Summer Job Hunting Tips for College Students

Summertime for college students often means taking a break from studies and getting some type of job. Sometimes finding a summer job can be a bit of a challenge, depending on what area of the country you live in and also what type of job you are looking for. Here are some tips to help you find the best summer job this year.

Tip #1: Start Early. Many college students go to a school that is in a different area than where they will be for the summer. This means that some of them do not look for a summer job until they get out of school, usually in May. Doing this can make finding a summer job much harder. One tip for finding a summer job can be to go home during spring break, and use this time to look for a summer job. Not every office or company will be hiring, but you can often make some good connections that can help you to find a job. You may be able to have an initial interview, or at least speak with someone over the telephone - and this can lead to your getting a summer job this year.

Tip # 2: Be Open to Different Types of Jobs. It is ideal to find a job that relates to your major and to your career goals. So if you want to be a teacher, you may be looking for a summer camp job and for a tutoring position. But keep an open mind, there may be other positions that also relate to your major that could be an interesting choice. Working in a day care center for example could be another option. Or you could get an office job and then tutor children privately.

Tip # 3: Consider Volunteer Work. To get experience in your career field, volunteer work or an internship might be a good choice. Research your choices and what could be best for you to do. Many hospitals have a wide variety of volunteer positions, from visiting with patients to running arts and crafts classes or even bringing in your pet to visit with patients. Think about your career goals and what type of volunteer project would most appeal to you, what skills you would like to learn.

Tip #4: Tell Everyone You Are Looking. You never know who is going to know someone that is hiring for a job. So let everyone know that you are looking for a summer job. When you are home, or even when you are talking to friends from home. Let them know what type of job or field you would like to work in. You could have an appointment at the dentist's office and run into someone in the waiting room who knows someone at a private pool that is hiring lifeguards. It is a small, small world sometimes.

Tip #5: Always Send A Thank You Note. Manners matter, especially when you are young. If someone takes the time to talk to you about a summer job or an internship, send them a thank you note. This makes a nice impression and shows that you have good manners. That person could think of you when they hear of another opening somewhere else.

Tip #6: Do a Resume. Your college career center can help you with this. Having a polished resume is helpful, especially if you are applying for office positions. A nice resume is a great introduction for you for employers.

Tip #7: Be Polite & Persistent. Job hunting can be tough sometimes. People say no or they say they're not interested. It can be hard not to take that personally. But you can't. Sometimes a company just doesn't have the budget to hire one more person, or to hire anyone. You have to keep applying to different places, to keep a positive attitude. Keeping a positive attitude will help you find a summer job that you will enjoy!