Why it's not too early to apply for that summer job

But, summer jobs won't be limited to the people off school. High unemployment rates mean that you'll be competing against older and more experienced job candidates as well. Forty four percent of employers say that the more experienced crowd will be stiff competition for the students on summer break. This doesn't mean students don't stand a chance, though. They do. In fact, summer job hiring managers expect 78 percent of their hires to be inexperienced.

When you're 17 and competing for the few open jobs, what can you do to make yourself stand out? Clearly, you won't have a three page resume detailing your expertise at fast food joints, amusement parks or any number of other typical summer jobs.

Employers will be looking for the person who will be on time, have a positive attitude, won't ask for every weekend off (answer, no!) and will work hard when on the job.

Don't show up to pick up an application, come to an interview, or even go to a job fair with your friends. Working is a grown up activity and you need to do it independently. If your mom says she'll call and check how things are going, throw your body over her phone and refuse to move until she comes to her senses. Mommy (or daddy) calling will cause your application to be rejected. If you don't drive and need someone to take you to and from interviews, that person should find something else to do during the interview -- their faces should never be seen by the interviewer.

Networking isn't just something that's done by people looking for corporate finance jobs. Let your teachers, neighbors, and friends all know you're looking for a job and what it is you want to do. If your friend already has a job and is a super hard worker and she thinks you'll be a super hard worker, her recommendation will likely help you land a spot at the same place. However, if you aren't going to work hard, don't destroy your friend's reputation by using her to get a job, and then slacking off.

You're not expected to wear a suit to interview to be a caddy at the golf course. But, you should dress a step nicer than you'd do at work. Long pants and a nice shirt are a good start. Take out facial jewelry or multiple earrings, and make sure your hair is presentable. Extreme hairstyles are likely to harm, rather than help you.

Everyone knows that the local amusement park is hiring for the summer, but other places are as well. Hotels need housekeepers (who usually work daytime hours, which means your nights will be open), nursing homes are often hiring people to serve dinner to their residents, and lots of people who rely on school to watch their children most of the time will need a summer nanny. Getting paid to take some kids to the amusement park might be more fun and more lucrative than your friends' jobs operating the rides.