Teenagers should accentuate the positive when seeking a summer job

The heavy competition for seasonal jobs this summer makes remembering the basics of job hunting more important than ever for young applicants.

Here are a few tips.

The Paperwork

Kassie Beltran, a senior at Bishop Gorman High School, said teen job seekers "should definitely have a resume."

A resume usually offers prospective employers a rundown of an applicant's employment history. What if it's a first job?

Then, list on the resume highlights of the student's scholastic record and extracurricular activities, Beltran recommended. That, too, can offer an employer an idea of the qualities the candidate could bring to a job.

Jerry King, a junior at Northwest Career & Technical Academy, said counselors there also recommend that applicants offer employers a letter of recommendation written by a teacher or other trusted adult. It's another way to stand out from other applicants.

And, Beltran noted, when stopping into a company with a paper application or resume, be sure to give it to a manager or another superior. That'll increase the chances of the application or resume not being mislaid, and will enable the manager to immediately attach a face to the name on the paper.

The Dress

First impressions are important. "Don't come in in shorts and a hat that's turned backwards, because you're going to have kids there who are dressed in slacks and a nice shirt or skirt, and that person's going to look much more employable than you," said Nancy White, program director for Project 5000 Kids, a teenage job program.

In fact, dress presentably even when just picking up an application or dropping off a resume. The person who receives it may well be the one who does the hiring.

The Interview

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a polite greeting. Now is the time to remember the manners taught by Mom and Dad.

By the way: Patty Barba, owner of the Patty's Closet clothing stores, suggested that Mom or Dad stay at home, or at least in the car, during the teen's job interview.

"For us, it's been a problem," she said. "If a mother says, 'My daughter is going to do this, my daughter is going to do this,' with all due respect, it's your daughter who's applying for the job, not yourself."

So, she recommended, "do not bring anybody other than yourself to the job interview."

Always show personality. "I think if you have a bubbly, enthusiastic personality, let it show," Barba said. "That's a big thing for us.

"We are looking for your personality more than any other skills, and when you sit there and tell me you're such a people person, I'm not going to believe you if you don't show me. I can only go by what I see."

Always look the interviewer in the eye, White said, and try to anticipate questions the interviewer might ask and the qualities you can bring to the job.

"You need to be able to tell them why they should hire you over the 20 other kids who are going to be applying for the same position," she said.

Think about goals and plans beforehand, too. Some interviewers consider that "very important," White said. "A lot of businesses want to know about your future plans. They want to know what ambitions you have."

At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for his or her time. In fact, White said it never hurts to send a thank-you email that says, simply, "Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today."

But make sure your online name isn't embarrassing, rude or inappropriate.

"If the email says, 'Pothead@gmail.com,' you're gonna want to change that," she said.

It sounds obvious. But, White said, "you'd be amazed."

The Tenacity

A tough job market means that getting a job may well hinge on how persistent an applicant is.

Beltran recommended following up on a resume or application. Check back with the company "just to show that you really are eager to work and get out there."

Julia Lopez, a senior at Northwest Career and Technical Academy, said "apply to as many places as you can and just follow up."