Many Harriton students work during the school year to help out their families and earn money for their own expenses. Those of us who are lucky enough to be supported by our families may choose to work for extra spending money or a learning experience over the summer. If you decide to get a summer job, here are some helpful tips to make the process go smoothly. These hints could also help for serious job applications during the school year.

1)   Look for jobs that match your interests and talents. If you like children, you may consider being a babysitter or mother’s helper. If you are a good athlete, you could pursue a job as a counselor at a local sports camp.

2)   Experience and exposure can be more valuable than the paycheck. Summer jobs can expose you to potential career paths in your future. Do not only consider what you will be paid, but also think about what you may learn from your experience. If you are more interested in learning about the work rather than receiving the best salary, employers might be willing to take you on as an intern, or you can search for a fulfilling job that may not give pay.

3)   Look and act professional in interviews and on the job. Dress neatly and look clean and well kept. Be polite and respectful during interviews and when talking with potential employers. Remember that this is a job with real consequences for you and your customers. You are not hanging out with your friends; you are in the real world. So stay focused on your work – do not be on your phone and consider turning it off completely.

4)   Practice before you are interviewed. To make yourself less nervous for your interview, do a few practice interviews with your friends or family. Think of possible questions that employers may ask and prepare your answers to them, and have your partner play the interviewer for you.

5)   If you cannot find the right job, consider starting your own business. Be creative with coming up with possible projects and continue to follow the advice of #1. What can you do that no one else can? What demand can you fill that no one else has filled? Self-employment can teach you as much or more than working for someone else.

6)   Summer jobs have an impact beyond the summer. Summer jobs are a great chance to build relationships with employers who can serve as references for future jobs and college applications. If you perform well, there is a strong possibility that your employer will rehire you during the school year or for the following summer.

Good luck with your job hunting!