School’s out and summer is here – but before you kick back with a beach towel and an ice cream, you might be thinking about earning a bit of cash or gaining experience for the future. Whether you’re saving for uni, trying to boost your CV or just want something productive to do, a summer job is a great way to make the most of your time off.
At Pertemps, we help people from all walks of life get into work – including school leavers like you. Here’s our straightforward guide to landing a summer job after school.
Decide what you’re looking for
Before you start applying, think about what kind of job you want:
Part-time or full-time?
Indoor or outdoor?
Something related to a future career or just for experience?
Popular summer job roles include retail assistant, hospitality staff, warehouse operative, admin assistant and customer service roles. The good news? Employers love enthusiastic young people who are eager to learn.
Get your CV ready
Even if you don’t have loads of experience yet, a good CV can still make a big impression. Here’s what to include:
A short personal statement
Education details
Any work experience, volunteering or extracurriculars
Soft skills like communication or teamwork.
If you need a hand, Pertemps has loads of CV writing resources to help you get started.
Use the right tools
You don’t need to spend hours scrolling through random job boards. Here’s where to look:
Pertemps job search
Local company websites
On the high street (look out for “Help Wanted” signs
Social media.
If you’re still in school or college, your careers adviser might have leads too.
Apply smart
Tailor each application – a generic “copy and paste” CV won’t cut it. In your cover letter or application, briefly explain why you want the job and what you can bring to the role.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Apply to several roles and follow up politely after a week or so if you haven’t had a response.
Prepare for interviews
Some summer jobs will only need a quick chat, while others might involve a more formal interview. Either way, be ready to:
Talk about yourself and your strengths
Show enthusiasm and reliability
Ask sensible questions.
