Have you seen that new iTouch that just hit the market? What about those cute spring clothes stores are beginning to sell? You know, I hear a new videogame is coming out soon. But there’s one big problem, how are you going to raise the money for all of those wants? I’m betting that your parents won’t provide the money for you in these hard economic times.

Mavs, to most of us, getting a fun summer job seems to be the answer to all money and budget questions. Currently, many students here at the Ridge are completing applications, searching for “help wanted” signs, and hoping for big paychecks for an upcoming summer job, however; our aspirations of making money this summer aren’t always easy to fulfill.

With the failing economy, many businesses have cut back on hiring new employees, so it’s crucial to make a good first impression while asking for an application or while being interviewed. With the cutback of available teen jobs, there is a lot of competition over available positions.

Teens seeking jobs usually go for the simplistic jobs, such as hostesses, waiters and waitresses, fast food workers, cashiers, and summer camp workers. Many of our employed Mavericks work at movie theaters, Harris Teeter, Target, and at Southpark and Carolina Place Mall.

Asking for an application at these places can be intimidating, however; remain calm and keep in mind that the employees currently working had to ask for an application too. Be sure to say please and thank you!

While filling out an application, remain honest. Teens want to have the best applications possible, but don’t write untruthful facts about your skills and personality. For example, if you dislike math, don’t write that you’d love a job as a cashier. It seems easy, but some teens think they have a higher chance of being hired if they tell the employer that they don’t have any major weaknesses. If you’re not upfront with the employer, you’ll find yourself without a job just as easily as you found yourself hired.

Marvin Ridge is famous for our supportive parents. Though support is beneficial, parents should not go into stores with you while asking for applications. If your parent decides to tag along, ask them to stay in the car. It makes a bad impression to go in with your parents because it gives the employer the notion that you can’t work on your own.

Once you apply to various locations, remain patient. Don’t check with the employer multiple times to ask if they have reviewed your application. You don’t want to be pushy or annoying.

If you are given an interview, it’s essential to be polite and friendly. Show good charisma and manners. But before you sit down for the interview, be prompt! I suggest arriving at your interview five minutes early. Being tardy for a simple interview would lead the employer to believe that you will be constantly late for shifts. Since budgets are tight, it’s essential to give great first impressions to employers.

Receiving good grades in high school gives an employer a great impression. If you can maintain A’s and B’s, it lets the employer know that you are dedicated to your hard work. Some job applications that I’ve previously filled out ask for a weighted high school GPA, which means employers take your grades into account.

Meghan Bradshaw, a junior employed with the YMCA, speaks highly of having a job. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work too. It’s worth it, because I have a lot of fun with my fellow employees and the kids that I work with at my job. It looks really good on college applications too, because it lets them know that you are dedicated to what you do. Though it’s a lot of work and a lot of time is invested into having a job, it’s definitely worth it.”

So Mavs, while looking for a summer job, realize that getting and keeping a job is hard work, it also takes time; you just have to stay positive and remember the benefits! Good Luck Mavs!