Okay, how can I possibly be writing about summer jobs when it was 35 degrees here in New England this morning? That's because if I wait until the thermometer hits 80 degrees, it will be too late for those of you who were waiting for the signal to let you know the season has officially started.
Consider this your signal! Yesterday I was interviewed by a radio station in Michigan to talk with their listeners about how they can separate themselves from the crowds and land a summer job. I'll be speaking with another radio personality on this same subject tomorrow morning.
Here are some tips I shared that I believe will be beneficial to those of you who are interested in seasonal summer jobs:
- Start looking now. Yes, right now. As in today. Search online using Spider sites (they pull in all the job listings from the big boards as well as company websites.) The sites I recommend are Simplyhired.com and Indeed.com. Now bookmark those sites and set up alerts so you can respond as soon as a match appears.
- Check your local newspaper for news of job fairs. Companies that hire large number of seasonal workers usually hold open casting calls. Put on some comfortable shoes and be prepared to wait in line.
- Think about what small businesses explode during the summer months. Local ice cream shops, landscape businesses, transportation services in tourist locations, all increase hiring during the warmer months.
- Think out of the box. If you can't find a job, make one up. Care for people's pets, while they are on vacation. Be a nanny. The hours are flexible and the pay is great.
- Be prepared to arm wrestle more people this year. That means you have to be your personal best as there are many non-traditional applicants for this summer's jobs, due to the high rate of unemployment.
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Feel free to add some of your own in the comments section. Now get going...summer is right around the corner!
Roberta Matuson
Author of the forthcoming book, Suddenly in Charge! Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around
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