Ah, summer. A time of freedom, fun, and making a few bucks. Ready to reel in your first paycheck? You’ll need these seven tips to secure that summer job.
Take it one step further.
To set yourself apart, you’ll have to go for that extra credit. Have an elevator speech ready: Who you are, what you want, and why you’re qualified. If you enjoy writing, bring a one-page letter telling a story about a problem you had and how you solved it. When you stop in to apply, ask for the hiring manager. Before you leave, finish with a bold question: “when can I come in for an interview?”
Ask ten people.
Make a list of ten people in your life. Call them up, tell them you are looking for a job for the summer, and ask if they know someone looking to hire someone like you. Parents, professors, friends – anyone who knows you personally. This works even better if you have a specific type of work in mind. This is a very basic form of networking. It is a practice that will come in handy all your working life, as it isn’t always what you know, but who you know.
Be an entrepreneur.
Do you have a talent for making jewelry or coming up with T-shirt designs? Maybe it’s time to start selling your stuff. Farmers markets, neighborhood festivals, and Facebook/Instagram are great places to start. Yard work, car detailing, childcare, light housework, and computer help are all services you can offer around the neighborhood. Print off some flyers and start knocking on doors.
Look beyond specific titles or industries.
Don’t limit yourself to only opportunities that seem like a match for your specific background. Some employers might require relevant experience or certain skillsets to work with them, but that’s not always the case.
The purpose of entry-level positions and internships is to explore your interests, expand your skillset, and learn to navigate a team setting.
Internships are also a time to explore career options. Your time in school is perfect for trying new jobs and narrowing in on your goals and skills. This diversity gives you a good idea of what you want to do once you graduate. Don’t wait – start the process now!
Attend career fairs.
Attending campus or community career fairs is a great way to meet employers face-to-face. Most campuses host free career fairs throughout the school year; take advantage of them!
Utilize your career center.
The professionals at campus career centers are well-connected and have access to internship opportunities throughout the community. They are connected to alumni and employers who may know of internship opportunities and can assist with interview prep, resume writing, cover letter assistance, and more.
Consider creating an internship opportunity.
Small employers may not have the resources to develop an internship program or commit to hiring an intern. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t bring on an intern, especially someone who can provide value! If social media calls you, find a local business that would benefit from your services and skills. If a sales job is your style, find an employer looking for help with all sales cycle elements. Work in marketing? Offer to help create email marketing campaigns or to develop marketing plans. The possibilities are endless, but you have to create a real business case and value proposition to show how you can help this business.
Store your stacks safely.
When that first paycheck rolls around, keep it safe and working for you in a free checking account at your local credit union!
There is a summer internship out there for you, but to find one, start early and keep your eyes and mind open!
If you’ve got goals (or more questions), let’s meet!
We’re here to support you and answer any questions.
(P.S. – If you’re more of a Social Media person, D.M. us on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll personally set you up with someone perfect for you and your goals.)