Summer's coming, and you can finally say 'hasta la vista' to homework and PE. While you're looking forward to all that free time to hang out with friends, go for a hike, or play video games until you can't anymore, you also want to look for something to occupy yourself with and earn money at the same time.
If you're looking for summer jobs for teenage boys, then this Asphalt Kingdom blog is for you. Let's get started.
Sealcoating crew member
If you like the outdoors and don't mind physical labor, then check out sealcoating jobs. So, what do sealcoaters do? Sealcoating crew members apply sealer to asphalt driveways, parking lots, and airport runways.
Young men fixing asphalt cracks
But in this line of work, you're not going to be limited to applying sealer. As an asphalt maintenance specialist, you're also going to learn how to fill asphalt cracks, stripe parking lot lines, and patch potholes. You're going to learn how to prep asphalt surface and stencil symbols, numbers, and letters.
The good news is sealcoating and other asphalt maintenance jobs can only be done during the summer months, so it's easy to find jobs in this area once school's out.
How do you find a job as a sealcoater? You can start by looking for vacancies on job listing websites, including Indeed, Jooble, and Jora.
Can't find any vacancies online for sealcoaters for your area? Then google the top sealcoating contractors operating in your city or county. Jot down their phone numbers, and give them a call. Chances are high that they're also looking for people looking to work as sealcoating crew members.
Want to get a head start on sealcoating and impress your prospective employer? Then watch the video below to get a primer on sealcoating asphalt like a pro.
Video: How to sealcoat asphalt
You can also check out the Asphalt Kingdom YouTube channel and blogs to learn more about sealcoating, crack repair, and line striping.
Make it into Your Business: If you're a father looking to start a business for your son or interested in starting your own asphalt business, Asphalt Kingdom has helped many entrepreneurs with their free Build Your Own Business Blueprint.
Video: 16-year-old line stripes for the first time with the PowrLiner 850
Farm worker
If you live in or near a rural area, then you can help out at farms in the summer. What do farm workers do? Teenagers like you can harvest fruits and vegetables, tend to and feed livestock, plant crops, and remove weeds.
As a teenager, however, there are things you're not allowed to do. For example, federal law prohibits children under the age of 16 from operating heavy and dangerous machinery or working in close proximity to aggressive animals, such as bulls or stud horses. You're also not allowed to handle toxic chemicals or explosives.
How do you become a seasonal farm worker?
If you live in a rural area and have a tight-knit community, then it should be easy to find work as a farmhand. Visit the farms nearest your home and ask if they need help. You can also ask neighbors or anyone in your community if they know of a farmer who could use an extra pair of hands in the summer.
Another option is to visit farm and ranch supply stores and check out their bulletin boards or ask their employees if they know someone who needs a farmhand.
Do you live in the city and want to experience being a seasonal farm worker? Then the first place you can look for summer farm jobs is online. But scams abound online, so ask your parents or guardian to check if the vacancy is legit before heading to the farm to work in the summer.
And before you apply for a farm summer job, we recommend that you read the Department of Labor guidelines for young agricultural workers first.
Related: What Do I Need to Start a Sealcoating Business?
Retail Shop Assistant
People shop all year-around, but summer is particularly scorching hot for many retailers because of the number of people who are out and about.
Also known as store assistants or sales associates, shop assistants are masters in wearing many hats. They assist customers in finding the right products, replenishing merchandise on shelves, keeping the store clean, and choosing the best products for display.
So which places offer work as a retail shop assistant?
You can apply to places such as hardware, appliance, and grocery stores. You can also try clothing shops, furniture shops, and pet stores, to name a few.
Do you live near tourist sites, resorts, or country clubs? Then check out places that see an uptick in visitors in the summer. These places include museum gift shops, golf shops, sporting goods stores, and souvenir shops.
Visit stores downtown or in malls and strip centers to find vacancies for shop assistants. You can also look for retail summer jobs for teens online or ask a family member if they know of retail shop assistant vacancies.
Recreation worker
You'll have plenty of options if you want to work as a recreation worker. You can work in settings as diverse as summer camps, aquatic centers, parks, resorts, golf clubs, theme parks, and more.
So what are the job options available for you as a recreation worker?
You can work as a lifeguard, clubhouse attendant, groundskeeper, or pool attendant. You can also work as an entertainment performer, golf course maintenance crew, activities assistant, camp counselor, cashier, gate attendant, host, or server.
Looking for recreation worker jobs this summer? Then the best course to take is to submit an application to the resort, aquatic center, or summer camp in-person or online.
Check job listings online for vacancies if you can't find one near your area and you're willing to relocate temporarily for the summer.
If you're a competent swimmer, skier, or surfer (or any other sports being offered at resorts), then you might want to work as an instructor. Just make sure to be certified by the sport's corresponding governing authority first (ISA for surfing instructors, PSIA-AASI for skiing instructors, Red Cross for swimming instructors, etc.) before submitting your application.
Landscaping Crew Member
If you like the outdoors and don't mind working hard under the sun, apply to become a landscape crew member this summer.
Some of the responsibilities of a landscape crew member include maintaining lawns, trimming hedges, and watering plants. You're also going to learn how to fertilize lawns, spread topsoil, decorate gardens, and clean the grounds.
How do you become a landscaping crew member? The easiest way to get in the business is to ask family members or friends if they know of landscapers who are hiring team members this summer.
You can also look for vacancies in your city or county online.
