As the British summer continues, you may be considering seeking a summer job to either tide you over until your studies resume, or to try your hand at something new. Trying something new gains you valuable experiences and transferable skills. Here are a few tips to help you with that summer job hunt and how to make it work for you.
Be realistic
Have realistic summer job expectations – even if a summer job doesn’t take you down your ultimate career path, you can learn both personal skills and job skills. Sometimes, taking a job is about building contacts that could lead to a permanent job opportunity. Even if you know someone who has fallen on their feet with the "dream summer job”, do not be disheartened. They are likely to learn less marketable skills from the experience.
Be honest
Be honest in terms of the work that you can and will do - with potential employers AND yourself. Initial conversations with potential bosses and recruitment consultants are of paramount importance. Don’t over-commit to the amount of hours you’ll be able to work only to back down later, and don’t claim you possess certain skills if you don’t. Being honest will open more doors to you in the long-run; including vital training opportunities. If you oversell yourself, you might end up doing more harm than good to both your confidence and future references.
Ignore old advice at your peril
Especially in this economic climate, it can be overwhelming how many of your peers are competing for the same summer job opportunities. Don’t make it easy for a potential employer to take you out of the running early. From having your mobile phone switched on during an interview, to dressing inappropriately, the list of possible faux pas in a job hunting situation can be exhaustive. Take stock, listen to advice and then apply common sense.
Following these tips may not guarantee you that dream summer job; but they will put you on the right track. Good luck with your summer job hunt!