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Teen summer jobs outlook tough and competitive

by TERESA YUAN / KING 5 News

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KING5.com

Posted on May 19, 2011 at 7:51 AM

Updated Thursday, May 19 at 7:51 AM

SEATTLE -- With graduation around the corner, some teens and parents maybe worried about their child landing a summer job.

Experts say many teenagers may have a tough time finding a summer job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only one out of four teens is expected to be employed this summer. Experts say that's partly because they are competing with experienced workers, trying to claw their way out of the recession.

"I would try to go out and find jobs. It was always difficult. It was hard to get in contact or a call back or fill out an application," said 18-year-old Rajanique Patterson.

She uses workforce sources in Renton for help with interview and computer skills and writing a resume.

While teens are facing some tough odds, experts say there are some industries including food and retail that could be willing to hire young as well as technology.

"Interactive media or video gaming is a huge field in our region. Maritime is huge field in our region. These are areas a traditional school system or a person who's disconnected from school didn't think about as careers that are available here," said Marlena Sessions with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle - King County.

Sessions said construction and labor positions are starting to come back. She encourages young people to apply for internships, which is always good to be your resume.

Mapyourcareer.org is a specific website designed to help young people learn about career paths in our region's top industries.

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Comments: Displaying 1 - 2 of 2

rnl52 said on June 8, 2011 at 5:55 PM

Parents are taking second and third jobs as stock person or grocery bagger because our jobs are being outsourced in ever greater numbers. Wake up America......you are on the road to ruin.

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firesoul said on May 19, 2011 at 12:02 PM

"With graduation around the corner, some teens and parents maybe worried about their child landing a summer job." Wow, and even in the first sentence. "May be" and "maybe" have two different uses and you managed to use the incorrect one. "She encourages young people to apply for internships, which is always good to be your resume." Yes, I always wanted to have an internship be my resume too...

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