With only a handful of days left in the school year, many students at CHS are left wondering what they will do for the summer. Some may plan to relax all summer, playing at the river or in town, others will be preparing for college and moving out in the fall. For many, however, summer means stepping up and finding a summer job. But how exactly you approach getting one is a more complex task, especially for many underclassmen for whom this may be their first real job. So here are a few pointers and tips on not only how to get yourself a job, but also how to hold it.
“A lot of resumes are weirdly terrible, like typos or like horrible multiple fonts,” said Mrs. Rosenfield, an English teacher at CHS. “I mean those go right off the pile immediately. So if your resume looks nice right away you are in a better position.”
First, your resume and cover letter are extremely important, because the vast majority of the time it is the employer’s first introduction to you. It is important to put any and all job relevant skills in your resume, including software experience, volunteer work or even if you are bilingual or are learning to speak an additional language. Remember that not all work experience is formal, experiences like babysitting or doing work of a family business or community service can be relevant. The final thing to consider on a resume is cohesiveness. “A lot of resumes are weirdly terrible, like typos or like horrible multiple fonts,” said Mrs. Rosenfield, an English teacher at CHS. “I mean those go right off the pile immediately. So if your resume looks nice right away you are in a better position.” However, those seeking a more competitive or official job, using word templates can prevent your resume from standing out. If you decide to add a cover letter to your resume, ensure that the two are visually similar and look good. A good cover letter explains why you personally are qualified for the job. The cover letter should provide information that is not covered on your resume. The cover letter allows you to ‘introduce’ yourself to the employer. Remember that your employer is a busy person and try to limit your cover letter to no more than one page and it is better to aim for about 400 words. Between the two documents, remember to stay organized and refrain from rambling. Be precise and try to remain chronological in time.
After you complete the resume and cover letter, you should then start looking for jobs. There are three main ways to look for jobs. The first option is to talk to people who are connected in the community. Mrs. Rieke is an incredible resource for this step, as she is well connected in the community. She also stated that unless you absolutely know what you plan to do in college, the field your job is in doesn't really matter. More often than not, finding a place you enjoy working at is far more important. The second option is online with websites like Indeed or even local sites like the Chamber of Commerce where jobs are posted. Another option is going into town and searching for help wanted signs which can be just as efficient as online methods. Mr. Sunitsch, CHS teacher, advises students to “go apply. I mean there are so many opportunities for our kids to be able to work compared to other communities.” He also added that the best way to find jobs in the summer is via word of mouth, talking to people and putting yourself out there. Asking businesses when they will be hiring and leaving a copy of your resume with them can be an effective way to find jobs.
Finally, once you have a job you are happy with, it is equally important to keep it. Remember to be kind, be respectful, and be polite. Be on time. Do your best, but if you don’t understand how to do something do not be afraid to ask for help. Once you have got the hang of things, be efficient and handle work assignments to the best of your ability. Remember that the people around you are not hoping for your failure, and you will do fine.
Good luck out there this summer, and happy hunting.
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