Frustrated that college-going son can't find a summer job

[Miller514]

My son is one of those good kids. Never in trouble, graduated high school salutatorian last year out of 160 talented, ambitious other students. Attends a university an hour away in Pittsburgh, was on the dean's list both sememsters.

Now he's home for the summer. He has applied to over 25 different places and either has not heard from the business or has been told they are not hiring.

He's applied at restaurants, 2 different car dealers to wash cars, Goodwill, four different grocery stores, a manufacturing plant, a gym, and the list goes on. He has been helping out around the house, cutting grass and weed eating, washing the porches and cars, vacuuming and dishwasher detail, even does his own laundry.

We have a rental that was recently vacant and he's been helping my husband with getting it in shape for the next renter. My sister has him going to her house once a week to do odd jobs, and now his girlfriend's grandfather asked him to help with some yard work. They both will pay him for his work.

Last year he worked at the cinema, but the manager has so many kids working there now that he has only gotten to work one day there this summer.

Arggg!!! I don't know what to think. I'm frustrated with the employers who haven't seen what a good employee they could have in him. Not much I can do about that. I also worry that he's getting off easy by not having a 'regular' job to go to where he has to show up on time and put in a decent day's work.

Any advice or insight?

[sylvan8798]

Originally Posted by Miller514

He's applied at restaurants, 2 different car dealers to wash cars, Goodwill, four different grocery stores, a manufacturing plant, a gym, and the list goes on. He has been helping out around the house, cutting grass and weed eating, washing the porches and cars, vacuuming and dishwasher detail, even does his own laundry.

I thought it said "washing the porsches", lol .

S took a long time to find something last summer. I would keep putting in applications. I have seen dozens of signs in our area for help. Something will open up. Good that he is keeping busy with other projects. Get him to clean out the attic or something!

[PackMom]

My S2 had the same experience last summer..never did get a job. This summer he's doing an unpaid internship.
A co-worker's rising college senior S cannot find a summer job this year either.

[vlines]

Can he put out flyers in the neighborhood and try to get more manual labor jobs locally? I know it is not ideal, but at least it will provide funds forhim. And maybe next year he will have an internship!

[Dad II]

What type of university is he attending? Does your son work while he is in school?

Most of the research universities have plenty of summer jobs at the school. In other words, one alternative is for him to work in school during the summer. Yes you will have to pay housing and food. But those working experiences are valueable.

[oldfort]

It sounds like your S is busy doing stuff and getting paid for work, so I don't see anything wrong with it. D1 worked part time freshman summer for a family friend. But she did end up getting a professional internship junior year, and that's the one which mattered. FYI - freshman summer was the last summer D1 was home and felt carefree, after that she was not home again.

[lastminutemom196]

It is the economy-- jobs that were once held by teenagers and college students are now held as either first or second jobs by adults. It makes it easier on managers, because those employees aren't going anywhere come August or Sept.

In the future, consider a day camp counselor position -- those still seem to be held by students. While hard work, for not a huge amount of pay, the kids are generally too tired at the end of the day to spend much of their earnings. Sleep a way camps work as well.

[BCEagle91]

I'd agree with oldfort - doing a bunch of odd jobs can be quite interesting and it's nice to have a variety of experiences before settling in to life's work.

[NewHavenCTmom]

I have always been told that the jobs are snatched up when the kids come home on spring break. So have your son apply in March of 2013... I bet that will increase his chances for a summer job next year.

Has he tried the temp agencies? Do you have any in your area? Also, what about opening up the yellow pages and look for a landscaper and or pool company.. those companies are probably booming right now!

[ahsmuoh]

Again - too late now but one idea is to get his lifeguarding certificate so he can guard next summer - that is only a summer job! Also, I know students that come home on spring break and try to line something up for the summer - again too late now for this year. SOunds like he is a hard worker though!

[LeftyLou]

I think next summer, he has to start earlier.

How about if he does some volunteering? He can gain valuable experience, even if he's not getting paid.

[partyof5]

It will be hard for this year, unless its a seasonal job. No one wants to hire someone they know will leave in August. I agree with previous posters, he has to start earlier next year. I always say, the summer after hs graduation is key. My son got a job that summer, and he was asked back this summer. My daughter started working at an amusment park last summer, before her junior year, and they gave her a job this summer. She is going away to an academic camp and they have let her work for 3 wks prior, and they said she could return and work a few weeks before school starts.

[hoosiermom]

Encourage him to keep submitting applications as it sometimes takes a while for businesses to take action. Is he proactive about following up on the applications he has submitted or is he waiting for a phone call? Make sure he is enquiring in person and not via telephone. Do you live in a neighborhood where he can pass out fliers offering his services for yard work, pet sitting, painting, garage clean out, running errands, babysitting? Fliers can be posted on bulletin boards at libraries and churches. Spread the word to co-workers, friends, acquaintances that he is hard-working and available for hire. It probably is too late for seeking employment at places like Cedar Point but it might be worth looking into. Housing is provided and the workers get plenty of hours.

[hoosiermom]

You mentioned he is a good student. Maybe he could advertise services as an SAT/ACT tutor? Another thought is selling items on eBay for people. The son of one of my friends couldn't find a job one summer and she suggested he use eBay to sell unwanted items that he and other family members owned. About a month into the summer, he had made $800.

[crizello]

I know that we will be in the same situation when my S comes home later this week. He applied for countless jobs as a HS senior and didn't get anything. (However, his little sister applied at 2 places and was hired immediately! I think girls have an easier time.)

Last summer we put him to work around the house, doing painting, helping install a floor, etc. This year if he doesn't find a job, we have plenty of other odd jobs that need doing.

My only concern is what people think of him putting the volunteer work on a resume. to me it shows that he is keeping busy. Others might think since he isn't getting paid, it isn't a real job.

Thoughts?