Students take note: How to get a summer job
What it takes to land the sweet summer gig you want
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Time for an open book, multiple choice quiz (next time it’s going to be fill in the blank, you’ve been warned).
The best way to get a summer job is:
A) Wandering into a cool store the day school after lets out, dropping your application on the counter and getting hired on the spot.
B) Getting invited to lifeguard after being seen poolside doing your famous “Baywatch”-style slow-motion run.
C) Thinking about what you want to do, where you want to do it and applying closer to spring break than summer vacation.
We know A and B make awesome stories to tell your buds back at school next fall, but that’s pretty much what they are-- stories. If you wait until anywhere near the day summer vacation starts (for either college or high school students) there will be tons of competition and most of the choice jobs will be gone. And please, don’t bank on your "Baywatch" impersonation to save you.
No matter how boring it sounds, C is the safe answer. Giving your summer job search thought, effort and your immediate attention means a much better chance of getting a job you’ll actually like during the precious vacation months. Procrastinate at your own risk; someone does need to haul trash at the local seafood joint, but we’re betting it’s not at the top of your summer wish list.
Answer these questions and make the most of your summer job search:
1) Where will you be working?
If you already live where you’ll be spending the summer it makes your job hunt easier; you have a good feel for the community and can search in person and online. But thanks to the increasing popularity of online job postings, even if you attend school in California and summer in sweet home Alabama you can still start your job search right now.
Think about the place you’re looking for work-- is it a tourist location? An agricultural hub? Rich with industry internships? Trying to get a job as a beach lifeguard in Wisconsin is going to be tough, but you might be able to get a job as a summer camp counselor. Make sure that you have a realistic idea what local jobs are available before you put effort into getting one of them.
2) What can you do?
If you have prior work experience doing something you like this is a no-brainer. You probably aren’t even reading this-- you’re far too busy reapplying for your old job while your boss welcomes you back with open arms.
If you don’t have work experience, don’t worry! There are plenty of entry-level jobs that will give you valuable experience (and maybe a foot in the door next season). Ask yourself what you’re good at already or what skills you’d like to develop. If you’re a people person check out customer service jobs, retail cashier, restaurant server or hospitality jobs. If you’re the star of your shop class consider a construction labor job or apprenticeship. Cooking enthusiasts can look for prep cook jobs or bussing positions; you get the idea.
Chances are there’s something out there that will interest you, but try to at least pick something you’ll stick with all summer. It’s only three months after all, and you are building a track record future employers will use to judge your character as an employee. Give it your best, and it will pay you back for years to come-- not just on payday.
3) What are you waiting for?
Get started now right now-- seriously. You’re already here with the two resources you need – you and the internet. So answer the first two questions (where you are looking and what you are looking for), gather your references and experience and get going.
Don’t forget these commonly overlooked pitfalls:
- Check your spelling – Even if the job seems unrelated to writing, attention to detail shows in your application. And whether or not “text speak” or cursing is part of your norm, don’t do it on applications, in interviews or at work.
- Review your online profiles – Employers might not check your Facebook profile and Twitter account, but they might. Filter or remove questionable content before you submit applications. If you join a job search site, fill out your profile completely to give employers the best picture of who you are.
- Check your email address – With more employers using email as a contact method, make sure your email address isn’t saying anything about you other than “perfect employee”.
- Listen to your voicemail – We know it was funny at the time, but your John Wayne impression isn’t going to impress your boss. When you’re looking for a job, change your outgoing phone message to something professional.
Get your summer employment search done early and sail through spring knowing you’ve got a job lined up. Wait, and risk wading through a sea of other students all competing for the jobs you want.