Summer is the time to enjoy the sun with your friends and family. You've earned it. But, if you want to get some cash in before going back to school, here is how you can do so.
1. The first step is deciding what interests you.
Do you want to get work experience in a certain field? For example, if you are studying Psychology at university, you may want to use this time to find counseling or mental health care roles. You may even be open to a non-paid role as experience is valuable to any portfolio.
Or, you may just want some quick cash in a part-time role. For example, most students often find part-time work in fast-food or retail. But, you can still cater your applications to what interests you. There may be a local leisure center with vacancies if you are into sports or exercise. The opportunities are endless. Once you've decided where you want to apply, it's time to look at your CV.
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." – George Bernard Shaw.
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2. Now that you've decided where you want to apply, you need to personalize your CV.
Each application needs an individual CV. Your CV may not need to be completely different each time, but employers like to see that you've catered your CV for that job and you are showing why you are perfect for that role.
Your opening statement needs to state where you are applying and why you are the right person for that role. For example, "I am applying for the role of Sales Assistant at Primark, I am the ideal candidate for this role because...". An opening statement only requires a few sentences to get the employer's attention.
Then list relevant experiences and include your contact details, educational history, and references. You may benefit from looking at CV templates on Google or Microsoft Word. Everyone's CV may look different, but it is important to include the essential information and use a personalized CV for each application.
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3. It may be daunting if you are unsure of how to apply and where to find these roles.
I would start by browsing Indeed - it is a free and easy-to-use platform for job searching and applying. Start by entering what you are looking for and where you are based. It will then show a range of local vacancies.
You may wish to filter these vacancies more by job type or distance. Once you are interested in a vacancy, Indeed will guide you on how and where to apply. You may be forwarded to the company website or some vacancies can be applied directly on Indeed.
There are other ways to find vacancies and opportunities. For example, the LinkedIn job search is a useful tool. If you have a LinkedIn account, simply browse the jobs section on LinkedIn for a similar procedure.
You may wish to ask local places if they have any vacancies for jobs or volunteering roles, for example, local libraries, leisure centers, or restaurants. It's important to persevere and keep trying, as applying for jobs is not an easy process, but you will definitely find something, even if it may not be your ideal choice, you may learn a lot from the experience.
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4. It is important to enjoy whichever role you take on.
“Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.” – Katherine Whitehorn.
Often, people may find themselves becoming overworked or losing the joy of going to work. This can easily happen as the reward of earning money may distract us from the bigger picture. But as Katherine says, it is important to follow your passions and interests.
You are young, and you have your whole life ahead of you. Also, it is your summer break. It is a time to relax before going back to studying. You don't want to get stuck in a job that consumes your summer break. Always look after your mental health and enjoy yourself. Life is about living, not just working.
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I'm sure with determination and following this list, you will find your dream summer job! Start by thinking about your interests, work on your CV, search for local jobs, and ensure you are interested in the role before taking it on. If it is something you may not enjoy, don't commit to it as your summer will pass like a breeze. I wish you a great summer and happy job hunting!
