Whether it's just looking for some spending cash between years at high school, or earning tuition money for college, the time to start finding summer employment is now. But first, the savvy job hunter knows to be prepared.
Update the Resume
A student has to work harder to prove his/her worthiness for any employment, as often the lack of experience is seen as a detriment. The first step for any student looking for summer employment is to create or update a resume. The resume needs to show accomplishments, but the most important aspect to show is reliability and trustworthiness. And it's not good enough to just put words down – back it up with examples.
Reliable – only missed x days during semester; consistently helped preparations for home room class or art class. Was trusted to lead outdoor running or archery calls. Create a summary skills section and put these accomplishments in it, or consider putting this on a separate sheet.
This area is not to show off work experience, but life experience and personal accomplishments as it might relate to a work environment. Driving a little brother to karate class and bringing him home counts as being reliable, as does making a dinner once a month or more for the family.
Always update with any other jobs, even if it was casual labour such as shovelling snow off the neighbour's driveway. Don't forget to list all volunteer work, even if it was mandatory for the school.
Now print/copy off a bunch of resumes, to prepare for the next step.
Decide on a Route and Go There in Person
Retail stores are the best bet for summer employment. Go to the mall with the resumes, and check out which stores are looking for help. Apply there, and ask if the manager might consider doing a quick interview right on the spot. Don't overlook the large chains or the small independent. Everyone gets some sort of summer vacation, which is where the student looking for summer employment can really help.
It often helps to think out a route first. If there are the box store malls nearby, try those as well as the local strip mall or plaza. Grocery stores need help stocking and often want night staff. This is a great way to gain experience that during the school year is off limits. Don't worry if there is no "help wanted" sign in a window. If there's a place that might be suitable, try it.
Don't forget about the food industry. There's the coffee shops, restaurants and pizza joints, all needing summer staff. Also local beaches will need wait staff and cleaners, as well as trained lifeguards. There's also taking care of the neighbourhood kids when camp is not available.
Do NOT call about a job; get out there and get the job!
Attitude is more Important Than Experience
The most important aspect of finding a summer job is attitude. Keep a smile on your face and in your eyes, be pleasant and polite no matter how bad the situation might be or how rude it might become. Clothes must be neat and clean, as should the hair and body. Stay away from perfumes or heavy body scents.
If working indoors is not desirable, try contacting landscaping places. Often summer camps are looking for cook and wait staff too, so consider contacting that area as well.
By being persistent, and armed with resume and summary skill set, the summer job can be obtained.
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
Join the Conversation