Related: 4 Winter Money-Making Ideas for Asphalt Contractors
Practical Tips to Land a Part-Time or Full-Time Summer Job
As a teenager, landing a summer job is an exciting opportunity to gain work experience, earn some extra cash, and develop new skills. However, finding the right job can be a daunting task especially if this is your first time.
The good news is that there are practical tips you can use to help you find and secure a summer job. Here are five tips to help you get started.
Spread the Word
One of the most effective ways to find a summer job is to spread the word among your family, friends, and acquaintances. Don't be shy. Let everyone know that you are looking for a part-time or full-time summer job and what kind of job you are interested in.
You never know who might know someone who is hiring or who might have a job opening. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool that can help you tap into the hidden job market.
Ask Around
Another way to find a summer job is to ask around in your community. Visit local stores, restaurants, and other businesses and ask if they are hiring for the summer.
You can also check with local community centers, parks, and recreation departments to see if they have any job openings for the summer. Don't be afraid to ask if they know of any other job opportunities as well.
Submit Your Resume to Owners or Hiring Managers Directly
If there is a specific company or business you are interested in working for, consider submitting your CV or resume directly to the hiring manager or owner.
This shows initiative and interest in the company, which can set you apart from other candidates. You can find the contact information for hiring managers or owner online or by calling the company directly. Or you can visit the store itself and submit your resume in person.
Look for Opportunities Online
In today's digital age, there are many online resources you can use to find summer job opportunities. You can search online job boards like Indeed or Jooble, or check out social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook for job postings.
Additionally, many companies have their own websites where they post job openings. Set up job alerts to get notified when new jobs are posted, and don't forget to tailor your application to each job you apply for.
Relocate If You Have To
If you are having trouble finding a part-time summer job in your local area, consider expanding your search radius. Look for job opportunities in nearby towns or cities, or even consider relocating for the summer if it is feasible. This can open up new job opportunities and give you a chance to explore a new area.
Related: 8 In-Demand Home Service Business Ideas To Try This Year
Summer Job Hunting Etiquette for Teenagers
Job hunting etiquette is crucial for teenagers who are looking to secure their first job. By understanding proper etiquette, you can make a positive impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing their desired summer job.
Here are five important tips to keep in mind when job hunting.
Dress Appropriately
First impressions are important, and your appearance can make a big impact on potential employers. Dress appropriately for the job you are applying for, whether that means wearing business attire or more casual clothing.
If you're applying as a sealcoating or landscaping crew member, then clean tee and jeans will do. But if you're applying as an intern in an office, then it's best to go for business casual.
Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well. Good personal hygiene is also a must.
Be Punctual
Arriving on time for an interview or meeting with a potential employer is a sign of respect and shows that you take the opportunity seriously. Make sure to leave plenty of time to get to the location, taking into account factors such as traffic or public transportation delays.
Be Prepared
Before heading to an interview or meeting, research the company, farm, or organization you are applying to.
Have a good understanding of their mission, values, and the job responsibilities you are applying for. Prepare answers to common interview questions and have a few questions of your own ready to ask.
Communicate Professionally
When communicating with potential employers, whether it's via email, phone, or in person, make sure to use professional language and grammar. Avoid slang or informal language, and be polite and courteous. Remember to thank the employer for their time and consideration.
Follow Up
After an interview or meeting, send a thank-you email or note to the employer to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position. This is also a good opportunity to address any points that may have come up during the interview or to provide additional information that could be useful.
Related: Top 17 Summer Side Hustles to Consider
Things to Remember Before Starting Your First Summer Job
The US government has established rules and regulations regarding the employment of teens, with the goal of protecting their safety, education, and overall well-being. Here are some of the most important rules that teens and their employers should be aware of.
Age Restrictions
Just because you want to work this summer, doesn't mean you can. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets age restrictions for employment, prohibiting the employment of children under the age of 14 in most jobs, except for certain types of work, such as delivering newspapers, babysitting, or working for their parents' businesses.
For teens between the ages of 14 and 15, there are restrictions on the hours they can work and the types of jobs they can perform. Teens aged 16 and 17 can generally work in any occupation that is not deemed hazardous.
Work Hours
The FLSA also sets limitations on the number of hours teens can work during school days and non-school days.
For example, teens aged 14 and 15 can work a maximum of three hours on a school day and eight hours on a non-school day. Teens aged 16 and 17, meanwhile, can work between three to six hours on a school day and eight hours on a non-school day.
Hazardous Jobs
There are specific types of jobs that are considered hazardous and are prohibited for teens under the age of 18, including operating heavy machinery, working in certain construction jobs, or working with certain types of chemicals.
Work Permits
Some states require work permits for teens under the age of 18. Work permits are issued by schools or state labor departments. They are designed to ensure that teens are not working in jobs that interfere with their education.
Minimum Wage
The federal minimum wage for non-exempt employees is $7.25 per hour, but some states and municipalities have higher minimum wages.
Employers must pay teen workers at least the minimum wage and may not pay them less because of their age.
Conclusion:
There you have it, your top 5 summer jobs for teenage boys. If you're planning to start working as a sealcoating crew member, then the best time to start looking for opportunities is now. Call your local asphalt maintenance companies and see if they have vacancies to get started and make money this summer. Good luck!
P.S. If you're interested in building an asphalt business, join our FREE weekly AK Roundtable to talk to seasoned pros in the industry and learn about the business!
