Summer is quickly approaching and you would think finding a job with flexible hours that provide experience and money would be easy for a teen to find.

The job search is very competitive for a middle class student with no work experience. Not only are middle class teens competing for jobs with adults who are willing to take any job due to the recession and high unemployment, they are sometimes shut out by government jobs programs aimed at teens as well.

For example, the average middle class teen likely wouldn’t qualify for a position aimed at teens from low-income families such as the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency’s summer jobs program. This city program provides positions for high school juniors and seniors whose families are able to demonstrate a history of government financial assistance.

 My job search began as early as February, and I’ve completed application after application at places such as Foot Locker and Great American Cookie Co. at Greenbriar Mall and Bruster’s, Movies ATL, Starbucks, Party City, Shoe Carnival and PetsMart at Camp Creek Marketplace only to return to be told, ``We’ll call you.’’ Often, after more than two weeks, they never make the call to me.

 I would offer a word of advice to job seekers, speak to the manager rather than a worker when applying. Also, when returning applications, you should meet with managers face to face to see if they’re really serious about giving you a job or if they are just being polite.

 Applying for jobs has taught me that you must try harder, be more assertive and you must have a resume and know how to respond to interview questions.

 A summer or part-time job pays benefits a teen more than financially. Even though the money is important, the work experience gained has a greater long-term value.

Summer jobs give students valuable work experience to help in fulltime job searches after high school and college. Job applications ask you to list jobs you’ve held and to list references of individuals who supervised your work.  

 I have often heard the typical remark, “You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job.”

 That dilemma can be overcome if you work early in life and accept jobs relevant to your future interests. Whether you’re interning at a modeling studio or working at your local movie theater ticket booth, jobs have many benefits.

 The small things such as arriving to work on time, having a positive attitude, working hard and well with others, portraying leadership qualities and doing the best job you can. You need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current position, as well as for any potential future positions.

 Jobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how “cool” the job or company, so some days may not be as great as others. The keys things to remember are: you are earning money; you are gaining experience, and you are making good contacts and references.