Teens network to find local summer jobs

Ask for advice about how to land a summer job and the resounding response is ‘networking.?
For Clarkston area teenagers, finding a summer job isn’t as easy as one might hope in an economy making a slow comeback this year.
‘For people that have had jobs in the past, it’s easy to come back. But it’s harder to find a new place you like,? Andra Barget, Clarkston High School senior, said. ‘No one wants to hire a teenager.?
CHS junior Alyson Coin will spend just part of her summer working at a catering company up north while waitressing the rest of the time. She found her job through her dad’s friend who owns the catering business.
‘If I didn’t have connections, it probably would be harder,? Coin said. ‘When college kids come back home, businesses usually pick them.?
Coin is one of many students lucky to have summer employment already lined up. For those still looking without results, networking with those you know is the best bet.
‘The most important thing to do is network. Get your name out there. A large majority of jobs are found through networking,? Doug Slater, CHS teacher, said.
For the past few weeks, Slater’s marketing classes have been compiling an ’employability skills? packet to help prepare for future job searches. Students learned how to navigate Internet job search engines, create resumes and how to conduct a successful interview.
Some stores, such as Meijer, tend to hire friends of reliable already-employed workers. Barget found summer employment at Pine Knob Golf Course thanks to classmate Jennifer Stanton who had already spent time working there.
The lack of readily-available jobs has been felt throughout the Clarkston community.
This year the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce did not hold a summer job fair for students due to lack of businesses hiring. In the past, more than 30 local businesses had summer jobs available for the fair. This year, only two businesses wanted to participate.
‘It makes it really hard to find a job if you don’t have a work history or references,? Penny Shanks, chamber executive director, said. ‘Kids are coming back to the jobs they had in the past, so there are not as many open positions. That’s where it becomes a pinch.?
Shanks found this summer’s job market to be especially frustrating for students who wanted to look into possible career fields for the future.
‘The things that are frustrating are career explorations and trying to learn more about a field before you invest a lot of money into it,? Shanks said.
For those still looking for work this summer, seasonal employment is one area to look into.
DTE Energy Music Theatre, Independence Township Parks and Recreation, Bordine’s Nursery and Frank’s have all offered seasonal work in the past to young job seekers, according to Shanks.
Looking into new businesses, such as the two new Kroger locations, is also a good idea.
‘You have to shop around for a job,? Shanks said. ‘You have to act just like a job hunter.?
When looking for a job, Shanks stressed the importance of maintaining a professional attitude and presence at all times, no matter what position it is. Having a resume ready, a list of at least three non-parent references and showing persistence to an employer are all key steps to landing a job.
‘Employers can hold kids accountable since jobs are more scarce,? Shanks said.
While the job market might still be tough, Shanks reminded students that persistence is always important.
‘Be persistent. It’s a professional thing to do that students often don’t do,? Shanks said.

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