Its now summer holidays for all HSC finishers and for most uni students. After the relaxing period comes the frenzy period where everyone goes into the ”I’m broke I need to apply for a job” period. Many of you might already have experience in part time/casual jobs while some of you might be newbies to job applications. Regardless, all youngsters in our group require some kind of tip or advice that would give them the edge over others in job hunts. Hence here are a few tips on scoring a summer job.

1. Why are you applying for a job?

First of all determine the purpose of applying for a job. Is it for experience? Is it to earn some cash? If you are already working, is it for a feel of a different type of job? Consider these questions before applying for a job. It might help you narrow down options that might be more suitable for you than just randomly applying to all vacancies. Might also save unnecessary heartbreak when random job applications of yours are rejected.

2. Develop your resume

Develop your resume to highlight your skills. If you are a newbie and have no prior professional experience, highlight the skills that you might have gained in school. These can include skills that you gained from doing sports in school or helping to organise the school concert. Any kind of volunteering experience is also gold for newbies. Examples of skills that you could have gained from volunteering could include interpersonal skills and efficient organisation tactics for instance. Ensure that the most recent experience appears first. Another important point: DO NOT use the same resume for all job applications. Read the job description and alter your resume accordingly. Because different employers are looking for different elements. What is required for a fast food outlet job will not be the same that is required in a receptionist job.

3. Networking

It’s a sad but true fact: the more contacts you have, more likely you are to land a job. So ensure you exploit all resources at your disposal: parents or other family members who could hire you at their company. Go and talk personally at retail outlets and introduce yourself. When you walk into a lot of retail shops they are likely to say : all applications are online. Without sounding cocky, reply politely that you are aware and that you just want to clarify a few doubts with the store manager or hiring manager in person. You are not going to lose anything with such networking.

4. Be mature and businesslike

Basically be smart yet not cocky. A lot of teens when called in for an interview tend to forget that they are talking to potential employers and not just their peers. Your demeanour and how you interact can be the difference between you and someone else being hired. No one wants to hire an overly childish or arrogant person. Practice the answer to basic questions such as “why do you think we should hire you?”. Your answers must be concise and to the point. Show that you are a team player while embracing your individuality. Being a good team player is a key attribute in many job areas today, so if you aren’t really one, be sure to work on developing in that area.

5. Search everywhere

Search everywhere. Internet job search engines. Local newspaper. Magazines. Family members. Uni career hubs. the more resources you search through, the more likely you are to land a suitable job. Don’t be shy to go in person and ask for vacancies. Be bold and enquire at firms you’d like to work at. The more proactive you are, the more likely you are to be successful.

It is harder than you think, to find a proper job when you are new to the work force or have very little experience. Don’t give up hope and keep trying. Eventually you are bound to find a good job that fits your brief and one where you fit the job’s brief! If you have experience in job searching and would like to share any additional tips, please let us know . Good luck and Peace out!