JobMonkey.com, the coolest jobs on earth

Focus on Summer Employment

----------------------------------------
JobMonkey.com
Volume VIII, Issue #25
----------------------------------------

Are you a teenager or young adult looking for a summer job? Do you know someone who is searching for summer employment? This is a JobMonkey Newsletter you don't want to miss. Summer jobs are more competitive than ever this year, with many employers cutting back. Those that are hiring summer workers are receiving mounds of applications, including those from recent college grads and the recently laid-off. With competition so fierce, you need to know how to make the most of the assets you have: Youth, enthusiasm, and a host of governmental programs designed just for people like you.

Our feature article puts the spotlight on governmental and non-governmental resources for young people, including a list of the top 10 websites and organizations that can help you in your job search. Also be sure to check out Around the Monkey for a number of recent blog posts about summer employment. And don't forget, you can conduct your summer job search right here at the JobMonkey Job Center. We've got three hot leads to get you started.

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1) Career Advisor: Resumes: Move that Education section!
2) Spotlight: Top 10 Resources for Summer Job Seekers
3) Around the Monkey: Summer Jobs Stories Galore
4) JobMonkey Job Center: Leads on Summer Jobs for Youth

Haven't set up your profile yet? It's quick and easy. Click Here.

Why get a profile? Learn More.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAREER ADVISOR: Resumes: Move that Education section!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

by Amy Lindgren

If you've visited the placement center at your college or vocational school, you might have been told to put your education at the top of your resume. Whoops - bad advice.

It's not that your education isn't important; it just isn't your main sales point. To review: Employers hire you to do something, not to be something. Unless you're applying to be a student in the new workplace, why would your first and loudest message be “I'm a good student”?

Trust me on this. Drop your Education section to the bottom of the page and interviewers will still find it. Use that precious top space for something more unique and relevant, such as your skill set or achievements from your internships. What? You don't have any? Then what makes you think you're employable?

Ouch. Think again. It's not that you don't have skills or achievements, but that you're not used to thinking of things that way. Start over and ask yourself, “What will this employer need me to do?” Then, “Can I do those things?” If yes, those are the things you need to put at the top of your resume.

Suppose you're applying for a call center job. Your employer will need you to be courteous and professional, even with difficult people. You also need to operate a computer, enter data accurately, and respect confidentiality. Can you? If so, make a section called Strengths or Notable Skills and list all those things. Follow with an Experience section to describe your internships and jobs. Next, drop your volunteer gigs into a Community Involvement section and round out the page out with your education. Now you're learning!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPOTLIGHT: Top 10 Resources for Summer Job Seekers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are in the market for a summer job, you have probably realized by now that the competition is going to be fierce. Fewer companies are hiring, and those that are taking on new workers are getting ten times the number of applications. For teenagers, the competition is especially brutal. Employers are picking experience over enthusiasm, which means you will really need to hustle to find a job. The good news is that there are a growing number of programs, many funded by federal dollars, to help young people ages 14 to 24 find a summer job. Some of these programs even offer training, room and board!

How do you learn about these special opportunities? Here is a list of the top ten organizations and websites that help youngsters find gainful summer employment. Print out this list and start working your way down it!

#1. YouthBuild
Launched in September 2006 by the Department of Labor, YouthBuild provides job training for low-income and at-risk youth, ages 16-24. Jobs are in construction and community rehab projects that create livable, affordable housing for low-income families. In addition to providing jobs, YouthBuild also offers participants access to personal counseling services, mentoring and more. For the summer of 2009, the Department of Labor has significantly increased YouthBuild funding.

#2. Job Corps
Job Corps is a free training program that helps young people ages 16 and older to find and keep a good job. The program functions like a college campus, with dormitories for students to live in. While enrolled, students get the guidance and support they need to develop a long-term employment plan. Call (800) 733-JOBS to find a JobCorps program near you.

#3. Employment and Training Administration's Division of Youth Services
This Department of Labor division oversees all youth-related workforce activities. Their website host a comprehensive list of federally-funded youth programs authorized under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. Search your state, or call the ETA at (202) 693-3030 for help in finding a program near you.

#4. Student Educational Employment Program
Interested in federal employment? Since 1994, the Student Educational Employment Program has been offering degree-seeking students with access to federal work internships and other opportunities that will help advance your academic and career goals.

#5. Student Jobs.Gov
If you didn't find what you need at the Student Educational Employment Program, then check out StudentJobs.gov. It's a one-stop portal for high school, college and graduate students looking for employment opportunities (including summer jobs) within the federal government.

#6. Teen Job Search Guide
About.com's Guide to Job Searching has tons of great information for teen job-seekers, including how to get working papers, what to wear on a job interview, how to secure job references, and more.

#7. My First Paycheck
This online portal for teen job seekers includes a nationwide job board and dozens of resources for youth on the summer job search.

#8. Fair Labor Laws for Youth
Know your rights before being offered a job.

#9. Summer Youth Employment Programs
Google "Summer Youth Employment Program" and the name of your city (or state) to learn how federal stimulus dollars are being spent on youth employment in your area. Here are the SYEP shortcuts to three of America's biggest cities:

• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Miami & Central Florida

#10. JobMonkey's Summer Job Section
We have compiled all of our best articles about high-demand summer jobs into one convenient section on Summer Jobs. It includes targeted opportunities for teens and young adults, from summer camp and theme park jobs to outdoor jobs and even jobs in Alaska. Get armed with all the information you need to find the ideal summer job.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
AROUND THE MONKEY: Summer Jobs Galore
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer job opportunities (and challenges) have been in the news a lot, lately, and the JobMonkey blog hasn't missed a beat. Check out these recent posts for more information:

>> Summer Jobs Get Boost From Stimulus Bill
>> Are Summer Jobs Drying Up?
>> 7 Tips for Landing a Summer Job
>> Get Creative to Find a Summer Job

--------------------------------------------------------------------
JOB CENTER REPORT: Summer Jobs for Youth
--------------------------------------------------------------------

If you or someone you know is in the market for a summer job, why not start your search at the JobMonkey Job Center? The Job Center features hundreds of job listings from around the country -- and the world. Our database is updated daily and, best of all, it's completely free to job seekers!

Find current jobs in the Job Center.

 

 

JobMonkey Home >>>