A summer job is not only a way to get extra income, but it also boosts your CV, expands your skill set and may even enlighten you on the career path you want to take (or avoid…). The best summer jobs will teach you teamwork, provide you with professional experience within a workplace and how to apply your skill set. Keep in mind that you’re not the only one searching for a summer job, many people will be going through the same process.

Here are some tips on scoring the best summer jobs:

Target the right industries

Do some research on which industries may offer summer job opportunities and think about the ones that are the right fit for you. Locally, jobs in tourism and hospitality are probably the most commonplace. Retail is also an option, and goes hand in hand with Tourism and Hospitality. Many shops will be hiring staff for peak tourism summer months. You may also find office work, as some industries may require temps to make up for people on holiday or even to deal with a backlog of work from past months. However, keep in mind your dream career too. Look for opportunities within the field you want to build a career in. Internships may be available within your field, so look up company websites and social pages, as companies may have posted there.

Build a CV

Even if it’s your first job, putting together a list of your strengths, perhaps past voluntary work experiences, if any, or anything you participated in at school. These will definitely increase your chances of being selected. It also shows effort and enthusiasm, which is always a plus. Employers are usually looking for someone reliable, flexible and willing to get the job done. Make sure there are no typos and grammatical errors, as this will make your application look shoddy.

Get searching!

Don’t expect to get hired the day after you’ve sent the application – although you may be lucky enough. Companies will need time to review the applications that come in and in most cases will take their time to get back to you, so start searching as early as you can. Take a look at Keepmeposted’s new jobs and enable filters to find the right summer jobs. You can get job alerts straight to your inbox, based on your preferences.

Be persistent

Apart from attaching a covering letter or email to your application, make sure to follow up on your applications. Employers may have received a number of applications. Following up helps you stand out in a sea of applicants. Make sure your application reaches the right people. Do not send it to generic emails (such as “info@”) unless specifically stated in the job listing. If possible, find the direct email of the person in charge of the hiring process. That is sound advice for throughout your career, not just for your summer job.

Have fun!

Whether or not you enjoy the job, keep in mind that it’s only for a short term. If you’re not particularly liking your summer job, remember that there are always lessons to be learnt and people to meet. It’s another experience to add to your CV and for yourself. Most likely, you will never again have the opportunity to do what you’re doing now. You’ve sharpened your skill set – and you’re better equipped for your next position and next step in your career.