Magnolia and Tomball teens looking to find a job this summer may find some tough competition.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the national teen unemployment rate is at its highest since 1983 for 16-19 year-olds, which accounts for both full and part-time work. It soared past 21 percent in April, up from 15 percent last April.

Tim Raburn, store manager of the Wal-Mart in Tomball, said that his store employs many teens who are 18 and 19 years old, and the job market has “tightened” this summer, but there are still openings available.

However, dress to impress, he said. 

“I don’t want to see a nose ring or exposed tattoos,” said Raburn.

He said the biggest mistake teens make when they come in to apply is not looking professional.

“The fastest way to get into trouble is text-messaging,” he added. “Leave your cell phone at home.”

Laura Kelly, general manager of the Sonic Drive-In on Main St. in Tomball, echoed Raburn’s sentiment when it comes to professionalism.

“Don’t bring friends with you when you come in,” she said. “I would not hire someone who did that.”

Kelly, who has worked at Sonic for four years, said that teens make up about 50 percent of her staff, and she gets one or two teenagers a day coming in and applying for jobs.

“In the summer we always bulk up at the beginning,” she said.

Kelly said she likes hiring teenagers because they “catch on faster” and that it’s a good job for teens to make money, with carhops averaging around $70 a day in tips, plus an hourly wage — if they’re on roller skates.

Teens can also look online for help finding a job, such as the Texas Workforce Commission’s Web site, which offers job searches, interview tips, careers and skills assessments, and numerous other resources and links.

 “It’s slowed down a little because of the economy, but we’re always hiring,” said Kelly.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed