Things You'll Need:
- Contact information for businesses
- Resume
- Cover letter
-
Step 1
Prepare a well-written resume detailing any past work experience, including volunteer work or positions in school or church groups, as well as any awards or recognitions you've received. Before you start, take a moment to view some sample resumes at your guidance counselor's office. You can also find a sample summer job resume at JobStar.com (see Resources below).
-
Step 2
Prepare a list of three professional references, such as teachers, mentors or former supervisors or co-workers. Be sure to have their complete mailing address, contact telephone number and email address available so potential employers can contact them.
-
Step 3
Start looking for a summer job in the middle of the spring semester (March). Many employers post job openings a couple of months prior to the summer break.
-
Step 4
Speak with your school's guidance counselor to inquire about local job openings. Your counselor can refer you to jobs related to your interests and also assist you with the application process.
-
Step 5
Network by talking with family members, friends, relatives and neighbors about job openings. Be sure to give them a copy of your resume.
-
Step 6
Locate jobs through summer job websites like SnagAJob.com, APlus-SummerJobs.com and CoolWorks.com (see Resources below).
-
Step 7
Arrive at job interviews promptly. Dress in a professional manner suitable for the employer's work environment (it's not necessary to wear a suit if you're applying for a lifeguard job) and be sure to maintain eye contact throughout the interview.
-
Step 8
Send a thank you note or email to the employer immediately following your interview. After about a week, you can feel free to follow up on the status of your application if you haven't heard back yet.
-
Step 9
Check with your new employer to find out what kind of attire is required for your position. If you're working at a restaurant, for instance, you may need to buy a few pairs of black pants and some white shirts to prepare for your job.
-
Step 10
Open a bank account if you don't already have one. You'll need an account to deposit your checks, since most employers won't pay you in cash.
