Summer Jobs

As summer is approaching, many people will start looking for summer jobs. One thing that can help is a resume. If you already have a resume, it's essential always to have it updated. Having a resume when looking for a job is essential because employers use resumes better to understand candidates' skills, strengths, and experience. Your resume should reflect achievements, awards, education, experience, and other outstanding accomplishments that align with your career path and goals.

What goes on my resume? Things that go on your resume are your name, address, email, and phone number—adding on your work experience or volunteer work and skills.

To have a good resume, you want to ensure it's always up to date. Some recommended tips are having work experience related to the job you are applying to. For example, if you are applying for a cashier position, you want to ensure you have jobs on your resume with other work-related skills such as customer service and cashiering. Though, you do not always have to have precisely the same position work experience as some jobs are looking for what skills you bring to the job.

Another thing that can help look for a job this summer is having a cover letter and reference sheet. These boost up the probability of you having a job. A cover letter is a one-page document you submit as part of your job application (alongside your resume). Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. Your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long. It's recommended to have a cover letter because it's more personal and lets the jobs know more about you.

A reference sheet is to have a list of people who can verify and elaborate on your professional experience for a potential employer. Past employers, professors, and advisors are the best professional references. A reference letter is essential because it allows the employer to verify you are a good candidate for the job based on your contacts.

So having all of these: a resume, cover letter, and a reference sheet is all you need to look for a summer job. So make sure your resume is up to date and get started on your job search!