If you're teenager wants to work this summer, now is the time to start looking for a job

Teens Working
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The good news is, many companies are stepping up their hiring for June, July and August.  "The situation this year in terms of summer jobs is better than it was in 2011 and better than it was in 2010 because the economy is gradually recovering," said Carl VanHorn, Director of the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers.

In fact, a new survey by Snagajob finds that three in ten of about 1,000 hiring managers polled said it will be easy for teens to find summer employment this year.  That's up from 2010 and 2011.

Teens looking to boost their chances of getting a job need to be flexible.  "You're most likely to have to accommodate what the employer wants rather than the other way around.  Managers want employees who can work the schedule that they need," said VanHorn.  "Good work habits are also important.  Show up on time ready to work, show up regularly and don't take a lot of time off or have too many unexcused absences." 

Even for those who have never had a job before, only about one-quarter of employers in the survey rated previous experience as very important for teen hires.  "In many cases, it doesn't require a lot of previous training because usually, you get that when you start the job," said VanHorn. "If your son or daughter is looking, now is the time to start.  Many employers are looking to finish their summer hiring by the end of May and maybe go into the beginning of June."

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