Teens should have an easier time finding jobs this summer — here’s why
The most recent jobs report from the U.S. Department of Labor suggests that the American economy is struggling to consistently add jobs as companies continue to exercise caution in hiring.
That doesn’t appear to be the case, however, when it comes to teenagers looking for summer employment.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, teen participation in the work force has been steadily trending upward for most of the past decade, from a post-recession low of 9.5 million in 2009 to nearly 19.3 million in 2014, the last year for which the bureau has compiled statistics.
So as schools let out for the summer months, teens who want a job should be able to find one, according to Nick Dobbins, an analyst at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
“Every indication is that the labor force participation rate will continue to inch up going into the summer,” Dobbins told the Mankato, Minnesota Free Press. “Teens looking for work over the summer should have an easier time.”
Josh Johnson, a 17-year-old resident of Mankato who plans on logging 60 hours a week this summer at two jobs — including one at a Culver’s restaurant in North Mankato — says his work will give him experience and money which he’ll save for summer road trips.
“I was very determined to get a job as fast as I could and work as much as I could,” said Johnson, who works at Culver’s in North Mankato. “My mom’s very supporting, but at the same time, she misses me. My friends think I’m extremely crazy.”
Many economists agree that more teenagers entering the job market signifies the economy is approaching its capacity for employment. But it also means employers like Brian Deuhring have a harder time attracting qualified applicants.
“We can train people for their work and their skills,” said Deuhring, who owns the Culver’s where Johnson works. “You always want to try to start with good attitudes.”
Even when the economy is humming, it still takes work to find work, of course. Johnson’s advice is to be persistent.
“It’s tough,” he said. “There will be a lot of rejections.”
The Mankato, Minnesota Free Press contributed to this story.