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With gas prices soaring, today's teens are eager to earn! How can you find a super summer job?

START EARLY.

Believe it or not, young people begin applying for summer jobs before Christmas! As a bonus, some of these ambitious teens get hired for holiday work as well.

The plum positions, such as camp counselors, beach lifeguards, and trip guides, are usually taken by New Year's. It pays to be early for summer employment!

BE CREATIVE.

Consider every possible option. What are your interests and skills?

A teen friend has a wonderful job this year in a kennel, walking and feeding dogs. Of course, she adores anything with fur, and she doesn't mind cleaning out cages.

Do you prefer active jobs or busy-work? Would you like to work outside as a camp counselor, gardener, lawn-cutter, lifeguard, or park supervisor?

Would you prefer an inside job? Try fast-food outlets, grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores. If you'd rather do desk-work, why not apply to be a restaurant host or hostess or an office file clerk?

Are you strong and fit? How about working in a warehouse, car-wash or stockroom of a major store? Perhaps you could become a speedy messenger on your bike!

Don't rule out temporary services. The summer after I graduated from high school, I spent a summer balancing employee expense reports in the accounting department of a broadcasting company. How did I land this sweet position? A temp service sent me there! By the end of the first month, the manager tried to hire me permanently!

PLAN YOUR ATTACK.

As you consider your dream summer job, you need to evaluate what qualifications might be required. Do you need a babysitting certificate, a lifesaving badge, a driver's license, or other credentials? In the very least, teens in most U.S. states must obtain work permits from their local high school offices.

Of course, you must be eligible for any job before you can be hired. Many positions have minimum age requirements. Citizenship and local residency may be required as well.

For child-care positions, a background check may be performed. Be wary of any camps or other programs involving children, if they do not ask for this.

USE YOUR CONTACTS.

There is no shame in contacting family, friends, teachers, and other acquaintances to inform them that you are seeking a summer job. People who know you are more likely to trust you, and they are familiar with your character and talents.

GET REFERENCES.

While you are talking with people you know, ask several key individuals if they are willing

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