In a perfect world, an employer would show up at your door offering the ideal summer jobs, unconcerned about things like age or work experience. Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect world.
That’s why now is the time to start looking for one. It may not just be about putting money in your pocket, either. Summer jobs can be building blocks for future careers, and finding something on the right path may mean more in the long run than those few extra dollars.
What jobs you should expect to be considered for, though – and how you go about searching for them – largely depends on those two things perfect-world employers wouldn’t care a lick about: age and work experience.
IF YOU'RE 14 OR 15
There’s no getting around it. At 14 or 15, most teens don’t have a lot of experience in the job market. Many don’t have a clue as to what they want to do for the rest of their lives, either. Everyone has to start somewhere, though, says Lisa Epstein, web editor for job site Monster.ca.
Start with your main interests, she suggests, and list the ways in which you can parlay those into an actual job. “For example, if you’re interested in animals, your list might include pet stores, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals.”
Without proven experience, though, making those potential employers want to hire you can be a challenge. Sharleen Moodie, marketing manager with job website Workopolis and Workopolis Campus, recommends getting creative. If money’s not an issue, volunteer or apply for a free internship somewhere relevant to your career path. Alternatively, network around your neighbourhood, approaching people who might know you already and trust you to work for them—the local hair salon, for instance, if beauty’s your thing.
If none of that works, don’t overlook the local McDonald’s or other service-related positions. While it may not provide a path to your future career, it will offer much-needed job experience. Just remember: not all experience is created equal. Research before you apply, looking for companies that will make the best impression to future employers. “I would pursue organizations that have good training,” Moodie suggests.
IF YOU'RE 16 OR 17
At 16 or 17, chances are you’ve been working for a year or two. You may even have a better idea of what you want to pursue as a future career. Use that acquired knowledge to propel your summer job search.
The first step? Take the time to put together a killer resumé, and don’t just list past summer jobs. Employers also consider volunteer work, academic records, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. “If they see someone who’s very achievement focused, then they’re going to be very interested in that person,” Moodie says.
The key now is to take advantage of opportunities, she adds, so don’t be afraid to ask for progress reports or reference letters that will help propel you to the next level.
IF YOU'RE 18 OR 19
Where you are on the job front at 18 or 19 can vary significantly depending on the path you’ve pursued and the opportunities you’ve found along the way. Make the most of where you are by discussing with employers what you can do to reach the next step, and start creating your own opportunities using past experience as leverage.
“The ones who do the best are the ones who are proactive in managing themselves,” Moodie explains. “Even when they’re doing their jobs, they might say, ‘There’s a niche here, we could be doing this.’”
And don’t forget to have fun. The point in finding jobs that tie into your interests, says Epstein, is taking pleasure in your work while gaining experience along the way. “Choose something that you’re going to enjoy doing.”
GOING GREEN
A year ago, Dominique Du Sablon had an ordinary job working in the service industry. Then inspiration hit her.
Interested in social and environmental issues since high school, her passion found purpose when she read The Greenpeace To Amchitka: An Environmental Odyssey. “It was just a really amazing, really inspiring book,” she says. “I applied [to Greenpeace] the next day.”
The Toronto activist, 21, hasn’t looked back since. She now works full-time for Greenpeace, volunteering on the side in direct-action campaigns for the organization. And while her job as field manager of Greenpeace canvassers can be demanding – with a lot of doors slammed in her face as she tries to spread public awareness – her passion for the cause makes it worthwhile.
“It can be really mentally exhausting because not everybody agrees,” she says. “But knowing that you’re doing something balances it out.”
TOP 6 COMPANIES
Apply now and thank us later...
Delta Hotels
Located across Canada, the Delta hotel chain encourages teamwork and builds through mentoring programs.
What you’ll walk away with: If your interests are in hospitality, this job will get your foot in the door. Perhaps more importantly, the mentoring program means you’ll also receive skills training along the way.
Indigo
The Canadian-born bookstore offers flexible health and dental benefits for both full- and part-time employees, as well as scholarship opportunities, customer service awards, employee discounts and book borrowing programs.
What you’ll walk away with: Plenty of good reading as well as specialized customer service experience. And did we mention the scholarship opportunities?
IKEA
The Swedish furniture store that’s taken over the world has done so with the corporate philosophy of respecting employees’ opinions and encouraging self-starters.
What you’ll walk away with: An unstructured work environment will only help develop your leadership skills. Expect to learn how to design on a dime as well.
Lululemon
This Canadian company focuses on self-empowerment, encouraging employees to set goals for future success. Employees also receive discounts on athletic wear as well as free yoga lessons.
What you’ll walk away with: Lululemon’s goal-oriented attitude and self-actualization mantra are encouraged in all its employees. If you didn’t have clear life goals going into the company, you might just leave with them.
Starbucks
Starbucks is known for its job environment, where even part-time employees can qualify for perks such as paid vacation, subsidized health benefits and stock options.
What you’ll walk away with: Known for its great training, Starbucks will teach you more than how to brew a great cup of coffee. You’ll also pick up customer service skills that future employers are sure to admire.
The Apple Store
A great start for computer enthusiasts who want to work with the newest and most popular products.
What you’ll walk away with: For those with computer-related ambitions, it’s a perfect place to practice turning tech-speak into language that mere mortals will understand. That’s a skill that’ll last a lifetime.
