Fewer teens seek summer jobs

An improving economy and a shortage of foreign workers almost guarantee that teenagers seeking summer jobs will find employers welcoming them with open arms, suggests an analysis of the seasonal job market by the global outplacement firm of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., Chicago.

The most surprising fact that will enhance teenagers' chances of finding a job is that fewer of their peers appear willing to spend the summer working. In fact, the labor force participation rate among 16-to 19-year-olds in July, 2004--when teen summer employment typically peaks--fell to an all-time low of 53.6%.

According to Chief Executive Officer John A. Challenger, the best opportunities for teen summer job seekers are with employers who routinely are overlooked, such as local, state, and government agencies. Openings will be particularly generous in parts of the country with smaller populations of available workers. A growing number of online summer job recruiting sites should help teens find possibilities anywhere in the country and even in foreign lands. "Of course, online job listings represent just a fraction of the available [positions]. Employers seeking seasonal workers often rely on word of mouth and posting help-wanted signs in store windows," says Challenger.

Among the industries that will see demand for summer workers increase are travel and leisure, which are making strong gains this year. Some even are forecasting that air travel will return to pre-9/11 levels. "Travel destinations are always prime grounds for teenage job seekers. Hotels, amusement parks, campgrounds, etc. will be in search of young people to meet the increased seasonal demand. Other industries where teens will be sought after include restaurants, retail, agriculture, landscaping, and construction.

"Many seasonal jobs are lower paying, unskilled positions, that older, more experienced job seekers are unlikely to take. The problem is that it appears teens also are becoming less likely to take theme' observes Challenger. "This may be occurring for several reasons, including the fact that more teens are taking educational classes during the summer. More are also volunteering and participating in other activities that will bolster their college applications and future job resumes."

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