How to get a summer job – 9 key things to consider

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5 min read. Updated on July 16, 2021

Elizabeth Openshaw (TCV)

Make sure your summer job works for you

Summer holidays seem to stretch on forever. Rather than wasting your time watching box sets on Netflix or lounging in the garden, how about bagging a summer job? Not only will it stop your parents nagging you, it will mean money in your bank account that you can spend as you wish. Plus, it will boost your hard skills, helping prepare you for a permanent job.

How to get a summer job

So, how to get a job over the summer? Is it easy or hard? That will depend on your approach. Here are nine important pointers on how to get a summer job:

1. Focus on what you want to achieve

It’s best to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from securing a summer job. Is it for extra money or do you want to find something that will help you with your career goals further down the line?

Once you have that end in mind, it’s time to move onto the next step.

2. Start the search early

As the old saying goes, “The early bird catches the worm,” so it’s wise to kick-start your job search motivation sooner rather than later. As you go about understanding how to get a summer job, remember that some companies, such as supermarkets, can take up to three months from advertising a role to onboarding new staff.

Top tip: With the summer holidays generally lasting about three months, start looking in February or March so you can hopefully take full advantage of working the whole summer.

3. Get your CV in shape

Next is compiling a CV that you can hand out. Chances are, you might have no work experience. Don’t worry. We’ve all got to start somewhere. Crafting a compelling CV, if you’re still in education, a school leaver, or a university graduate, is still possible by concentrating on soft skills, any volunteer work, and any activities you’ve done while in education.

Top tip: When browsing through job adverts, note down any keywords and weave them into your CV… as long as you possess them, of course!

4. Use local contacts

You’ll probably be working locally, so visiting nearby companies, shops, and offices, with your CV to hand, can get your name out there. If one place isn’t looking for any temporary staff, they might know of another, and word will get around.

Top tip: Your school or university should have a careers service you can use, so take advantage of it when looking to get a summer job and gain valuable work experience.

5. Check out job boards

If physically going to places of work is not going to happen, get on the internet and start trawling through job search sites. It’s one of the most obvious tricks on how to get a summer job. You can filter your search to focus only on summer roles by looking for temporary or seasonal work. Social media pages might also post summer job opportunities.

6. Prep for interviews

If you’re fortunate enough to secure an interview, you certainly want to make a good first impression in order to get a summer job. Get your interview preparation checklist ready – start by researching the company, thinking of how to match your skills with the job, and reading online guides.

7. Stay proactive

Don’t give up at the first hurdle if you get a few rejections. Stay positive by applying for a variety of jobs you know you’re qualified for. The more proactive you are, the more likely you are to land a summer job.

8. Stick to applying for relevant roles

Got future plans? Keep them in mind as you learn how to get a summer job. If you have a clear view of where you want your career to go, you might want to choose a role that will serve you best and is within your chosen industry. This relevant work experience could help you land your dream job in the future.

Top tip: Seek out networking opportunities while you’re at your summer job for future help. You may meet someone influential in the company who can help you get a foot in the door later down the line.

9. Check out the working environment

You know this summer job is temporary, but the work environment matters. You’ll be spending a whole lot of time at this place, so you want to enjoy it as your first taste of the workplace.

Figuring out whether a certain company is right for you is a process. If you land an interview for a summer job, it’s worth assessing the company culture, looking out for potential red flags. For instance, if the interviewer mentions a high staff turnover, ask why that might be. Equally, if the team seems happy and bubbly, that could be a winning sign for you.

How old do you have to be to get a summer job in the UK?

It depends on the type of role. If you’re working in a bar and serving drinks, you have to be 18 or over. According to government guidelines, the minimum ages children can work is 14 years for part-time work (though some councils allow 13-year-olds) and 16 years for full time work.

Key takeaways

Understanding how to get a summer job doesn’t have to be a chore. Make sure that you:

Have a clear idea of what summer job you want to obtain
Start to look as early as possible
Make use of local contacts and companies
Spruce up your CV
Prepare for interviews
Remain positive

Want to learn how to get a summer job with an interview-winning CV and cover letter? Check out our expert writing services and get ahead of the game!

This article was originally written by Charlotte Grainger and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw.