Getting a summer job

By Sydney Homerstad

Are you looking to make money, gain life experience and find something to occupy you during our second summer in this pandemic? Sometimes things that seem the most obvious can be the things that we are the least educated about, so below are some tips on how to secure your summer job coming from a fellow (employed) high schooler.

1). Indeed

Most places are now accepting applications through the app Indeed. Indeed is an incredibly simple app that helps you create a resume, search for the kind of job you want and get in contact with employers. You can even turn on alerts for the jobs you want in order to be the first to apply! Of course, not all jobs can be found there, but it helps you gain some footing in the world of employment.

2). Resume

Indeed helps you build a resume, but if you prefer to make your own, that is also highly encouraged. Make sure you have the proper formatting, and that everything on it is relevant and neat because this is the first thing your potential employer will look at.

Getting a job without any prior experience is difficult, so you want to make sure you do everything with the eye of a perfectionist.

Here is a video on how to build a resume with little to no work experience!

Once you have created a resume, print out a few copies to have on-hand for potential interviews.

3). Apply

Now that you have your resume, you can start applying! When applying through Indeed, there are very simple step-by-step instructions, and the employer will usually contact you within a few days.

You will either get an interview or be turned down. If you get a chance at an interview, make sure that you are as available as possible and have a way to get there at all times if you need to be there in person.

If you want to apply for a position that is not on Indeed, go to their website to see if you can find information on how to apply for a job. Places like grocery stores will usually have applications readily accessible on-site and may not need a resume.

Keep an eye out for “Now Hiring” signs and feel free to ask current employees for more information.

4). Interview

The first step to a good interview is the way you present yourself physically.

Practice good hygiene beforehand by showering, fixing your hair into a professional look and wearing clean clothes. For most jobs, you want to wear a blouse or button-up paired with slacks or nice jeans, minimal jewelry and dress shoes.

However, living in Austin means that some places want you to be yourself and/or meet a certain standard of appearance. For example, stores like Zumiez look for people with a skater look, and beauty stores want people with good makeup and hair skills, so make sure to take the environment into consideration when choosing an interview outfit.

Additionally, have good posture and walk with confidence. During the interview, try not to fidget, and sit up straight with your feet either flat on the floor or your ankles crossed.

Next, know whether you are expected to be yourself or highly professional, and prepare some answers to interview questions accordingly. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, hobbies and other skills that might be useful. If you want experience to go on your college resume for the major you are seeking, be sure to mention that.

Practice interview questions of all kinds can be found online.

Finally, speak with confidence and assuredness. Try not to ramble while also including as much relevant information as possible, and actively avoid filler words such as: like, um, uh, etc. Do not be afraid of taking pauses to think.

Additional Tips

If this is strictly a summer job for you, your best option is to seek out jobs such as nannying, camp counseling, or even a lifeguard position. However, there are many jobs that are looking for extra staffing during the summer. Indeed can help you filter out full-time jobs that would interfere with school.

Also, go in knowing what you want to be paid. The more knowledgeable you are, the better you look. Before interviewing, research what an entry-level position would typically get paid for the job you are applying to.

Finally, be sure to ask your own questions during the interview. This shows active participation and an eagerness to learn. If the employer mentions something that needs to be done that is not necessarily a part of the job, offer to help or mention your skill sets related to it.

You got this! Now go get yourself a job.