Dow, Anczarski and Bain all showed diligence in their job search.  Bain added, “Yeah, it was hard [to get the job], but it was definitely worth it because I love my job, it’s really fun.” 

The Do’s and Don’ts for a job interview

Do:

• have neat handwriting
• put your contact information
• fill every information section out
• use good grammar and spelling
• have a reference and their contact information
• take the time to fill the application out correctly
• make eye contact
• have good posture
• have good hygiene
• dress nicely

Don’t:

• have sloppy handwriting
• write in pen and cross things out
• leave information blank
• write “n/a” for an answer
• give vague or negative reasons for being fired from your last job