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The job market is tough, especially for teenagers with little to no prior job experience. Sending out application after application can seem like a terribly daunting task. And waiting by the phone for it to ring can be unnerving! So how do you land that perfect summer job? It's not as hard as you might think, and with a little patience and a lot of determination, you'll be bringing home a paycheck in no time.

Apply!

You'll never find a job if you don't put in applications. Don't just stop with one application at your first choice job, either. Apply at every possible retail store, grocery store, theme park, or tourist attraction. The more applications you scatter abroad, the greater your odds of clenching an interview. And the more interviews you schedule, the greater the odds of getting an offer. The world wide web has greatly simplified this process, for before the days of the internet, job seekers had to spend days (not to mention several gallons of gasoline) driving all over creation, visiting places of business and personally requesting an application. Not so, anymore! You're always a click away from filling out online applications. Websites such as CareerBuilder and Monster have made the process even easier. They provide a database full of prospective employers, all in one convenient location on the web. Many of the employers with ads on these sites also provide links to online applications. Sometimes you can even complete the employee evaluation exam online. It's that easy!

Shine!

When you do get that much anticipated call for an interview, look your best. Taylor your outfit to correspond with the type of job you are applying for. If the job allows their employees to wear jeans, such as at a store like American Eagle, then don a pair of their nicest slacks. There is no need to deck yourself out in a suit and tie, or skirt and pantyhose for a casual interview. Sometimes this type of dress would be necessary, but not always. Play it by ear, and dress according to the type of job. Just step it up a notch or two. And most importantly, (perhaps even more important than the clothing), smile! This job may not be your first choice, but if you show it in your facial expression and body language, the interviewer will know it. This is a sure fire way to fail a job interview. Smile, show interest, and display some knowledge about the company for which you are interviewing. Mention that you liked their latest commercial. Or explain what you enjoyed about their latest product. The more knowledge you have about the company, the more they will be able to trust you with their customers. If they know you will recommend their product and have some knowledge about it, they will want you to go to work for them.

Have Fun!

Probably the single most important thing for teens looking for summer jobs is to have fun. If your city has a theme park or a water park, these places usually hire hundreds of teenagers. Plus, an added benefit to working for a fun place is that you will likely receive free or deeply discounted tickets. Which means you can frequent the park with all your friends and family during your time off. If you go to work for a water park, you could pick up some seriously awesome skills for use in your future career, like lifeguarding or performing. Most employers pay to further their employees' education, so you could take that lifeguarding class for free! How about that? Career skills and a summer paycheck all in one!

Keep your head up, that perfect job will come around. Just be patient and keep putting yourself out there. With all of your energy and confidence, you'll find the ideal summer job in no time.

Learn more about this author, Sara W..
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