Job opportunities still allow for cashing-in during COVID-19
By Alani Kanan, Staff Writer
COVID-19 has left many in a pickle when trying to find a job, especially as teenagers. The CDC guidelines have forced the closure of many non-essential businesses, and a good majority of those that have remained open are not actively hiring. However, with a little bit of research, you may find that certain companies are still looking for new employees, including Starbucks, PacSun and Target.
There are several Starbucks locations hiring teens age 16 and up in Santa Monica alone, as well as hundreds more found throughout the greater Los Angeles area. For this specific job, the duties entail working as a barista, taking orders and making all kinds of drinks. Thus, the skills required are strong communication, ability to multitask and good customer support. To apply for this position you must search “Starbucks Careers” or go to https://www.starbucks.com/careers/ on the internet, which will then lead you to find stores hiring near you. It is a super straightforward process, requiring only a simple application, making it a great opportunity for those who dislike the drudgery and stress of a long application process. Overall, this job is a smart way to gain a strong work ethic and new skills for the years to come.
PacSun, located at the Third Street Promenade, is another great entry-level job for those age 16 and up. New sales associates are often put to work maintaining the floor and greeting customers, and from there work their way up to running the fitting rooms and cash registers. The desired skill set for this starting position revolves around customer service and organizational skills. If you fit these criteria, you may want to consider applying! To do so, head to Pacsun’s website (https://www.pacsun.com/). There, you will find a section labeled “company info” when you scroll to the bottom of the main page. After clicking this, you will find a link that reads “careers” which will take you directly to a page with various PacSun job openings.
Another beginner level place to apply to is the recently opened Target in Santa Monica on 16th and Wilshire. The position available for those 16 and up is the “sales floor team member”, which requires unbeatable customer service abilities as well as extensive product research, which employees are trained on upon hiring. This job opportunity comes with a variety of responsibilities, from giving product recommendations to working the cash register. Furthermore, this job is super easy to apply for; all you have to do is google “Target careers”, which will lead you to an extension of the Target website where all of the application information will be listed.
If applying for a position with a small business or franchise does not appeal to you, there is no need to worry. There are plenty of other proactive ways to make an income in your community. First off, you can ask trusted adults, such as neighbors, friends or even family members if they require pet care services. Although it may not sound like much, it is possible to make a good sum of money from walking dogs or pet sitting, with the average rate being around $15 an hour. Additionally, you can reach out to friends and family to see if anyone needs a babysitter or assistance with their kids at home. Rates for this job tends to range from anywhere between $12 and $20 an hour. Both of these flexible options are a great way to earn money!
All in all, there are many ways to be proactive and find a job even during these difficult times. The simplest way is to look up jobs that are hiring near you and decide if any of them are a good fit.