SAN ANTONIO – Now that school is out for the summer, a lot of teenagers are hearing this at home: "Get a job."
There is good news for seasonal job hunters this summer.
"There's always seasonal options for someone young to take advantage of: retail trade, leisure and hospitality," said Eva Esquivel with Workforce Solutions Alamo.
As the economy has picked up, more adults have found work. That leaves more seasonal opportunities for teens looking to make some money to fill the gas tank.
Jobs from car-washing to grocery bagging are waiting to be filled.
The Wash Tub has hung "Now interviewing" signs. Several fast food restaurants and retail stores also have "Now Hiring" signs out.
"From CSA (customer service associate) to bagger, we have our apprenticeship program in our corporate office for high school kids," said HEB's Charles Ford. "So, there's plenty of jobs at HEB."
Teens often lack job experience to put on an application or resume. So, what do employers look for?
Ford said a good attitude and passion go a long way.
Soft skills are important to employers, according to Esquivel.
"Can you show up to work on time? Can you be trusted with keys to open and close the store? Can you be trusted with money?" she said.
Workforce Solutions Alamo has programs to assist youths in landing a job, even working employers by subsidizing the paychecks.
The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a new tool on its website to assist young job seekers. www.getmyfuture.org.
And, several job search websites, like Snagajob.com, list job openings geared for teens.
Summer opportunities for teens include jobs like babysitting, dog-walking, amusement parks, golf courses, retail, restaurants, car washes and summer camps.
Although many summer jobs for teens pay minimum wage, employers say they offer value in other ways by teaching self-confidence, self-discipline and the value of hard work.