A Summer Job Guide
By Mayra, age 17, California
Do you have spare time on your hands? Are you tired of sitting around not doing anything? If you answered yes to both of these questions, you might want to consider getting a part-time job! Employers are looking for students who are available to start working in the summer and even right now!
Qualifications vary, but 16 years of age is the limited age for most part-time jobs. I recently found myself answering yes to both of these questions, and it was then that I decided to go job-hunting online and via newspaper ads. For about two months I searched on www.snagajob.com and applied to several different companies, including my favorite place, Jamba Juice. Unfortunately, I later realized that applying online doesn't allow employees to get to know who you are and your reasons and motives for wanting to work at their company.
So there I was jobless. Then one fortunate day, my school's bulletin posted a job opening for bilingual students at a real estate agency. I didn't waver on the possibility and quickly picked up the phone and called the company. A lady answered and gave me a brief description of the job opening including my interview time and date. As I hung up I couldn't help but feel relieved. I mean here I was five months away from graduation, six months away from moving out to college, with no money saved and without any direction!
The following day I asked my mom to drive me to the company for my interview. I decided to wear casual clothing ... you know, the regular day-to-day school clothes, nothing fancy. I wasn't nervous at all, but still decided to practice the night before in front of my bathroom mirror. You know what they say - first impressions are important.
To my luck I was hired the next day! It's been four months since I got hired, and working for my company has helped me learn so many things, like how to cope with different people, developing my speech, and ultimately learning how to have patience. One Tuesday night, during the last five minutes of my shift I sat down with my supervisor, Silvia L. I asked her to give us her three top pet peeves, based on her previous workers.
Silvia's 3 Top Pet Peeves
Missing workGetting to work late
Not focusing
But of course, Silvia also gave me what she considers her "advice" to any teens looking for a job at the moment.
Silvia's Advice
Be dependableBe a hard worker
Be a good listener
Be responsible
Be a fast learner
She concluded our interview by laughing and remarking, "If you're responsible and a good listener you'll be okay".
So now that you have the keys to success, I thought I should help you find the perfect summer job that fits your personality. Let's start, shall we?!
Water Theme Park
If you love the outdoors and absolutely love the water you might want to look into a job at a water theme park. There are many positions available, from lifeguards to hostesses, and even cashiers at food courts. Whatever position it may be, you'll be surrounded by people ... not to forget cute guys![For more info on this type of job, see Kate's summer job article - she works at an amusement park. - editor]
Office Job
If you are the more organized kind of chick, a job at an office would be more adequate for you. When working at an office you'll be spending your time around people who are devoted, sometimes stressed out, but at the same time very focused. This work field requires employees to maintain a focal point on what they're doing, whether you're answering telephone calls or being someone's assistant.Fast-Food Franchise
If you love food, then you'll want to absolutely, positively get a job at a food place, whether it's at McDonald's or even In-N-Out Burger. An employee at a food franchise has to have a flexible schedule, good reasoning skills, and the ability to work at a fast pace.Tutoring
If you love helping others and have a strong passion for your education, then working at a local elementary school or tutoring place may be perfect for you. Usually the kids being tutored are elementary and middle school kids. This work field requires employees to have basic concepts of math, English, science and history, and also be able to have lots of patience with people.Babysitting
If you love kids babysitting can be a great job for you. Usually babysitters are from 13 to 18 years old and have some experience with younger brothers and sisters. This work field requires you to be fun and creative, but also very responsible. You can usually start by babysitting your own relatives and then move on to taking care of someone else's kids.Library
If you love books and love to be around peaceful areas, then a job at a library is just your match! Typically employees at libraries organize books, ring up customers, and give advice as to the top reader's choices. A job at a library can help you catch up on your own reading!Retail Company
If you have a passion for fashion, a job at a local retail store like Abercrombie and Fitch or Forever 21 can be perfect for you. This work field requires a good presentation, the ability to look neat and stylish, an attitude of friendliness toward customers, and an ability to multi-task - cashier and fitting rooms, etc.Ready ... Set ... Go!!! Now that you have all you need to know, it's time to go out there and start job-hunting!
Make Me Proud, Ladies!
With Love and Much Gratitude,
Mayra B.
P.S. Wear your confidence. No one can resist a confident worker!
