5 things to consider when looking for a summer job

5 min read. Updated on July 16, 2021

Charlotte Grainger (TCV)

Make sure your summer job works for you!

The summer is well and truly here and, with restrictions lifting, it could be the ideal time for college students to find a summer job. If you're in the market for something cool and casual, finding a temporary seasonal position is the answer. Not only could this move make you some money but it may also help you bolster your skill set and get some excellent experience. But wait just a minute, how can you be sure you've found 'the one' when you see it? Here are five things you should consider in your job search.

#1 The flexibility of the role

First things first, let's talk about flexibility. Since you're only looking for a summer job, chances are, you will want some flexibility. For example, if you're working in the hospitality industry, you will likely be doing shift work. That means that you won't have a regular nine-to-five schedule and will, instead, have to work shifts. Of course, this will vary greatly, depending on the type of summer job you end up getting so you should find out the details ahead of time.

Think about what works for you and your current lifestyle. If you happen to be a night owl, working in a bar, restaurant, or music venue could suit your schedule. On the other hand, if you're the kind of person who likes to be in bed by 9 PM with a hot cup of Horlicks, you might want to opt for temp work in an office instead. When you start your summer job search, take the time to ask about the shift patterns and how flexible the role will be. The more you find out early on, the better a decision you can make.

#2 The experience you're getting

Got big future plans? If you already have a clear view of how you want your career to go down, you might want to choose a role that will serve you best. For example, you could look for job listings that are within your chosen industry. While you will have to start at the bottom, gaining some relevant work experience may help you to land your dream job in the future. Additionally, you should look for networking opportunities within the role that you take. You may meet someone influential in the company who can help you get a foot in the door later down the line. Having these things in mind may help you limit your job search.

Of course, it's entirely possible for you to take a job within a company or industry that has nothing to do with your future career goals, and still benefit from it. Oftentimes, there are transferable skills you will learn in one job that can be applied to other industries. For instance, if you work in a restaurant managing a small team of waiters, you can take the skills that you learn and use them in an office. When you're weighing up potential jobs, keep in mind that learning new skills is never going to be a waste of time.

#3 The working environment

While you're not looking for a permanent gig, the fact is that the working environment matters. You will be spending a whole lot of time at this place, and so you need to ensure that you enjoy it. Figuring out whether a certain company is right for you is a process. Should you land an interview for a summer job, it's worth taking note of the company culture. You should look out for any potential red flags ahead of time. For instance, if the interviewer mentions that they have a high turnover of staff at the workplace, you need to question why that might be. Equally, if the team seems happy and bubbly, that could be a winning sign for you.

#4 Any perks and benefits

Want to make the most of your summer job? Look out for the perks that will make it all worthwhile. Of course, you should ask what the salary or hourly pay is before accepting an interview. That way, you can determine whether you believe that the pay rate is fair and whether it's worth your time. Understanding your worth is extremely important. However, it doesn't have to end there.

You should also find out whether there are any perks of the job. You might get special discounts at a shop or restaurant you work in over the summer. If you are working in an office environment, you may find that there are benefits, such as free lunches or snacks when you head in. Don't be afraid to ask for the ins and outs of this when you're searching for a summer job. Getting an idea of what exactly the day-to-day role will entail and what you can expect will help you make the right choice for you.

#5 The safety measures in place

Despite the fact that restrictions are set to lift next week, we're not out of the pandemic yet. Ensuring that you are comfortable with the safety measures that a company has put in place is a must. During the interview, be sure to ask the recruiter what the business is doing to keep staff members safe. Their immediate response will tell you a whole lot about whether this is the right workplace for you. If you are nervous about the end of pandemic restrictions, you can use this as a way to determine whether a particular summer job is right for you. If you're at all concerned that a company isn't protecting its team members, you can (and perhaps should!) pass on the role. Your health and safety come before anything else right now.

The takeaway!

Finding the perfect summer job doesn't have to be a chore. Now that the world is opening its doors once again, there's sure to be a wealth of new positions out there. Make sure that you spruce up your CV, get interview-ready, and start your search now.