Finding a Summer Job

It's time to hit the streets as well as the books, if you're looking for a summer job. As always, there's lots of competition out there, and only so many jobs to go around. If you wait until school is out to start looking, you may end up unemployed for the summer.

Besides, your school can be a valuable resource if you're looking for work. Through your school's counseling center or careers office, you can prepare yourself for your job search by assessing your skills and finding information about specific jobs or careers you're interested in. Many schools now have their own youth employment programs set up that you may be able to take advantage of. Some of these programs simply offer job listings; others operate as referral services that will attempt to match your résumé to suitable jobs. Sometimes these programs are tied to specific career paths; the computing department of your school, for instance, may have a work experience program that will let you get a summer job and gain valuable experience related to your future career.

Through your school, you can also get information on government programs that may lead to employment. For instance, "Hire a Student for the Summer" programs pay a portion of the employee's wages to encourage businesses to hire students. Other programs encourage entrepreneurship by loaning students money to set up their own businesses. If you have a potentially money-making business idea you want to get off the ground, this may be the way to go.

You won't know unless you ask. If you're looking for a job, it's crucial that you get the word out. Talk to your teachers while they're still right in front of you. While it's easy to forget (especially around exam-time!) teachers are people, too, and can be valuable contacts if you're looking for work. Once they know that you're available and what you can do, they'll keep you in mind if they come across job opportunities that may be right for you. Teachers are also excellent choices as references for your résumé, especially if you don't have much of a work history. After all, who would know more about your work habits and those traits such as punctuality that employers look for?

You should also make a point of letting your parents' friends know that you're looking for work. If you're lucky, one of them will know of a job that you can apply for or even hire you herself! If not, they all know other people and can help spread the word that you're available. The same is true of the people in your neighborhood, at your gym, or at your church. Let them all know that you're looking for work and what kind of work you're looking for. The people you've babysat for or delivered newspapers to, the people involved in the sports you play or clubs you're in, your doctor or even your dentist may all be sources of job leads... if they know that you're searching for work.

Networking is a powerful tool in your job search. You know the cliché; it's not what you know, but who you know. Clichés endure because they're based on kernels of truth. Who you know matters when you're looking for any job. But what they know about you is even more important. If you're looking for a job, you have to promote yourself. Tell everyone you know that you're available for employment, what kind of work you'd like to do, and why you'd be good at it. You're not going to find work if you keep your job search a secret! While many people are uncomfortable with promoting themselves at first, you'll find that it becomes much easier with practice. If you're worried about it, practice at home first with your parents, sisters, or brothers. Smile, look them in the eye, and tell them what you want and why in a clear, friendly voice.

This practice will stand you in good stead when you're cold-calling. When you make a cold-call, you walk into a business, ask to speak to the manager or owner, introduce yourself, and ask about available work. It's called cold-calling because the prospective employer hasn't advertised for any additional staff or services. If you're going to cold-call, you need to walk in equipped with your résumé and business card; if the employer gives you a favorable reception, he or she will want to see them. You also need to be sure that you've done some preliminary research about the business so you can make it very clear in your presentation what exactly you can do for him or her.

Many jobs are still advertised in the traditional way. An employer seeking new staff places an ad in a newspaper or magazine. If you don't do it already, you'll want to get in the habit of reading the "Help Wanted' columns in your local newspapers and/or magazines. Usually these ads list the necessary qualifications for and details about the position being offered; sometimes they also give specific details about the application process. An ad for a waitperson or customer service representative, for example, might specify that applicants apply in person at the advertised location between certain hours on a specific day, as physical appearance is an important attribute for these positions. Traditionally advertised jobs call for a traditional response. If you're applying for a job that is advertised in print media, you'll need to respond with at least a résumé and covering letter. Depending on what type of job you're applying for, you may also need to include a portfolio or a work sample. Your package of application documents will need to be delivered to the prospective employer by whatever means he or she has specified in the ad. Sometimes employers only accept documents by mail; sometimes they only want them faxed or e-mailed.

If you're seriously looking for work, though, you need to do more than search through newspapers and magazines. The Internet is a great job resource. There are web sites, bulletin boards and newsgroups specializing in specific careers and locations, and many of the general job sites also include information on topics such as interview tips and job searching. (You can even read newspapers online if you want.) Don't forget about zines (online magazines). If you're looking for a job connected with a particular industry, zines specifically related to that industry may provide the lead you're looking for.

Besides going online, you should also go around town. In some places, business is so good that businesses are putting 'Help Wanted' signs in their windows. No matter where you live, there are places that will have bulletin boards where people post jobs. Local malls, for instance, always have bulletin boards. Once you start looking, you'll be surprised at how many places people post information.

Lastly, consider starting your own business. Look around and see if there's a need that's not being met or a need that can be created. Then plan how you can meet that need and turn a profit. Sound simple? It can be, if you can offer a product or service at a good price that customers are willing to pay. Lawn-mowing, painting, rubbish removal, and document shredding are just a few examples of businesses that students have run successfully. Maybe you enjoy a particular sport or hobby that you could incorporate into a successful business. If you enjoy trail-riding, you might try a business offering mountain biking tours around your local area, for instance, or, if you have the skills, a business offering kayaking lessons and rentals. What about a delivery service where all the delivery people "drive" skateboards? If you can't find the job you want, invent it!

In the best of all possible worlds, everyone would have a highly-paid job doing what he or she loved to do. Unfortunately, that's not true in our current job market, especially for people just entering the workforce. Before you start looking for work, assess your skills realistically, decide what's important to you, and focus your job search accordingly. What matters most to you right now; money or experience? The best job for you is one that provides you with the skills and or experience that will enable you to get a better job in the future. Know what the eventual destination is before you set out. If you plan to be a teacher, for example, the more experience you have working with children, the better. If your sights are set on the computer industry, a job working with computers in some capacity is a valuable asset. If you can't find paid work directly related to your career goal, you may even want to consider an internship or volunteer position.

The best summer job is one that will help provide you with a future. Good luck in your search!