However, there still could be a few mistakes you are making that you might have overlooked. The first one is that you need to make sure the email address that you are using on your job applications is not childish or embarrassing in any way. Your email address should be simple and have your name in in and it should NOT be anything that would turn an employer off. As an example, “HipHopJamster@aol.com” or “GirlsDigMe@Yahoo.com” would be email addresses that you do NOT want to use on any resume.

The email address you use is a direct reflection of who you are and you want to have something that is basic with your name. Any silly or juvenile email will tell an employer that you might not be ready to work for them and you will lose any chance of ever getting hired. 18 year olds are considered adults so you mustn’t make this basic mistake.

Similarily, your voice message on your cell phone should be professional sounding as well. If you have a message on your phone that is really meant for your friends, you need to change it to something simple that states your name and to please leave a message. Remember, when you are looking for jobs for 18 year olds, it will be adults that are hiring you. The message you leave will be heard by a company manager or recruiter and if they don’t like what they hear, it is very easy for them to hang up and call someone else.

A third thing you should be aware of is your name on the Internet. If you have a name that is not common, an employer might make a quick Google search to see what it brings up. If you have put embarrassing things online you need to take them down if you can. Of course MySpace , Twitter, and FaceBook pages immediately come to mind but you should see what else you have online that could sabotage your job hunt.

Employers have lots of choices this summer and will have for the rest of the year when it comes to hiring. There are more applicants than jobs so all 18 year olds should do everything they can to clean up their act and make they are not doing anything that may ultimately cost them a job before they even get it.

The job market is bad right now as all of you should know and it most likely won’t get better in 2010. By starting your summer job search now, you will be a step ahead of all those who wait. In this economy, you have to do all the little things you can to give yourself an advantage over everyone else who is looking.

All 18 year olds should have a resume and if you don’t have one, you need to put one together. You are now considered an adult and you will be competing with adults who do have resumes. Even if you don’t have a lot of work experience, you should find out how to make one that presents you in the best possible light to prospective employers.

Starting this early looking for summer jobs for 18 year olds means that you will have a hard time finding places that will know now that they can hire you this summer. However, if you make the rounds and start asking questions now, you will be able to get a good idea of what the job market is like in your area and what your chances are. It will also give you the opportunity to meet face to face with some hiring managers and hopefully make a good impression.

Employers who are in charge of hiring decisions like to see young adults that are enthusiastic and who plan ahead. If you start now trying to get interviews for summer jobs, whether it be for high school graduates or before your senior year, it will show that you know how to plan ahead and are interested in your future. This makes you more likely to make a good impression and will increase the chances that you will be remembered when it does come time for an employer to hire.