Nebraska Career Information System-Tips for a Summer Job Search

If you plan to seek temporary work this summer, now is the time to act. Every year the employment of American 16- to 24-year olds begins to increase in April, peaks in July, then drops back down close to its April level by September. So, start your summer job search early to avoid settling for the job nobody else wanted.

Look for a summer job

Let family friends, relatives, neighbors, parents of friends, and previous employers know you want to work this summer.
Visit your local Job Service office and ask about "Youth jobs". Try an Internet search using phrases like
"Finding a summer job", or
"Summer job" AND "high school"

Summer jobs are available in all types of industries, for both government and private work. Some employers, like house painters, concession stands, and parks and recreational agencies, do the bulk of their work (and their hiring) in the summer. Other businesses, such as hotels and resorts, building contractors, and arcades, add to their payroll in the summer in anticipation of increased summertime business.

Many young men and women establish their own summer businesses, providing services such as planning children's birthday parties, shopping and errand-running, tutoring, or providing computer training. In addition there are the traditional summer service occupations of caring for yards, house and pet sitting, and providing child care.

Thinking about working this summer? Get help From Internet CIS

Want some advice on how to succeed on the job?
Take a look at the "Keeping Your Job" information files. Look for information about "Job Habits to Keep You Employed", "Dealing with Your Co-workers", and "Your Career Goals".

Need help getting your job search materials together?
Look at Internet CIS's Job Search information -- "Developing a Resume", "Writing a Letter of Introduction", "Tips For a Successful Interview", and "What Employers Look for in a Job Applicant".

Begin to plan for your summer job while there's still snow on the ground. Write a resume outlining your work experience, skills, and strengths. Visit the library for books on summer employment. Use the Internet: do a search for summer employment-based web sites, and visit the sites listed in the box below. Tell adults you know, and your friends, to keep you in mind if they hear of someone looking for a summer worker. Visit your local Job Service office and find out if you can participate in the Idaho Department of Labor's Youth Employment Program. Tour the mall (alone this time, not with your friends!), leaving your resume or a flyer advertising your availability at any store where you'd like to work.

Keep in mind your long-term career goals, too. You may be able to find entry-level, temporary employment that will serve as useful experience when you are looking for full-time work in your chosen field in the future.

If you start looking for summer work in February or March, you may be able to find the type of job you are thinking about doing for a living. If you wait until late spring or the beginning of summer to start, your choices will be much more limited.

One final note . . .
Be prepared to get up early, get to work on time every day, and give your employer 100%. Your summer job can help you establish references and contacts for future employment, and help you start on the road from student to professional!

So . . . get started--and good luck!

Adapted from Idaho CIS