Part-Time and Summer Employment: Tips for Finding a Job that's Right for You
Part-time and summer jobs can be a great way to earn extra money, build employment references, gain work experience, and, perhaps most of all, learn more about yourself and careers. While you may be tempted to take the first job that offers you a little cash, you might want to consider trying to find positions that will allow you to explore career fields that interest you.
Certainly a part-time or summer position is a great way to check out careers and experience different work environments, but even a job that is not related to your career goals demonstrates your initiative and dependability, as well as begins to establish your work record. A national survey of human resource directors indicated that 89% thought that work experience was just as important as your GPA when hiring new graduates.
How do I find a part-time or summer job?
On Campus Jobs: There are two types of jobs on Campus. Student assistants are hired directly by individual departments to perform a variety of tasks from clerical to website design. Many student assistant positions can be found by using Career Services' BullsEye. Log in to BullsEye at the top of the page, click on UB Students View Jobs Here and follow the instructions to view available positions. Not all student assistant positions at UB are listed, so you should also visit departments that you would like to work for and inquire about openings. You can view the websites of selected departments. Work-study positions also are available within UB departments, but these positions are funded by a federal grant that is given to students with financial need. Students can inquire about their eligibility for work-study at the Student Response Center in 232 Capen.
Advertised Openings: Career Services maintains a database of part-time and summer positions in BullsEye, our online career system. This is a great place to begin your search for off Campus positions. Once again, just visit BullsEye, at the top of the page, and follow the instructions! You can search for positions related to your major or view all positions listed.
There are many additional sites on the web that advertise part-time and summer openings, some of which are linked directly from the Career Services site. If you need help using the internet for job searching, consider making an appointment with a career counselor in Capen 259.
Unadvertised Openings: The majority of part-time and summer jobs never get advertised! This means that one of the best ways to find employment is to identify employers you are interested in and approach them directly. You may want to develop a resume so that you can submit targeted cover letters and resumes to places you would like to work. One way to identify potential employers is by using directories (the phone book, for example!) that list local and national organizations. Career Services has many directories that you can use to start your search.
Often, unadvertised openings are found through friends, family and acquaintances who know of openings, so don't hesitate to go to them for help. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a position; you may be surprised at the leads you get simply because you asked!
Recruitment: The Summer Jobs Fair is held every March to assist you with finding summer jobs, as well as internship positions. Also, throughout the semester employers seeking to hire students on a part-time basis can be found at information tables in the Student Union. Next time you are walking through the Student Union Lobby looking for some lunch, make sure you check to see if there are any employers advertising available opportunities!
How Should I Get Started?
Identify your interests. The first step is for you to think about what you like to do so you can find appropriate positions. Working in a position that is not a good fit for your interests and skills can make for some very long hours. Identifying a job that allows you to cultivate your skills and explore potential occupational areas would be the best scenario for most part-time and summer positions. If you need help learning more about yourself, consider meeting with a career counselor or using FOCUS, a computerized career guidance system located at Career Services that can assist you with connecting your interests to occupational areas.
Research employers. The more you know about an organization, the more likely you are to find out whether working for them would be a good experience for you. Learning all you can gives you a much better chance of connecting your skills to an employer's needs. To begin you may want to review employer web sites, contact employers directly for brochures and publications, or have a conversation with someone working in the organization.
Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications. Many part-time and summer positions will require you to complete an application, sometimes in place of a resume. Fill out applications completely and neatly, as employers will be looking at your ability to follow instructions. Type application materials if possible! Other employers may ask for a resume and cover letter. Even if you do not have tons of experience at this point, make every effort to convey your skills and education in the most effective manner possible. You'll need to write an individualized cover letter for each position. Visit Career Services for materials to help you prepare your correspondence, and be sure to have your resume and cover letter critiqued by a career counselor!
You can also practice your interviewing skills by signing up for a mock interview with a career counselor. Although this is only a part-time or summer job it is very important to dress appropriately for an in-person interview. You want to make a good first impression, so look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself "Would I hire me?"
Follow Up. Follow up on all applications, leads, and resumes that you send out. You can contact the employer by phone, or consider visiting the organization. After your interview, write a thank you letter within 24 hours to show your appreciation and reiterate your interest.
What do I do After I Get the Job?
Celebrate! Contact any individuals who helped you and let them know about your achievement. Once you start working, remember that this job is a building block to help you gain additional skills, learn more about your likes and dislikes, and cultivate employment references. Good luck!