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Tips For Finding A Summer Job

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 15, 2009

March is spring break time from school, and that means it's time for a summer job hunt. It won't be easy this year. Employers are cutting staff size, and penny-pinching consumers aren't spending as much in stores and restaurants.

But if you beat the competition, there still are opportunities in the service and leisure sectors.

Here are some tips to land a summer job:

•Start looking now.

•Build on your family's connections. It's OK for your parents to inquire about summer jobs, but their role should be limited to making introductions.

•Think about what places may need help and approach them. Start with phone calls to ask about possible hiring or, better yet, ask in person.

•Think beyond stores and restaurants. There are possibilities in yard care, summer sports camps and pools. There are possibilities in child care, tutoring and computer assistance for homeowners.

•Go to stores, restaurants or other venues, ask if they expect to hire summer workers and ask for an application.

•Dress for business when you call on employers.

•If you have piercings or tattoos, you may not be considered for a job if they don't fit the employer's dress code.

•Take resumes with you. You can find templates for student or entry-level resumes online. Microsoft Works also has a template.

•Be polite. "Yes, sir" or "Yes, ma'am" goes a long way.

•If you get an interview that doesn't end with a job offer on the spot, write a thank you note. That means you need to get your interviewer's name and correct spelling.

Don't be too discouraged when you're turned away. Many non-seasonal businesses prefer to hire someone who can stay on beyond August.

McClatchy Newspapers

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