3 Ways to Find a Summer Job (for Students)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

If you would like to find a summer job, there are several factors to keep in mind before applying. Take a moment to consider what your goals are and what you want to make of them, whether they are new skills or some extra cash. Once you've figured out which direction to go, start your research and prepare for interviews. Read on to learn more.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Figure out which direction you are going

Step 1. Take a moment to consider what you are looking for in a summer job

What you apply for should be based on what you hope to achieve. Ask yourself questions that will help you determine which one is right for you, such as:

• Do you want to gain experience in your field of study? Look for internships and apprenticeships where you can acquire the industry basics.

  

• Are you looking for a summer job that could turn into a full-time position after you graduate? Opt for lower-level professions, which you can continue to do part-time before finishing your studies.

  

• Are you just planning on earning a few extras during the summer break? This can broaden your search to many industries that will pay you well or offer you the chance to work the hours you need.

  

Step 2. Think about your past experiences

When trying to figure out what job you should apply for, take a moment to consider what you've done so far. In particular, look at the skills you have and the type of profession that will allow you to put them to good use. Ask yourself:

• What skills have you gained from these past experiences? How to apply them to other jobs?
• Did you appreciate a particular job and would like to find a similar one?
• Did you hate a job and want to avoid it in the future?

Step 3. Consider your goals and the skills you want to acquire

Try to make a list of milestones you would like to achieve through a seasonal chore. Also, review the skills you plan to develop over the summer. You must have a clear list of aspirations and abilities. When you start applying for the various positions available, refer to the list. If they do not meet your needs, you should bet everything on another job.

• What types of projects would you really get excited about?
• What kind of professional environment do you want to work in?
• Which companies are you particularly interested in?
• What kind of people or co-workers do you want to learn from?

Step 4. Add new items to the list of ambitions in relation to the development of your experience

The list that contains your goals and the skills you want to develop should be an evolving document. While you might have an experience or find a job that allows you to cross one of the goals off the list, you should add new aspirations as soon as they appear.

Step 5. If you are just starting out and are having difficulty, ask for advice

It can be difficult to start a professional search, especially the first time. Don't be afraid to turn to more experienced people who have already applied for a job in the past. They may give you helpful tips, which have the potential to completely change the experience. Here's who you should talk to:

• Your parents and relatives.
• Friends who have applied for a job in the past.
• Your academic advisor or an employee of your school who offers career guidance.

Method 2 of 3: Start the Job Search

Step 1. Start looking for work now

If possible, start before summer arrives, as it will take time. Doing so early will also allow you to be one step ahead of your other similarly-intent schoolmates.

Start your search in late winter or early spring, as most companies start accepting applications for seasonal jobs around this time

Step 2. Find out about any documents you need to work

You may have some legal restrictions, but this depends on where you live. In particular, if you are a minor, it is likely that you will need it (for example, some certificates may be required) in order for you to be legitimately employed.

• Talk to the school counselor about the documents you will need.
• You can also contact the relevant authorities or ask your parents for advice. The important thing is to be sure what to do.

Step 3. Get at least three references

In addition to your resume, many companies will ask you when you apply for a job. You should look for three people who are willing to write letters that can testify to your seriousness and work ethic, so that interviewers get to know you better. Prepare a separate document for references, don't add them to your resume. Here's who to ask:

• Teachers.
• Academic advisors.
• Coaches.
• Leader of volunteer organizations.

Step 4. Your applications should be targeted and personalized, both to suit your interests and use your skills (as explained in Part 1) and to target each potential employer the right way

When you decide to do this experience, you should choose all the places that will allow you to achieve one of your goals or perfect a skill you want to improve. Interviewers often can tell if candidates are passionate or excited about being hired.

Step 5. Expand your network and find out about vacancies

When you have a good professional and specialized network, you have more opportunities to find a job quickly than people who don't know anyone in the field. To expand the network and find out if anyone is aware of companies they are hiring, talk to professors, former employers, friends, parents and coaches.

Ask if they have heard of any companies looking for candidates; otherwise, they may recommend a person you should talk to or companies you should check out

Step 6. Look for work online

There are many websites that post ads. You can do a specific search for the field of your interest. To be honest, there are even pages dedicated to summer jobs. You can also take a look at the ones that offer part-time positions, which are ideal if you are hoping to work and enjoy most of your vacation at the same time.

Sites that post summer or part-time job listings include SimplyHired and Indeed

Step 7. Apply online

Most companies allow this. Each company will ask you for different information. Get ready to fill out an extended web application as well as submit the following documents:

• Curriculum.
• Cover letter, which will help you explain why you want the job and why you would be the perfect candidate.
• References.
• Samples of work done in the past (such as articles, photographs, etc.).

Method 3 of 3: Apply in person

Step 1. Visit the companies you are interested in to find out if a certain seat is free

If you prefer to apply personally or want to work in a specific company, you could go to one of their offices and speak face-to-face with a representative. Doing so can help you stand out from the flood of anonymous resumes received online.

When you go to the company offices, ask the receptionist what positions are available and if you could speak to someone right away to arrange an interview

Step 2. Prepare for sudden interviews

If you go to the company's offices to find out about vacancies, they may ask you to interview right then and there. This means you need to prepare on time. Consider your availability, in order to immediately indicate how many hours you will be able to work. Prepare answers to common questions, such as:

• "Tell me something about yourself."
• "Do you have experience in this field?".
• "Where do you see yourself in five years?".
• "What do you think are its strengths?".
• "What do you think are your weaknesses?":
• "When can you start working and for how many hours are you willing to do it weekly?".

Step 3. Dress appropriately

When you go to an interview, it's important to show up with the right clothing on. Try to wear formal clothing, but not too much, and avoid visibly inappropriate clothing and accessories.

• Girls: wear a blouse with a skirt that reaches to the knees or a dress; you can also choose a well-made shirt paired with a pair of trousers. Add a nice pair of shoes. If you want to wear tall ones, avoid the stiletto heel.

  

• Guys: Wear a polo or dress shirt paired with a pair of pants and clean, polished shoes. In particularly formal settings, you should opt for a suit and tie.

  

Step 4. Remember to bring all necessary documents with you

Sure, they may not have told you anything about it, but you should have a folder that contains everything you need. This way, you can give a hard copy of the resume to the interviewer for reference during the interview. Here's what you need to have on hand:

• Curriculum.
• Cover letter.
• Reference list.
• Professional certificates.
• Samples of your works.