Everything You Need To Know About Summer Jobs

A summer job can be beneficial for many people, especially those who are unemployed during the summer. For young people, it is a great opportunity to get some pocket money, but also invaluable exposure to real-life situations that only hands-on experience can bring them. It’s also a good way for teachers, retirees and other professionals or former professionals looking to bring in some extra income.

In this article, we will provide tips for finding a summer job and the top summer jobs that anyone can apply for.

Why you should consider a summer job

There are several reasons to consider a summer job. For example, if you are a college student on summer break, a summer job can provide you with on-the-job experience as well as the opportunity to make money. For individuals such as teachers who aren’t employed during the summer, a summer job can help bring in supplemental income.

Here are some benefits that you can enjoy when you choose to get a summer job:

Bolster your resume

Several full-time jobs require previous experience. If you are a high school or college student who has little to no job experience, getting a summer job can help to boost your resume for future employers. Searching for summer jobs in the field you plan to pursue a career in can be especially helpful for industry-specific experience.

Expand your skill set

Every job brings with it the opportunity to learn new skills. From the initial interview to actual on-the-job experience, you can expand your skills throughout the entire process of getting and maintaining a summer job.

Earn extra income

Even a part-time summer job could help you earn extra money during your summer downtime. Whether you want to save up for a big trip or simply have some extra spending money, a summer job can help to bring in additional cash.

Meet new people

Getting a summer job is a great way to meet new people and make connections. Whether you are working within your industry or simply holding a part-time job for the summer, temporary jobs can help you expand your network.

Tips for your summer job search

The following are recommendations to use when looking for a summer job:

• Start your search early.

• Organize your resume.

• Consider reaching out to friends and family.

• Look specifically for summer jobs.

• Don’t limit your options.

Start your search early

You’re not the only one planning on searching for a summer job—many people of all ages are going through the same process as you. Employers are counting on a lot of applicants for their open positions.

Employers need to have a clear plan for the summer and they have to know who they can count on for the jobs available, so they will start looking for people before the season starts. To have access to all available opportunities in the job market, you’ll want to start your search early.

Related: Guide: Using Indeed.com Job Search

Organize your resume

No matter what your professional qualities are, if you don’t properly communicate them to potential employers you may miss out on a great summer job opportunity. Before applying for open positions, take the time to get your resume into top condition. Make sure all your past work experience, degrees, qualifications and achievements are listed and organize them in a way that makes them easy to read for a potential employer. Remember, employers may go through hundreds of resumes, so they likely won’t give yours a thorough look unless it sticks out.

If you don’t have much work experience, you can ask your friends and family for references. You could also consider enlisting relevant contacts to certify that you are serious and trustworthy.

Related: How To Ask Someone to Be Your Reference: Email Examples

Consider reaching out to friends and family

The job market is in constant motion, especially when it comes to temporary jobs. Before surveying the open job market, it may be a good idea to start your search locally. Your friends, neighbors or relatives may own a small business or know someone who owns one, and there may be a job opportunity there for you. If not, everyone has their own circles of friends and acquaintances, so the next time they hear someone saying they need a summer employee, they could recommend you.

Finding a job through such a connection is easier for all people involved because potential employers would much rather use the time they spend browsing through resumes for more productive purposes. If they’re presented with an opportunity to hire someone that came recommended from a trustworthy source, more often than not they will give that person a chance.

Look specifically for summer jobs

If you know for sure you will not be continuing the job in the fall, it would be best to limit your search to summer jobs only. Looking for seasonal jobs will help you narrow down your search and make it more efficient.

The summer offers the most seasonal job opportunities, so odds are you will have plenty to choose from. If the area around your home is known for being a tourist attraction, they will most likely need extra help for the busy summer months, as summer is usually the peak of the tourist season. From restaurants to shopping centers and small shops, you will likely have several options when it comes to seasonal jobs that require interactions with tourists.

Additionally, summer brings an increased number of job opportunities even in areas that have nothing to do with tourism. Most construction and remodeling jobs take place over the summer, so many companies in these fields will need extra employees for tasks such as cleaning or transporting materials.

Local parks may also need more people for summer programs. There’s a constant need for people to mow lawns and do gardening work in the warm season. Overall, a thorough search will reveal plenty of summer job opportunities.

Related: 10 Summer Jobs for Teachers

Don’t limit your options

Employers around the world look for help during the summer, so if you can travel, consider keeping your options open as to where you pursue a summer job. Maybe the festival that you attend every year needs people to organize and clean, or an exotic beach destination needs waiters and bartenders.

Every geographical location has its own particular job openings, from picking strawberries to entertaining cruise ship travelers. If you’re flexible, a summer job search can bring many unexpected opportunities.

Top 5 summer jobs anyone can apply for

The following summer jobs are ideal for people of all experience levels who are looking to bring in extra income over the summer:

1. Lifeguard

National average salary: $11.76 per hour

Primary duties: Summertime is when local pools are the busiest, making lifeguard positions a great and often available option for a summer job. While you’ll have to first get certified as a lifeguard and go through CPR training, this could be a great summer job for students and teachers looking to bring in extra income.

2. Camp counselor

National average salary: $12.62 per hour

Primary duties: There are summer camps throughout the U.S, and chances are there is a camp in your area. A camp counselor is a great summer job because it is only available during the summer and can be a great experience for people looking to work with children in their future careers.

3. Pet walker/sitter

National average salary: $15.19 per hour

Primary duties: If you love pets, a summer job as a pet sitter or walker could be a great and fun opportunity to make some extra money. From walking to overnight stays to daily check-ins, there are several pet-related summer jobs you can look into.

4. Driver

National average salary: $20.84 per hour

Primary duties: There are several options for getting a summer job driving. With these types of jobs, you can make your own schedule and even take off days or weeks at a time, making it easy to fit into your summer plans.

5. Tutor

National average salary: $21.41 per hour

Primary duties: If you have completed high school or some college, you may be eligible to tutor individuals with less experience than you. For example, you could tutor children in elementary school in a subject you excel in, such as math.