It's a tough job market — and even tougher for teens

With former employment at McDonalds, a record of volunteer work and a high school diploma, Myana Tovdas thought she’d have a good shot at landing a job.

But for two years, Tovdas has been unable to find work. The Colorado Springs 19-year-old turned in multiple applications, went to interviews and then waited for calls employers told her would come, but never did.

“It’s really hard and frustrating,” Tovdas said. “It hurts your self-esteem level because after so long you keep hearing you’re good, but you don’t get a phone call.”

Tovdas isn’t alone. Last year, 25.3 percent of teenagers aged 16-19 in Colorado were unemployed, only slightly less than the national average of 26.1 percent. The average annual unemployment rate for Colorado adults last year stood at 8.7 percent. As the economic recovery plods along, things are expected to be as tough or tougher this year for teens seeking summer employment.

Even in a good economy, teen job seekers are at a disadvantage because of little or no work experience. With the recent recession, teens have faced increased competition from older people eager for any job.

Matthew Stevens, the manager of Kimball’s Peak Three Theater in downtown Colorado Springs, said during the recession, he saw an increase in applications from adults.

“I was going through about 25 application a week,” Stevens said. “Most of them were overqualified adults.”

Yet Stevens said he’s made it a point to hire teenagers.

“I think people need this experience,” he said. “This job is like putting in your dues so you can get a better job.”

Tim Allmond, general manager at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, said he has seen an influx of applications from adults, but hires an equal number of adults and teens.

“We do sit down and interview everyone, and if someone is qualified we’ll hire them on the spot,” Allmond said. “We’ve had better luck with some of the younger folks.”

Some teens, like Tovdas, have gone through the Governor’s Summer Hunt Job Program at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, which works with teenagers to prepare them for the job hunt process andemployment.

The group has attempted to raise awareness among employers, encouraging them to hire the younger generation to prepare them for future workplaces, said Michelle Graham, the center’s business and community initiative director.

“You owe it to yourself and your business to help these people get the experience they need,” Graham said.

For young job applicants, Stevens said a little preparation — such as dressing professionally for an interview — can go a long way.

“If they show initiative in dressing up a little bit, slacks and a nice polo shirt, it  really shows me that they want this job,” Stevens said.

Oscar Archuleta, 16, landed his first job at Cave of the Winds last month. He applied to several places, but said Cave of the Winds was the only one who called back. Still, he’s luckier than some of his friends.

“A lot have my friends have applied for jobs and didn’t get jobs,” he said.

But Ann Tilley, an assistant operating manager at Cave of the Winds, thinks the job picture for teens might be about to brighten. She’s not receiving as many adult applications as she once was.

“This year, we’re getting back to the teenager,” she said.
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Contact the writer 636-0197.