How To Get A Summer Job: A Guide For Students Of All Ages

School is coming to an end, temperatures are rising, days are getting longer and summer is stretching out in front of us with never ending festivals, parties, and vacations. It’s time to start thinking about a summer job. Not sure where to begin? Try these tips to launch your summer job search.

Start Your Search Early

Get started now. There’s no point putting off your search until tomorrow. Everyone else will be doing the same thing. So start thinking about what type of job you want and search online, in local newspapers and local businesses for any noted vacancies.

Update Your Resume Give your resume a health check before you start your job search. Make sure all your latest achievements are highlighted, contacts updated and new work experience is included. Don’t forget to add any new references.

Tap Into Friends and Family What better way to get your foot in the door than with someone you already know? Asking friends and family if they need help with their businesses or asking them to introduce you to people they know can help you develop a network of relationships. If you can get plugged into his or her networks you might connect with someone in a position to hire you or that can introduce you to someone who can. Even if you don’t have a friend or family member who can connect you directly to a job interview, it’s a good idea to let them know you’re in the hunt. They can also serve as a reference. A good reference can really boost your resume!

Think Quality Over Quantity

Narrow your search to a few companies. Even though it will feel like you have a better chance of landing a job by sending out more resumes, there is less of a chance of receiving valuable job offers. If you narrow your search it will make job hunting less overwhelming and give you the time you need to investigate the businesses you are applying to. If you take the time to understand the company you are applying to, that extra work will set you apart from all other applicants.

Think seasonal Work

If you’re only looking for a summer job it’s a good idea to look for an industry that does most of its work during June-Aug. Fortunately, these types of jobs are common. If you live near a tourist attraction, there’s a good chance they will bring on extra bodies to cover the increased demand. The same goes for restaurants and shopping centers. Other businesses do booming business during the summer as well. Remodeling companies, landscaping services, parks and recreation, movie theatres, amusement parks, office work, tourism, etc. should be on your radar for summer employment.

Hit the pavement

It’s enticing to do all your job searching online in your pajamas. This method of job hunting is enticing but it doesn’t do much to help you stand out to likely employers. Putting on your Sunday best and taking your show on the road displays that you’re willing to take that extra step to make a professional personal impression. That is something no online resume can deliver.

Be Tenacious

Business owners get a lot of mail and many resumes on a daily basis. If you don’t get a response the first time don’t give up. Wait a few days and reach out again. Persistence may not land you the job but it can get you noticed.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a summer job, expect a lot of competition. Use these strategies to make sure you’re not the one sitting on the couch while all your friends are working.