The summer vacation provides an ideal opportunity for students to secure paid work experience and to develop valuable employability skills. Read on to find out more about the types of work available, the top things to consider when searching for summer jobs, and how to apply.
Step one: Know your options
One of the first things to research when looking for a summer job is what opportunities are available. Examples include:
- Paid internship opportunities
- Temporary or seasonal roles in retail, hospitality, tourism, creative arts, administration, cleaning or care work
- Paid social media promotion
- Becoming a delivery driver/rider
- Working abroad
Step two: Identify your preferences
Considering your own requirements in advance will allow you to search more efficiently for relevant opportunities and can narrow down the vacancies to apply to. Some points to consider are:
- Location
- Transport links
- Sector
- Duties and skills involved
- Hours and flexibility
- Wage and overtime options
Step three: Search for opportunities
There are some fantastic websites listing exactly the kind of vacancies you will likely be looking for. Take a look at employment 4 students, which has a section dedicated to holiday jobs, the Indeed online jobs board and Student Circus for jobs that are open to students with a visa. You might also find it useful to check in shop windows for vacancies, or adopt a speculative approach. This involves contacting an employer directly (usually providing your CV and a cover letter), even if they do not have any advertised vacancies. You’ll be surprised what you might find!
Step four: Apply!
Check the job advertisement for instructions on how to apply. This can vary depending on the role and organisation. Generally, the application process may involve:
- Submitting an up-to-date CV
- Submitting a cover letter
- Completing an application form
- Completing an interview
And thatโs it! Four simple steps to give yourself the best possible chance of securing a summer job.
Good luck!