Though the country is still gripped by frigid temperatures and snow, it’s actually time to start thinking about your summer job, believe it or not. As you prep for the warmer months ahead, start the job search process to guarantee you have a job that will provide a steady paycheck, help build your resume and provide you with an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
We’ve provided a basic to-do list and some helpful resources to help you get started on your summer job search:
Top companies are hiring summer employees now!
1. Prepare your resume and cover letter.
If you haven’t already, you need to prepare a resume or cover letter to officially begin the job search. And if you don’t have a resume yet, check out our part-time job resume sample (we have a cover letter sample too!) to get started. While you may not have any real work experience to feature, you definitely have academic and extracurricular activity to boast.
Try to keep the length of your resume to one sheet of paper. Print multiple copies, and use nice paper if you plan to hand your resume to hiring managers in person. Have someone review your resume, like a parent, sibling or mentor. The fastest way to lose a job offer is to have a type on your resume.
Completing this task first will enable you to move quickly and efficiently through your job search, which can work in your favor when the decision is between you and another potential employee.
2. Get your references ready.
Before you begin applying for jobs, reach out to individuals that can provide references for you. They need to be aware before the job application and interview process that they may be called upon to give a reference on your work ethic, personality, and capability.
Unfortunately, your Mom and Dad can’t provide a reference for your summer job. You need to find someone that is not related to you. Consider asking a teacher you have a great relationship with, a coach, guidance counselor or mentor. Ask them if it’s ok to add them as a reference on your applications as well as their preferred method of contact.
3. Start the job search.
Once you have a resume and cover letter ready to go, it’s time to start the search. Use an online search engine, like Fastweb or Monster, to find part- or full-time summer jobs. (Check out Monster's piece on best part time jobs hiring now.) Ask your parents, mentors or counselors about opportunities in your community. Or, show some initiative and visit places that you’d like to work to see if there are any part-time summer openings.
Did you know that now you can find part-time jobs on Fastweb?
If you’re stuck on where to look for a part-time summer job, consider these industries: construction, hospitality, landscaping, office work, recreation, child or pet care, and tourism. You could also think ahead when it comes to your future summer job, and select an industry in which you may want a full-time job after graduation. This will give you that real-world experience you need to land your first real job.
Dedicate a few hours a week to finding the right summer job. You don’t want to rush into this. After all, there may be the perfect part-time, summer job that will fulfill you and help to pave a way down your career path. Do some thorough research, and don’t just settle.
4. Be available for interviews.
If you’re searching for jobs back home and attend college at a distance, it may be difficult to commute home just for an interview. That’s why it’s imperative to make yourself available in whatever capacity you can, which means you need to get creative.
Let hiring managers know you’re available over email or to chat on the phone. You could also Zoom, Skype or FaceTime job interviews that aren’t within driving distance – or that you can’t do in-person for whatever reason. (In fact, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the digital interview here).
With that, though, you must communicate to the hiring manager that you’re committed to coming home for the summer to work. Competition will be tough with those who are already in the area applying for summer jobs.
As the old saying goes: the early bird gets the worm. And that rings true for the search for a part-time summer job. Start now in order to give yourself the time to find the opportunities that will be real resume builders. And don’t forget our Part-Time Job Search platform as well as our expert advice for securing the job you want.
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Kathryn Knight Randolph
Associate Content Editor
Kathryn Knight Randolph is the Associate Content Editor at Fastweb. She has 17 years of higher education experience, working first as an Admissions Officer at DePauw University before joining Fastweb. In b...
