Are you panicking about getting the perfect summer job/internship that pays well? That is close enough to home? Is enjoyable AND will give you experience for your approaching career? Don’t let those worries prevent you from finding that perfect position.
Here are 5 simple steps that will help guide you to getting a job or internship that fits all your needs.
1. Determine what types of jobs or internships will build your resume.
Find a job that will fit you and your experience level. Local newspapers, job sites, recruiters, and even ENC’s Brickley Center advertise jobs. If you have a company that you are extremely interested in working for you can call their human resources department to inquire about open job positions.
2. Consider what you want versus what you need.
Life is expensive. You need to determine how much money you need in order to propel you financially through the summer. Then, determine how much money you would like to have after this summer is over. Think about gas for your car and food; then, take into account the kind of lifestyle you have. What kind of luxuries are you going to afford yourself after all your hard work? Once you have figured out what kind of range you need, you can move on to the next step.
3. Create a resume that accurately displays your past and present achievements.
Your resume should include a summary of your abilities that directly relate to the job you are applying for. Each resume you create should be different. As an undergrad, you might lack experience, so your resume should be simple, short, to the point, and thoroughly edited. Managers that are looking through hundreds of resumes will be caught by your clear and transparent representation of you and your achievements.
4. Be bold. Fill out applications, send resumes, talk to the hiring managers, and ask for an interview.
Make sure your information is correct; you cannot get a job if they cannot contact you. After applying, make a follow up call and get the name of the hiring manager. Schedule a time to talk that fits their schedule. Flexibility is huge for companies and showing this can give you a leg up. Staying on top of the process of applying for a particular job will help you move forward.
5. Go to your interview and decide if this is the position for you.
Make sure that you are 10 minutes early to your interview, have fresh breath (don’t forget to spit out your gum, though!), and be yourself. You can prepare by role-playing the interview beforehand; be prepared to answer situational questions and answer those questions thoroughly. Interviews are intimidating if you let them be. If you are confident, an interview can be like chatting to a friend rather than an interrogation. Most managers will be impressed if you have knowledge about the company and the position, as well as specific questions to ask them.
Remember, you don’t have to take a job if it is offered to you. If you don’t think you’re the right fit or a better opportunity comes along, politely tell them that you regret to decline, but it just will not work out.
On the other hand, if you get the job offer and it is everything you hoped for, congratulations!