Three Steps to Success
How to snag a summer job or internship:
Brainstorm
Before you start your search, think about what you want from your summer job: Are you
just out for some fast cash? Are you looking to test-drive a career? Once you have a goal,
keep in mind how much time you want to spend on the job or internship and what kind of
atmosphere in which you want to work. For example, if you live for the great outdoors,
you might want to skip the desk stuff and answer the call of the wild.
Pound the Pavement
Check newspaper classifieds, bulletin boards, and books like Sunshine Jobs: Career
Opportunities Working Outdoors by Tom Steinstra, How Do I Find an Internship? by
Eric Woodard, and Peterson’s Summer Jobs for Students. Whatever you do, work your
connections—friends, neighbors, your second-cousin-in-law. Remember: Many bigwigs
make it to the top because of that great aunt who knew someone.
Sell Yourself
Take out those pens—most jobs require filling out a standard application. Have your
social security number ready. (Don’t have it? Call 1-800-772-1213.) Take with you the
pre-typed names and phone numbers of good references. To snag that dream internship -you’ll need a good résumé (a list of your work experience, education, extracurricular
activities and skills). Check a résumé how-to book for formats, or use the sample
included in the ProTeam curriculum. Don’t forget to proofread. You won’t look very
detail-oriented if you misspell detail.
Have an interview? Show up on time, dressed as businesslike as you can. Be
enthusiastic, but don’t go overboard (“I was born to flip burgers!”). Most of all, be
yourself. After the interview, send a thank-you letter stressing your interest in the
position, and don’t worry if you’re not hired on the spot. It takes time to find the right
job.
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
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