Teen Unemployment

Rubina Sarkisian, 17
Sarkisian, above left, a senior at McLean High School, started looking for a job in late August. With Tysons Corner Center — the fifth largest mall in America — nearby, Sarkisian figured she would find employment quickly. Instead, during her three-month search, she filled out nearly 25 applications. Many stores won't hire people under 18. In late November, through a friend, Sarkisian landed a job at chocolate shop Godiva that pays $8.25 an hour.

• The Teen Job Chop