If you are a teen still looking for a summer job, or you’re just starting your search, you may have an even tougher time, but you can still make a little money this summer.

As you know, most teens start looking in early spring and most government-funded programs are full by April or May. There are a number of summer jobs for students that may still be available. Within today’s economy times are tough and companies are just not hiring like they used to, but this can be used to your advantage. Instead of hiring a person with years of experience and having to pay them top dollar with health insurance, sick time, etc., it would be more beneficial to hire a teen for the summer or even part-time hours throughout the school year.

Here are tips for helping you get a summer job before summer is over and school starts:

1. Put together a resume if you haven’t already. If this is your first job, you may not have experience under your belt, but you can certainly spice up your resume with volunteer work, activities you belong to in school, good grades, any awards or recognition you may have received. These things stand out to potential employers.

2. Be sure to mention how a potential employer can benefit by hiring you. Express interest in their business and even do some homework to show them that you know what you are talking about. For example, if you are good with plants and you’ve studied them in school, let them know that you have the knowledge and don’t be afraid to express it. A Nursery or a Gardening Supply Store would love to have someone who knows not to over water plants. Other summer camp jobs would benefit from such an example as well.

3. To make a good impression be sure to present yourself in a professional manner and dress. There is nothing a potential employer dislikes more than someone approaching them in jeans and sneakers inquiring about a job opening. Most of the time you will get a “No we’re not hiring.” Even if the position requires you to dress casual, you only get one first impression so make it a good one.

4. Don’t hesitate to follow up with a prospective employer. When you fill out an application, follow up in a day or so by calling or even stopping by. If you have an interview set up, send a thank you note either in person, via mail, or online if possible. This will make you stand out from the rest.

Search the local paper, search local classified papers, the bulletin boards at grocery stores, the library and even online job searches for your area. Ask family members, friends, and even call your school (they do work throughout the summer). There are many different types of summer jobs, such as cruise jobs, so don’t hesitate to search for opportunities that may seem unfamiliar as they can be a rewarding and exciting way to spend the remainder of the summer months. Even this late in the summer, it is not too late to find a job and make some cash.