Finding a job can be a chore even if you know where to look.
It’s even more challenging for teenagers with little or no experience. The ebb and flow of the labor market also can make the search harder, as it did for many teens this summer.
“We’re seeing a slowdown in hiring for teenagers compared to what we saw last year, and really the past few years,” said Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer for the Chicago outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas.
Employers in May and June hired 12% fewer workers between 16 and 19 than the same months in 2024, according to the firm. The 661,000 jobs gained in June — typically the peak month for summer hiring — were the fewest since 2010 among that age group.
Economic uncertainty due to tariffs and increased use of automation contributed to the downturn in hiring, Challenger’s firm found. Companies that typically hire during the season might have held off, and entry-level jobs suited for young workers, such as cashiers, are increasingly being replaced by technology, such as self-checkout machines.
But Challenger and other experts say there are strategies for teens to improve their chances of landing a job even in tougher hiring environments, whether they’re looking for summer work or an after-school gig.
“I just highly recommend for teenagers to reach out to teachers or your parents, parents’ friends, and let them know you want some summer work and going out and trying to talk to people,” he said.
That’s a strategy that 17-year-old Baha Alshaikh says has worked for him. Baha, a rising senior at Oak Lawn Community High School, landed an internship at the Adler Planetarium this summer in the development office, helping with fundraisers and other events.
Baha likes to earn his own paycheck, so he’s tried to work every summer since he started high school. He said a key piece of job-hunting advice was to “never stop trying.” Another tip that worked: expanding his circle by meeting new people.
“If you have a good network, you can find someone who can put you on with a job,” he said.
Challenger, Gray and Christmas suggests teens start their job search early. For the summer, teens should start applying well before the last day of school to avoid the June hiring frenzy.
Dana Eltayeb, 16, applied late and missed some openings but snagged an internship by being persistent. The 16-year-old is working at the International Museum of Surgical Science on the Gold Coast.
“This is one of the last opportunities I could find, and I searched a lot to find it,” said Dana, who goes to Jones College Prep, a Chicago public high school. “So my advice is just keep searching and apply everywhere.”
If you’re looking for work during the school year, check back with places that hired summer workers, Challenger said. The roles are typically high turnover and might be open again as the summer ends.
Online job boards such as Monster.com, Craigslist and Indeed are other options. Visiting shops is a good way to find out who is hiring. Teens should speak with a manager or store owner even if there isn’t a sign posted.
It’s also important for teens to prepare for job interviews. Parents and teachers can help with mock interviews and provide feedback. That includes taking a glance at their social media profiles to make sure there is nothing inappropriate.
And remember: Rejection is normal.
“I was applying to other programs, too, but I didn’t end up getting those jobs,” Eltayeb said. “I’m really happy that I didn’t stop searching because then I wouldn’t [have been] able to get this opportunity.”
Contributing: Araceli Gómez-Aldana