Whether you are a teacher looking for some supplemental income or a college student hoping for experience, a summer job could be just what you need. There are many summer jobs available that can pad your pockets and teach you valuable skills. However, there does tend to be a lot of competition among job seekers. Even in the current market, the summer job hunt can be highly competitive. If you want the best summer job, you need to know where to look and how to improve your chances at a job offer.
First, you need to know which jobs you should apply for. During the summer, there are quite a few jobs to choose from. By picking the best jobs, you can prepare yourself for a better future. You certainly could make money by scooping ice cream or driving a forklift, but does the job align with your goals? If possible, look for a job that’s in your industry or will give you transferable skills. In some cases, your best option might be to take on an unpaid internship.
With that said, a job doesn’t need to directly relate to your career goals. Think about what skills you would need to be excellent in your desired field. Then, consider which jobs give you those skills. To sum it up, make sure the job is relevant to your career goals and pays well enough for you to meet your financial goals for the summer. Here are a few options for great summer jobs:
In the colder regions, summer jobs in construction are widely available. And these jobs don’t necessarily require you to do the heavy lifting. While some construction jobs are about manual labor, others are more about leadership. You may be able to get a job as a project manager or an administrator. Even working in manual labor helps you develop skills you can add to your resume, and these jobs tend to pay well.
No matter where you live, there’s likely to be a busy hospitality season in the summer. As school lets out, more and more people take vacations. You might find work in a hotel, marina, or restaurant. Typically, the hospitality industry pays low hourly wages but has excellent tips. The industry also gives you the experience you need to hone your customer service skills. Other skills you might build include leadership, teamwork, and multi-tasking.
Because landscaping companies have greater demand in the summer than in winter, there are usually many landscaping job vacancies in the summer. Much like construction jobs, landscaping jobs aren’t only limited to physical labor. You could find work as an appointment scheduler or customer service specialist. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may even want to start up your own summer landscaping business.
As employees take time off for summer vacation, companies often struggle to fill vacancies. You might be able to find a temporary summer job with a company in your desired industry. In some cases, the temporary work develops into a full-time and permanent position. Even if it doesn’t work out as a permanent role, you can gain experience and become a better job prospect.
During the summer, camps often look for counselors, coaches, cooks, and coordinators. Although these roles rarely pay well, they do allow you to gain invaluable skills. Additionally, summer camp jobs tend to be highly rewarding.
So, you know what jobs are available to you this summer. But do you know how to actually obtain a job offer? There are a few tips and tricks that can help you get a summer job despite the competition.
Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to apply for summer jobs. If you can, get an early start on the job hunt. Some positions hire as early as April or May, so begin the search before everyone else does.
After you submit an application, don’t maintain silence. Give the employer a few days to process the application, and then send a follow-up email. You can ask them if they received the application, and you may get an interview offer. Of course, don’t pester the hiring manager too much.
Some people make the mistake of being unprofessional because they don’t see a summer job as something to take seriously. However, that attitude can keep you from a job offer. When you apply and interview, be as professional as possible. Show the interviewer that you plan on using this as an opportunity to grow.
Typically, your resume is the first impression for an employer. Before you send in any applications, fine-tune your resume. Talk about any relevant jobs, classes, or volunteer opportunities you have. For every job application, read the listing closely and customize your resume. Use some of the buzzwords in the listing in your resume as well. After you write your resume, ask a friend to check it over.
It’s also essential to practice the most common interview questions. Doing so improves your confidence and allows you to answer questions with more skill. While most job candidates might be nervous and stumble, you can be eloquent and calm. Print out a sheet of common interview questions and ask a friend to host a mock interview.
Whether you interview for a construction or an office job, dress well. Your focus on appearance shows a hiring manager that you take the job seriously. If you’re not sure how to dress for an interview, ask the hiring manager about the dress code. They’ll be able to give you some guidance.
This summer, you can start improving your career. When you find the right summer job, you give yourself a headstart on your new or existing career. Just make sure you update your resume with all the new skills you learn!
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