Working for the summer

By CHRISTOPHER KROMER Tribune Chronicle
Amid whispers of recession and unemployment figures that continue to creep up, local teens are emerging onto the job market en masse this summer. It’s part of the annual ritual of teen summer job searches, and despite economic circumstances, many employers say they’re ready to take in new workers.

‘‘I don’t think the state of the economy will hurt us,’’ said Kenneth J. Kollar, general manager of the Eastwood Mall Complex in Niles. ‘‘It’s not in our best interest to lay off people or cut back to maintain our complex.’’

Those who have been downsized or laid-off, however, will also flood the summer job market, increasing the number of applicants from which employers can choose. Competition for jobs traditionally held by teens could be fierce this year, says Lisa Goetsch, director of Workforce Development at Kent State University Trumbull campus.

‘‘Displaced workers are seeking opportunities to make some money until they can obtain a permanent position, some adults are working multiple part-time jobs and many retirees are looking at these jobs as a nice way to supplement their retirement income,’’ explained Goetsch.

Goetsch says the sheer number of jobseekers presents a unique challenge to potential employers.

‘‘We have the veterans, baby boomers, generation X and generation Y in the workforce at the same time,’’ said Goetsch. ‘‘Each of these groups had different life experiences, have different motivations and expectations and learn differently.’’

In a SnagAJob.com survey conducted in February, 27 percent of students searching for summer work identified defraying general living expenses as their top priority in seeking employment, second only to the 22 percent who said college and related expenses topped their list of motivating factors.

For 20 year-old Jordan Hardval of Fowler, a psychology student at Wittenberg University, the need to finance her study abroad experience this fall led her to seek employment at stores such as Hobby Lobby, Yankee Candle and Matthew’s Hallmark at the Eastwood Mall.

‘‘I need to make sure I have spending money,’’ said Hardval.

Hardval, who has past experience in the retail and custodial industries, said the faltering economy doesn’t concern her.

‘‘I don’t think it discourages me,’’ said Hardval. ‘‘It makes it hard to get the hours I need, but not so much getting hired.’’

While Hardval has few concerns about getting hired, those who do should apply early, says Sunrise Inn owner Ken Haidaris.

‘‘Get an early start,’’ advises Haidaris. ‘‘Don’t wait until June.’’

Haidaris added that his restaurant had already completed most of its summer hiring.

‘‘We hired people that were out last week looking.’’

Waiting too long to apply is a common mistake young applicants often make, Kollar said.

‘‘Those who get out of school early and hustle and put in applications, those eager, self-motivated people typically win the prize,’’ he said.

Other key mistakes include dressing inappropriately during an interview or the job search process, presenting a resume with misspellings or other errors and not presenting relevant information.

‘‘Sometimes applicants dress sloppily and they don’t have any information,’’ Haidaris said. ‘‘They might not know their Social Security number and they’re just not prepared.’’

‘‘You don’t want to show up in shorts and flip flops,’’ Kollar said. ‘‘Appearance is so important because it relates to customer service.’’

Despite some of the common mistakes young applicants often make, many feel that hiring from this age group has its advantages.

‘‘A lot of times they stay and move on to different positions,’’ said Haidaris. ‘‘And if they go away to college, it’s nice to see them when they come back. It’s gratifying.’’

‘‘There are some quality kids out there,’’ Kollar said. ‘‘Sometimes as a society I think we lose sight of that, because typically you read about the negatives.’’

Overcoming fears of employee inexperience is a key step for employers, says Goetsch.

‘‘(Young applicants) need the opportunity to develop and improve their skills,’’ said Goetsch, who advises employers to communicate expectations to young employees and to let them know how they are performing.‘‘Give them a chance.’’

And for those who may be struggling to find employment this summer, Hardval encourages persistence.

‘‘You can’t give up. Go everywhere and try everything. And be polite.’’

ckromer@tribune-chronicle.com