Tough Times for Teen Job Seekers

It's already August and many teenagers are finding themselves without a summer job due to a tough job market with fewer job openings than previous years. For July, the unemployment rate for 16 - 19 year olds was 20.3%, the highest rate for teenage unemployment since 1992.

So, what can you do if you can't find a summer job? Guest Author Austin Lavin, CEO of myfirstpaycheck.com, the job site for teens, has advice on looking for other ways to earn money and stay busy this summer. Austin notes that, "One especially appealing option for teens is entrepreneurship. Whether mowing lawns or starting the hottest new social networking site, teens are constantly creating businesses where they see places they can make a difference." Here's more on opportunities for teens to start a business of their own.

Another option is to considering volunteering. You won't get paid, but volunteer work looks great on college applications, and it can be very rewarding. I know teens who are volunteering at a variety of organizations this summer, including the hospital, a child care center, a camp for kids with critical illnesses, and the public library. College students are going to start heading back to campus, so another alternative for high school students is a part time job that you can continue into the fall.

Job Search Resources for Teens

• Finding Your First Job
• Part Time Jobs
• Teen Job Search Guide
• Teen Job Listings

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