The sun is shining, school is out, and it’s time for summer vacation! While children often get to enjoy the outdoors, most young adults use these free months to earn some extra cash. Companies across the nation frequently hold hiring events and post summer job applications for anyone interested. Job-Applications.com has put together a guide to helping young job seekers find the perfect position.
How to Prepare
Before you begin your summer job search, make sure to create or update your professional resume. Even if you have little to no previous job experience, an entry-level resume will give employers a quick look at things like your education, qualifications, and references.
Where to Find A Summer Job
Summer job seekers who like to stay in shape and follow a healthy lifestyle are in luck, as opportunities at fitness centers and recreational sport complexes are likely to grow. Companies such as Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness often post open positions for part- and full-time front desk workers, personal trainers, and more. On average, these workers start at a rate of $10.00 an hour.
Another place to check when applying for summer jobs is at your local YMCA or community center. These organizations hold annual camps and activities to keep children active and occupied while school is out. Counselors help to oversee events and interact with the kids to ensure a fun yet educational experience. These positions typically cater to high school applicants.
Those looking for a summer job should also consider places like:
- Public Pools and Parks – A good way to enjoy the sunshine while earning a few bucks is to find a job as a lifeguard or concession stand worker at your local pool. Most seasonal employers will consider candidates between the ages of 15- and 18-years-old and usually pay minimum wage.
- Amusement Parks – Each summer, national theme parks like Six Flags and Cedar Point hire thousands of employees to operate rides, serve food, and work in gift shops. Additionally, these parks offer internship programs for high school or college students looking to earn credit. Ride operators typically start at $9.00 per hour and can earn up to $12.00.
- Dine-In and Fast Food Restaurants – Dine-in and fast food restaurants post job opportunities several times throughout the year. Depending on the state and business, teens and young adults as young as 16-years-old can apply for positions as wait staff, greeters, and even cooks. National chains like McDonald’s, Applebee’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts are often looking for part- and full-time employees during the busy summer months.
Things to Keep in Mind
Always remember to check each company’s policies before applying for a summer job. Some employers cannot legally hire anyone under the age of 18, while others can accept applications from individuals still in high school. These restrictions often vary by state as well as place of employment.
Also, some positions like lifeguarding or camp counseling may require you to become certified in CPR or other First Aid. Check the company’s website or call and talk to a supervisor to see how you can obtain these licenses before applying.
Summer Hiring Trends For 2016
The weather is turning warmer, school is winding down, and businesses are beginning to hire new workers for the upcoming summer season. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to look for summer jobs, especially as a young person. That’s why Job-Applications.com has assembled this “summer jobs tool kit”: to highlight some of the best places and largest companies hiring summer help this year and to help job seekers develop a plan to land a summer job.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are a number of places young applicants should consider when looking for a summer job. However, unlike adult job seekers, kids have to take into account various restrictions. Many businesses only hire workers ages 18 and over, which would rule out most positions for middle school and high schoolers. Other places of employment may impose restrictions on a job-to-job basis, meaning that the restrictions placed on some opportunities may not apply to others. If you’re currently in the market for a summer job, check with each company you apply to for age minimums and special considerations, such as work permits, to avoid wasting your time or anyone else’s.
Three-Step Process
To help with your summer jobs search, we have developed a straightforward, three-step process to help you focus your search.
- Step 1: Get prepared.
- Step 2: Create a targeted list of summer jobs you would like.
- Step 3: Apply and follow up.
What Do I Need to Start My Search?
Having a simple, professional resume that outlines your education and work experience is the first step.
Where Should I Look for Summer Jobs?
Paper routes, summer camps, and community pools are some of the best places young adults can look for employment around town. These fields typically pay minimum wage and cater to applicants 17 and under. A lot of these jobs require absolutely no experience, and you don’t even need a car!
Summer job seekers should also try looking for work at amusement parks and other seasonal businesses. These kinds of places usually do their hiring in big lumps, which makes them easier to find, apply to, and gives candidates honest chances at landing work. Across the country, waterparks and theme parks alike hire thousands of new employees to greet and entertain guests, serve food and beverages, maintain and operate rides, and serve as security personnel. Check out the list of employers currently hiring for summer positions below:
Six Flags – The famed chain of amusement parks conducts nationwide hiring events in preparation for opening day. Six Flags St. Louis alone is set to hire 3,000 workers to fill entry-level jobs and mid-level careers this year. Rates of pay are projected to begin around $7.60 an hour and range up to $11.00 per hour for select positions.
Lowe’s – As a company heavily invested in home improvement, Lowe’s makes a point to hire on tens of thousands of new employees each spring to help out with busy spring and summer sales seasons. This year, the hardware store chain looks to add roughly 46,000 new associates at more than 1,800 locations nationwide. Reports indicate that’s 6,000 more new jobs than last year, which means even more opportunities for students and summer job seekers to find employment.
Home Depot – Another retail chain specializing in hardware and home improvement, Home Depot is adding nearly 80,000 employees over the next few months. And the good news for job hopefuls is the home improvement store chain intends on hiring more than half of the seasonal employees as full-time staff members at summer’s end.
