The Jobs Front: As Winter Break Nears, Employment Opportunities Still Scarce For Teens

In the wake of last Friday's disappointing November employment report, Little Neck Patch is publishing a story every day this week on the issues affecting northeast Queens jobseekers.

Dishwasher, office assistant, pizza delivery person.

These are just some of the jobs that have provided that crucial first entry on the resumes of generations of Americans, including illustrious names like Central Intelligence Agency director (and former Scobee Diner ) George Tenet and billionaire investment guru (and onetime newspaper delivery boy) Warren Buffett.

But for millions of teens, including many in our area, it has become harder to get one's foot in the employment door. 

Just ask Marcy, 18, applying at a Starbucks in Great Neck for make some extra cash.

"Everyone I know is looking, but it's hard to find something that doesn't involve babysitting," she said.

In addition to Starbucks, Marcy also recently applied at an Abercrombie & Fitch at a local mall, with no luck yet.

Area teens face one of the toughest job markets for entry-level and part-time positions in decades. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for young people age 16 to 24 was pegged at 48.9 percent in July 2010 — the lowest rate since record keeping began in 1948.

The federal government tracks youth employment every summer; however, another peak season for job hunters falls during the forthcoming winter break, particularly for college students.

However, employment experts offer other alternatives — such as volunteering at local service organizations — for young people looking to burnish their work credentials in a tough job market.

For example, the in Little Neck frequently uses teenage volunteers in many different roles, including as mentors in its popular program which pairs high school students with children with autism.

Another way to get necessary experience, experts say, involves "job shadowing," which includes hands-on experience with a working professional in a variety of different environments. 

Even with these alternatives, the search for gainful employment for many young people — like much of the rest of the nation's workforce — promises to be long and difficult.

"It's really tough out there," Marcy said.