Looking for a Summer Job?

Before you know it, school will be out for the summer, so now is a great time to start searching for seasonal employment. Having a job can help youth in so many ways beyond the paycheck. Young people who seek employment learn valuable skills that they will need in the workforce, and are able to explore fields and career options that can influence their future. The State of Colorado has some excellent resources for youth seeking summer jobs — and for employers looking to hire them.

This month the Colorado Governor’s Office and the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) kicked off their 39th annual Governor’s Summer Job Hunt. This program matches job seekers age 14-24 with employers who are interested in hiring young people. The program can help employers with posting job ads, holding job fairs, screening applicants, and more. Youth job hunters can use the website not only to look for jobs, but also to learn about the world of work. The site includes numerous information resources for youth on writing a resume, having a successful interview, and keeping a job once hired. The site also includes links to college planning resources, apprenticeships, and labor law information.

Another great resource is Connecting Colorado. By registering on this website from CDLE, job seekers can upload their resume, search jobs, apply for jobs online, and connect with regional workforce centers. The site also provides information on using the Virtual Job Shadow resource to help youth explore careers. Connecting Colorado can also be used by employers to post jobs and access hiring resources.

Launch My Career Colorado is another great website for teens and young adults, who can use it to explore careers and colleges in the state. This interactive site matches specific career fields and industries with Colorado colleges and universities offering programs in the subject, as well salary ranges, required skills, etc.

Finally, be sure to check out CDLE’s Career Help webpage, which offers links to information on career choice, job searching, training, and more. On the site you can also access interactive skills assessment tools.