Searching For A Summer Job? Start Today!
When is the best time to start looking for a summer job? Today! The earlier a job seeker starts the process of finding a summer job, the more likely it is that they will find a job that they like and one that is a good match for their skill set. In addition, most summer jobs are usually filled by the end of May because employers want to have their hires in place by the time summer begins.
For many neurodivergent young adults, the process of job obtainment can feel overwhelming and it can be hard to know where to begin. Our Advance LA Life
Skills Coaches understand these feelings of apprehension so they help their clients break down the process of a job search into manageable steps. Here are some tips:
Create A Resume
Even if a job seeker does not have any formal job experience, it is possible to still impress prospective employers with a professional-looking resume. Past internships (paid and unpaid), extracurricular activities, volunteer stints, and classwork can all be listed as related to a prospective job. It can also be helpful for college students to visit the campus career office or ask a supportive adult for assistance.
Have A List Of References Ready To Go
A job seeker should prepare a list of at least three references that are ready to be submitted to an interviewer. Teachers, professors, academic advisors, volunteer leaders, and coaches can provide references. Jobs like babysitting and volunteering are fine if you are looking for your first formal job.
Practice And Prepare For Your Job Interview
Career counselors say that interviewers make up their mind about hiring in the first thirty seconds of meeting a candidate. Therefore, to make a good impression, summer job seekers should practice doing mock job interviews with their Life Skills Coach, family members, friends, and teachers to get feedback on their interview skills. Also, because nothing is more important than making a good first impression, applicants should show up on time for their interview and dressed in a professional manner. This means the applicant has showered, their hair is clean, and their teeth are brushed. In terms of clothing, the applicant should be in a suit or pants (not jeans) and a shirt, a dress, or skirt and blouse.
And it is important to note that it is equally important to look professional at an interview that is conducted on Zoom. The virtual background should be appropriate and there should not be pets or other people appearing on camera during the interview.
Show That You Are Flexible By Being Available To Work
Research shows that employers ranked “being available for all shifts” as the most important thing they are looking for in new employees. Depending on the job, an employer may expect employees to work evenings and weekends. Applicants who state that they are willing to work the hard-to-fill shifts have a better chance of getting hired.
Make Sure Your Social Media Can Pass Inspection
It is now a common practice for employers to look at a candidate’s social media presence. Applicants should take a look at their Instagram, Tik Tok, and facebook posts and make sure that there isn’t anything inappropriate. One rule of thumb is, “If you wouldn’t want your parents or your professors to see it, don’t post it!”
Methods Of Finding A Summer Job
There are three main ways to find a summer job: networking, using online job sites, and “pounding the pavement.”
Networking is a great way to find a summer job. Talk to teachers, family members, coaches, and friends, and ask for help with your job search. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much people will want to help you!
Online job sites like indeed.com are also really helpful. The site’s search engine helps job seekers narrow their job search. Most job sites now require applicants to upload a resume and cover letter.
“Pounding the pavement” is a phrase that means walking into a business and asking the manager if they are hiring. This can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it shows confidence and determination on the part of the job seeker. It is important to have a resume and a list of reference ready to go!
Last But Not Least, Stay Positive!
A positive attitude is the most important aspect of a summer job search, even more so than experience. During the interview, and in the follow-up thank you note, it is important to convey enthusiasm about the open position.
Wishing all summer job seekers the best of luck – you got this!
