Start looking for summer work now, experts tell students

Spring has just barely arrived, and already students are urged to start looking now for that coveted summer job.

"First jobs are a stepping stone to the working world," said Shawn Boyer, CEO of SnagAJob.com, in a press release. "They're a time to learn about responsibility, work ethic and contributing to a team. Teens, especially, must be willing to accept an entry-level job, work a flexible schedule and emphasize a positive attitude and willingness to learn."

And making some extra money, for college or a night out, helps too.

SnagAJob, which helps people find hourly jobs, found in its annual survey of hiring managers that summer hiring for teens and college students will be at about the same level it was last year. That's good mainly because hiring won't be worse than it was last year.

The survey found that 29% of hiring managers intend to hire the same number of workers, and that 18% -- down from 23% last year -- plan to hire fewer workers this summer. Nearly half, 47%, don't expect to make any seasonal hires, while 6% intend to hire more. It's not great news, no matter how you look at it, but at least things aren't getting worse.