Julian Rivera, 17, living in northern New Jersey, only received a response after applying to about 20 places. "Adults often say, 'get a summer job,' as if it's simple. Things aren't as simple as they used to be," he stated.

Rivera tried applying for jobs at grocery stores, restaurants, and retail outlets, almost anywhere that hired teenagers. However, many places had either stopped hiring or sought candidates with prior experience. Rivera eventually found part-time work at a restaurant, but described the application process as more competitive and disheartening than he had anticipated.

Melissa, Rivera's mother, said even she was surprised by how much the hiring process had changed since her teenage years.

"When I was young, you could walk into a store, ask for an application, and almost get an on-the-spot interview. Now everything happens online, and the competition is much fiercer. I still want my son to experience working, earning his own money, and learning responsibility, but the process demands far more persistence than we ever imagined," she commented.

A university student works part-time at a restaurant in New York. Photo: AFP

For decades, jobs at restaurants, swimming pools, summer camps, or local retail stores marked the start of summer vacation for US teenagers. However, federal labor data and the real-world experiences of many young people indicate these opportunities are increasingly scarce.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of 16-19 year olds employed increased by 801,000 between 4/2025 and 7/2025. This was the lowest increase for the same period since records began in 1948.

In 4/2026, the US had 5.19 million employed workers aged 16-19, a decrease from 5.48 million in the same period last year. The labor force participation rate for teenagers is also significantly lower than historical levels. In 4/2026, 33.8% of 16-19 year olds were working or actively seeking employment, while the employment rate for this age group stood at 29.5%.

Chris Greene, founder of YoPro, a career development platform supporting teenagers, hears similar stories daily from young people trying to enter the job market. "They are frustrated by job searching. They truly want to work but are facing numerous obstacles," Greene explained.

He attributes the reduced accessibility of many entry-level jobs, traditionally stepping stones for teenagers, to employers' increased automation and staff streamlining. This includes self-checkout kiosks, online ticket sales, and mobile app ordering. Employers are now demanding more from young applicants.

"Years ago, summer jobs were where teenagers learned professionalism, communication skills, and workplace etiquette. Today, employers expect applicants to already possess many skills before being hired," Greene noted.

Beth Duckworth arranges pastries in a display case at The Goldenrod, a famous restaurant and candy shop in York Beach, Maine, on 1/6/2022. Photo: AP

Greene believes the job application process itself is an opportunity for teenagers to mature, but a common mistake among young people is being too passive. Most teenagers simply apply online and then wait for employers to call back.

He advises young people not to stop at submitting an application, but to follow up appropriately, proactively introduce themselves in person if possible, and prepare for interviews.

Familiar questions like "Tell me about yourself" or "Why do you want to work here?" are often included in his training sessions to help them answer confidently, clearly, and professionally.

Parents' role in their children's job search is also growing. Many parents fill out applications, call businesses, or directly ask employers about job opportunities on behalf of their children. According to Greene, this approach can backfire, as employers often notice when parents collect applications, submit resumes, or try to introduce their children for a position.

He suggests that parents should only provide background support, such as practicing interviews with their children, preparing resumes, and building confidence. The rest, from contacting employers to presenting themselves, should be left for the teenagers to experience independently.

While traditional summer jobs are becoming harder to find, Greene believes teenagers can still acquire valuable skills through volunteering, freelancing, internships, or launching small personal projects.

Ha Linh (According to ABC)