Applying for Jobs

by Venus Vega, highlights, Insight, Nov. 12

            The crash of the economy has affected everyone, especially teenagers. Many teens are used to having their parents shell out cash whenever they want to go out and have fun. Many are used to borrowing their parents’ cars, or even having one of their own. Now teens are beginning to realize this free ride has come to a tragic end. Everyone is beginning to feel the effects of our economic crisis, not only in the price of gas, but in everything else we consume, like food and clothing.   

 “Yeah, gas is crazy expensive. I had to stop telling my friends I would drive them home because my gas would be gone after like two days,” Christina Baez, junior, said.

            Gas prices are becoming unbearable not only for adults but for teens as well, especially those who do not work.

            Most middle class families who where once able to freely provide for their money-hungry teens, are finding themselves clipping coupons and constantly repeating those three dreaded words no teen ever wants to hear, “Get a job.”

Because of this economic crisis, teens are searching for jobs to lessen the financial burden on their parents. Many teens interview at fast food restaurants or clothing and shoe stores, where they might have frequented but never really considered being employed at.

However, finding a part-time job is proving to be a difficult task for many. Searching for a job is the last thing a teenager wants to do and constant rejection doesn’t help the process.

            So why is it so difficult to get a job? Here are some major reasons:

• You may not be old enough for the position.
• Employers may ask for weekend hours.
• If working during the week, too many hours may be given.
• Time and transportation may cause an issue.

“I was working at Forever 21 and they wanted me to stay for closing all the time. As a junior, staying until 11 at night doing inventory is not an option, so I quit,” said Alana Gonzalez, junior, said.

Getting a job isn’t an easy task for anyone, much less an inexperienced teenager.

However, the fact remains, that with the crisis in our economy, everyone needs more money and the only way to get it, is by working.

            Some advice to teens in search of employment:

• Look for places age appropriate.
• Sacrifice some weekends; it will be worth it in the long run.
• Don’t give up, there will always be someone hiring.
• Build up as best a resume as you can.

           Always remember, if there is someone looking for a job, there is always someone out there willing to give a job.