How to Find a Summer Job in a Tight Economy

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During the summer, thousands of additional people enter the workforce. This includes, primarily, high school and college students who want to work for extra cash, but it also includes teachers, who are off during the summer months. Finding a job, however, is not always easy and can be downright frustrating. Here are a few tips that might make looking for summer employment a little easier.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Computer with Internet access
Local newspaper and community papers

Steps For the Ideal Summer Job Search

Step1

Write a list of things that you enjoy doing and do well. In many cases, you don't have to work for someone else; you can work for yourself, instead. Popular things to do include cutting lawns and baby-sitting. There is a world of opportunity waiting for you if you just discover it. Possible things to do for extra money include pet-sitting or house-sitting for people who are away on vacation; house-cleaning; washing and detailing cars or offering to purchase and deliver groceries for housebound individuals. Think about your talents and be creative. Use your talents to earn that extra money.

Step2

Call places you think might be hiring or where you would like to work. There's no sense driving all around and wasting lots of time, not to mention causing yourself lots of frustration and the unnecessary expense of gas. Make a list of places that give you a positive answer and then plan a visit. Put in lots of applications in quick order; however, don't put in one and expect an instant call back. You will not offend a business by telling them that you already found a job if they call you too late. It's the nature of business.

Step3

Check out places that have a high turn-over rate, such as fast food restaurants. Fast food places sometimes get a bad rap; don't worry about your reputation or what others might say. You'll be making money.

Step4

Go to local websites that have job listings. Most communities have places where local merchants post jobs. You are much more likely to find a job through those types of listings than through monster.com. In most cases, you're not looking for a permanent job that requires loads of experience. One national site you should check out, however, is www.snagajob.com. It is more focused towards the younger crowd.

Step5

Don't forget the local newspaper and your local community papers. Many smaller local merchants still use this as a source to find workers. In most cases, it's best to have the actual paper than the on-line version. Sometimes, the on-line ads are not from the paper itself but are generated by one of the national job search sites. If this is the case, it may not be of much help to you.

Step6

Be observant. Talk and listen to people and pay attention for "Help Wanted" signs when you go out. When you go on an errand to a place where you wouldn't mind working, ask if there are any jobs available. Many places still do their own advertising, and, if you're not alert, you could miss out.

Tips & Warnings

Start applying for summer employment several weeks BEFORE school is out and before businesses are flooded with applicants. There's no guarantee, but it will improve your chances.
Don't be too picky when it comes to a summer job; you are looking for a little extra money, not a career.
If you are under age 16, your choices for actual jobs are limited but don't give up hope. Most grocery stores hire younger workers, some as young as 14. You might be required to get a work permit.
Make sure to take a picture I.D. and your social security card with you when you go to fill out applications or for an interview. This will save you a trip home and show that you are prepared.
Do not pay for a work at home summer job or any kind of job. You are looking to bring in money, not spend it. Most of time, if you are required to pay money to learn about a job, it is a scam.