Tough Summer for Teen Jobs

Mississippi teens may find it tougher to get work this summer because of the recession

Increased competition and fewer jobs are making the summer job search tougher for Mississippi teens. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

After submitting dozens of application to department stores, movie theaters and restaurants 18 year olds Tacara and Kristi Harding of Philadelphia still haven't had any luck landing that perfect job.

“And I’m out this summer trying to find a job because I need some money in my pocket to go to college in August.” “It is very, very hard with the economy and how we struggling. Seems like they losing jobs more than they hiring.”

Reports show that this year, teens across the country are finding themselves facing stiff competition from older, more experienced workers. That's leaving employers like Matthew Bennett, owner of East main Food Outlet in Carthage in a bit of a dilemma.

“When they closed down the Golden Moon and about a 1,000 employees were let go and had several of those people come by. And ah, haven’t been able to hire more people.”

The state’s unemployment rate currently stands 8.6 percent with thirty five counties showing double digit numbers. With so many people in need of work, Rachel Watley with the WIN Job Center in Jackson says employers have a wider field to choose from and employees have fewer options.

“Due to downsizing, companies closing, companies cutting back, the opportunities are not maybe as great at this moment. But there are many opportunities available for youth.”

Watley says any teen looking for work can contact their nearest WIN job Center for more information. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.