You might think it’s too early to be worrying about finding a summer job but with ever increasing demand for temporary and part-time work it is important to be prepared if you want to be successful.
As many university students don’t have the time to work during term time the summer break offers the perfect opportunity to find a job and earn some much needed cash. With the financial demands of tuition fees and accommodation costs the summer vacation offers a valuable opportunity to bring your finances under control before heading back to university.
In order to help you in your quest to find the perfect summer job we have compiled a handy 10 step guide.
1. Decide where you are going to be?
Where are you going to be over the summer? Are you staying in the place where you are studying or will you be heading home to live with your parents? Perhaps you’re planning to work abroad over the summer? Once you know where you’re going to be then you can start planning the type of job you want.
2. Call in any favours or contact past employers
The quickest and easiest way to find a summer job is often to call in favours from friends who may be able to get you a temporary job or by contacting past employers who may still have your details on file. If you have worked for a company before or come highly recommended by a friend then finding a job might be easier than you think.
3. Decide what type of job you want?
Having spent the year studying many students prefer stress free shop or bar work over the summer, however, there is also an opportunity to do something that might be beneficial to your future career. It’s not always possible to find a paid job in an area of work that’s of interest, so you may decide to try something different that will give you the opportunity to learn new skills or help build your confidence.
4. Update your CV
There’s a good chance you may already have a CV, in which case it might just be a case of updating the information. Make sure that you list any relevant experience, your educational background and state what qualities you think makes you perfect for the role. It’s important to personalise your CV and make it specific to the role for which you are applying, with many employers receiving hundreds of CV’s every year it is important to stand out from the crowd.
5. Send your CV to potential employers
This can be a little time consuming but it’s necessary, after all it’s highly unlikely that someone will offer you a job out without you even applying! If you are sending your CV through the post or by email then be sure to contact the company in advance to make sure that you have the correct contact details for the person responsible for recruitment. You may if you have time decide to deliver your CV in person but given that you may not be applying locally this is not always an option. If you do decide to do this it is important to make a good impression by dressing smartly and ensuring you behave in an appropriate manner. Remember first impressions are important so if you turn up looking a mess and using inappropriate language you stand little chance of getting a job, no matter how good your CV may be.
6. Be smart!
If a company is potentially looking to recruit they can often act quickly so ensure that you are ready for a potential interview by washing your best clothes or taking your suit to the dry cleaners.
7. Do some research
If you manage to get an interview then do your research about the company. This isn’t always possible if there is little information available, nevertheless it’s important to know as much as you can before you go into the interview.
8. Make yourself available
You’re not going to be there that long, so make yourself available as much as possible and get as much work under your belt as you can. You can then make more money but also appear eager and willing to your employer.
9. Be punctual
Few things, aside from gross misconduct, will put you in an employer’s bad books more than turning up late. Always make sure you’re there ready to work at least five minutes before your shift so give yourself plenty of time to get to work.
10. Stay on good terms
When you leave at the end of the summer, stay on good terms with the people who work there as you may be able to return at some point in the future if you want, meaning you won’t have to go through the whole process again.
This article was brought to you by StudentHQ Lettings, Lancaster’s no.1 Student Accommodation provider.
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