It's tough to find a job in this economy. For teens, it's getting even more difficult.
With the recession bringing more retirees back into the workforce and adults taking jobs usually filled by teens, younger workers have stiff competition.
However, if they're prepared, they can still get a job.
At CiCi's Pizza in Grand Blanc, teens compete for work.
"I get probably five applications a day," says owner Jim Lyon.
That bombardment of resumes makes it tough for one to stick out, and there's no shortage of teens trying.
"I've just been around filling out job applications trying to get a job to help out my family," says 18-year-old Andrea Overton of Flint.
Turned down several times, teens are looking for any way in.
"It seems like in the job industry you have to have a certain connection to some managers or a friend that's already working," says 18-year-old Mured Hopkins of Flint.
That can be true.
Job experts say you never know when opportunity will come knocking and that presenting yourself positively can make the difference.
"Even as a teenager, you may not have that a robust resume, but you still have skills to present," says Alicia Booker of the Career Alliance in Flint. She suggests three P's to help teens get a job: be prepared with a compelling resume, be professional by dressing appropriately, and be in person. Employers would rather see you than receive your resume online.
"Online doesn't tell you a lot about a person, but when they come in, it means a lot," says Lyon.
For those dishearted, don't get depressed. Experts say there are more opportunities than last year, just be flexible.
Booker says, "Everything from fast food to retail, to manufacturing, to IT, to healthcare. across the board industry-wide, you're staring to see some growth."
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget says of the available teen labor force, around 30.6% will be unemployed in 2011, which is better than the 35.0% in 2010.
Places like Michigan Works can help you get your resume in tip-top shape.
Experts say experience with church work, baby-sitting, and volunteering can be written well into a resume and presented professionally.
