Students are looking for summer jobs and it’s getting harder to get hired. A lot of students want a job during the summer. Many don’t know where to start applying or where to start looking to find a job. 

“Look around where you live and think about where you want to apply,” recommends Nick Lacy, advisor at Skyline’s career and college center, the Cube. “A lot of places do online applications, which makes it a little tricky because it’s easier if you can go in there face to face and it’s harder to say no to somebody’s face.”

Lacy recommends that you apply in person even if it’s scarier. Once you and the other person are talking, it gets less scary and you will feel more comfortable. You will also be able to ask questions.  Don’t be scared to ask them about something you wonder about. 

There are many places that are hiring but also it depends on your age – sometimes you can find a job at 14, but mostly it is easier to get hired when you are 16 or older.

When you’re applying for a job, be careful of scams. They happen quite a lot. When employers are also asking questions they are not supposed to ask – or something just seems off – it may be a scam trying to get your information. 

Be calm and prepared for when you go in for an interview. For some jobs they don’t ask for a resume and for most jobs you just apply online. Be presentable and ready, because they’re going to ask you questions.  Just keep that in mind it’s okay to be nervous, and don’t let it get the best of you.  

Remember to look for jobs you would like. Yardia Medina (‘25) says, “I like [my] job because the environment is good and friendly. I make good money and overall it’s a good job.” She found the job through a coworker she used to work with.

Be mindful about where you apply because it’s a job you will be repeatedly going to and you don’t want to go to a job you don’t like. It is important to be happy with your job. You want to enjoy your job, so that you go in with a positive and good energy.  

Keep in mind that you might not get accepted, which is okay. Just keep applying and don’t give up or get demotivated about not getting the job you want. You might also find the same job at another location. 

Don’t apply to only one job. Have options because you will never know if you’ll get in or not.  If you do get accepted to two jobs you can respectfully decline one.

Finally, ask a friend or a family member to recommend you to a job.  This makes it way more likely that you’ll get in. If you do work with a friend or a family member, be mindful of how it can turn out,  because it’s not always fun and games when you work with someone you’re close with.