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If you are a college student who wants a summer job, starting your summer job hunt early in the second semester could pay off. Even though many employers may not be ready to hire for the summer when there is still snow on the ground, the preparation you do and the contacts you make could improve your chances to land a good job once they are. Here are 7 tips for college students starting a summer job hunt early.
Use School Resources
Check in with your college's career center. While they may not yet have leads for summer jobs, they may be able to advise you as to when to check back, what to expect and how to apply. Also, let them know what kind of job you would like (even if you would take anything with a paycheck, you probably have some preferences) and check in periodically so that they know your interest is serious. Getting known in the career center can be a good networking strategy, since it may position you to get the first call when leads for summer jobs begin to come in.
Return to a Previous Job
If you worked last summer and would like the same job this year, let your employer know as soon as possible. Many employers prefer to hire former employees (especially those who did a good job for them) who already know the ropes and will be productive from day one. If your former employer is uncertain about his hiring plans for the coming summer, continue your job search as if you won't be returning to your old job. If it materializes, great, but, if not, you will have taken steps to line up a back-up position for the summer.
Prepare a Resume
If you don't already have a resume, prepare one before you begin a serious search for a summer job. If you have a skimpy resume because you have little job experience, highlight other experiences, such as volunteer work, internships, leadership positions (editor of the school newspaper, coach for an athletic team), and technology skills, that might strengthen your credentials.
Network
It is never too soon to begin networking for a summer job. Reach out to friends, family, acquaintances at school and in your home town, professors and anyone else you can think of. Let them know that you are interested in working during the summer and would appreciate any leads they can offer. Networking should be an ongoing process, since a contact who doesn't know of an opening when you first speak to him may have heard of something a month later.
Line up References
Don't include a list of references on your resume, but have them available in case a potential employer asks for them. Ideally they should be non-family members who can vouch for you as a hard and reliable worker. Before naming someone as a reference, be sure to get their okay .
Rehearse Your Interview Skills
Even though you may not need them until sometime in the spring when employers begin to fill summer positions, begin to polish you interview skills. Among other things, focus on dressing and speaking appropriately and on preparing answers to questions you may be asked about the experience listed on your resume and your qualifications for a summer job.
Have a Plan B
Have a backup plan in case you don't land a summer job. One alternative for college students is to start a service business, such as doing yard work, painting or babysitting. While this may not be your first choice, the money you earn could help to pay your bills and the initiative and resourcefulness reflected in creating your own job could strengthen your resume and help you get a future job.
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