Sue Scheff: Jobless Rate Down - Tips for Summer Jobs for Teens

In Northeast Florida, for the first time since 2006, the jobless rate has dropped. Many northeast Florida counties jobless rate dropped nearly a full percentage point. Flagler County, which has had the state's highest unemployment rate for months, dropped 1.2 percent, but at 15.4 percent, remains the highest in Florida according to News4Jax.

April 2010 Unemployment Rates

Alachua County 7.4% down .9%
Baker County 11.0% down .4%
Bradford County 9.4% down .5%
Clay County 10.1% down .9%
Columbia County 10.4% down .9%
Duval County 11.6% down .9%
Flagler County 15.4% down 1.2%
Nassau County 10.6% down 1.0%
Putnam County 12.8% down .9%
St. Johns County 9.4% down .9%
Union County 8.9% down .8%

What does this mean for summer jobs for your teens? If your teenager is looking for a summer job there are some great tips to start. Remember having a summer job is not only financially rewarding, it gives your teen a sense of accountability and builds self esteem.

• Always avoided your parent's friends? Now's the time to get to know them better. Networking -- talking -- with as many adults (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) as you can is best way to find a job, any job. Learn more about the power of networking.
• You thought school was over? Think again. Now is the time to learn all you need about job-hunting because it's going to be harder than ever before to get a job. Learn more about job-hunting basics.
• How's your spelling and grammar? Better brush up. Take the time to prepare or update your resume -- you'll need it when you go on job interviews. Check out these resume resources and sample resumes.
• Put away those short skirts and thrift-store clothes. When you talk with potential employers, you need to dress your best and look professional, not like you're going on a date or lounging around the house. Learn how to dress for success.
• Turn off the television or video games and hit the street. A good way to look for summer jobs is going to the human resources department or manager of as many stores and offices in your town. Dress professionally and bring lots of copies of your resume.
• Thought you were done competing with your older siblings? Nope. Teens are being squeezed out of traditional jobs this summer as more experienced workers are forced to take whatever jobs they can find.
• If you love the outdoors, you may have better luck. As summer tourism picks up, there will be jobs in water parks, camps, and other hospitality-related companies and organizations.
• Love the Net? Then use it -- to a point. There are a number of teen summer job and camp sites, but don't make this method your sole method of job-hunting. Check out these teen summer job sites.
• No matter how bad it gets, keep smiling. Studies show employers look for these things in teens: enthusiasm, positive attitude, hard-working, friendly, and on-time.

Sources: Quintessential Careers, Jax4News

Here we are in Florida, is your teen interested in the water? Pools, beaches and camps - Check out Red Cross Lifeguarding Certifications. Read more.

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