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Getting out of school for summer can
offer a great opportunity to make a little money. While most students
end up rotting away searching the internet, talking to friends, and
maybe playing some video games, the brave few will actually head out
into the real world and search for a job.
A job over summer can be a great way to
make a little cash. Through the school year, you're always going to
be limited with the number of hours you can put in but during summer
you're going to have a whole lot easier a time trying to make a ton
of money.
Unfortunately, in recent years, it's
been getting harder and harder for most students to find summer work.
It can be easy to let the challenges and apathy take over...
Why You Should Worry About It
Most of the students that “want” to
get a job over summer end up spending the whole summer half-assing
their attempts. They just fill out applications and hope for the
best. A few weeks into summer they might even say, “Screw it, it's
too late to get a job anyway.” If that's what you're planning on
doing then I couldn't blame you for giving up now. There is no need
to waste your time trying to get a job if you really don't care.
There are some real good reasons to
care though.
First of all, don't you want to treat
yourself to something nice. While parents may have to work their jobs
to pay for their family, homes, and bills, most students don't have
much to worry about other than themselves. The money you make from a
job can often help you buy that new car, or that new outfit, or
whatever it is you're dreaming about.
Second, college isn't cheap. If you're
going to college then you need to consider saving up a little money
to help pay it off. While you can get student loans to pay it off,
loans end up costing a fortune more in the long run. This is
particularly true if you're from an average middle class family. In
that situation, you don't get particularly favorable loan terms
relative to some students. It's better to pay those school payments
in advance than worry about finding a loan to pay them.
Assuming you're truly motivated to find
that job then it's time to get started. If you're not motivated then
you might as well stop. I'm serious. I won't tell anyone. I
completely understand not wanting a job. Just don't waste your time
trying to fool yourself.
It's Not What You Know
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It's the most over-reported secret of
getting a job. You've probably heard the old phrase at least a
hundred times already in your life. “It's not what you know. It's
who you know.” This is particularly true when you're looking to get
your first job.
The easiest way to get a job
(especially a good one,) is to know someone. Companies don't like
hiring random people off the street. They know that anyone they hire
can end up costing a whole lot of money if they don't work out. That
makes it a whole lot easier for a company to focus on hiring people
that they have more information on.
If you know a hiring manager then
that's absolutely ideal. Talk to that person and be direct that
you're looking for a job. If you're polite, qualified, and not picky,
you'll have a good chance of finding a job.
Of course, most of us don't know a
hiring manager. That's alright though. Even knowing a regular
employee at a company can get you the leg up for an interview. Talk
to friends that have jobs and ask if they can help you get a job at
their company. Oftentimes, one recommendation from a well-liked
employee will get you in the place for an interview.
This might seem a little odd but it's
general policy for most companies in the world.
Don't know anyone? Well, it's not the
end of the world. It just becomes a little more challenging.
Don't Be Picky
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I mentioned these three words in the
previous section and I hope you noticed them. They're one of the most
important factors you need to keep in mind looking for a summer job.
I'm sorry but most of the jobs you're going to be able to get, aren't
all that awesome. I know you don't want to have to be a fast food
employee but, sometimes, you gotta do it.
Getting the first job is the hardest
part. Once you have a job and leave a good impression, you have
significantly more friends with jobs, and a much more attractive
application for other jobs.
The more picky you get, the more
impossible you make the whole situation. Unfortunately, most people
aren't going to be able to distinguish how awesome you are without
some kind of a work history backing it up. To get that work history,
you sometimes have to compromise.
Don't only focus on not being picky
with your job choices though. You also want to be open for anything
in the actual job. The interviewer might ask how many hours a week
you're available to work. If you say, ten or five, you're going to be
way less attractive than if you said, as much as you need me. If they
ask if you have a position preference then you can say one but make
it clear you're looking to get your foot in the door. (After they
find out how amazing you are you can leverage yourself where you want
to be.)
Finding a summer job can be a great way
to keep your mind active during the summer. While most students sit
around and look for the most thoughtless forms of entertainment,
you'll be working your brain in unique and powerful ways. That pays
off more than with your paycheck. It also helps you become a better
prepared student in the future.
Do you want to know how Yoda would
teach you to study? Be sure to follow this blog and check out my
books on the subject.
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