Looking for a Summer Job?
By Teresa Ambord
Start early to find summer work, since there will likely be a lot of competition.
Many businesses that hire teens will post “now hiring” signs as summer approaches. That’s a good start. Check the newspaper ads, ask adults and friends for job leads, and, if you see somewhere you’d like to work, just take a chance and ask for an application. Most fast-food chains and tourist businesses hire extra help for summer.
Many people go online and search for jobs in the enormous job sites, like Monster.com. But for teenagers without much experience, that’s probably not helpful.
While you are searching, beware of these pitfalls:
- Work at home ads that promise enormous salaries for little effort are almost certainly bogus. They are more likely to be selling something than hiring.
- Some employers place ads targeting teenagers, promising travel and excitement. Chances are you will end up selling magazines door to door. Skip it, or have an adult check it out for you.
- Follow directions exactly. Employers are watching for this. If the ad says to apply in person only, on Tuesday between noon and 2pm, don’t vary from this. Believe it or not, many applicants are rejected because they do not follow directions.
When you pick up an application:
- Even when you are just picking up an application, you should appear neat. Most employers have horror stories, such as girls stopping by on their way to the beach, wearing bikinis, to get applications for office positions, or guys showing up needing a shave.
- If you are filling out the application while you are there, be sure to have your own pen/pencil so you don’t seem unprepared. It’s a good idea to have your list of references and phone numbers with you.
Create a resume:
- It should fit on one page, preferably on good quality paper.
- There should be white space between sections for easy reading.
- Don’t use pronouns. Instead say, “Worked as cashier, summer 2004”
- If you have good references, add them. Don’t simply say, “references upon request.”
- If you haven’t had a real job but you have done work such as babysitting or created spreadsheets for your uncle, that may be a good reference.
- Make sure your format looks neat.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread… then have someone else proof it. A single typo could label you as careless.
If you get an interview:
- Before you go, find out something about the company. The employer may ask why you want to work there, and you should have a well-thought out, short answer. Such as, “Your staff is friendly and I like your products,” or, “my sister worked here last summer and really liked the company.” Don’t fake it. There should be something you can say that is true.
- A few other questions that you may be asked are these: “What is your biggest strength/weakness?” “Why should I hire you?” “What is your most impressive accomplishment?” Think ahead of time about your answers.
- Don’t show up for the interview with a friend.
- Arrive a few minutes early, and never, ever late.
- Dress neatly, no sandals or shorts.
- When you meet the interviewer, shake hands and greet him/her with a smile.
- Don’t fidget.
- Make eye contact at least occasionally.
- Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone/pager.
- Remember, it is normal to be nervous.
- Ask the interviewer if you can call in a few days to check on the status of the application. If they say no, don’t do it.
- When you stand to leave, make eye contact, offer your hand for shaking, and thank the interviewer.
- The day after the interview, send a brief, tasteful thank-you note, free of errors, and in neat handwriting. That shows maturity and a genuine interest in the job.
