Tips for teenagers seeking summer work

July 01, 2007|By MARGARITA BAUZA

DETROIT - If the teen summer-job market remains as healthy as last year's, about 8.8 million teens are heading to work this month, according to a study by Northeastern University's Center for Labor Market Studies.

What makes a good impression?

How do labor laws affect teens?

Here's what career coach Lesley Delgado and lawyer Linda Burwell have to say.

·Attitude is everything: "Smile, be punctual, make eye contact and show enthusiasm," says Delgado, owner of StaffPro America Inc., a Southfield, Mich.-based staffing agency.

·Appearance matters: Teenagers should always dress professionally. They don't have to wear a suit, but clothes should be pressed and clean.

·Don't take calls: Turn off your cell phone. If you forget to, don't answer it.

·Be available: Offer up your services throughout the year when you have a break. Ask the company to contact you if there is a special project.

·Know the law: Federal law governs certain aspects of teen work, including the hours they are allowed to be on the job.

For information about the law and teen jobs, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/adoldoc.html.

|

|

|