Get a jump on summer jobs

Will you — or your kids — be looking for a summer job?

It’s a good idea to get an early start, this year more than others. Surveys show employers are expecting more applicants and planning to hire fewer of them , so you’ll want to get a jump on the competition to have the best shot at summer employment.

A survey by the employment web site SnagAJob.com found that more than three-quarters of employers said they’d fill summer positions this month, according to a Money Magazine story.

The piece offers this advice:

Besides culling classifieds, calling camps, and contacting family friends, your child should search Teens4Hire.com and SnagAJob.com for jobs above minimum wage ($7.25 as of July 24). Also have him check local government sites: The stimulus plan set aside money for 1 million summer jobs for youths.

And suggest that he pop into discount stores and fast-food chains, which are weathering the recession and may be hiring. To increase his appeal to employers and his earning potential, have him offer to pick up afterschool or weekend hours before school’s out , says Ivan Charner, director of the AED National Institute for Work and Learning.

Read the whole story here . And here’s an excerpt from a story at the teen jobs site GotAJob.com, rounding up advice for young job seekers:

Tell them what they want to hear. Teen job seekers should practice interview questions ahead of time with a friend or parent. One you’re guaranteed to hear is “Why do you want to work here?“ This is a trick question - it’s not really about you , it’s about the company .

Wrong answer: “Well, I think I’d enjoy working here. My friends say it’s a pretty chill place.“

Better answer: “I’m excited about working for one of my favorite stores and I really like the team atmosphere here.“

Are you looking for a job this summer? Or do you have a child who is? I’d like to hear from you about your plans, hopes and expectations. What are you hoping to do, and what are you planning to do with the money you earn?