What you should know
- A slowdown in hiring could affect the teen job market this summer, according to a new report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
- Still, teens who want to find a job should be able to find jobs in some key sectors, experts predict
As the pace of hiring slows, teens in the summer job market may also face a slightly slower market this year.
However, those who want to work should be able to find opportunities, according to a new report.
Teens are expected to see a gain of 1.1 million jobs this year, the lowest level since 2011, predicts Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a corporate and executive coaching and relocation firm. That’s down from last year, when employers created more than 1.2 million jobs for teens in May, June and July, according to the company.
Like candidates in the wider market, teens may also be reluctant to accept available jobs, the Challenger report suggests.
Where Teens Can Find Summer Jobs
The good news, however, is that there may be plenty of opportunities available in industries that are struggling to recruit, experts say.
Teenagers may be successful in hiring at places like amusement parks, pools, restaurants and summer entertainment venues, as older workers prioritize remote or hybrid roles, Challenger research shows.
Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter, reports that the job search engine anticipates a similar trend.
Hospitality and recreation are areas on the brink of labor shortages and hiring challenges, he noted. This particularly applies to neighborhood parks and pools, which could struggle to hire lifeguards and be forced to reduce their hours of operation as they did last year, he said.
Meanwhile, increased demand for air travel, cruises and other travel, as well as restaurants and summer camps, indicates an increased need for hiring in these areas.
“Job seekers looking for summer employment are generally positive about their prospects,” Pollak said.
“They expect a high salary and flexibility, and they also buy benefits while they search for job openings,” he said.
While June is generally the most popular month for hiring teenagers, according to Challenger, the company recommends that those looking for summer jobs start earlier.
Other tips from Challenger include creating a resume that showcases extracurricular activities, practicing answering questions before a job interview, and staying professional online when it comes to social media.
“Job seekers looking for summer employment are generally positive about their prospects,” Pollak said.
“They expect a high salary and flexibility, and they also buy benefits while they search for job openings,” he said.
While June is generally the most popular month for hiring teenagers, according to Challenger, the company recommends that those looking for summer jobs start earlier.
Other tips from Challenger include creating a resume that showcases extracurricular activities, practicing answering questions before a job interview, and staying professional online when it comes to social media.