How Not to Get a Summer Job
Hiring managers give us the lowdown on what drives them crazy
You might also like these articles:
Search for jobs in your area
Which is more painful: finding a summer job in 2011 or getting a bikini wax? While waxing might seem like the obvious choice, consider this; the wax will only hurt for a few seconds, but your summer job search could end up being four weeks (or more) of constant and painful rejection.
According to 36 percent of hiring managers, a positive attitude is the number one attribute they look for in a seasonal employee. Next is schedule flexibility (27 percent) and previous experience (23 percent).
And while most of you are doing the right things to put yourself in the running for all of the good summer jobs, some of you are doing things that make hiring managers run screaming in the opposite direction. The worst part is that you might not even realize you’re doing it.
That’s why we put together this list. We surveyed more than 1,000 hiring managers to find out what you do that drives them crazy – so you never do it again.
Smell funny.
Yup, you read right. There are people who smoke a pack of cigarettes, go to the gym (and don’t shower) or pour on the cologne before a job interview.
Nothing turns the stomach of a hiring manager quite like a smelly candidate.
Dress like a slob.
Why are you dressed like you’re about to head out to the beach? This is a job interview. Put away your belly shirts, sweat pants and flip flops. If you want a summer job, then you need to dress professionally.
Hiring managers say:
“Wear job appropriate clothing to the interview. Leave all the face, tongue piercings at home for the interview. First impressions make a huge difference in getting that job.”
Show up late.
Seriously? You might as well not even show up if you can’t show up on time. And forget whatever excuse you just came up with. The hiring manager isn’t buying it. If you really want a summer job, you’ll do what it takes to arrive early.
Bring your cell phone.
You definitely shouldn’t even have your cell phone in an interview, let alone answer it if it rings. Answering your cell phone while in an interview (or texting) shows disrespect to the interviewer and a lack of interest in the job. Turn it on silent or better yet, leave it at home.
Hiring managers say:
“Get to the interview on time. Speak correctly. Turn off cell phone. No gum. Be enthusiastic.”
Have an attitude.
Here’s the cold, hard truth. Employers don’t owe you anything, and copping an attitude will get you nowhere. Be positive, outgoing and friendly. Show an interest in the company and the job. And if they tell you no, don’t get upset. You never know, making a good impression now could mean getting a job in your future.
Hiring managers say:
“Come with a positive attitude and do your research about the job BEFORE you come for an interview.”
Give up.
Just because you didn’t get the job you wanted doesn’t mean there isn’t another great job out there for you. The people who get the summer jobs are persistent. They apply early and often, do their research and show up to every interview with a positive attitude.
Hiring managers say:
“Present yourself with a clean and upbeat resume. Be persistent and don't let a few initial failures set you back.”
So what are you waiting for? Find a great summer job today!