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 can also make the search harder, as it did for 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 at Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas.
Employers in May and June hired 12% fewer workers between the ages of 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 this year, Challenger’s firm found. Companies that typically hire during the season may have held off, and entry-level jobs suited for young workers, such as cashiers, are increasingly 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.
Challenger suggests teens take advantage of their networks to increase their chances of finding work and to find out about jobs that aren’t posted online.
“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 one 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 Adler Planetarium this summer in the development office. He helps organize 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 also suggest 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, learned that lesson this summer. She applied late and missed some openings, but she managed to snag an internship by being persistent. The 16-year-old is working at the International Museum of Surgical Science in 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 may be open again as the summer ends.
Online job boards such as Monster.com, Craigslist and Indeed are other options. Visiting local shops is also a good way to find out who is hiring. Teens should speak with a manager or store owner about any opportunities, 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.
Finally, experts say, teens should be patient and remember that 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.”
Emmanuel Camarillo covers K-12 education for the Sun-Times. Follow him @mannycam and @mannycam.bsky.social. Contributing: WBEZ reporter Araceli Gómez-Aldana