Summer Job Search for Students

Are you a college or high school student looking for a summer job? There are many types of seasonal employment available, in your hometown, or in other cities in the U.S. or abroad. Discover how to find summer job listings, and ace the application and interview process. 

How to Find a Summer Job

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Not sure what type of summer job you want? Before you start your job search, check out this list of summer jobs for teens, as well as this list of summer jobs abroad. Your next step is to determine what kind of position is a good fit for you, so you can target your search.

Explore information on how to find a summer job and where to find job listings. 

How to Apply for Summer Jobs

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Once you find a job listing that fits your needs and interests, you can apply for the job. Here is how to apply for summer jobs, including the process for obtaining working papers if you need them, how to ask for references, when to start applying, and how to apply to summer jobs both online and in person. 

Tips for High School Students

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It can be challenging to apply for a summer job (or any job) when you are a student and only have limited work experience. But even if you haven't had much work experience yet, you can still find a summer job that is right for you.

To do so, use these strategies to find summer job opportunities, make your application stand out, interview successfully, and follow up with employers after your initial interview to make the best impression possible. 

Summer Job Resume Examples

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Summer jobs can be competitive, so one way to stand out is to write a strong resume.

Here are summer job resume examples to use to apply for part-time and full-time summer jobs and internships. You can use these samples to get ideas for your own resume, and then customize your resume so it highlights your experience, schoolwork, extracurriculars, and volunteering work that are relevant to the summer job you're interested in. 

Summer Job Cover Letter Examples

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When writing a cover letter for a summer job, you want to emphasize two important qualities: your ability to learn quickly, and your sense of responsibility. These are important qualities for almost any summer position.

Here are summer job cover letter examples and cover letter templates to use for summer job applications. Be sure to personalize your letters to reflect your experience and interests. Also read a five-step guide on how to write a strong cover letter. 

Summer Job Interview Questions and Tips

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When you are interviewing for a summer job, you'll be asked about your ability to do the job as well as your schedule and your availability to work. Read here for a list of common interview questions for any summer job. Practice answering this list of questions to prepare for your interview.

Preparing for an interview and following up after an interview will help set you up for success. Review this list of the top tips for acing a job interview. 

What to Wear to an Interview

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Interviewing for a part-time or summer job when you are a student is a little different than interviewing for a full-time professional position. Summer job interviews are generally a bit more casual than other professional interviews.

However, dress should be, at the least, neat and tidy. Business casual is usually appropriate. For example, khakis and a neat tucked-in polo shirt would work typically well, as well as dark pants, a blouse, and a cardigan. Avoid wearing denim. Here's information on what to wear, including photos of appropriate interview attire for a summer job. Also read here for information on what not to wear to a summer job interview. 

Summer Youth Employment Programs

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Summer youth employment programs provide summer work experience for youth, matching up teens with entry-level jobs at local organizations, providing a source of income and work experience, and fostering skills necessary for academic and professional success. Some are run by state and local governments, while others are run by nonprofit organizations.

Here's more information on summer youth employment programs, including eligibility, how to find a program in your area, and how to apply.