6 Tips To Get Your Summer Job

By Erin

I don’t know about you, but now that the weather is finally on the balmy side, I’m dreaming of spending my summer days sunbathing at the beach. But then I realize if I want to pay tuition next year, I’m going to need to spend my summer at work! Here’s some tips on how to get and keep a summer job!

Search High and Low

If only finding a job was as easy as pressing a button. Image courtesy of expectingchange.com.

There are so many ways to find a job — make sure you check out as many as you can, to ensure that you find the perfect job for you. Networking, job fairs, employment websites, or even just a walk in your neighborhood can help to make you aware of opportunities that are around you. Even if you aren’t totally sure about a job — apply! If you’re offered an interview, it’s a great chance to figure out whether or not the job is right for you… and even if you don’t end up taking the job, the interview will be good practice!

Make an Impression

Don’t be this guy. Image courtesy of sodahead.com

Make your resume stand out, and write a cover letter that shows your personality. Have a friend or family member proof-read your application, mistakes are a definite no-no! If you’re interested in getting some help with your resume, CAPS on campus offers tons of resources to help you make your resume the best it can be.

Dress to Impress

Images courtesy of allabroaduk.com and nerdlife.com

For job interviews, the rule of thumb is usually to dress a level higher than the position you’re interviewing for. So that means if you’re applying to be a summer camp counsellor, business casual is appropriate, but if you’ll be working in an office situation, a suit would be more appropriate. Like it or not, your outfit is one of the first things potential employers will notice when you walk into the interview room!

Stay Cool

Employers can tell when you’re stressed, so keep your cool. Image courtesy of citizenschools.org

I’ve had the opportunity to sit on the other side of the interview table a few times, and I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is getting too nervous, and taking things too seriously. Do your best to stay calm, and think of the interview as a conversation rather than an interview. You will come across more approachable, level-headed, and easier to work with than when you are feeling nervous.

Follow Through

If you say it, you should be prepared to show it! Image courtesy of desertnews.com

It’s easy to talk yourself up in a job interview or on a resume. But it’s important to follow through with what you’ve promised once you’ve actually started working. Be on time, try your hardest, and be your best self!

Keep it Professional

It can be tempting, but stay away from workplace gossip! Image courtesy of actasifblog.com

Keep your cell phone tucked away, don’t tell stories about the crazy night you had on Saturday, and don’t complain about anything (or anybody) in your office in an unprofessional way. Staying professional throughout the whole summer will help you get a great reference, and make your day to day working life so much better!

So whether you’ll be working an office job, at a summer camp, or at the mall, I hope these tips will help you to get and keep your perfect summer job!