A report from Chicago outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas showed 714,000 16- to 19-year-olds were hired nationwide in June, the biggest June job gain for teens in four years and a 44 percent increase from last June, when 497,000 teenagers won jobs.

"It's good news to see that jump. It's really been a substantial rebound from last year's lows, and it suggests companies' openness to bring on teens for the summer. It's a sign of more confidence," John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said Thursday.

The company's report, citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, said the private sector was responsible for most of the teen hires, particularly in traditional summer sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality.

Though the numbers nationwide are encouraging, the road remains rocky for teenage job seekers, especially in California, economists say.

The nation's jobless rate for 16- to 19-year-olds – those who are ready to work and are looking but cannot find jobs – was 27.6 percent in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In California, more than 30 percent of teens are unemployed, according to bureau data.

Brandon Alonzo, 17, of Sacramento is among the fortunate ones.

He recently landed a summer internship as a tutor with nonprofit organization Mercy Housing in south Sacramento, but added, "I know it's hard. A lot of people are looking for work."

Internet advice offered

Job seekers can learn how to use the Internet to help their job search at a free two-part August workshop at the Sacramento Public Library's Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven branch.

The workshop sessions are 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 10 and 17 at the Pocket-Greenhaven library branch, 7335 Gloria Drive, Sacramento.

In the class, job seekers will learn how to search for job openings online, how to post a résumé, and how to communicate with prospective employers.

Participants in the workshop will need basic computer and Internet experience and an email address before taking the classes.

The course is limited to 10 students.

Registration is required by calling the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or registering online at www.saclibrary.org.

Intel recruiter to speak

An Intel senior recruiter will speak at the next meeting of the Sacramento Professional Network on Tuesday.

Jeff Dunn will talk about skills employers seek, networking tips and ways to overcome the "overqualified" label.

The free local networking group meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Center for Employment Training, 6853 65th St., Sacramento.

For information about the Sacramento Professional Network, visit www.sacpronet.com.

Job-hunting questions?

Ask Terri Carpenter, one of our "Ask the Experts" writers, who can answer your career questions online.

A jobs expert at the Sacramento Employment & Training Agency, Carpenter has expertise in résumé writing, job-skills training and career counseling.

To post your question or to view her advice to other job seekers, go to www.sacbee.com/ask.

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Call The Bee's Darrell Smith, (916) 321-1040.

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