Guide to Getting a Summer Job NOW!

By Ocean Gildee, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Why wait to embark on the summer job search when you could get a head start on all of the other students who will be clamoring for seasonal employment? Wait no longer! Finding your perfect summer job doesn’t have to be tough if you follow the guidelines suggested by Sarah Clark, a career development counselor at UNC Wilmington. We talked to her about the ins and outs of the summer job search, and she gave us some awesome tips on earning some cold hard cash during those long, hot days.

When to Search for a Summer Job

Start your job search now. This is particularly important if you’re applying for a job as camp counselor, lifeguard or pool snack-bar attendant, as hiring managers fill those spots quickly. “If you’re looking for a local summer job in your hometown,” says Clark, “start inquiring after spring break about potential openings.” It’s never too early to start the job search.

Don’t give up. Stick with the search, even if it seems like you’re not getting anywhere. If you’re staying near your college over the summer, you’ll have more luck as the school year winds down. College-town jobs aren’t hard to find because positions are always opening, as some students work during the school year and go home over the summer.

Where to Look for a Summer Job
Go online. Clark points to Indeed.com, JobMonkey.com and SeasonalEmployment.com as great sites for locating summer jobs. Specifically, Clark says that Indeed.com “has a search function that allows you to narrow your search to part-time opportunities only,” which may help you find a job that’s a better fit for you.

Utilize your school’s career center. Another good idea may be to visit your university career center, an entire office devoted to helping students find all sorts of jobs -- full-time, part-time, high-paying, low-paying -- in any field imaginable.

Hit the streets. Go into local businesses and ask for an application. Be pleasant when you do so; smile and, if you can, ask to meet the manager. Even if the business isn’t hiring, they’re probably accepting applications. And you never know -- maybe someone will quit next week and you’ll get a call!

What to Look for in a Summer Job

Explore you field of interest. If possible, attempt to find a job that can relate to your potential career. If you’re a business major, get a job as a secretary or an assistant in a professional office. If you’re an education major, get a job that would allow you to work with kids. It’ll be an awesome resume-builder if you can relate your part-time positions to your full-time aspirations. “The No. 1 thing employers look for when hiring for full-time jobs is relevant experience,” says Clark.

Don’t be too picky. If you’re just looking to get a paycheck during your time off from school, that’s OK too. Says Clark: “Try to apply to as many jobs as possible, and be flexible in the types of positions you’ll consider.”

How to Apply for a Summer Job

Apply often. With the economy in the state it’s in, Clark says, “Employers are doing more with less, and summer jobs fill up quickly.” So fill out as many job applications as you can get your hands on.

Spiff up your resume. Clark recommends supplementing standard applications with a professional resume and cover letter. “If possible, drop off the docs in person and introduce yourself,” she says. “Always dress professionally if applying in person.” Dressing professionally doesn’t necessarily mean a suit and tie, but do not wear jeans, flip-flops or tank tops!

Follow up. If you don’t get a call within a week after submitting your application, contact the potential employer. Clark says, “It’s OK to call and ask about the status of your application if it’s been more than a week since you applied. Just don’t call every day!” One call every week and a half shows that you’re truly interested, and some employers prefer to interview and hire applicants who follow through because it shows initiative.

How to Nail the Summer Job Interview

Research the business. Don’t forget to find out all you can before the interview. Go in with a very clear understanding of what the business does and why you want to work for them. Nothing impresses a potential employer more than demonstrating the initiative of having researched the company.

Don’t stress. The interview is not difficult to master as long as you can be yourself and be friendly. Always imply that the job comes first and that you will be a responsible employee. Never show up late to an interview, and make it clear that you understand time management.

Build yourself up. A job interview is the perfect time and place for bragging -- but in a non-arrogant way. Don’t lie, Clark says, but be sure to let your potential employer know why you are the best person for that job and what relevant skills and experience make you a qualified candidate.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/gchutka