How To Land A Summer Job; It Is Possible

Ben Hartham / The JibSheet
Ben Hartham / The JibSheet

Summer is fast approaching, and time is running out to secure a non-sucky summer job! Here are some tips on snagging a summer job in the current economy.

1. Break Out Your Resume

Dust off your resume from last year and see if you can add anything or make any necessary changes. Hopefully your skills and abilities have improved since the previous year, so why not add them to your list of strengths!

2. Hit Up CraigsList

Find current and reliable job postings via web sites (i.e. Craigslist), college boards, and of course, the unemployment office.

Just be aware that hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people are applying for these jobs, so it’s a good idea to apply to a lot of different places. Everyone is looking for a job right now, not just you! Treat searching CraigsList as a job in itself.  Make it a point to check it every day, multiple times during the day to ensure you see updates right after they are posted.

3.  Be Fashion Forward

Invest in a sophisticated-yet-stylish outfit that you can wear to interviews.

I feel that most people underestimate the power of a well put-together outfit. First impressions are the most important thing in an interview, since that’s pretty much all you get, so make it count! DO NOT wear jeans, uggs, sweatshirts, or otherwise skanky attire. Keep it professional and you will not fail. I promise.  Keep this lame, little saying in your mind: Your Clothes Reflect Your Personality.

4. Get to Know Yourself

Before you go on your interview, try to prepare what you want to say.

Knowing about yourself is just as important as knowing about the place you’re applying to. Most employers ask about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as what you personally can bring to their business. Do a little research about their company so you’re prepared in case they ask you specific questions. Don’t just wing it. Know what you are talking about.

5. Get Through The Interview

Congratulations! You got an interview! Now as I said before, dress to impress. Be confident in yourself and smile pretty. The first thing you should do in an interview is introduce yourself and shake hands with whoever is interviewing you (remember manners matter, so remember what your momma taught you). The most important thing is to be yourself (unless you are a really boring person, in which case you should probably try to be someone else).Let them see your sparkling personality!

Before you leave, don’t forget to thank them for their time and shake hands with them again. After all, you are trying to impress them with your killer interview skills.

6.  The Wait

The wait. The wait to hear from an employer after an interview can be quite nerve racking. Try not to stress out too much. I know it’s hard, but eventually someone will contact you and tell you if you got the job. If it is appropriate, try calling them a few days after your interview just to make sure they remember who you are and they know that you genuinely and enthusiastically want to work for them. Otherwise, just stay calm, pop a chill pill and wait for the call.

Ben Hartham / The jibSheet
Ben Hartham / The jibSheet

Follow these five tips and you will find the job of your dreams, or at the very least, something to keep you occupied for those precious three months of summ