How to find a summer job Employment
Summer jobs are a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet new people, make money and add valuable experience to your CV. They also help you to get an idea for the kind of job you might want to do in the future and prepare you for the realities of the world of work. If you’re looking for a summer job this year, we’ve put together some handy tips to help start you off on the right foot.
Understand your motivations
Before you start your search, think about why you want a summer job and what it means to you. There are no wrong answers here, but understanding your motivations and what you want will ensure that you look for the right kind of summer job for you and ensure you go the distance over the coming weeks or months.
Take some time to think about:
- Hours
- Salary
- Location
- Type of work you’d like to do
Knowing this will help you to streamline your search and find what you’re looking for quicker and more easily.
Don’t wait around
All the best summer jobs get snapped up early, so make a point of starting your search as soon as possible. Job vacancies are advertised in all sorts of places including online, in newspapers, on social media, in shop windows and almost anywhere else you can think of.
If you’re looking to gain experience in a professional field, consider platforms like Indeed and online job boards. But don’t underestimate the power of going straight to an employer and enquiring about opportunities. This shows real get-up-and-go and is bound to impress!
Do your CV
Most employers will require a CV for hiring purposes, so get yours up to date and looking sharp. Make sure your contact details are correct and that your email address is appropriate. Add all of your existing skills and any previous experience you may have. Don’t overlook any activities you do outside of school or college, too. These are invaluable and a fantastic way of demonstrating how you use your skills.
While you’re updating your CV, start to ask around for references. If you have no previous work experience, this could be a teacher or a family friend. Just be sure to ask their permission before you give out their contact details!
It’s also a good idea to print some paper copies of your CV to hand out to local businesses. You never know when you might spot an opportunity!
Personalise your cover letter
Some jobs may require a more considered application than just a CV. If this is a case, make sure you tailor your cover letter to the job description and requirements detailed in the job advert. Employers receive hundreds of applications for just one position, so use your cover letter to help you stand out from the crowd and grab the attention of the person reading.
Need help finding a summer job? Contact us
If you’re looking to gain work experience to help kickstart your career, contact Building Better Opportunities. We work closely with individuals in Stafford & South Staffordshire who are looking to develop their skills and achieve a better work-life balance.
To get in touch with us, either pop into one of our drop-in sessions or give us a call on 01902 696 228. Whether you have been out of work for a while or want to gain some valuable work experience while you study or raise a family, we have partnerships across the region that can help you access the resources you need to achieve a better work-life balance, work out your finances and feel more positive about your career plan.