Seasonal work can be a rewarding way to spend your time beyond relaxing by the pool or hanging out with friends. You can:
- Earn money
- Strengthen college or future job applications
- Learn and develop new skills
- Expand your network
- And more.
But thousands of students who live in your area want a job, too, so here’s how you can stand apart and find the right one for you.
- Decide what type of summer work you want
Before applying, think about your skills, strengths, and goals. Do you need to make money? Or would a part-time role in your desired industry be better Answering these questions allows you to focus your search.
Summer jobs that may be a good fit for students include:
- Service occupations: Waiters, cooks, cashiers, and sales associates.
- Outdoor jobs: Landscapers, camp counselors, and lifeguards.
- Side hustles: Tutors, babysitters, food delivery drivers, and pet sitters.
- Career-related jobs: Internships or office assistants.
Other students might use the break from classes to get ahead. Accredited institutions such as Portage Learning offer online, self-directed college courses. Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 institutions, providing an affordable option to advance your education. - Update – or create – your resume
After deciding what type of summer job you want, highlight your experience – even if it’s limited.
A well-written resume demonstrates professionalism, which can impress a hiring manager and secure an interview.
Keep it one page, visually appealing, and include:
- Your school and graduation year
- Relevant accomplishments, certifications, volunteer work, and projects
- Your clubs and sports
- Your soft skills such as time management, openness to feedback, and empathy
- Research summer jobs – and early
Your search for the perfect role should start well before June.
Applications for many summer jobs, including paid internships, usually open in January, with interviews and offers extended by spring.
You can find a summer work through:
- Online job boards: Use the keyword “seasonal” or “summer” when searching through sites like Indeed and Handshake.
- Local businesses: Visit stores, restaurants, and other establishments near you, resume in hand, and ask about roles that fit your skillset.
- School resources: Utilize your college’s job board. The career center on campus can assist you with crafting a resume, preparing for an interview, and more.
- Your network: Ask your family, friends, neighbors, professors, and other connections if they know of any openings.
- Apply to several jobs (not just one)
Submit applications for at least 5-10 roles that interest you – and maybe even a few that don’t. Being open to different possibilities can lead to unexpected personal and professional opportunities. Your chance of landing a summer job increases as you apply to more, too.
Career coaches recommend people create a spreadsheet to track their applications.
- Get ready
Proper preparation ensures you nail your interview.
Before meeting with the hiring manager, you should know as much about the company as possible and be able to answer common questions such as:
- Why do you want the job?
- Describe your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell me about yourself
- Can you work evenings and weekends?
Create a list of questions to ask the interviewer as well. It shows your interest in the summer job.
You should arrive 10-15 minutes early and wear clean, appropriate-fitting clothes.
Afterward, follow up with a thank-you note or an email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and your fit for the role. Doing so demonstrates your continued interest and responsibility. - Make the most of your summer job
Treat your summer job like a professional opportunity – because it is. No matter the role, these experiences foster growth and skills that can carry into other positions. You can optimize your summer job by:
- Being reliable and showing up on time
- Learning from supervisors
- Building references for future jobs
- Saving some of the money made
As a student, you might be tempted to spend your summer relaxing, but dedicating some hours to a seasonal job can be just as rewarding.
The right one will help you build experience, confidence, and connections. And it just might turn into a meaningful investment for your future.
(Ready to make your summer count? Take the next step toward your goals with Portage Learning, an accredited institution offering online, asynchronous college courses. Earn credits, build skills, and stay on track, all on your schedule.)
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