June 16, 2021

A Student’s Guide to Finding a Summer Job

A few tips on summer job hunting.

Networking is your best friend

Networking is not as intimidating as it sounds. Even if you aren’t naturally outgoing, networking is simply expanding your network by talking to people you already know. Start by asking around your circle and let them know that you are looking for a summer job. If you have a friend who’s got a job, check in with them and ask if their employer is looking for new hires. The important thing is that you let people know you are looking for a job, so they can help you make connections with people they know are hiring.

Write a resume

If this is your first job, you might not necessarily have much experience, but it is important to have a resume handy. For many summer jobs in certain sectors, they will not require a resume, but you should play it safe and have one ready. You should note in your resume any prior experience, volunteer roles, and any other work you’ve done. This can give your employers an idea of what kind of person you are just with that simple sheet of paper.

Prepare some references

References are easy to get if you have worked before and left the job in good standing. Preparing about three references before you start applying for summer jobs can help you with job applications. If you haven’t worked before, ask neighbors who you’ve done freelance work for, volunteer leaders, teachers, or academic advisors to help you with this. Make sure to let them know and ask them if you can put them down as a reference ahead of time.

Keep an eye out online and in-person

The job market has become more accessible with the internet helping to put the word out. Be sure to utilize it to help with your job hunting. Spend some time looking online and filling out job applications. You can also set up notifications on numerous job sites so you can be the first to know when a job in your field pops up. If you do not have easy access to internet, make sure to ask around your neighborhood and in mom-and-pop shops to see if they’re searching for a new hire. Keep some copies of your resume with you when you are job searching in person so you can drop them off to potential employers.

Job hunting does not have to hard, but it does take a good amount of effort to look and apply. Summer is the best time to build some skills and make some extra cash at the same time. You can even use it to try out something new. Be sure to do your research and make the most of your networking to find a position that can be a great opportunity for building experience.