Tips and Tricks for Summer Jobs
March 20, 2020
Use the summer months to build up your savings! Learn how to find and keep a summer job you'll love.
Competition can be intense for summer job seekers. Boost your chances of securing summer employment with these tips:
- Create a resume that lists any previous work experience, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships and more.
- Ask your friends about summer jobs they’ve done in the past. They may know someone you can contact if the job sounds interesting.
- Spend some time walking around town looking for “Help Wanted” signs. This is often the best way to discover if a local business is hiring or not.
- Network with trusted adults. Ask your parents’ friends, church members, relatives or neighbors if they know of any businesses in need of summer help.
- If you’re lucky enough to get a job interview, be sure to show up on time and dressed in professional clothing. Positive first impressions are important.
- Running out of luck? Don’t be afraid to start your own summer business. You could mow lawns, walk dogs, babysit and more. The possibilities are endless!
Then, once you have your job, keep the following tips in mind to be successful:
- Show up on time and do your best.
This should go without saying. Have a good work ethic; be trustworthy and responsible.
- Ask questions but be a problem-solver.
Asking questions is important because it helps you understand the correct way to do things but figuring things out on your own is important too. Keep in mind there are good and bad times to ask questions; try to be aware of what someone is doing before you decide to interrupt. One good way to be a problem-solver is to present at least one possible solution when you ask about a problem you’re facing. And when you ask a question, remember the answer so you don’t have to ask again. You may even want to take notes. - Learn from mistakes.
It’s OK to make mistakes, but try not to make the same ones twice. - Work hard and stay busy.
If things are slow, grab a broom and start sweeping or offer to take responsibility for some other task. Don’t be lazy or spend your time chatting – or worse, on your phone! – when you should be working. Show yourself to be hard worker. You’ll put in place good habits and perhaps motivate your supervisor to provide a good reference for you someday. - Put your phone away.
Most companies don’t allow you to be on your phone while working, so it’s best to avoid the temptation entirely by keeping it in your pocket or purse. Plus, you’ll look much more engaged if you’re paying attention to your job than if your head is buried in your phone. - Dress appropriately.
If there’s a dress code, make sure you follow it. And even if there isn’t one, it’s best to put some effort into your appearance so that you make a good impression. - Smile and be friendly.
Treat the people around you with kindness and respect. Be willing to jump in and help others get things done, even when it isn’t technically your responsibility. - Watch what you say.
In addition to considering how you speak to others – co-workers and customers – on the job; it’s also important to be careful on social media. It’s best not to mention publicly online what goes on behind the scenes at work, even if you don’t use names. - Use your money wisely.
You’re finally earning some money of your own! Give some thought to the best way to save, give and spend it. It may be beneficial for you to talk with someone at your financial institution about special products or services offered just to teens and young adults.
This content is for informational purposes only. Readers should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific advice from their own counsel.