Summer Job Pitfalls & Good Ideas

Caution: Not Everything Is As It Appears.
Avoiding summer job pitfalls
It sucks, but there are some people out there who think teenagers are inexperienced and make perfect targets for scams. Other people are looking for cheap labor and don’t mind hiring teens to do dangerous jobs. Avoid the following pitfalls for a safe and profitable summer.

1. Beware of jobs advertisements that say you can work at home and make lots of money. Lots of times these types of businesses are cons to get you to buy expensive start up supplies. Call your local Better Business Bureau before signing up for anything like this. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
2. Before you respond to job listings, have your parents look them over with you. If one seems suspicious, bring a parent with you when you go to apply. That way you can both determine whether or not the job seems safe.
3. Don’t pay money to get job listings. Employment agencies that want to charge you to look at their listings are usually not to be trusted. Most jobs can be found for free.
4. Look out for dangerous workplaces. Even if you have accepted a job, it’s always ok to refuse to do work that seems dangerous. The National Consumers League came out with a list of the five worst jobs for teens in 2001. And the losers are: 1. Delivery and other driving. 2. Working alone in a cash-based business and late night work. 3. Traveling youth crews selling candy, magazines and other consumer goods. 4. Cooking, especially if it includes exposure to hot oil and grease. 5. Construction and work at high heights. You can view the complete list at the National Consumers League website: http://nclnet.org/childlabor/worstjobs01.html

Summer Job Ideas:
Work at a local store or business: Many are looking for good help and you may even be able to continue working there when school starts in the fall.
Work at a summer camp: Did you dream of being a counselor when you were a camper? Overnight camps and day camps need help in the summer.
Work at an athletic club or country club: As summer heats up, more people are golfing, swimming and playing tennis and that means more jobs for people like you.
Work at a tourist attraction: Does your town have something, anything, that draws visitors from far and wide? Vacationers swarm tourist attractions in the summer and working at one is a great way to meet interesting people from all over.
Work at a corporate office: Many corporations have established teen positions during the summer. These jobs are often ultra-competitive, but it’s worth a shot. A job like this is a great resume builder.
Work at a hotel or resort: Again, tourists love traveling in the summer months. Hotels are probably already looking for good summer help.
Work for the government: Many times local government agencies have summer job programs. Depending on the job, this can also look great on a resume.