Summer jobs and internships are often a teenager’s first introduction to the professional world.
For teens, they build confidence, responsibility, and early career awareness.
For employers, hiring teens can provide motivated seasonal help while investing in the future workforce.
If you’re a teen seeking work or an employer hiring, preparing, recruiting, and setting clear expectations makes the job experience better for all.
Read the full guide for students, parents, and employers that covers:
- Why Summer Jobs Matter for Teens
- Advice for Teens Looking for a Summer Job
- Advice for Employers Hiring Teen Workers
- Preparing Teens for the Workforce
- Tips for Parents Supporting Teen Job Seekers
Programs like the summer 2026 Career Readiness Camp for Teens in Paoli, PA, quickly boost confidence and readiness. Degrees and certifications help, but knowing how to prepare career documents and market yourself shortens the job search.
Local job fairs are a quick way to meet employers who are hiring.
Conestoga High School in Berwyn is hosting a job fair on Tuesday, April 21st, from 11 AM – 2 PM. Register here if you are a local employer seeking to hire! (I’m a Stoga’ alum and I will be there!)
Top 25 Companies That Often Hire Teens for Summer Jobs
Many employers hire teens for entry-level jobs in customer service, food service, recreation, retail, and camps. The hiring age is often 16, with some roles available at 14 or 15, depending on local laws.
Below are companies frequently known for hiring teen workers for summer and seasonal roles.
Retail
- Five Below
- Gap
- Kohl’s
- Marshalls
- Old Navy
- Target
- TJ Maxx
- Walmart
Typical roles include:
- Customer service assistant
- Sales associate
- Stock associate
Restaurants & Food Service
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Dunkin’
- McDonald’s
- Panera Bread
- Starbucks
- Subway
Typical roles include:
- Cashier
- Crew member
- Food prep assistant
- Host/hostess
Grocery & Warehouse
- ALDI
- Giant Food Stores
- Trader Joe’s
- Wegmans
Typical roles include:
- Bakery or prepared foods assistant
- Cart attendant
- Front-end associate
- Grocery clerk
Entertainment, Recreation & Seasonal Work
- AMC Theatres
- Regal Cinemas
- Six Flags
- YMCA
Typical roles include:
- Camp counselor
- Concessions worker
- Lifeguard
- Ticketing staff
Local Opportunities Teens Should Not Overlook
In addition to national employers, many local businesses actively hire teens, including:
- Community pools
- Ice cream shops
- Landscaping companies
- Libraries
- Local restaurants
- Nonprofit organizations
- Parks and recreation departments
- Small retail shops
- Summer camps
These employers often value hiring local students with flexible schedules.
Tip for Teens: Apply in Multiple Ways
Successful teen job seekers often submit online applications through company career pages, but their resume format may not make it through a company’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
- Apply online through the company website’s career pages
- Visit local businesses and ask if they are hiring
- Attend high school job fairs
- Ask friends, neighbors, and teachers about openings
Networking – even for teens – can make a big difference.
Tip for Employers
Businesses that hire teens often discover that student workers bring:
- Enthusiasm
- Fresh energy
- Quick learning ability
- Long-term loyalty when treated well
Many companies report that their best future supervisors started as summer teen employees.
Practical Action Steps
For Teens
- Identify 5-10 companies you want to apply to
- Prepare a basic resume
- Attend local job fairs
- Follow up after submitting applications
For Employers
- Advertise summer positions early
- Partner with local schools and career programs
- Provide clear training for first-time workers
Did you read last week’s article? Is Your LinkedIn Profile Bee-u-ti-ful? 🐝
NEXT STEPS
- Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn™ for bright ideas on managing your career.
- Subscribe to the Great Careers Network Substack
- If you need a resume or LinkedIn™ profile to get you to your next step, book a call to chat!
- Join as a member at https://greatcareers.org/membership
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for monthly events listed on Events Quick List Page
- Sat Mar 14 | 3-4 PM | Primp My Profile – LinkedIn Profile Reviews
- Mon Mar 16 | 1-2 PM | Networking for Introverts: Speaking Up to Stand Out
- Mon Mar 16 | 6-7:30 PM | Maximize Your Job Search Using AI & LinkedIn Insights
- Tue Mar 17 | 6-7 PM | Business Executives Networking Group & ChemPharma
- Wed Mar 18 | 12-1:30 PM | From Invisible to In-Demand: Building Your Personal Brand
- Wed Mar 18 | 7-8:30 PM | How to Develop Successful Job Search Strategies
- Thu Mar 19 | 12:30-1:30 PM | Recruiter on Call with Jobs
- Thu Mar 19 | 5-6 PM | Beyond the Resume: Building Your Proof of Work Portfolio
- Sat Mar 21 | 8 AM – 1 PM | Shift+ Tech & AI Career Lab
- Mon Mar 23 | 10-11:30 AM | Your AI Advantage: Brand, Visibility, Opportunity
- Mon Mar 23 | 5-6 PM | Your LinkedIn Company Page: Job Search & Growth Tool
- Tue Mar 24 | 6-8 PM | Optimize LinkedIn for Career Success Part 2 of 2 for CCLS
- Tue Mar 24 | 6:30-7:30 PM | Business Executives Networking Group & ChemPharma
- Thu Mar 26 | 9:30-10:30 AM | Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability (Hybrid)
- Thu Mar 26 | 12:30-2 PM | Turn Your Setback into a Comeback
