5 Reasons to Look for a Summer Job

You may have heard all kinds of negative stuff — again! — about this summer's job market. It's true that jobs for teens can be tough to find. But they are out there. So go for it. If you don't land the job you want (or even any job), you'll still gain something from the process.

1. You'll develop your interview skills. The more jobs you apply for, the better you'll get at interviewing. Learning how to come across well in an interview is a skill you'll use forever. It helps with everything from getting into college to landing a full-time job when the time comes.
   
2. You'll get better at coping with rejection. It's unlikely you'll get the first job you interview for. Rejection is a fact of life, and there's no denying it can be hard to handle. The good news is, the more we face rejection and learn to deal with the feelings that go with it, the easier it becomes to get past the hurt and bounce back.
   
3. You'll learn something about yourself. Did you take a job that wasn't your first choice? You might discover a new skill or interest you never knew you had. Get offered the perfect job? Feel your self-esteem soar! Even if you don't really love your job but need to save for a new car or college, you'll learn that you can stick with something you don't particularly like to reach a goal that's important to you. And if nothing works out? You may decide to start your own business.
   
4. You'll push the limits of your comfort zone. Yes, it's a lot easier to sit home doing the same stuff you always do. But going out job-hunting can push you out of that comfort zone into a whole new experience. And you never know what you might find. Did you pass by a great new store on your way to submit an application? Did your interviewer do something totally wacky, like take off his shoes and put his feet on the desk? Even if all you come home with are some crazy stories, it's worth it.
   
5. You'll face less competition. The word's out that summer jobs are hard to find. So lots of teens will give up without even trying. If potential applicants remove themselves from the process, it ups your odds of landing a job. And, if you don't get the job you want, volunteer. It's a great way to gain experience and add something to your résumé, whether for college applications or future jobs.

The bottom line with summer jobs is to just go for it. Try something new. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain.

Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: March 2011