Good Outlook For Teens Seeking Summer Jobs

With summer just a few months away, new unemployment figures are showing a promising outlook for teenagers looking for seasonal jobs.

Ohio’s unemployment rate went down for the third month in a row in January thanks to continued strength in the state’s health care sector.

Julie Metzger with the Muskingum County Opportunity Center said many landscaping companies, and fast food chains are looking for teens eager to join the workforce.

"Each season is a fresh start for each teen that’s out there looking. So, it doesn’t necessarily mean that just because they didn’t work last year, they’re not going to be able to find something this year," said Metzger.

The total number of unemployed people decreased by 11,000 from December to January.

Metzger believed teens who are looking for summer work have a good chance of finding a job.

"The outlook is a lot better than it has been. The biggest thing for them is to get out there, and get out there early, make sure they showcase their skills and let the employers know what they do know how to do, because that’s very important. And you know they have to learn to sell themselves, and their skill set that they have," added Metzger.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said joblessness fell to 7.7 percent in January, down from an adjusted 7.9 percent in December.