Summer jobs hard to find for parish teens

By Mya LaGrange

Locally, the most defining factors in a teen’s success in garnering a summer job, whether it be delivering pizzas or manning the cash register, will be promptness and persistence.

"We are currently holding interviews and taking applications," said the manager of the IHOP in Boutte. Papa John’s in Boutte is in need of delivery drivers, and their Destrehan location, though not hiring at the moment, is taking applications in case of any openings.

Competition has shifted since just last year according to CNN Fortune. Over the past few years teens in search of summer jobs could have expected competition from older, more experienced workers. However, this year their biggest competitors will be their own peers.

Majoria’s Supermarket in Boutte estimates that nearly 40 percent of their staff are teen workers, and many of them work there throughout the year.

Many local businesses, including Smoothie Kings in both Destrehan and Luling, say that they are currently taking applications but are not hiring at the moment.

What will set you apart from the rest? Shawn Boyer, the CEO of Snagajob, an online job database, says that it won’t be how experienced you are, but rather "your ability to work to fulfill the needs of the employer." In other words, you may not be able to have every Saturday night off or hang out with friends at your leisure.

Renee Allemand Simpson, St. Charles Parish Public Information Officer, said that parish departmental jobs for teens are applied for early on in the year, with students turning in applications around January. These jobs encompass everything from secretarial work to recreation to assisting the Parish’s Emergency Operations Center.

Though many positions have been filled, teens are encouraged to stay persistent and continue to apply. Various fast food chains throughout the parish such as McDonalds and Popeye’s are accepting applications as well.

The St. Charles Parish Library offers job search services and has information regarding employment available on its website. Teens can visit myscpl.org for information ranging from writing resumes to finding job applications to college internships. The library is also a good source to find out when a job fair is coming to your area.