Hey Mustangs! It’s Kori, from The Stampede. 

As we all know, summer is in less than a month. And with summer, comes summer jobs. I recently came to the realization that in my last article, I briefly mentioned getting a summer job. However, I do not think that the details provided were enough. So in this article, I will be going more in depth in telling y’all how to get a job this summer.

First, know that it will not be easy. 95% of the places that you apply at will not hire you. You may not even get a rejection email. You just will not get any response from the employer. That is OK! It happens! Just accept that you didn’t get the job and apply elsewhere!

Since most of the places you apply at may not hire you, apply to many jobs. That way, the jobs that you DO get, you can choose from. It’s better to have options than to have to settle for a job that you don’t really have any interest in.

Next, don’t waste your time or the employer’s time by applying to a job that you are not qualified for! Some jobs just aren’t for you, and that is okay! If you are under the age of 16, you may not qualify for the majority of jobs. Don’t lie about your age, your qualifications, or anything else like that. Again, move forward! Apply elsewhere! I promise it will be worth it.

Many people DO lie on their resume, but not about big things. If there are specific certifications that you need in order to work somewhere, chances are, you can get it for a few bucks online in just minutes. There is no need to lie about something like that. 

Third, apply in person! You have much more of a chance to get hired if you apply in person instead of online. If you don’t want to go if you aren’t sure if they are hiring, call beforehand. Joining job websites is not nearly as effective as applying in person.

Many jobs actually say on their website that you MUST apply in person. That is just because they may want to see for themselves what you are like. Online applications sometimes don’t ask enough questions or the right questions, so in person interviews give the employers a chance to make their own judgments and get to know you on a more personal level.

Next, and perhaps most importantly, do research before your interview! Figure out what the minimum pay rate is, the certifications you may need, the dress code, and the work environment. Do not show up to an interview unprepared. It is a bad look. Make a list of questions you may have for the employer. 

Employers want to know that you are actually interested in working! Make it clear that you actually have thoughts on the job you’re interviewing for, and want to do it to the best of your ability. Ask questions they might not expect so that they know you have actually thought about the job!

That’s all the advice I have for y’all! I hope it was found useful by someone.