Author: Isha
For most teens, summers mean a lot of free time, leaving you struggling to fill it. Instead of being bored and unproductive at home, you may want to consider getting out into the real world to experience new things. Getting a summer job is a great way to gain new experiences and skills. A job also gives you the chance to earn some spending money and also save money for your future and long-term endeavors (ex: post-secondary education, moving out).
Before you start looking for a job, it is a good idea to get your resume and cover letter ready and properly edited. Have a teacher, a parent, or guidance counselor look over your resume and cover letter to make sure that your information is accurate, compelling and looks professional.
Once you’re ready to start looking for a job, start by asking your family or friends as they may have connections to companies where they work or have worked before. The second and most obvious way to find a job is through the internet. There are several online networks to look for a job, such as Craigslist, Indeed, and Kijiji. Cross-reference the contacts provided on such websites with the ones provided on the company’s official website to make sure that the openings you are applying to are legitimate.
You can also physically go to businesses and ask if they are hiring and whether you can fill out an application. This is becoming less common though, and some businesses will request that you go online and fill out an application.
When filling out applications, make sure you fill them out fully and accurately. In order to figure out where to apply, you can look at the openings online or think about businesses nearby where you might like to work. From there, you can filter through your choices according to your preferences, the location of the job and whether you meet the requirements. Since a lot of people apply for summer jobs, it is a good idea to apply to several places and apply early in order to increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
If you are called for an interview, be prepared to answer questions about why you are a good fit for the job. If you don’t have any previous experience, mention any volunteer work you’ve done, clubs or extra-curriculars you’ve been a part of and you can also mention academic achievements. Dress professionally and make sure you arrive at your interview on time.
If you aren’t successful in getting the job, don’t let it get you down too much! You won’t be a good fit for every job. Just stay positive and keep looking.
