How to get a summer job

How to prepare for a summer job

Summer jobs are like any other job, except you work for a shorter period of time. But you still have to prepare for them the same way. Here are some things you should do to prepare for a summer job.

Create (or update) your résumé

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a résumé that outlines your work and/or volunteer experience, as well as any skills that make you qualified for the job. Be sure to keep your résumé up to date to reflect any new experience or skills.

Dress appropriately for interviews

Even for casual roles like a camp counsellor position, it's still important to "dress to impress"! You probably don't need to show up in a suit and tie, but clean, wrinkle-free clothing and a blazer go a long way.

When to look for summer jobs

The hiring process for summer jobs can start as early as December, depending on the type of position. You can even find a job at the start of the summer months, but the sooner you start looking, the better.

Government jobs or positions that require you to travel may start hiring earlier on, while local opportunities like camps and golf courses may start hiring in the spring. Either way, it’s important to keep an eye out on application openings and deadlines throughout the year — job-hunting is often a continuous process.

Where can I find jobs?

From my experience, most jobs can be found by searching online. You can use websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Workopolis, to search for jobs near you or in specific fields. If you’re looking for something specific, I would recommend going to the organization's website and visiting their careers page. If you’re feeling super keen, you can even try to contact someone at the organization directly to ask about opportunities.

There are many great job opportunities online. For example, different levels of government typically post summer student positions on their websites. You can work in an office and gain experience relevant to what you want to study at university. Keep in mind, though, that these jobs can be competitive, so it's best to apply early!

Personally, I’ve been lucky enough to work with the City of Kitchener’s Neighbourhood Camps program. This is a summer camp that runs out of community centres across Kitchener for kids aged four to 12 years old.

This job was fun, plus it really helped me develop my teamwork and organizational skills by working with my co-leaders to organize activities for the campers. Once I worked there and proved that I was a good worker, I was invited back summer after summer. In fact, many student summer jobs will rehire you the next summer without having to go through the full application process again.

Government job websites

• Visit the Government of Canada's youth employment website to learn about jobs with the federal government.
• If you live in Ontario and are between 15 and 29, the provincial government's summer jobs for students website also lists jobs.

Use your contacts for leads on possible jobs

Don’t be afraid to ask around for jobs! Your parents, friends, your friends’ parents, siblings, teachers, and guidance counsellors can all be helpful resources when trying to find a good summer job. Or if you know someone who’s working in a field related to your career interests, talk to them directly! You never know what advice they’ll give you or what connections they might have until you ask.

I found my summer job at the Neighbourhood Camps program through my sister, who worked there during university. She helped me get my foot in the door because she knew it would be a good fit for me.

Attend networking events

Putting yourself out there by attending events that promote networking and job opportunities can be very worthwhile. Job fairs, workshops, webinars, and volunteering centres are all great places to start when it comes to meeting new people and connecting with potential employers. Not only can you get a head start on building your professional network, but you will also gain confidence in marketing yourself and your skills — which may land you a job opportunity on the spot!

Working in Kitchener-Waterloo

If you’re local, or if you’re planning to attend the University of Waterloo, one of the biggest perks is that you’re located right in the heart of three cities: Kitchener, Cambridge, and, of course, Waterloo.

Every summer, each of these cities offers a number of different jobs specifically for students. These jobs are designed for students because they only last a couple of months and often don’t require you to have a ton of experience. Sometimes, you actually have to show proof you’re a student in order to qualify for the position!

Overall, I’d highly recommend getting a summer job, as it's a great way to develop skills and gain experience while also making some money during your time off from school. Get a head start on exploring new places, expanding your network, and starting your career!