Want an Excellent Summer Job?

 by Karen Julian

Great! Review these three questions and follow the suggestions to help you get started.

Q. When Should I Begin Looking for a Summer Job?

·         EARLY! Start brainstorming and networking over Winter Break. Attend the Summer Job Fair in February and step up your search at Spring Break.

·         Create a list of networking connections to get job leads (speak to counselors in Career Services, family members, professors, advisors, alumni and friends).

·         Follow up on your networking contacts. Use Spring Break to develop a list of organizations to submit an application/resume.

·         Be sure to check on the application process and make a list of deadlines.

·         Attend the Student Conservation Association’s Information Session on February 1, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. in LBJSC 5-7.1 (Career Services Office) or the Walt Disney World College Program’s spring presentation on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in LBJSC 3-15 or Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. in LBJSC 3-14 to find out about how you can tie summer employment into their fall internship program.

Q. What Can You Do To Improve Your Chances Of Being Employed?

·         Search for a variety of positions.

·         Ask parents and relatives in the business community for suggestions.

·         Keep in mind that some summer jobs require you to apply in person.

·         Be persistent and stay committed to the search. Make it a priority.

·         Don’t narrow your range to just a few employers.

·         Be an entrepreneur and consider creating your own summer job, such as house sitter, animal sitter, dog walker, lawn care/gardener, personal assistant, house painting, home repair person, etc.

Formula for Success

1.    Set your priorities. Determine what you looking for in a summer job.

2.    While on the job, be eager to take the initiative and be the person who is willing to go the “extra mile.”

3.    Take a seemingly ordinary job and make a difference; find a way to hone your professional skills.

4.    A summer job is your opportunity to test your skills and perhaps work toward meeting your career goal.

5.    Make the most out of your summer job by developing skills and gaining experience that will be valuable to you in the future.

6.    Evaluate your needs. The type of job available to you depends to some extent upon your qualifications, access to transportation, ability to relocate and financial needs.

7.    Think about the skills that you have to offer to an employer. Do you learn quickly? Are you a good communicator and get along well with others? Can you speak a second language? Do you have any transferable skills to offer from previous jobs? Are you dependable and responsible?

8.    Consider personal traits that you possess: Analytical, organized, detail-oriented, good with numbers.

9.    Be confident and show an interest in the position.

10.  Remember, it’s never too early to think about summer employment. Keep in mind you may need to apply six months in advance, i.e. National Parks.

Develop a resource list of prospective employers

Ø  Set-up a profile in the Jobs4Cats database on the Career Services website. View the summer job postings.

Ø  Attend the Summer Job Fair on February 8^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in LBJSC Ballroom and other job fairs at Texas State during the spring semester.

Ø  Review positions in the classified section of The University Star and your local or hometown newspapers.

Ø  Browse organization websites and use the search engines listed on the Career Services website under “Recommended Internet Resources,” such as Petersons.com, summerjobs.com, coolworks.com and many more.

Ø  Check with local, city, county and state government agencies websites.

Ø  Examine summer job books in the Career Services Resource Library.

Ø  Pay attention to flyers/posters on bulletin boards.

Develop a great resume with assistance from Career Services. If you already have a resume, update it with any new information to make sure it is concise. Resume tips:

1.    Keep it simple. Make it only one page!

2.    Include campus and permanent addresses, telephone numbers (cell, home, work), and e-mail address.

3.    List your education, honors, activities, special skills, talents and experience.

4.    Don’t forget to include anything that sets you apart from the competition.

5.    Create a list of references of people who know you and your capabilities and ask for permission to use their name. (Include: name, title, address, telephone number and e-mail address).

6.    The list should consist of a minimum of three references and be separate from the resume. Professors, supervisors and co-workers make good references.

A.   Completing Applications

1.    Be prepared to complete an application form.

2.    Read the instructions carefully.

3.    If some questions do not relate to your background, write NA (not applicable) in the space.

4.    List job experience from most recent job to oldest along with a brief job description of work performed. Include name of your supervisor/title, organization name, address and phone number.

5.    If you are faxing or e-mailing an application form to an employer, always send it with a cover letter along with a copy of your resume.

6.    The cover letter should be professionally written. Make it brief, concise and positive to convey that you are a good fit for the position. You can find more information on writing a cover letter or resume on the Career Services website.

A sample list of suggested summer job sites:

·         *Theme and Amusement Parks

·         *National and State Parks

·         *City Park and Recreation Departments

·         *Camps (Types of camps: single sex, co-ed, day camps or overnight, athletic camps, camps for physically or mentally disabled, church or religious sect camps, and wilderness camps)

·         *Hotels, Resorts and Spas

·         *Dude Ranches and Country Clubs

·         *Local Recreation Centers

·         Companies with service related positions such as Retailers and Call Centers

·         Federal Government summer job program

·         Market Research Firms such as The Gallup Organization

·         Employment and Temporary Agencies

·         Non-Profit Agencies

·         Museums, Libraries and Theatres

·         Health Fields (hospitals, clinics, labs, doctor’s offices, etc.)

·         Restaurants and other Food Industry employers

·         Service Providers (Supermarkets, Courier/Delivery Services, and Daycare Agencies)

·         Construction Companies

*These employers hire a large number of college students each year. They provide responsible positions, especially for first and second year students.